Africa

Tanzania: Off The Beaten Track

11 Days, Departs daily. From AUD $7,478pp.
Tailormade Adventures
Details

Overview

Discover the magic of southern Tanzania on this incredible 11-day journey combining a flying safari without the crowds and the perfect tropical beach escape. Staying at superior lodges you will witness a diversity of wildlife such as lions, hippos, crocs and many different bird species, finishing your trip by staying at the picture perfect Lazy Lagoon surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore the wildlife of Nyerere National Park (Selous), one of the largest conservation areas in the world
  • Explore Ruaha National Park and its 530 recorded bird species
  • Game drives, game walks & boating safaris
  • Relax and unwind at the Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge

Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary 

  • Relax after your African safari adventure with a 6 day stay in Zanzibar and Stone Town. 
  • Add on some relaxing beach time with a side trip to the island paradise of Zanzibar which is home to some of the most idyllic, unspoiled beaches in the world
  • Don't miss an incredible Gorilla Trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda! 
  • Continue into neighbouring Kenya and visit its spectacular sights, game reserves and National Parks.

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1 - Dar es Salaam: Dar es Salaam Airport to Hotel

Dar es Salaam Airport to Hotel
On arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport today you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Please note, transfer could be shared with other hotel guests if they are arriving on the same day, at the same time and going to the same hotel.


Day 2 - 5 - Dar es Salaam: Hotel to Dar es Salaam Airport / Flight: Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve / 4 Day Rufiji River Camp

Hotel to Dar es Salaam Airport
At the scheduled time you will be collected from your hotel by our representative and transferred to Dar es Salaam Airport for your flight.

Please note, transfer could be shared with other hotel guests if they are departing on the same day and at the same time to the Airport.


Flight: Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve
At the scheduled time this morning you will take the light aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam Airport to your airstrip in the Selous Game Reserve.


4 Day Rufiji River Camp

Day 1: Arrival
On arrival into the local airstrip you will be met by your guide and game driven to your safari camp to get settled into your room and enjoy lunch. This afternoon you will head out on your first game viewing activity followed by a delicious dinner back at the camp.

Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 2 & 3: Game viewing activities
Enjoy morning and afternoon guided game viewing activities, including:

Game Drives
All game drives are taken in open 4x4 safari vehicles with a sun shade roof, so there are no impediments to anyone's view. Guides at Rufiji are locally trained and are experts in the Selous area.

Game Walks
A game walk at Rufiji will really open your eyes to the finer details often missed on game drives - the spore, footprints, the 'tillte five' representing the insect Kingdom are fascinating when evaluated and explained by your walking guide.

Boating Safaris
Boating safaris in flat bottomed boats are perhaps the most relaxing way to game view. Sharing the river with pods of hippo and floats of crocodiles giving you the opportunity to view birds nesting in the banks, monitor lizards and many water birds are just some of the highlights.

The Selous is home to one third of Tanzania's elephants and two thirds of the wild dog population. The population of dogs peaks in September and October and packs of up to 56 Dogs have been spotted in the Reserve. The Rufiji River is home to plenty of hippos and crocodiles, and the Reserve is home to large numbers of Buffalo, Lion as well as a great many antelope species. Thanks to the Rufiji River, the Selous is also home to over 440 species of birds, including 2 rare species, the Pel's Fishing Owl and the White-Backed Heron, which habituate the wooded sections of the riverbank.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Departure
After your final morning game viewing activity and breakfast at the camp, you will check out and be transferred back to the local airstrip for your light aircraft flight.

Breakfast included.


Day 5 - 8 - Selous Game Reserve: Flight: Selous Game Reserve to Ruaha National Park / 4 Day Ruaha River Lodge Safari

Flight: Selous Game Reserve to Ruaha National Park
At the scheduled time you will take the light aircraft flight from your airstrip in the Selous Game Reserve to your airstrip in Ruaha National Park.


4 Day Ruaha River Lodge Safari

Day 1: Arrival
On arrival into the local airstrip you will be met by your guide and game driven to your safari camp. Time permitting, you may enjoy a late lunch before heading out on your first afternoon game drive followed by a delicious dinner back at the camp.

Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 2 & 3: Game viewing activities
Enjoy morning and afternoon guided game drives in open 4x4 vehicles.

The keys to an outstanding game drive are experience, knowledge and a suitable vehicle. All game drives around the park are taken in open 4 wheel drive vehicles. These vehicles have been designed to ensure maximum visibility for all passengers. All have 2 way radio in case of emergency. The game drives are led by a trained, experienced English speaking guide who will ensure that you get the most out of every safari you make.

Ruaha has a large lion population as well as hunting dogs, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Elephants are easily seen as well as the greater and lesser kudus, roans, sables and eland antelopes to mention just a few. The park is also a great place for birdwatching with over 530 recorded bird species, and more during the green season with visiting migrant species.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Departure
After your final morning game drive and breakfast at the camp, you will check out and be transferred back to the local airstrip for your light aircraft flight.

Breakfast included.


Day 8 - 11 - Ruaha NP: Flight: Ruaha National Park to Lazy Lagoon / 4 Day Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge

Flight: Ruaha National Park to Lazy Lagoon
At the scheduled time you will take the light aircraft flight from your airstrip in Ruaha National Park to Lazy Lagoon.


4 Day Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge
Get away from it all to relax and unwind with 9km uninterrupted beach and swimming at all tides at Lazy Lagoon Lodge. Imagine a private island in the Indian Ocean, the waves lapping the white sandy beach just metres from your bed. The day stretches ahead with promises of sun, snorkeling and mangrove exploration, just interrupted by freshly prepared meals. If lazing about on the beach or in the Swahili day-beds isn’t your thing, there is plenty to keep you busy; from snorkelling to kayaking, or historical trips to Bagamoyo or sun-drenched dhow trips.
Day 1: Arrival
On arrival into the local airstrip you will be met by our representative and transferred by road and then boat to your island beach lodge.

Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 2 - 3: Relax & Enjoy Activities
If lazing about on the beach or in the Swahili day-beds isn't your thing, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy including the below. The use of paddle boards and kayaks is included during your stay, all other activities would incur additional charges.

Sailing
Wind and tides permitting, we have an excellent Laser I and Laser II to take out sailing, and an experienced manager to guide you. At most times of the day, the lagoon is largely sheltered from the onshore winds and makes an ideal spot to learn to sail.

Snorkelling
Snorkelling excursions allow guests to explore vibrant coral reefs and a large variety of colourful marine life in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Swimming
Admire the beauty of our surrounding coastline while swimming in the calm ocean at low tide, or dive into our crystal-clear swimming pool.

Kayaking
Discover our mangrove island up close from a kayak, while gently gliding through the tranquil transparent water.

Paddle Boarding
Take in the island’s verdant mangrove forest from a stand-up paddle board. The still waters of the lagoon at low tide make this the ideal activity for beginners and experienced paddlers.

Private Sandbar Excursion
Embark on a boat excursion to a private sandbar that emerges from the Indian Ocean at low tide. Sunbathe, wallow in the shallows, keep a look out for dolphin pods or explore the vibrant coral reefs while snorkelling or paddle boarding, as you work up an appetite for a freshly-caught fish barbecue.

Bagamoyo Tour
Cross to mainland Tanzania for a guided tour of the 13th century Kaole Ruins, Bagamoyo UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as German sites that predate World War I. This is a less crowded experience of East Africa’s slave trade history.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge before check out.

Breakfast included.


Day 11 - Bagamoyo: Transfer: Lazy Lagoon Lodge to Dar es Salaam Airport

Transfer: Lazy Lagoon Lodge to Dar es Salaam Airport
At the appropriate time today you will be transferred by boat and then road approximately 2 hours to Dar es Salaam Airport for your departure flight.

Please note, transfer could be shared with other hotel guests if they are departing on the same day and at the same time to the Airport.


Departs daily

SeasonTypeFromAdditional
05 Jan 2026 - 31 May 2026 AUD$7478ppExpand to view prices
StandardAUD$7478ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Standard

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania - Rufiji River Camp

Ruaha NP, Tanzania - Ruaha River Lodge

Bagamoyo, Tanzania - Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge

What's included?

  • Scheduled light aircraft flights: Dar es Salaam - Nyerere - Ruaha - Lazy Lagoon
  • Transfers
  • Accommodation
  • Activities as specified
  • Tours with English-speaking guides
  • Meals as specified 
  • Park fees*
  • Laundry while at safari camps

What's not?

  • International and internal airfares, other than specified
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Gratuities
  • Travel insurance 
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Important notes and additional information

  • The flight on day 1 of this trip is scheduled to depart at 10.30am from Dar es Salaam (subject to confirmation)
  • Your luggage on the internal flights is restricted to 15kg including hand luggage and any camera equipment. Only soft bags will be accepted - no hard suitcases or bags with wheels can be transported as they physically cannot fit the aircraft.
  • *Please note: Park fees are quoted based on current rates and are subject to change at any time. If the local Wildlife Authority decides to increase their park fees after you have booked a safari trip, Eclipse Travel will need to add a supplement to your booking to cover the additional cost.
  • The prices on our website will give you a very good estimate of the cost of this itinerary, however there might be a small variation in price due to the fluctuating costs of the internal flights and potential overlap between the rate seasons of different suppliers. To get an exact quote, please speak to one of our consultants who will provide you with a detailed itinerary and quote based on your specific travel dates.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

You may also like…

Tanzania: Off The Beaten Track

11 Days, Departs daily. From AUD $7,478pp.