Selous safari & Mafia Islands diving vacation
One of our bestselling Tanzania vacations swaps the busier game parks of the north and popular Zanzibar for the quieter, more secluded Mafia Island and Selous where there is opportunity to spot and contribute to research on endangered species.
Selous Game Reserve Game drives Walking safaris Boat excursions on Rufiji River Mafia Island Optional: diving, snorkelling, Swahili village visits, bird watching, coastal forest walks
Price
US $4800 excluding flights
More info
This price is per person, based on 2 people sharing.
While this price reflects the suggested itinerary (including flights, accommodation and excursions), this private trip is 100% tailor-made, and after you make your inquiry, a specialist can help you select the options best suited to your tastes and budget.
While this price reflects the suggested itinerary (including flights, accommodation and excursions), this private trip is 100% tailor-made, and after you make your inquiry, a specialist can help you select the options best suited to your tastes and budget.
Description of Selous safari & Mafia Islands diving vacation
Price information
US $4800 excluding flights
This price is per person, based on 2 people sharing.
While this price reflects the suggested itinerary (including flights, accommodation and excursions), this private trip is 100% tailor-made, and after you make your inquiry, a specialist can help you select the options best suited to your tastes and budget.
While this price reflects the suggested itinerary (including flights, accommodation and excursions), this private trip is 100% tailor-made, and after you make your inquiry, a specialist can help you select the options best suited to your tastes and budget.
Departure information
Available all year, apart from March to early June. This suggested itinerary can be modified entirely to your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used and how long you spend in each destination.
Travel guides
Larger than Switzerland, Selous Game Reserve’s vastness is often sold as its most defining feature. But a safari in Africa’s largest reserve reveals d...
Vacation information
Travel experts:
This trip can be tailor made to create a unique vacation for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more individual trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments, with the flexibility to plan a trip at your own pace. Quality and value are the hallmark of these trips, with most services being provided on a private basis.
Our top tip:
Mafia isn
Trip type:
Tailor made.
Activity level:
Leisurely/moderate.
Accomm:
A selection of safari and island lodges are available.
Included:
Accommodation, all activities in Selous, local and intl. flights, transport, local guides,
Reviews
1 Reviews of Selous safari & Mafia Islands diving vacation
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 08 Dec 2019 by Mark Martyn-Fisher
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Safaris in the Selous and swimming with whale sharks off Mafia
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.
Planet
The Selous Game Reserve is at the forefront of conservation in Tanzania. The reserve comprises the largest protected area in Africa and is uninhabited by man. It protects around one third of the world’s endangered wild dog population. Their need to roam vast areas and their formidable hunting skills have caused many to be shot by farmers, but here in Selous they have boundless woodlands and savannahs in which to roam. If you are lucky enough to see wild dogs during your stay in Tanzania, you can help prevent further decline. The Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute aims to conserve the population of wild dog in Tanzania, and by sending your photographs in to them you can help them monitor the dog population.In the dry season an ancient migration of elephants takes place between the Selous and Mozambique's Niassa Game Reserves. This is one of the largest natural trans-boundary eco-systems in Africa and at the last consensus it was estimated that 64,400 elephants roam the two parks, with 84% on the Tanzanian side. The Selous plays an integral part in protecting this migration pattern. The Selous Rhino Project is currently operating in the reserve and aims to protect breeding herds of black rhino.
Mafia Island is the site of Tanzania's first Marine Park which was gazetted in 1995. The area included within the boundaries of MIMP is one of the most important marine habitats in the world. It has mangroves, sea-grass beds, coral reefs, inter-tidal reef flats, lagoons and coastal forest.
People
We have suggested Butiama Lodge on Mafia Island for this itinerary where the lodge has been built with natural materials using local craftsmanship. The lodge also employs people from the local village and visits can be made with one of the friendly staff if you wish to meet some of the Mafia islanders and learn more about their traditions.Popular similar vacations
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