Selous safari & Mafia Islands diving vacation. Helping Dreamers Do

From

US $3700

13 Days excluding flights

“This vacation rediscovers Tanzania, swapping the busier game parks of the north and popular Zanzibar for the remote and wonderful Selous and Mafia Island. Secluded bliss!”

Highlights

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.

Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.com

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.

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,

Vouchers

Accepted

Vacation type

Tailor made vacations

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.

Responsible tourism

Selous safari & Mafia Islands diving vacation

Carbon reduction

Your vacation will help support local people and conservation. We must also reduce CO₂. Learn about the CO₂ emissions of this vacation and how to reduce them.

Environment

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.

Community

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.