A sample itinerary for a 13 day journey encompassing the Mahale Mountains and Katavi National Parks in Tanzania, and Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Island.
Days 1, 2 & 3
At 08.00 you will fly down to the airstrip at Lake Tanganyika in the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. From here you will be taken on a stunning and serene 90 minute journey by sailing dhow to Greystoke Mahale.
As you make the approach to Greystoke Mahale, the outline of the camp becomes visible against a backdrop of deep green forest and pale beach. The focal point of Greystoke is the bar and dining area rising up from the sand and loosely modelled on traditional Tongwe architecture. This will be your home for the next three nights and is one of the best locations in the world to view chimpanzees.
The six exotic open-fronted bandas at Greystoke Mahale are set on the edge of the forest and are at the base of the mountains, looking out over a wide white beach across the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Days at Greystoke Mahale are spent in the magical forest of the Mahale Mountains. Hiking into the forest in search of the chimps is an unforgettable experience; there are eight species of primate here in total. Also inhabiting the forest are bushbuck, bush pig, leopard and amazing birds. Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing in the clear waters of the lake are also on offer.
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
After breakfast you will be transferred by dhow back to the airstrip for your flight to Ikuu airstrip in Katavi National Park. Here you will be met by your guide who will drive you the 20 minutes or so, depending on what wildlife you come across, to Chada Katavi camp. Here you will stay for the next four nights.
Chada Katavi is set under a canopy of acacia and tamarind trees on a peninsular overlooking the wide Chada Plain. The six spacious and romantic canvas tents have large shade netting to let in the light and the cool breezes with private bathroom tents set just behind.
Katavi National Park is in remote Western Tanzania and is one of the greatest wildlife experiences of Africa. Miles from anywhere, it has an almost mythical status and, it is thought, a greater density of mammals than any other Tanzanian reserve. Massed on the vast floodplains are the last great herds of buffalo in East Africa, up to 1000 head.
Activities at Chada Katavi centre on game drives in four wheel drive safari vehicles. There are also daily walks and fly camping under the stars is also an option. In addition to the great game, the birding is outstanding and the plains are alive with wild flowers at certain times of the year.
Day 8
After your final morning here you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. On arrival in Arusha you will be personally met and driven to the Arusha Coffee Lodge where you will spend one night. This is a small luxury hotel and is the perfect place to start winding down from your safari on your way to Pemba Island.
Days 9, 10, 11 & 12
After breakfast you will be transferred to Arusha airport for your flight to Pemba Island; on arrival here you will be met by the Fundu Lagoon staff who will drive you the half hour drive or so to Mkoani Port. Here awaits a speedboat to whisk you off for the 20 minute ride to the Fundu Lagoon.
Here you will spend the next 4 nights. Fundu Lagoon comprises 16 spacious canvas tents set on raised wooden decks and under thatch; each with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean.
Sand walkways connect the rooms to the main building where the dining area has floating muslin, African art and a gleaming wooden bar.
The resort has its own PADI dive centre. Catamaran sailing charters are available as are traditional Dhow sailing trips, canoe trips to the mangroves and deep sea fishing trips. Other watersports include waterskiing and kayaking, there are also inter tidal nature walks a games room, and a massage and treatment room.
Day 13
After breakfast this final morning you will be transferred via the speedboat back to the airport for your flight back to Arusha.
13 days from £3,599 per person.