Example Trip

Off the beaten track through the wild south of Tanzania

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Highlights

Hiking, mountain landscapes, green highlands, tropical rainforest, wildlife, safaris without the masses, Maasai culture, tea fields, waterfalls, savannah, rivers, mangroves, Swahili culture, beach

Locatie

Southern Tanzania

Budget

From €3750 p.p. excluding flights

Southern Tanzania for travelers who look beyond

Everyone knows the north of Tanzania, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and so on. And do not get me wrong, the north is incredible. But the south brings a completely different experience. Here you will find parks such as Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Bigger, wilder and far quieter, where you encounter little to no other travelers, sometimes for days on end. Safaris feel more adventurous here, as if you have the entire park to yourself.

Southern Tanzania is greener, warmer and more intimate. Think wide rivers lined with winding palm trees, dense bush and rolling green hills that slowly merge into the Southern Highlands. And for that true safari feeling, you are completely alone in the world. Wonderful. Even outside the parks, Southern Tanzania feels different. Places like Morogoro and Iringa, where you stroll across the market in the morning and gaze at the mountains in the afternoon. The Mufindi Highlands, where you wake up among tea fields and briefly feel as if you have landed in England. And then Kilwa. Mangroves, deserted islands, centuries old Swahili ruins and fishermen waving back at you from their wooden boats.

If you ask us where you experience Tanzania at its most raw, pure and untouched, you have to head south.

22 Days in Kenya

Day 1

Dar es Salaam

Welcome to Dar es Salaam. The former capital is still the beating heart of Tanzania and feels like an energetic melting pot where Africa, Arab influences, India and Europe blend seamlessly together. Here you eat chapati at a plastic table in the afternoon, get stuck in rush hour between tuktuks and boda bodas, and sip cocktails overlooking the Indian Ocean in the evening. A great start to your journey in Tanzania.

Day 2 to 3

Morogoro

You arrive in Morogoro, a charming town at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains. This place is often seen as the green gateway to Tanzania’s interior. The town is lively, vibrant and slightly chaotic, and that is exactly what makes it interesting. Behind the buzz lies a surprisingly green environment with mountains, waterfalls and hiking trails. Morogoro is the perfect mix of town and nature. Ideal for immersing yourself in local life before seeking the peace and altitude of the mountains.

Day 4 to 5

Overnight Bondwa Trail

Early in the morning you leave Morogoro and head toward the green hills of the Uluguru Mountains. As soon as the asphalt disappears, you walk between farmland, villages and waving locals toward Morning Site, where you enjoy lunch at an old German colonial building overlooking the valley. Afterward you climb higher, past open fields and through cool tropical forest, until you reach Bondwa Peak. The views over the Morogoro Mountains are impressive. You descend to camp for a warm meal and a star filled sky you will not soon forget. The next day you hike through local villages toward Choma Waterfall, a refreshing finale to this two day trek.

Day 6

Udzungwa Mountains

From city life to tropical rainforest, mountain forest, miombo woodland, grassland and steppe. A stunning area where you can spot unique monkey species such as the mangabey, red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey, found only in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Imagine waking up to the sound of monkeys in the treetops and tropical birds announcing the new day.

Day 7

Udzungwa Forest

Admire the deep orange hues of sunrise as you prepare for an off the beaten track day trip. Today, together with a guide, you venture into the green Udzungwa Forest. During the day you head into the jungle, perhaps toward the famous Sanje Waterfalls, while colobus monkeys observe you from high up in the trees. The forest is dense, humid and alive. Every step brings new sounds, rustling leaves, distant calls and the scent of wet earth. A day that feels like true exploration.

Day 8

Iringa

Welcome to Iringa, a lively town in the Southern Highlands. Located at higher altitude, the climate here is far more pleasant than in the lower parts of Tanzania. The town itself feels local and vibrant, with markets, small shops and everyday street life creating a dynamic atmosphere. Iringa is also the main gateway to Ruaha National Park, just about half an hour’s drive away. Have some time left? Nearby you will find Isimila Stone Age Site, where bizarre sandstone pillars and archaeological finds from the Stone Age can be admired.

Day 9

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is one of the few wildlife parks in Tanzania where wild dogs roam. The Ruaha River sparkles with life and ensures that animals always return for a refreshing drink. Hungry crocodiles wait patiently, and hippos claim the shallower edges of the river. Take your time, keep your binoculars close, and feel like an explorer as you observe life in Ruaha National Park. Chances are you will not want to leave.

Day 10 to 12

Mufindi Highlands

Welcome to the Mufindi Highlands, where Tanzania suddenly feels green, cool and almost European. Rolling hills, tea plantations and vast estates shape the landscape. The air is fresh, the surroundings quiet and the pace slow. Perfect for walking, unwinding and escaping the African heat and bustle for a while, right in the heart of the highlands. The expansive estate offers space for all kinds of activities: a game of tennis or badminton, kayaking on one of the many lakes, and fishing. If you wish, you can even explore the surroundings on horseback.

Day 13 to 14

Mikumi Nationalpark

Mikumi National Park is often referred to as a small Serengeti. The park is rich in a wide variety of wildlife. It is home to four members of the African Big Five, only rhinos are absent. In Mikumi you will find large herds of elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, leopards, lions, sable antelopes, greater kudu and much more. The chance of seeing tree climbing lions in Mikumi is even greater than in the famous Lake Manyara National Park. The park also features unique rock formations such as the Ruhebo Mountains and the Uluguru Mountains.

Day 15

Maasai Homestay Kisaki Village

This is one of the purest experiences of Southern Tanzania: an overnight stay with the Maasai. No staged shows or sales pitches, but a genuine encounter with the local community. You explore the village, take a walk in the surroundings and camp near the community. The Maasai, originally a nomadic people, are eager to share their stories and traditions and are just as curious about yours. Meals are locally prepared, simple yet thoughtful. Do not expect luxury, but warmth and authenticity. And if you wish, you can optionally try a true Maasai favorite: goat from the barbecue.

Day 16 to 18

Nyerere National Park

Off the beaten track Tanzania at its very best. Serengeti who? Nyerere National Park. Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is the largest standalone national park in Africa, covering more than 30,000 square kilometers in southern Tanzania. Since 1982 it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its diversity of wildlife and the vast, undisturbed natural wonders found here.

Day 19 to 21

Kilwa

And then it is time to truly unwind in Kilwa. This quiet coastal town on the Indian Ocean breathes history, with fishing boats resting on the beach, local markets and a laid back rhythm. From Kilwa you step onto a boat and sail through mangroves toward Songo Mnara and Kilwa Kisiwani. Along the way you leave the mainland behind and dive deeper into Swahili history. You explore centuries old trading ruins, snorkel above untouched coral and discover pristine beaches.

Day 22

Departure

Your adventure in Southern Tanzania comes to an end. From green highlands and local villages to vast parks and deserted coastlines, this part of Tanzania has shown you the country at its most unique. The many encounters, extraordinary landscapes and the feeling of being far away from the crowds will stay with you for a long time. Thank you for traveling with Charlie’s Travels. Until the next adventure.

Interested in this example trip?

Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in Kenya?

What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 31 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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   RJ 
 64 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 71 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 86 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 88 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 158 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 179 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 265 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 282 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 282 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 282 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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   Jan 
 283 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 320 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 334 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
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   Saskia Looijen 
 341 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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