THE LIVINGSTONE & STANLEY EXPLORER ROUTE  18 DAYS

Overview

In the Footsteps of Africa's Great Explorers

Journey deep into the heart of Tanzania following a route inspired by the legendary explorations of Dr. David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley. From the Indian Ocean coast, through the great rivers and wilderness of southern Tanzania, and onward to the remote western parks of Katavi and Mahale, this is an expedition-style safari designed for travellers seeking wildlife, adventure, history and authentic wilderness.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN DAR ES SALAAM

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's vibrant coastal gateway.

Meet and greet on arrival and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or explore the city.

Accommodation: Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel – Standard Room
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 2 – DAR ES SALAAM → NYERERE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, depart Dar es Salaam and travel towards Nyerere National Park, one of Africa's great wilderness areas and home to the mighty Rufiji River.

Upon arrival, settle into your camp before enjoying a boat safari on the Rufiji River.

Cruising along the river offers a completely different perspective of the African wilderness, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks.

Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp – Standard Tent
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 3 – NYERERE NATIONAL PARK – WALKING EXPLORATION

Rise early for a guided walking safari in the wilderness of Nyerere National Park.

Walking allows you to experience Africa at a slower pace, learning about animal tracks, plants, birds and the smaller details of the bush that are often missed from a vehicle.

Return to camp for breakfast and enjoy time to relax before further wilderness activities later in the day.

Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp – Standard Tent
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 4 – NYERERE NATIONAL PARK – WILDERNESS & WILDLIFE

Enjoy another day exploring Nyerere National Park.

The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, wild dog and numerous antelope species. Depending on conditions and the day's programme, enjoy further game viewing and experience the remote wilderness surrounding the Rufiji River.

Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp – Standard Tent
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 5 – NYERERE → MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, continue your journey towards Mikumi National Park.

The landscape gradually changes as you travel through southern Tanzania, with the Uluguru and surrounding mountain landscapes providing a dramatic backdrop.

Arrive at camp and settle in, with time to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Accommodation: Vuma Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 6 – MIKUMI → UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS

Continue towards the spectacular Udzungwa Mountains National Park, one of Tanzania's most beautiful forested mountain areas.

Today features a walking excursion to Sanje Falls, one of the highlights of Udzungwa. The trail passes through lush forest and offers spectacular views before reaching the impressive waterfall.

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a very different side of Tanzania away from the traditional safari circuit.

Accommodation: Udzungwa Falls Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 7 – UDZUNGWA → RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Continue west towards Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park and one of the country's most remote and rewarding safari destinations.

As you approach Ruaha, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and untouched.

Arrive at your lodge and enjoy your first evening overlooking the wilderness.

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 8 – RUAHA NATIONAL PARK – FULL-DAY SAFARI

Enjoy a full day exploring Ruaha National Park.

Ruaha is famous for its enormous elephant herds, baobab-studded landscapes and excellent predator sightings. The Great Ruaha River and its tributaries attract wildlife throughout the year.

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 9 – RUAHA NATIONAL PARK – EXPLORING THE WILDERNESS

Another full day of safari in Ruaha.

Explore different areas of the park in search of elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, kudu and other wildlife.

The scenery itself is part of the experience, with rocky outcrops, open plains, river valleys and giant baobabs creating an unforgettable wilderness setting.

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 10 – RUAHA NATIONAL PARK – FINAL SAFARI

Enjoy your final full day in Ruaha.

An early morning game drive provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Return to the lodge and enjoy your final evening in the Ruaha wilderness.

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 11 – RUAHA → KATAVI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, transfer for your flight to Katavi National Park.

Flight: Depart Ruaha at 07:00 hrs
Arrive Katavi: 08:50 hrs

Katavi is one of Tanzania's most remote national parks and offers an authentic wilderness experience far from the busier safari circuits.

On arrival, transfer to your camp and begin exploring this spectacular wilderness.

Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Camp

Meal Plan: Game Package

DAY 12 – KATAVI NATIONAL PARK – FULL-DAY SAFARI

Enjoy a full-day safari in Katavi National Park.

Katavi is famous for its huge concentrations of buffalo, large elephant herds and spectacular gatherings of hippos around shrinking water sources during the dry season.

With very few visitors, Katavi provides a genuine feeling of being on an African expedition.

Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Camp

Meal Plan: Game Package

DAY 13 – KATAVI NATIONAL PARK – FULL-DAY SAFARI

Continue your exploration of Katavi with another full day in the park.

Search for predators and plains game while enjoying the extraordinary sense of remoteness that makes Katavi one of Tanzania's most adventurous safari destinations.

Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Camp

Meal Plan: Game Package

DAY 14 – KATAVI → MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Today you fly onward to the shores of Lake Tanganyika and the spectacular Mahale Mountains.

Flight: Depart Katavi at 08:30 hrs
Arrive Mahale: 09:30 hrs

Upon arrival, continue to Mbalimbali Mahale, surrounded by pristine forest and the magnificent scenery of Lake Tanganyika.

Mahale is famous for its wild chimpanzees and offers one of Africa's most extraordinary primate experiences.

Accommodation: Mbalimbali Mahale
Basis: Game Package

DAY 15 – MAHALE – CHIMPANZEE & FOREST EXPERIENCE

Today, venture into the Mahale Mountains in search of wild chimpanzees.

Walking through the forest in the footsteps of a chimpanzee troop is an unforgettable experience. Listen for their calls and observe their fascinating behaviour in their natural environment.

Return to the lodge and enjoy the peaceful setting beside Lake Tanganyika.

Accommodation: Mbalimbali Mahale
Basis: Game Package

DAY 16 – MAHALE – LAKE TANGANYIKA & WILDERNESS

Enjoy another day in Mahale.

Depending on the lodge's activities and local conditions, the day can be spent exploring the forest, enjoying further wildlife experiences or relaxing beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.

Accommodation: Mbalimbali Mahale
Basis: Game Package

DAY 17 – MAHALE – FINAL DAY OF EXPLORATION

Enjoy your final day in this remote corner of western Tanzania.

Take in the spectacular combination of mountains, tropical forest and Lake Tanganyika before your journey comes to an end.

Accommodation: Mbalimbali Mahale
Basis: Game Package

DAY 18 – MAHALE → ONWARD DESTINATION

After breakfast, transfer for your onward flight.

Flight: Depart Mahale at 09:50 hrs
Arrival: 16:45 hrs

Your extraordinary Livingstone & Stanley Explorer Route comes to an end, carrying with you memories of Tanzania's rivers, mountains, wildlife, remote wilderness and the landscapes once crossed by the great explorers.

End of Safari

Starting From US$ 13800 Per Person

Optional Enhanced Livingstone Route

For travellers who want to complete the Livingstone story, the journey can be extended from western Tanzania to Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falls.

This optional extension adds another dimension to the expedition, taking travellers from the remote wilderness of Tanzania to Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke That Thunders”, the spectacular Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.

The extension can include Livingstone, Victoria Falls and selected Zambezi experiences, allowing guests to finish their journey in a destination strongly associated with the legacy of David Livingstone.

The complete concept

Dar es Salaam → Nyerere → Mikumi → Udzungwa → Ruaha → Katavi → Mahale → Optional Livingstone & Victoria Falls

From the Indian Ocean to Lake Tanganyika, and finally to the Smoke That Thunders — a true journey into the heart of Africa.