Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Dar es Salaam International Airport
Dar es Salaam to Lake Manze: air & 4WD
From Dar es Salaam International Airport, your light-aircraft flight of around 45 minutes takes you over the wide Rufiji River to Siwandu airstrip in the Selous. From here it's about an hour's drive to Lake Manze Adventure Camp, depending on the wildlife you see along the way.
Lake Manze Camp
Nestled under rustling palms on a lake’s edge, traditional, simple Lake Manze Camp is where wildlife comes to you. Shaded by doum and barossa palms framing views of tranquil Lake Manze, this camp is dissected by wildlife trails. Giraffe amble past 12 simple tents, watched from private, shaded verandas. Elephant browse cheek by jowl with visitors dining in the main thatched building. Genet cats join guests for a sociable dinner under the stars.
Nestled under rustling palms on a lake’s edge, traditional, simple Lake Manze Camp is where wildlife comes to you. Shaded by doum and barossa palms framing views of tranquil Lake Manze, this camp is dissected by wildlife trails. Giraffe amble past 12 simple tents, watched from private, shaded verandas. Elephant browse cheek by jowl with visitors dining in the main thatched building. Genet cats join guests for a sociable dinner under the stars.
Billed as an adventure camp with an eco conscious outlook, Lake Manze offers just the safari essentials. The ambience is relaxed, warm and welcoming. Paraffin lamps replace electricity to enhance the balmy night. The tents with rustic but colourful décor are uncluttered and comfortable. En suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are open air. Meals are simple but tasty, with vegetarian lunches a nod towards balancing the environmental cost of livestock farming.
Experiences concentrate on the surroundings and the wildlife encounters. Safari drives taking in varied open plain, lakeside and woodland environments are led by a personable guide and a driver, and usually limited to four guests. A boat safari is a must with a unique quiet, solar powered motor enabling a gentle glide by wildlife without startling.
"Location of the camp is great and we enjoyed [having] no electricity."
CC.fromPorto AlegreArrived 10 Nov 2019, 4 nights
No frills means a sandy floor in the main area, candle lit rooms and instant coffee, yet the convivial atmosphere and wilderness setting make a visit to Lake Manze a romantic and magical experience. See our full report on Lake Manze Adventure Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
4WD & flight from Lake Manze to Mdonya
From Lake Manze, your 4WD journey to the airstrip follows the banks of the Rufiji River. It’s then a flight of around two hours into Ruaha, finishing with a leisurely drive of two hours or more to Mdonya Old River Camp, stopping to observe game along the way.
Mdonya Old River Camp
Set in acacia woodland in the heart of Ruaha National Park, Mdonya Old River Camp was designed with a conscious desire to remain simple, and keep within its surroundings. It makes no apologies for sticking to safari basics – in fact it rather revels in the idea – and this results in a camp with a clear focus where you always know you're on safari and out in the wilds.
Set in acacia woodland in the heart of Ruaha National Park, Mdonya Old River Camp was designed with a conscious desire to remain simple, and keep within its surroundings. It makes no apologies for sticking to safari basics – in fact it rather revels in the idea – and this results in a camp with a clear focus where you always know you're on safari and out in the wilds.
"A great camp but not the most prolific area"
M&AfromAustriaArrived 5 Feb 2020, 4 nights
Many camps that offer high levels of luxury can feel quite detached from the bush, but the simple Mdonya Old River Camp feels closely connected with its surroundings – and the game that walks through seems to feel the same! The natural theme that is key to the camp's charm and character is augmented by a fun and attentive team who, on our last visit in 2018, did their best to ensure that every guest enjoyed their stay. See our full report on Mdonya Old River Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Mdonya to Dar es Salaam via 4WD & air
The 4WD game drive from Mdonya to the airstrip will take around two hours, depending on any wildlife you see along the way. Your light aircraft will depart Ruaha and fly over the forested slopes of Mikumi and Udzungwa national parks before arriving at Dar es Salaam Airport.
Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
Balloon Safari over Ruaha
Three hours - one hour flight
Varied and scenically stunning, Ruaha National Park features rolling hills, woodlands, open plains and two wide meandering rivers: the Ruaha and the Mwagusi. What better way to view it than from the air, at sunrise? A balloon safari offers just this, the landscape unfolding below your basket as you float almost silently above.
More about Ballooning in Ruaha