Red Colobus Monkey Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Red Colobus Monkey 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
After collecting your luggage, you’ll be met by a local representative for the five-minute shuttle transfer to the Domestic Terminal.
Dar to Ruaha by light aircraft & 4WD
From Dar's Domestic Terminal, board a light aircraft for Ruaha, heading west across the Uluguru Mountains and landing at Msembe Airstrip after around 2½ hours. You'll be met by a guide from Ikuka for the 4WD game drive to camp, taking about 45–90 minutes depending on wildlife spotted en route.
Ikuka Safari Camp
Small, stylish and owner-run, Ikuka Safari Camp sits in a prime position high on the escarpment in Ruaha National Park. From this superb vantage point, every part of the lodge looks out over the plains below, just 20 minutes from the park’s best game-viewing areas.
Small, stylish and owner-run, Ikuka Safari Camp sits in a prime position high on the escarpment in Ruaha National Park. From this superb vantage point, every part of the lodge looks out over the plains below, just 20 minutes from the park’s best game-viewing areas.
The hand of an experienced architect is clear from the outset. Neutral colours, from soft cream curtains to toning bed linen, combine with natural materials to instil a sense of both calm and sophistication.
Plenty of thought has gone into the setting of the seven open-sided rooms, which face either the sunrise or the sunset. Low quartz stone walls and large balconies make the most of the views, while high thatched roofs attract even the lightest of breezes.
The natural theme continues through to the two-storey lounge, built among boulders and complete with spotting scope trained on the plains. Leather chairs and low tables with a range of wildlife books invite relaxation; a large table encourages sociable dining over excellent meals.
Spend your days exploring the game-rich area around the Mwagusi River in an open 4x4 game-drive vehicle, or consider a guided walk and seek out the minutiae of the park’s flora and fauna.
"The room was spectacular... Ikuka has an incredible view southwards across Ruaha"
Mr & Mrs WWfromLondonArrived 5 Sep 2024, 4 nights
Then return to the gorgeous infinity pool, just waiting to round off your day with a cooling dip-with-a-view. See our full report on Ikuka Safari Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Sleeping under the stars
Ruaha to Zanzibar by road & light aircraft
Leaving Ikuka, take a leisurely game drive to the airstrip, and climb aboard a light aircraft for the 3½-hour flight over the Ruaha River to Zanzibar, usually via Dar es Salaam. Your journey finishes with a fascinating 15-minute drive to Stone Town, with a final five-minute walk to Emerson Spice.
Emerson Spice
Strikingly grand and theatrical, Emerson Spice delivers a colourful twist on traditional Swahili design in the very heart of Stone Town. Created by the late Emerson Skeens, Stone Town luminary and boutique hotel pioneer, Emerson Spice is testament to his vision, flamboyance and love of the city’s heritage. It’s both exotic and historic, oozing individuality and charm.
Strikingly grand and theatrical, Emerson Spice delivers a colourful twist on traditional Swahili design in the very heart of Stone Town. Created by the late Emerson Skeens, Stone Town luminary and boutique hotel pioneer, Emerson Spice is testament to his vision, flamboyance and love of the city’s heritage. It’s both exotic and historic, oozing individuality and charm.
The building has been restored with tremendous thought and care and is uniquely decorated. The eleven atmospheric bedrooms feature immense ceilings, vibrant murals, intricately carved doors and a sense of drama compounded by their dedication to notable leading ladies: Aida to Desdemona.
The rooms are grand and well-equipped, and the attention to detail continues throughout the building: a cool courtyard with a tinkling blue fountain, a palm-filled walled garden to laze in a hammock, and acclaim for culinary creativity. The fine Swahili degustation menu at the rooftop Spice Tea House and the enchanting Secret Garden - a crumbling ancient marketplace transformed into a courtyard restaurant – both excel at producing delicious, seasonal Spice Island cuisine.
"We enjoyed our stay.. building was historic and interesting.."
Dav & KayfromManchesterArrived 29 Jul 2022, 2 nights
The staff are unfailingly cheerful here, with broad smiles and plenty of sightseeing tips for exploring from this super, central spot. See our full report on Emerson Spice
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Stone Town to northern Zanzibar by road
It's usually a short walk to your vehicle in Stone Town before leaving the maze of streets in air-conditioned comfort. During the drive of around 1–1½ hours along the west coast to Zuri Zanzibar, it may be possible to visit a plantation or the Kidichi Persian Baths with prior notice.
Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar is a luxurious, beach resort situated on Zanzibar's pretty north-west coast. This area of the island has a more steeply shelving coastline than Zanzibar's east coast, allowing you to swim in the sea throughout the day, and the west coast of Zanzibar also enjoys beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Zuri Zanzibar is a luxurious, beach resort situated on Zanzibar's pretty north-west coast. This area of the island has a more steeply shelving coastline than Zanzibar's east coast, allowing you to swim in the sea throughout the day, and the west coast of Zanzibar also enjoys beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
"The resort was beautiful and cleverly put together to give a peaceful aura."
Mr & Mrs Lfromthe UKArrived 25 Jul 2023, 5 nights
We were really excited to see a high-quality resort hotel in this area of the island. With a stylish, contemporary design and relaxed beach vibe this is a good choice if you're looking for a larger hotel with plenty of on-site facilities and opportunities to swim at most stages of the tide. See our full report on Zuri Zanzibar
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Northern Zanzibar to Dar by road & air
As you leave Zuri Zanzibar, enjoy your last views of the "spice island" during the drive along the coast, arriving at Zanzibar Airport in about an hour. It's then just a short light-aircraft flight over the Indian Ocean, touching down in Dar es Salaam in around 20–30 minutes.
Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport
On arrival at the Domestic Terminal, you’ll be escorted to a shuttle for the International Terminal, taking just five minutes.
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.