Things to do — Southern Tanzania

The Dar es Salaam and South region offers a diversity of activities complementary to the classic Northern safaris.

In Dar es Salaam, plan 1-2 days for urban essentials. The national museum (Shaaban Robert Street) presents fossils of the first hominids discovered in Olduvai Gorge north of the Serengeti, and collections on Swahili coast history. The Kivukoni fish market (early morning between 5 and 7 am) is one of Africa's most vibrant: fishermen returning in dhows, auctions in fast Swahili, colourful cries — a powerful sensory experience. The Mwenge village groups Makonde artisans, whose ebony sculptures are among the most beautiful in East Africa.

In Nyerere Park (3-4 nights ideally), three complementary activities unique to the South: - Classic 4x4 game drives (morning and afternoon) for observation of elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos and wild dogs. Animal density is less spectacular than Ngorongoro but the experience is wilder. - Rufiji boat safari: navigation by punt or motorboat on the river's lake and channel network, observation of hippos (population estimated at 30,000), crocodiles, water birds (fish eagles, herons, ibises), elephants coming to drink at the edge. Unique southern activity, impossible in the North. - Bush walk accompanied by an armed ranger: 2-3 hour walk in the bush, close observation of flora, tracks and small animals, total sensory immersion. Forbidden in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, authorised in Nyerere — one of its singularities.

At Mafia Island (3 nights ideally), scuba diving is the main activity. Three reputed diving centres (Pole Pole Diving, Big Blu Diving, Mafia Island Diving) operate daily trips to the best sites: Kinasi Pass, Dindini Wall, Forbes Bay, Chole Bay. Visibility 20-30 metres in dry season, over 380 fish species. For non-divers, snorkelling from boats gives access to 95% of the biodiversity visible to divers. Swimming with whale sharks (October-March) runs from Kilindoni by traditional fishing boat: 3-5 hour trips, 80-150 USD/person, observation and snorkelling.