Tanzania
Serengeti in northern Tanzania is a vast area home to many people and fantastic wildlife. The word Serengeti refers to the Maasai word term (the Maasai are the original inhabitants of the area) for 'endless plain.' You will see it is much more than just a plain, with forests, lakes mountains and the one of a kind Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera which created a pot like depression, the largest such unbroken caldera in the world. With its huge size and abundant plant life, Ngorongoro is the perfect habitat for wildlife, and viewing animals in this setting is superb.
The Serengeti has some of the largest numbers of animals in Africa, making it a coveted safari destination. Here there are large numbers of many species that can be easily observed. The terrain is also beautiful and the lodges where we spend the nights exude old Africa safari charm. You will find the days full of adventure and the nights full of comfort.
The Maasai people who inhabit the Serengeti are stewards of this land since time immemorial, and we will have the opportunity to meet these people as we visit villages and have an introduction to their way of life.
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: FRIDAY, JAN 23
Arrival in Arusha
It's time to begin your safari. Welcome to Tanzania! After we greet you and provide you with the trip briefing, we'll take you out to help you discover why so many people think Tanzania is the best place in Africa to go on safari. Spend some time in Arusha, both the gateway city for most safaris in northern Tanzania and a fascinating place to explore. Enjoy good restaurants, streets filled with energy and so many snapshots of vibrant Tanzanian city life. It’s everything you look for in an urban pit stop.
KAHAWA HOUSE
Stay close to Arusha at Kahawa House, located in a lovely setting with trees all around and views of Mount Meru. Accommodation is in nicely decorated and spacious bright rooms. The large swimming pool area is a great place to relax and meet other guests, and the onsite spa offers great services, and the onsite restaurant has a large and varied menu.
We suggest that participants arrive at least one day before start of trip so as to rest and recover from jet lag. Cost per day for room at this very nice hotel is $220 USD for double room, $!50 USD for single room.
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(Lunch, Dinner)
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DAY 2: SATURDAY, JAN 24
Tarangire National Park
Today we begin our Tanzania adventure with a drive to one of Tanzania’s most rewarding national parks, Tarangire, a land of big baobab trees, big elephants and big cats. No wonder this ends up being the favorite park in Tanzania for many visitors. Sightings of wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, baboons, vervet monkeys and zebras are also almost guaranteed. Lions are plentiful here – Tarangire is home to one of Tanzania’s healthiest lion populations. While you’ll have to work a little harder to see a cheetah or leopard, it will only enhance your excitement when you do. You can also look forward to classic safari scenery – savanna plains, river woodlands and rocky hills. This afternoon it's time for a guided game drive through Tarangire, where your guide will help you look for elephants, lions, and more.
MARAMBOI TENTED LODGE
Situated on the shore of Lake Manyara, and in a wildlife corridor you see plenty of animals from your villa like room. The setting is beautiful and the rooms are opulent. The main building with restaurant, spa, dining room and bar are excellent for relaxing and observing the surrounding remote feel of Africa. Maramboi Tented Lodge gets rave reviews for its friendly and helpful staff and excellent food. Many of our guests tell us they do not want to leave after our 2 night stay here, however we have other remarkable lodges to visit, so prepare to tear yourself away in search of more adventure and luxury.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 3: SUNDAY, JAN 25
Tarangire National Park
More time in Tarangire is always a bonus – this is the sort of park where the longer you stay, the better. Come and see the best of Tarangire National Park as we take you out on a guided game drive. It really is a terrific way to feel a part of Africa with the wind in your hair as we drive you around to look for animals.
MARAMBOI TENTED LODGE
Another night of pampered bliss at Maramboi Tented Lodge.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 4: MONDAY, JAN 26
Mto Wa Mbu
It may be small but the town of Mto Wa Mbu is home to members of all Tanzania’s 120 tribal groups. The town is close to the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park, and offers services to passing tourists with its petrol stations, roadside restaurants and makeshift shops. Above all, you’ll experience small-town Tanzanian life. We will enjoy a lunch prepared at a local restaurant in the middle of the forest, a lovely setting with food that all previous guests have pronounced 'fantastic.'
NGORONGORO FARM HOUSE
Unlike our other lodges, which were purposely built for safari goers, this is an old farm house (now meticulously restored) set on a 500 acre coffee plantation. The setting is serene and lush, you will enjoy wandering the grounds of the estate. Your room will be a free standing cottage on the farm grounds, while the main house is where you will take meals, relax in an 'out of Africa' ambience and find the pool, spa and bar. Much of the food served here (and the farmhouse gets high marks for delicious meals) is grown on the grounds.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 5: TUESDAY, JAN 27
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro is a special place and descending from crater rim to crater floor is like no other safari experience in Africa. This is a world unto itself, on where you’ll encounter the crater’s 600-strong population of hyenas, as well as critically endangered black rhinos. You’ll also find elephants with larger- than-average tusks, and more than 50 lions living in the crater. But it’s the sheer beauty of Ngorongoro that will most likely live longest in your memory. From early morning, mist rises from the crater, revealing steep, forested walls, secret waterways where hippos wallow, and a world of abundant wildlife hidden away from the rest of the world.
On this morning's guided game drive, we'll take you down into Ngorongoro Crater; the drive down is one of the most thrilling possible approaches for a day of wildlife viewing. You'll be down in the crater for most of the day looking for lions,
hyenas, black rhinos and more.
NGORONGORO FARM HOUSE
Another night at the lovely Ngorongoro Farm House
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(B,L,D)
DAY 6: WEDNESDAY, JAN 28
Central Serengeti National Park
Welcome to the Serengeti's most popular wildlife area. It's here in the heart of the park, in the Central Serengeti, that you find the densest concentrations of wildlife. Big cats and elephants are frequently seen in this area, and this section of the park is rich in acacia trees and big Serengeti horizons. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and all the incredible wildlife possibilities on a guided game drive through the Central Serengeti.
KUBU KUBU TENTED LODGE
While all of our accommodations enjoy great views, Kubu Kubu is generally acknowledged as having the best views of any of the Serengeti lodges, on the slopes of a hill which captures the beauty of the surrounding landscape. You will sleep in a permanent luxury canvas tent, built on a wooden platform, with every amenity inside. Kubu Kubu is one of the Serengeti's most luxurious properties and in addition to the opulence, the staff make every effort to make you feel welcome and the food is delicious. The stunning views also include lots of wildlife you can see from the verandah of your room.
(B,L,D)
DAY 7: THURSDAY, JAN 29
Central Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park with its vast size and astonishing numbers and species of animals certainly warrants another day to explore and experience. Today you will likely see some of the same species you saw yesterday as well as new varieties. Get ready for another day of fantastic scenery and adventure.
KUBU KUBU TENTED LODGE
Another night of elegance, great food and the serene vibe of Kubu Kubu Lodge.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 8: FRIDAY, JAN 30
Return to Arusha
This morning we take a short flight to Arusha and then onward connecting flights. NOTE; this is charter flight which will depart mid to late morning. Participants will likely need extra day or half day in Arusha before they onward flight home. We can arrange this at Kahawa House Hotel, at cost of $220 USD for double room or $150 USD for single room.
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(B,L,D)
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PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of food, non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, airport transfers, ground transportation,flight from Serengeti to Arusha, entrance fees, services of licensed Tanzanian guide and driver, services of USA based trip leader, and airport taxes.)
$6500 USD (Based on double occupancy)
$7500 USD (Based on single occupancy)
NOTE: International airfare, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature, travel insurance and Tanzanian visa are NOT included.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
This journey begins and ends in Arusha, airport code, JRO, Tanzania. Participants make their own way to Arusha where they will be met by driver who will being them to hotel. Those participating in Ethiopia trip will fly together on the morning flight from Addis Ababa to Arusha. There are many airlines serving Arusha with one stop connections from most cities in the North America and Europe.
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Tanzanian visa is easily obtainable online for most nationalities for $100 USD.
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For participants arriving before start of trip, or staying after final day we can arrange rooms in Kahawa House Hotel. Cost is $220 USD for double occupancy, tax and breakfast included, and $150 USD for single occupancy, tax and breakfast included.
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