Tanzania Bird Photography Tour: Classic Northern Tanzania Birds & Big Game 12 th to 25 th April 2019 (14 days)

Transcription

1 Tanzania Bird Photography Tour: Classic Northern Tanzania Birds & Big Game 12 th to 25 th April 2019 (14 days) Bateleur by Adam Riley Our Northern Tanzania - Birds & Big Game Bird Photography Tour explores the bird- and wildlife-rich reserves of the northern parts of this wildlife-rich country. The savanna of East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia) is the richest habitat on Earth for birds (as far as sheer volume/density is concerned) and we will be continually surrounded by the most spectacular

2 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 2 and cooperative avian treasures, most of which are outstandingly beautiful and extremely easy to see and photograph. A joy indeed and a bird photographer s paradise! Not that birds are the only focus of this adventure, since we will also find ourselves marvelling at some of the highest concentrations of mammals to be found anywhere on our planet, and all this amidst spectacular scenery in one of Africa s wildest yet most stable and least spoilt destinations! THE TOUR AT A GLANCE THE NORTHERN TANZANIA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY ITINERARY Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Days 10 & 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Arrival in Arusha Arusha to Same Mkomazi National Park Same area and drive to Arusha Arusha to Tarangire National Park Tarangire National Park Tarangire NP to Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park via Oldupai Gorge Serengeti National Park Serengeti NP to Lake Manyara Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara to Arusha and depart

3 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 3 THE TOUR MAP: THE TOUR IN DETAIL Day 1: Arrival in Arusha. Today is set aside as an arrival day in order for us to make an early start the following morning. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport near the town of Arusha, you will be met and transferred to our accommodations for the night. Those who arrive early will have the opportunity to embark on some introductory bird photography around the extremely bird-rich and productive lodge grounds and photographic opportunities may well arise for species like Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, White-eared Barbet, the brilliant Red-throated Twinspot, Black-throated Wattle-eye, resplendent African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-winged and Violet-backed Starlings, Retz s Helmetshrike, African Black Duck, Giant Kingfisher, the localised, bright-yellow and orange Taveta Weaver, African Pygmy and Brown-hooded Kingfishers, the scarce Pallid Honeyguide, Mountain Oriole, Montane White-eye, Red-backed Mannikin and Mountain Wagtail along the stream. This evening you will have the opportunity to meet your tour leader and fellow participants to discuss our forthcoming adventures over a scrumptious welcoming dinner this evening. Day 2: Arusha to Same. This morning we have the first hours of the day to enjoy and maximise the immense bird photography potential that exists right around the extensive grounds of our perfectly situated lodge before making our way east towards the town of Same.

4 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 4 We will have chances to catch up with any species or photo ops that we may have missed the day before and for those who arrived in the evening, this morning will give you a chance to experience, enjoy and photograph the myriad fabulous birds on offer in and around the lodge gardens. Highlights may include full-frame shots of the impressive Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Giant Kingfisher, the localised, bright-yellow and orange Taveta Weaver, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Redbacked Mannikin and Mountain Wagtail. Superb Starling by Adam Riley Around mid-morning we ll depart the lodge and begin the drive towards the town of Same and our base for the next two nights. We ll make a few scheduled and improvised stops along the way that could yield a number of dry-country specials, many of which will pose well for amazing photographic opportunities and include stunners like Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Black-throated Barbet, Pygmy Batis, Pink-breasted Lark, Dodson s Bulbul, Mosque Swallow, Red-fronted Apalis, Grey Wren-Warbler, Golden-breasted and Fischer s Starlings, Eastern Violet-backed, Hunter s and Tsavo Sunbirds, Black-necked and Vitelline Masked Weavers, Green-winged Pytilia, Purple Grenadier, White-bellied Canary and Somali Bunting. Pringle s Puffback, Somali Crombec, the elusive Scaly Chatterer and Bare-eyed Thrush are around too but are a lot scarcer, shyer and tougher to find and photograph but we may be fortunate and bump into one or two of these species.

5 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 5 We can expect to arrive at our accommodation in Same in the late afternoon, in time to settle in for a two-night stay. Day 3: Mkomazi National Park. Mkomazi National Park, previously known as Mkomazi Game Reserve, protects an area of over 3,000 km² of arid woodland that is dominated by acacia- Commiphora vegetation and is contiguous with the famous Tsavo East National Park in Kenya. Today will be spent exploring the extremely productive bush country around Same and within Mkomazi Game Reserve. Many of the species in this habitat are very conspicuous and confiding and we can expect some stellar photo ops during the course of the day. Highlights could include the handsome Eastern Chanting Goshawk, glorious Purple Roller, Von der Decken s and Northern Red-billed Hornbills, Red-bellied Parrot, gorgeous Goldenbreasted Starling, Hunter s, Black-bellied and Tsavo Sunbirds, brilliant Black-winged and Zanzibar Red Bishops, Straw-tailed and Longtailed Paradise Whydahs, White-headed Mousebird and Rosy-patched Bushshrike. Eastern Chanting Goshawk by Markus Lilje Day 4: Same area and drive to Arusha. Today we will make several scheduled stops along the drive back to Arusha where we ll be able to explore a few side-roads and tracks on foot, allowing us more freedom to find and photograph the arid acacia savanna specialties that occur around Same. We will be on the lookout for any species we may not have encountered and/or photographed as yet and these could

6 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 6 include some of the trickier or stunning species mentioned for the first afternoon such as Pygmy Batis, Golden-breasted Starling, Eastern Violet-backed, Hunter s and Tsavo Sunbirds, Black-necked and Vitelline Masked Weavers, Green-winged Pytilia, Purple Grenadier, Somali Bunting, Pringle s Puffback, and Bare-eyed Thrush. D Arnaud s Barbet by Clayton Burne Later in the morning we ll explore the entrance road to the Nyumba ya Mungu (Swahili for House of God ) Reservoir and the reservoir itself where similar opportunities to this morning exist and where we may encounter and manage to photograph Black-faced Sandgrouse, the attractive Vulturine Guineafowl, Acacia Tit, Northern Crombec, Parrot-billed Sparrow, African Silverbill and Black-faced Waxbill amongst a host of others. The reservoir often harbours a number of water-associated birds such as egrets, herons, lapwings, cormorants and storks. After a road-side lunch stop we ll continue to Arusha where we overnight and will have the late afternoon to either relax or wonder around the productive and impressive lodge grounds, photographing at leisure. Day 5: Arusha to Tarangire National Park. This morning we depart our now-familiar, Arusha-based lodge after breakfast and begin the drive southwards and slightly west towards the awesome Tarangire National Park. En route to this fabulous reserve we will pass large stands of moist Acacia woodland and

7 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 7 scrubby areas where we can stop and enjoy some extremely productive and enjoyable bird photography. A number of beautiful and showy species can be found here and we are bound to be treated to some great birds and excellent photographic opportunities. Exciting and photogenic species on offer in this area include the quizzical Blue-naped Mousebird, handsome Von der Decken s Hornbill, White-bellied Goaway-bird, stunning Variable and Beautiful Sunbirds, the sumptuous Golden-backed Weaver, brilliant Southern Red and Black Bishops, Red-cheeked Cordonbleu, Spotted Palm Thrush and Cardinal Quelea. We can expect to arrive at the entrance to Tarangire National Park around midday and once again, we ll be greeted by astounding numbers of superb birds, all vying for our attention. We will spend a short while here before, and possibly again after lunch photographing some of the spectacular birds that will almost certainly be present around the trees and bushes adjacent to the reserve entrance. These could include the immaculate Spotted Palm Thrush, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, gorgeous little Redcheeked Cordon-bleu and the near-endemic Long-tailed Fiscal, among many other possibilities. Thereafter we ll enter this awesome reserve where we ll spend the next two nights based at the extremely comfortable and perfectly situated Tarangire Sopa Lodge deep in the heart of the Park. A number of great sightings, both bird and mammal-wise can already be expected during the drive between the reserve entrance and the lodge. The drive also passes through Saddle-billed Stork by Markus Lilje

8 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 8 amazingly scenic landscapes and after what should be an incredible introduction to Tanzania, we are likely to arrive at our sumptuous lodge in the late afternoon, around dusk. African Elephant in the Ngorongoro Crater by Rainer Summers Day 6: Tarangire National Park. The Tarangire ecosystem is the third largest in Tanzania, sprawling over a vast km² (over 7 700mi²). Seasonally, the park supports the second largest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania surpassed only by the Serengeti during peak migration! However, Tarangire is most famous for its huge numbers of African Elephant that congregate along the meandering Tarangire River. We will take time to observe and photograph these massive pachyderms and will be amazed at their tender family interactions. Other mammals likely to be seen include the stately Waterbuck, Impala, comical Warthog and Giraffe and reasonable chances also exist for predators like Lion, Cheetah and Leopard. The Acacia woodland and Baobab-studded grasslands also provide a home for a large number of birds, with the park total well over 500 species! During our time here, we are likely to find and enjoy superb photographic opportunities of the regal African Hawk-Eagle, tiny Pygmy Falcon, Double-banded Courser, attractive and pleasantly-common Red-necked and Yellow-necked Spurfowls, the very special, richly-coloured and intricately-patterned Black-faced Sandgrouse, White-bellied Bustard, Meyer s and Red-bellied Parrots, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-and-yellow and D Arnaud s Barbets, Banded Warbler and flocks of Northern Pied Babbler. Mottled Spinetails nest in the massive Baobab trees that are dotted all around Tarangire s scenic landscape and will test our aerial flight photography skills. Two of Tarangire s very special species, since they are virtually restricted to the Tarangire Ecosystem are the long-tailed Ashy Starling and the gorgeous Yellow-collared Lovebird. We will take time to

9 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 9 photograph these species along with the previously mentioned avian treasures and any other eyecatching, impressive and photogenic subjects that we encounter during our full day in the reserve. A rather different habitat that we will also visit at some stage will be the vast Silale Swamp, which is an excellent site to photograph waterfowl and various other open-country species such as the beautiful Bluecheeked and Little Beeeaters. Other species to look out for here will be the unique African Openbill, the massive Goliath Heron, Southern Pochard, Fulvous Whistling Duck, African Jacana and Long-toed Lapwing. Night-bird photography around our lodge can also be fruitful and we will look for Slender-tailed and Freckled Nightjars and the diminutive African Scops Owl. Day 7: Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater. After breakfast and some final photography around our lodge grounds and adjacent areas, we ll depart Tarangire and continue our drive west towards the vast Ngorongoro Conservation Golden-winged Sunbird by Markus Lilje Area. On the drive we will keep a sharp eye out for the localized Schalow s Wheatear, which can be found among the boulders and low bush around the top of the low escarpment that we cross over to reach the spectacular and worldrenown Ngorongoro Crater. The 8,300km² (3,200mi²) Ngorongoro World Heritage Site protects Earth s largest intact volcanic caldera (260km² / 100mi²) and one of the world s most scenically breath-taking natural areas. What s more, the crater is also home to one of the planet s densest populations of large mammals. Our wonderful

10 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 10 lodge is nestled on the edge of the crater rim with spectacular views of the crater itself and will be home for the next two nights. Cheetah and cubs by Cuan Rush The fantastic forests that cloak the rim of this iconic site are home to a feast of Afro-montane forest birds, many of which occur right around the lodge grounds. Indeed, the bird photography in and around the grounds of our fabulous lodge affords some excellent bird photographic opportunities. Hildebrandt s Francolin, Schalow s Turaco, the elusive Brown-backed Woodpecker, beautiful Cinnamon-chested Beeeater, Mountain Greenbul, Brown-headed Apalis, Brown Parisoma, skulking Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, busy flocks of Montane White-eye and dazzling Tacazze, Golden-winged and Eastern Doublecollared Sunbirds can all be found and with some patience and perseverance, some fine photographs can be taken. The edge of the lodge grounds is adorned with numerous flowering plants and these attract the various sunbirds of the area, including the three-exquisite species mentioned above and we will especially spend some time trying to acquire some excellent shots of these stunners! From the lodge we are able to gaze down at the Ngorongoro Crater below and watch distant elephants and herds of antelope and buffalo moving over the plains. This is undoubtedly one of the most amazing, heart-pleasing and awe-inspiring views on Earth and has to be seen and experienced to be believed and to be fully appreciated! Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater. After an early breakfast, we will descend 600m (1,970ft) into the Ngorongoro Crater floor itself. The crater is deluxe Big Five territory and a photographer s dream. Most of the animals are extremely relaxed and habituated to the presence of human admirers and the high

11 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 11 crater walls, usually cloaked in a pure white frosting of clouds, make for dramatic back-drops to animal photographs. In addition, the crater floor provides a mini-example of a complete African ecosystem with forests, lakes, grasslands, swamps and rivers. Between 25,000 and 30,000 large animals reside in the crater and great concentrations of Blue Wildebeest and Common Zebra are supplemented by smaller numbers of African Elephant (we hope to find and photograph some of the crater s famous Tuskers), African Buffalo, the rare, endangered and range-restricted Black Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Eland and Thomson s and Grant s Gazelles. The crater reputably boasts the world s highest concentration of predators and these include Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Serval, Bat-eared Fox, Spotted Hyena and Golden and Black-backed Jackals. Grey Crowned Cranes by Jonathan Rossouw The birding and bird photography is equally rewarding and we can expect to find and photograph many of the picture-book species which make Africa so famous. Pink rafts of Greater and Lesser Flamingos on Lake Magadi, Common Ostrich striding over the grasslands, regal Kori Bustard (the world s heaviest flying bird), the elegant Grey Crowned Crane and good numbers of raptors including the unique Secretarybird, Bateleur and Martial Eagle could all be found. Amongst the many other species that we may encounter, we hope to find and possibly photograph, should the opportunities arise, the uncommon Shelley s Francolin, Black-bellied Bustard, Dusky Turtle Dove, White-headed Barbet, comical Anteater Chat, Black-crowned Tchagra, the striking Rosy-throated Longclaw, Fan-tailed Widowbird and the skittish Quailfinch, the latter probably more easily seen and photographed here than anywhere else! In the evening, we ascend to our lodge on the scenic crater rim and at dusk will attempt to track down the scarce and localized Montane Nightjar.

12 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 12 Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti via Oldupai Gorge. This morning we make our way to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. En route we pass through an area that is home to the Maasai people. These tall, proud nomadic warriors are famous for their legendary prowess in battle and singlehanded acts of bravery in fights with wild animals. Here, we have the opportunity for an optional excursion to a traditional Maasai village. A local guide will explain their unique culture as you watch the people busy about their daily chores. You will also be treated to a display of the famous Maasai dancing and will have unlimited photographic opportunities. Our lunch venue will be the well-known Oldupai Gorge, so named after the wild Sisal plant that grows in the gorge. As a result of massive geological activities over the eons, Oldupai provides a unique record of countless years of fossilized creatures and plants in a series of stratified rock-layers. Most famous of all discoveries, which revolutionized thinking on hominid evolution, have been those of View from the Ngorongoro Crater towards the Serengeti by Rainer Summers Australopithecine hominid remains found by the Leakey family. After an introductory lecture we have time to explore the very informative museum at the site which exhibits replicas of the hominid fossils and extinct animals that used to inhabit the region, ranging from River Elephant and Giant Swine to Short-necked Giraffe! A walk around the site is likely to yield a variety of arid-country species in this bird-rich environment and photographic opportunities are often excellent. Highlights could include the vocal Slate-coloured Boubou, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Rufous Chatterer, the beautiful Kenya Sparrow, Vitelline Masked Weaver, White-bellied Canary, the scarce Southern Grosbeak-Canary and the beautiful Purple Grenadier.

13 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 13 Thereafter, we continue our travels westward on the rutted dirt track across the vast, flat and seemingly endless Serengeti Plains, to spend three nights in one of the world s most wildlife-rich and renowned game reserves. Grey-headed Kingfisher by Hugh Chittenden Days 10 & 11: Serengeti National Park. Extending for an incredible km² (5,790 mi²), the Serengeti is one of the world s largest natural sanctuaries. Despite the vast space, the numbers of game that we can expect to see is still astounding. The Serengeti, literally meaning Endless Plain in Maasai, consists mostly of grasslands interspersed with Acacia woodlands and rocky outcrops. There is little permanent water in the park and this fact, combined with a fairly regular rainfall pattern, has resulted in the world-famous Wildebeest migration, when up to two million large ungulates move between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya. Our visit is timed so that we might bear witness to unbelievable numbers of wildebeest, zebra and antelope, an unrivalled and primeval wonder of the natural world!

14 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 14 During our visit to the Serengeti we will explore the southern and central areas. Once again, we have the chance of finding the full complement of African mega fauna. We hope to see lazing prides of Lion, Leopard draped over large trees, aloof Cheetah resting on termite mounds and using them as vantage points, skulking Spotted Hyaena and if we are fortunate, the bizarre Bat-eared Fox. Several species of smaller cats such as Caracal, Serval or African Wild Cat may also be encountered if we are fortunate. Besides the massive herds of Blue Wildebeest, the Serengeti also supports huge populations of Common (Plains/Burchell s) Zebra, African Buffalo, Maasai Giraffe, Common Warthog, Thomson s and Grant s Gazelles, Impala, Topi (Tsessebe), Kongoni (Hartebeest), Bohor Reedbuck, Eland and smaller numbers of African Elephant, Hippopotamus, rubber-nosed Kirk s Dik-dik, Oribi and Defassa Waterbuck. Blue Wildebeest in the Serengeti by Marius Coetzee Additionally, there will certainly be a veritable feast of superb birds to keep us very busy for the time spent exploring the park. Star birds include the East African endemics Grey-crested Helmetshrike, and Red-throated Tit, the striking Steel-blue Whydah and the highly-localised Karamoja Apalis. Other specials are Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer s Lovebird, Rufous-tailed Weaver and D Arnaud s Barbet. These fantastic and highly photogenic birds can be found together with a host of other species such as the magnificent Saddle-billed Stork, up to six species of vulture, the grotesque Marabou Stork, stately Secretarybird, Bateleur, Chestnut-bellied and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Kori and White-bellied Bustards, coveys of Coqui Francolin, the attractive Temminck s Courser, partially-diurnal Pearl-spotted Owlet, Red-fronted Barbet, Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill, the whimsical Southern Ground Hornbill, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Black-lored Babbler, Taita and Grey-backed Fiscals, Magpie Shrike, Hildebrandt s Starling, both species of oxpecker, the pretty Silverbird, aptly-named Beautiful Sunbird,

15 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 15 Grey-capped Social Weaver, Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, Black-faced Waxbill and, if we are fortunate, Grey-headed Silverbill. Blue-capped Cordon-bleu by Markus Lilje The various camps and picnic sites throughout the Serengeti are major draw-cards for many of these sought-after species and serve as excellent places where one can set up their equipment and enjoy, savour and photograph the abundant and spectacular birdlife that abounds in this wildlife wonderland. Not only is this a great place in which to find game and birds, but the wide green-gold savannas, dotted with thorn trees, also make it ideal for photography. The Serengeti is ravishingly beautiful and offers undisturbed views and utterly dramatic panoramas. Day 12: Serengeti National Park to Lake Manyara. After breakfast we start the journey back towards Arusha, stopping in at the scenic and bird and mammal-rich Lake Manyara for a two-night stay. Driving our way out of the Serengeti gives us further chances of finding Cheetah, Serval, and a number of other more obvious birds and mammals and if the opportunities arise, we will definitely stop and enjoy some photographic time before continuing the journey east. Lake Manyara National Park, one of the many Great Rift Valley Lakes and situated a little further to the west of Tarangire. We are likely to arrive at our lodge that is perched up on a low hill over-looking the Lake, just after midday and in time for lunch. Bird photography right around the lodge grounds can be excellent and a short stroll here may reward us with cracking shots of the unbelievably stunning and pleasantly common Superb Starling, as well as the range-restricted White-bellied Tit, Blue-capped

16 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 16 Cordon-bleu, Spot-flanked Barbet, Bronze Mannikin, the vibrant and melodic White-browed Robin-Chat and Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird. Rufous-tailed Weaver by Marius Coetzee Day 13: Lake Manyara National Park. This reserve has a diverse range of habitats, including dense forest, Acacia woodlands, grasslands, floodplains and, of course, the actual lake. This diversity results in an impressive number of bird species (almost 400) in the relatively small national park and offers some of the best bird photography anywhere in East Africa. The fig forest at the entrance gate holds some interesting forest species such as the vivid Purple-crested Turaco, the impressive Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, magnificent Crowned Eagle, Baglafecht Weaver, Grey-olive Greenbul and quirky coveys of Crested Guineafowl. The Acacia woodlands are especially productive for birds. Apart from the ubiquitous Superb Starlings and Lilac-breasted Rollers, we should be rewarded with cracking photographic opportunities of the following East African specials: Von der Decken s Hornbill, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird and White-headed Buffalo Weaver. Raptors are also readily available in these parts and we should find Augur Buzzard, Gabar Goshawk, Grey Kestrel and Tawny and Martial Eagles.

17 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 17 Lake Manyara s main attraction, however, are the vast numbers of Greater and Lesser Flamingos (depending on water conditions at the time). The lake regularly holds some of the largest concentrations of these birds of any of the East African Rift Valley lakes and photographic opportunities are superb! There are also numerous pools on the outskirts of the lake and the bird photography here can be equally rewarding. An abundance of water-birds is found here, including typical African families such as pelicans, spoonbills, ducks, herons, storks, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, jacanas, plovers and lapwings. Today should be an exceptional day s photography in one of Africa s great reserves! Yellow-necked Spurfowl & Superb Starling by Rainer Summers Day 14: Lake Manyara to Arusha and depart. This morning after some final bird photography around our lodge grounds and surrounds, we will depart Lake Manyara on the drive back to Arusha where this epic bird and wildlife photographic tour around northern Tanzania will conclude. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for this tour are displayed on our website. Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below.

18 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 18 This includes: All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 14; Bottled drinking water; All lodgings; All ground transportation during the tour in a stretched Landcruiser 4x4 vehicle; Reserve entrance fees; Extra activities as mentioned in the itinerary; and All guiding services (including tips for local guides and services). The tour fee does not include: Visa fees; ANY flights; Any beverages (including mini-bar charges at hotels); Optional excursion to a traditional Maasai village (+-US$25.00); Special gratuities; Telephone calls and Laundry and other items of a personal nature. Single Supplement: The single supplement cost for this tour will be charged if you wish to have single accommodation. If Rockjumper and Oryx cannot provide you with a rooming partner for these nights although you choose to share, the single supplement will become applicable. We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a rooming partner is found if you do wish to share. IMPORTANT NOTES: a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in 4 currencies. The tour price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour.) The same applies to approximate flight and single supplement rates, which are also quoted in the respective fixed currency. b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration a small party supplement will have to be charged. c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or the designated Rockjumper leader/s at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible. Tipping: As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, restaurants etc.) are included on this tour. However, this does not include your Rockjumper/Oryx leader/s. If, therefore, you feel that he/they have given you excellent service, it is entirely appropriate to tip them. Special Notes: Fitness: This Northern Tanzania tour does not require a high level of fitness. However, you should be in good general health as we will be birding in some remote parts of this beautiful land far

19 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 19 away from medical facilities. Should you have any physical limitations or medical conditions, please communicate with the office regarding the suitability of you doing the tour. Accommodation throughout the trip is of a generally high standard and the hotels and lodges that we make use of range from comfortable to rather luxurious, except in the town of Same for two nights where accommodations are simple but comfortable. Please note that due to the presence of potentially dangerous game, we will be spending most of our time in the national parks in our stretch Landcruiser vehicle. This vehicle is however perfectly kitted out for bird photography with a pop-up roof allowing 360 degrees panoramic viewing and photography opportunities, as well as large, wind-down windows. ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE DETAILS: The tour starts with a welcome dinner on the evening of day 1 at our hotel in Arusha. As this is an arrival day, you are free to arrive at any time before 17:00. The tour will conclude in the late afternoon on day 14 at Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATAL JRO). The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour has been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Rockjumper office. FLIGHTS: Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha (IATA: JRO), Tanzania is the main port of entry for this tour. KLM offers the most reliable and regular routes for North America and European travellers via Amsterdam to this airport. These flights, however, often arrive in the evening necessitating arrival the night before the tour start date. This will give one time to recover from the rigors of international flight travel before the tour starts. Kenya Airways also offers regular flights from London, via Nairobi to Arusha. For the return flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport, again KLM and Kenya Airways are the likely best providers for your travels. We have the capacity to advise you on the best route according to your preferences but your local travel agent will best be able to book these flights for you. However, please DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the Rockjumper office for confirmation on the status of the tour. Rockjumper Birding Ltd Vanilla Village Royal Road Black River Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: info@rockjumperbirding.com Alternative rockjumperbirding@yahoo.com Website: And: ORYX

20 Rockjumper & Oryx Tanzania Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 20 Worldwide Photographic Expeditions (Pty) Ltd PO Box 13972, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202, South Africa Registration number: 2014/091441/07 Tel: Fax: Website: