Tanzania Migration Ecotour Itinerary and Registration Packet January 22-February 1, 2015

Transcription

1 Tanzania Migration Ecotour Itinerary and Registration Packet January 22-February 1, 2015 TOURS inspiring people to care for each other and the world in which they live

2 TANZANIA MIGRATION ECOTOUR ITINERARY January 22-February 1, 2015 Offered by Heartfelt Tours (in cooperation with Maasai Magic Safaris) Tanzania home to herds of thousands of the largest land mammals left in the world. Here you ll find elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, and an incredible diversity of bird life, from tiny bedazzling sunbirds to outrageous ostriches. Tanzania is also home to over 140 different tribal cultures, a melting pot of people in the land where many believe mankind began. This is a land where animals, people, and the landscape are inextricably interwoven into the fabric that is Africa. It s like visiting the pages of National Geographic in person, seeing and hearing, tasting and smelling all that makes East Africa so diverse and so fascinating. Tourism is encouraged and necessary for the country s economy, and you can rest assured that a portion of your trip costs is going to support local people and conservation efforts in a variety of ways that you will see on the journey. This itinerary is designed as a photographic/viewing safari. It includes game drives in a customized Land Rover to allow everyone to have a window seat with excellent opportunities for quality photographs and viewing through open roof hatches. It is not strenuous if you can sit in a vehicle, you will be able to fully enjoy this trip. This is not a hiking trip, although we may occasionally have the opportunity for short walks on flat ground. If you have physical limitations or other concerns, please let us know and we can discuss your situation to determine if this is the right trip for you. Please note the following itinerary may be subject to minor changes depending on availability of dates at various locations, but departure date will not change.

3 January 22, 2015 ARRIVE IN ARUSHA Depart from your nearest home airport to arrive in Arusha, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Airport - JRO) the evening of January 22. For most people, that will mean a departure on January 20 please be sure to check your flight schedule to ensure your departure and arrival dates match the tour itinerary. After going through customs and picking up your bags, you will be met at the airport by trip leaders Tim Merriman and Lisa Brochu, and our Maasai Magic Safari driver/guides for the excursion. You will be transported to the Serena Mountain Village Hotel on the outskirts of Arusha. Depending on your time of arrival, you can enjoy a late dinner or simply settle into bed for a good night s sleep before the next day s activities. January 23 TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK We start the morning with a hearty breakfast buffet at the Serena Mountain Village Hotel, then check out and head to Tarangire National Park. After a quick drive through Arusha, we ll drive through the countryside giving you a chance to see the local terrain. Keep your eyes open along the way you never know what you might spot, but you can probably count on seeing cattle and goats under the care of Maasai herdsmen. We ll have a picnic lunch on arrival at the park and then enjoy a game drive on our way to our night s lodging and dinner at Maramboi Permanent Tent Camp. This park has some of the largest herds of elephants left in East Africa along with cheetahs, lions, and a variety of other animals. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included. January 24 TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK The day starts with breakfast in camp, followed by a full day game drive in the park. Your cameras will be clicking faster than you thought possible as we see an astonishing array of animals in their natural habitats. As long as we stay in the vehicles, we are likely to see these magnificent creatures from as close as six to ten feet from the vehicle. The wildlife is used to the sounds of safari vehicles (including the clicking of cameras) and sometimes use the vehicles as shade or lookouts, allowing an intimate look at wild animals that you won t get in any zoo. The other unique feature of this park is the large number of baobab trees, also known as the upside down tree. We ll return to the Maramboi Tent Camp for dinner and our overnight stay. B, L, D included. January 25 LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK Today we check out of the camp after breakfast and head west to the foothills of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. Along the way, we ll take a drive through Lake Manyara National Park where you ll likely get your first glimpse of hippos and enough flamingos

4 to form what looks like a pink bathtub ring around the edge of the lake from a distance. This park features wooded areas where you might see olive baboons and blue monkeys and alkaline lakes with thermal pools. This is where tree- climbing lions were first seen and studied. After we have concluded our drive through what Hemingway called his favorite scenic gem in Africa, we ll head to our overnight destination at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge. B, L, D included January 26 MTO WA MBU VILLAGE, IRAQWI CULTURAL CENTRE After a leisurely buffet breakfast at the lodge, we ll visit the Iraqwi Cultural Centre in Karatu where you ll see the difference between the traditional Iraqwi way of life and a more modern Iraqwi farm using a homemade biogas system as fuel. Our host will help us understand historic tribal migrations across Tanzania and then we ll move on to the village of Mto wa Mbu (Mosquito Creek), where we can see this melting pot of Tanzanian tribes. We ll take a walking tour of the local market, visit a banana plantation, have a chance to purchase local art in the traditional Tingatinga style, and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch cooked over open fires. After lunch, it s on to Ngorongoro Crater for our first glimpse of this ancient caldera on an afternoon game drive in search of hyenas, wildebeest, rhinos and more before we return to Bougainvillea Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight. B, L, D included. January 27 NGORONGORO CRATER Today we ll have the entire day to explore Ngorongoro Crater, the world s largest unbroken and unflooded caldera. Although animals can come and go, the steep, forested sides of the caldera encourage resident herds of buffalo, antelopes of various kinds, and zebras. And where there are prey animals, there are predators. The caldera is reputed to contain the highest density of carnivores in the world, including jackals, lions, and hyenas. Hippos can be seen in the caldera s wetlands along with a variety of wading birds. Bustards, buzzards, and eagles cruise through the grasslands. Some of the largest and oldest bull elephants (known as tuskers) can also be found here. There s so much going on you just won t know which to look, but our experienced guides will help you see it all. We ll

5 return to Bougainvillea Safari Lodge for a delicious dinner and overnight stay. B, L, D included. January 28 OLDUVAI GORGE AND SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Today we leave the Ngorongoro Highlands as we drive around the crater rim and descend to Olduvai Gorge. A short interpretive program and small visitor center help explain the significance of the gorge, where evidence of what some believe to the earliest humans was found. If you ve heard of the Leakey family, you will be familiar with Olduvai Gorge and this is your chance to connect to the cradle of mankind. As we leave the Gorge, we ll stop in at a Maasai Village and have the opportunity to talk with the people there and learn more about their unique pastoralist lifestyle, still practiced by hundreds of thousands of people in East Africa. This is also an opportunity to purchase beadwork and other Maasai products made by the villagers. Then it s on to the Southern Plains of the Serengeti prepare yourself for an amazing spectacle of thousands and thousands of migrating wildebeest and zebras with their young, along with the inevitable lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals that follow the herds to pick off stragglers. It will be a busy day filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa and you ll be ready to move into your tent at Ang ata Ndutu Migration Camp. B, L, D included. January 29 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK The Serengeti is a big place and we ll want to explore as much as we can. The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai name Siringet which means endless plains. Morning and afternoon game drives will put us in close proximity to elephants, giraffes, gazelles, hippos, and buffalo along with the migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra and their predators. If you need a break, you can opt out of one of the game drives to stay in camp and work on your photos or journals, but you never know what you might miss. If you want a different view of the Serengeti, you can opt to take a hot air balloon flight (additional cost). Your experienced pilots will give you a birds- eye view, allowing you to take aerial photos of the landscape and wildlife. The flight ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush. No matter which option you choose, your first full day in the Serengeti will fill your heart and your camera chips (bring plenty!). We ll spend the evening retelling tales from the full day around the campfire after dinner at Ang ata Ndutu Migration Camp. B, L, D included.

6 January 30 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK By now, you might think you would have seen enough wildlife, but that won t be the case. Every day brings different adventures it may be having a lion perched in a tree just above your vehicle, or seeing a cheetah chase a gazelle at high speed (they don t always succeed in catching them, and it s hard to know who to cheer for sometimes). It may be a close encounter with a herd of elephants, so close that you can feel the deep rumbles of infrasound they use to communicate with each other. We ll spend the day seeing what we can see, and finish with a spectacular sunset and delicious dinner at the Serengeti Kati Kati Luxury Tented Camp, where you ll feel just like Ernest Hemingway or Isak Dinesen (without the hunting rifles). This unique camp brings you the best of the safari experience, listening to the night sounds of lions and hyenas going about their business, while you stay safe in your tent. B, L, D included. January 31 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Our last day in the bush we ll have another amazing day of game drives. This time of year is perfect for finding young cats leopards, cheetahs, and lions have what may be the cutest babies and we re likely to see them trying their first attempts at venturing beyond their dens to learn how to be big cats. Throughout the trip, we ll see some of Africa s most unusual and colorful birdlife as well. There is simply no shortage of great photographic opportunities and visual imagery that will stay with you for a lifetime. On our last evening, we ll enjoy sundowners and canapés in style, under the wide open African sky and stars, then share our favorite moments from the trip over dinner before our last night spent on the savannah at the Serengeti Kati Kati Luxury Tented Camp. B, L, D included. February 1 RETURN TO ARUSHA AND HOME All good things must come to an end, and so it is with your African adventure. We ll leave camp after breakfast to head to Serengeti s Seronera Airstrip where we ll board a small plane back to Arusha. The flight will give you one more look at the landscape from the air as we fly over the volcanic mountain chain that includes Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. We ll be transferred from the airport to lunch at the Cultural Heritage Centre, where you ll have a chance to pick up last- minute souvenirs ranging from jewelry to woodcarvings, fine art to t- shirts. From there, we ll return to the Serena Mountain Village Hotel where our adventure began, so that you can check into a dayroom, repack, and freshen up before the flight home. After an early dinner at the hotel, we ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for our flights home, full of memories and ready to start planning how to return to Africa someday. B, L, D included.

7 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How much does this amazing trip cost? Cost per person is only $6000 (double occupancy, which means you will be sharing a room with one other person). If you want a single room, there will be an additional fee of $300 to secure a single space. That price includes all scheduled meals in above itinerary, all transfers, all taxes and service charges, all entry fees for parks, all activity fees, and bottled water in the vehicles. NOT included are airfare from your home to Arusha and back again, laundry services, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, travel insurance, passport and visa fees, tips for guides, tips at hotels and camps, and other personal expenses not specifically included in the itinerary above. Can I pay with a credit card? At this time, we can only accept checks or money orders made to Heartfelt Associates (in USA) or wire transfers (for those not in USA). When do you need the money? A deposit of $2000 per person must be made not later than August 29, Because we have limited seats available, no spaces will be held until the deposit is received. A second payment of $2000 must be received not later than October 15, 2014 and the final $2000 payment must be received not later than December 15, Why so much so early? In order to ensure that we get reservations at our preferred hotels and activities, we must put down deposits early. In fact, the earlier, the better, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible. We don t want you to miss any of the amazing opportunities this tour provides. Is it possible to get a refund if something comes up and I can t go after all? Until October 1, 2014 a refund of your $2000 deposit less a $500 administrative charge can be made (total refund available $1500). If you have a medical emergency or death in the family that prevents you from going on the trip at the last minute, we will

8 attempt to refund as much as we can of payments made with proof of the emergency, but cannot make any promises as this will depend on the kindness of our providers in- country. No other refunds will be made once payments are received since it is unlikely we can recover the costs from our providers or fill your seat at the last minute. $300. What happens if I don t have a roommate but would like one? We will pair you with a same- sex roommate in the same situation if you don t already have a roommate. If we end up with an odd number and can t pair you with someone, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement of What should I wear and what should I bring? Weather this time of year in Tanzania is usually quite warm layers ranging from t- shirts to light jackets and rain gear are suggested. This is an informal trip the entire way. A specific packing list with suggested items will be sent on receipt of your deposit. I m a little concerned about the physical condition I need to be in. Who can go on this trip or who should not go? If you can sit in a moving vehicle and have no fear of flying, you can manage this trip. We believe just about anyone can handle this itinerary. Some of the lodging arrangements may have stairs, and there is a short stroll on level terrain during our visit to Mto wa Mbu, but otherwise, most of our activities take place in a vehicle or within a short walking distance of our lodging or vehicle. What age limitations are there? We have previously had participants as young as 14 and as old as 82 on this itinerary without difficulty. Some of the camps we will be staying in ask that all participants be at least 13 at the time of travel, so we will need to adhere to that policy. What shots and other medical considerations should I know about? Depending on the country you re coming from, there may be different requirements. Please be sure to allow time for maximum effectiveness of vaccines. We highly recommend the following but you should check with your country s health department (CDC in the US) for the latest official requirements and your personal physician: - malaria preventative (we use Malarone, a once- daily tablet) - tetanus - hepatitis A & B - yellow fever (required for entry into Tanzania if coming from a yellow fever area) - typhoid - sun protection (hats and sunscreen)

9 - full supply of any personal medications (it is not easy to replace them in Tanzania) Will I need a passport and visa? Passport absolutely for everyone; visa may depend on your country of origin and you should check to see if one is required. If a visa is required for travelers from your country, please confirm whether you need to purchase it ahead of time or at the airport on arrival. For more information, visit us.org. We recommend allowing at least two months to obtain a visa in case there are any unexpected snags. Should I get travel insurance? We highly recommend this. We personally use Travelex, which has reasonable rates with a menu of options for the level of protection you desire. Travel insurance, depending on the type you select, may provide a refund of your flight and tour costs if you have to cancel, as well as medical coverage while out of your home country. Many health insurance programs do not cover you when you travel outside of your home nation so it is good to check before arranging additional coverage. What is the group size? The minimum group size is 10 (including Tim and Lisa as group leaders). The maximum group size is 12 (including Tim and Lisa as group leaders). The vehicles are 4x4 modified Land Cruisers with hatch tops for the best wildlife viewing. If we do not reach the minimum number of participants by October 15, we will cancel the trip and a full refund of your deposit will be made. Who should I contact for more details of any kind? Call or the group leaders, Tim Merriman or Lisa Brochu, at the following: Heartfelt Associates (Heartfelt Tours) 1105 Harris Dr. Fort Collins, CO Phone: (Tim), (Lisa) tim@heartfeltassociates.com, lisa@heartfeltassociates.com Okay, I m ready. How do I sign up for this adventure of a lifetime? Just send (snail mail or ) the completed registration form (next page) with your deposit and a copy of your passport photo page and we ll consider your space reserved. We ll be in touch between now and the departure date with additional information, photos, and other goodies to get you fully prepared, as well as sending reminders of payments due and receipts for monies received.

10 RESERVATION FORM Thank you for traveling with us! If you already have a traveling partner, you may use this form for up to two travelers. Deposits are $2000 per person and must be received not later than August 29, Space is limited. No space will be guaranteed until a deposit is received. A second payment of $2000 must be received by October 15, Final payment of $2000 per person (and single supplement if applicable) must be received not later than December 15, Deposits can be made by check or money order payable to Heartfelt Associates. If paying by wire transfer, we will send wire information on receipt of this form and your reservation will be confirmed when funds have been transferred. Regardless of how you pay, you must send PAGES 1 AND 2 of this completed form and a copy of your passport photo page with your deposit to this address (for receipt by August 1) or to lisa@heartfeltassociates.com: Reservation Checklist HEARTFELT ASSOCIATES TANZANIA TOUR 1105 HARRIS DRIVE FORT COLLINS CO Pages 1 and 2 of form, completed and signed by each traveler Deposit for each traveler Copy of passport photo page for each traveler TRAVELER INFORMATION (MUST MATCH PASSPORT INFORMATION) Traveler 1 Passport Name Date of Birth Passport Country Nametag (preferred name) Address City State Zip (Postal Code) Phone E- mail address I am paying my deposit by: Check Money Order Wire transfer (on receipt of wiring information). Traveler 2 Passport Name Date of Birth Passport Country Nametag (preferred name) Address City State Zip (Postal Code) Phone E- mail address I am paying my deposit by: Check Money Order Wire transfer (on receipt of wiring information). Page 1

11 ACCOMMODATIONS Prices are based on double occupancy. If a single room is requested or we are unable to find a suitable roommate, the single supplement rate of $300 will be charged. Assign Roommate: Yes No (Single supplement charge will be applied if necessary) Persons sharing a room: Traveler 1 Traveler 2 Bedding Preference (subject to availability): Queen Bed Twin Beds OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE I would like the hot air balloon ride at an additional Cost of $500 per person: (Due with second payment) Yes No AIR TRANSPORTATION You are responsible for making your own air reservations from your home to Kilimanjaro airport (JRO). Please attempt to match the itinerary arrival times of afternoon/evening on January 22 and departure the evening of February 1 so that we can accommodate transfers. As soon as you book your air tickets, you must send us your air itinerary to be assured of a transfer from airport to hotel. We recommend booking your tickets as soon as the trip is confirmed on October 15. Do not book prior to that unless you have cancelation insurance. If you have any questions about timing of flights and transfers, please contact us before you book your tickets. If you wish to stay later or arrive earlier to tour on your own in Tanzania, adjacent or en route countries and would like suggestions, please let us know. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS I have read and accept the conditions and further understand and agree that the ecotour I am taking may involve risks. I therefore assume all risks involved with regard to this ecotour and agree that Heartfelt Associates and its owners, partners, and all affiliates including Maasai Magic Safaris in the US and all offices in Africa and its employees, contractors, sub- contractors and all affiliates will in no way be responsible for any injury or damage to me or my belongings. This is acknowledged by me knowingly and willfully and shall be binding on my heirs and next of kin. Each participant must sign this waiver. Signature Traveler 1 Date Signature Traveler 2 Date YOU SPECIFICALLY UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THE REGISTRATION FORM YOU ARE RELEASING, DISCHARGING AND WAIVING ANY CLAIMS OR ACTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE PRESENTLY OR IN THE FUTURE FOR THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OR CONDUCT OF THE OWNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS OR SUBCONTRACTORS OF HEARTFELT ASSOCIATES AND MAASAI MAGIC SAFARIS. Page 2

12 GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS - USA The cost of our ecotours includes: Services of Heartfelt Associates pre- departure information to help you get the most out of your journey; all scheduled transportation during the ecotour unless otherwise specified; all transfers; meet and greet by Maasai Magic Safaris staff; all meals as indicated in your itinerary; all taxes and service charges; transportation in 4x4 custom vehicles in Tanzania; all park and activity fees as noted in itinerary; airfare from Seronera Airstrip to Arusha, one way; expert, certified naturalist Maasai Magic Safaris guides throughout your ecotour; temporary medical evacuation membership service for emergency on safari; bottled water and soft drinks while in the vehicle; all activities as specified in your itinerary (minor substitutions may be made due to availability of accommodations). Items not included in our safaris: International or domestic airfare to, from or within Tanzania except as specified in the itinerary; travel protection plan and medical insurance (strongly recommended); fees for passports and visas; U.S. and foreign airport departure taxes; tips to safari guides, camp staff, waiters and luggage handlers unless specified; porterage; personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, cold bottled water with meals, internet fees, phone calls; any other expense not specifically listed in inclusions. Single Travelers: Our costs are based on double occupancy. However, we try to accommodate single travelers who request single accommodations, as well as single travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the single supplement. Single accommodations are subject to availability. Deposits: Deposits are due at the time of reservation and must be received not later than August 29, The deposit amount is $2000 per person. Deposits can be made by check or money order (in US) or by wire transfer (outside US) and are payable to Heartfelt Associates. Please mail your deposit with your reservation form to Heartfelt Associates, Tanzania Tour, 1105 Harris Drive, Fort Collins CO Additional Payments: A second payment of $2000 must be received not later than October 15, Final payment of $2000 must be received not later than December 15, All payments must be made by check, money order or wire transfer to Heartfelt Associates. Cancelation Policy All cancelations must be received in writing or by and are effective upon receipt in our office. Cancelations received prior to October 15, 2014 will be refunded less an administrative charge of $500. On or after October 15, 2013 no refunds will be made. In the case of medical emergencies or a death in the immediate family, every attempt will be made to refund as much as Heartfelt Associates can recover of your fees. There will be no refund for any unused portions of an ecotour once it has commenced. Canceling your safari can be very costly, as we have to adhere to the cancelation fee schedule above. We highly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan, which will protect you from penalties if you cancel for a covered reason. In addition, there is coverage for trip interruption, trip delay and protection for emergency evacuation, accident and sickness medical expense. Heartfelt Associates and Maasai Magic Safaris are not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of personal luggage and belongings, personal injury, accident or illness, or any flight delays or cancelations. Transfers - Transfers are subject to the same terms as original reservations and cancelations. Cancelation by Heartfelt Associates: If an ecotour is canceled by Heartfelt Associates or Maasai Magic Safaris because of extraordinary conditions, all monies paid to Heartfelt Associates for land arrangements will be refunded in full. Heartfelt Associates and Maasai Magic Safaris cannot accept responsibility for any other expenses incurred for preparing for the safari, including non- refundable airline tickets, vaccinations, passport/visa, etc.

13 Our Published Rates: Changes in rates are rare, and caused by extraordinary circumstances outside our control. In the rare event that a cost should increase, cancelation is allowed without penalty. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. All prices are subject to change. Travel Documents/Vaccinations: Travelers must be in possession of valid passports with an expiration date beyond 6 months of your return date, and any visas, permits and certificates required for the whole of their ecotour and shall arrange such vaccinations as are normally recommended for the countries through which they intend to travel. Information as to these matters and as to climate, clothing, baggage, gear, and similar matters is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Heartfelt Associates. We highly recommend checking with the appropriate agencies in your country for advice on required and recommended travel documents and vaccinations. Schedule of Mail- outs: On receipt of your reservation & deposit, you will receive a confirmation E package by . (if you do not have access please let us know and we can send the confirmation by mail). This confirmation E package will include items to help you prepare for your ecotour. Additional updates will be sent as necessary by . Release of Liability: In consideration of the services and arrangements provided by Heartfelt Associates and Maasai Magic Safaris, you, for yourself and for your heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, hold harmless and agree to indemnify Safari Legacy, and its owners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, subcontractors and employees from any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, loss of personal belongings, lost profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise out of or occur during your travel in connection with the scheduled travel package and any activities conducted in conjunction therewith. YOU SPECIFICALLY UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THE REGISTRATION FORM YOU ARE RELEASING, DISCHARGING AND WAIVING ANY CLAIMS OR ACTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE PRESENTLY OR IN THE FUTURE FOR THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OR CONDUCT OF THE OWNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS OR SUBCONTRACTORS OF HEARTFELT ASSOCIATES AND MAASAI MAGIC SAFARIS. Updated - LB 7/17/14