Tanzania Safari. Stephen Johnson

Transcription

1 Specially Designed Tanzania Safari January 26 February 6, 2011 with Photographer Stephen Johnson and a few friends Presented by Karin Sennstrom Landmark Travel Ltd.

2 Day 1 Wednesday, January 26 ARUSHA After your arrival in Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by your personal driver-guide, and transferred to your lodge. Ngare Sero Lodge is a farmhouse dating from the 1900 s, set in lush gardens, beside a forest and crystal clear spring waters, on the slope of Mount Meru. Two hundred species of birds have been recorded; Colobus and Sykes monkeys roam the forest. Ngare Sero is the ideal place to start a safari in Tanzania. Dinner at the lodge. Ngare Sero Lodge (D) Day 2 Thursday, January 27 ARUSHA - NGORONGORO CRATER Depart for Manyara National Park. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is one of the most beautiful places in Africa. As you enter the gate, the Park is dramatically marked off by lush green vegetation consisting of tall trees of the ground water forest, which provide home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Further down, the forest opens up into woodland, grassland, swamps and beyond, the soda lake itself where over 350 species of birds, including the lively flamingo, pelican, sacred ibis, grebe and stork can be viewed (a bird watchers paradise). At the southern end of the Park are hot sulphur springs called MajiMoto. Manyara is noted for its numerous buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo, as well as a great variety of smaller animals, and of course the very elusive tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, you will proceed towards Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Climb steadily through the Ngorongoro Highlands before reaching the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. A brief stop will be made at the viewpoint so that you may admire the vista of the crater some two thousand feet below. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is well camouflaged and has been built into the rim of the Crater keeping to a minimum any intrusion into the surrounding countryside. From each of the 75 rooms, the view into the Crater is stunning. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (B,L,D)

3 Day 3 Friday, January 28 NGORONGORO CRATER Standing at 2236m above sea level, Ngorongoro is the largest unbroken caldera in the world and is surrounded by very steep walls rising 610m from the floor. Covering an area of 259 sq.kms., it is considered to be one of the Wonders of the Natural World and is a veritable haven for wildlife. Leaving early in the morning and taking a picnic lunch with you, you will spend most of the day game driving on the floor of the crater. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (B,L,D) Day 4 Saturday, January 29 NGORONGORO CRATER - NGAROI WILDERNESS AREA The drive across the un-traveled short grass plains of the Serengeti to the exclusive Ngaroi Wilderness Area is one of the most breathtaking, off road adventures left in northern Tanzania. You wind your way through dramatic ravines cut into the Gol Mountains, across vast open plains dotted with golden Gazelles into the 300 square kilometer reserve exclusive to Wildlife Explorer. The customary glass of chilled champagne or fresh juice welcomes you to camp. Since 1991 our Tanzania partnership has combined community and low impact tourism to create a unique environment in which to enjoy safari as it really should be - remote, exclusive and totally devoid of any restrictions, other than the ones you wish to impose. The Alamana Wilderness camp, built around an amphitheatre of kopjes facing west for stunning views as the sun sets, provides extremely comfortable accommodation in a traditional tented camp atmosphere with the added luxuries of individually designed sleeping tents, imported linens and duvets, feather pillows, exterior futons for relaxing during the day as well as en-suite bathrooms for your comfort. Complimenting the private sleeping accommodations is a split level, wooden floored lounge and dining tent with hardwood furnishings, rugs from Afghanistan and Russia and of course a full compliment of complimentary beverages from fresh juices to cellar wines. The renowned cuisine, designed to be healthy and nutritious, as well as tasty, includes freshly made salads, focaccia, pita and other breads baked in a dutch oven and main courses cooked over an open fire, either as intended or adapted to your preferences. Welcome to The Alamana Wilderness Camp in The Ngaroi. Alamana Wilderness Camp (B,L,D) Day 5, 6 & 7 Sunday/Monday/Tuesday, January 30, 31 & February 1 THE NGAROI Close liaison with your driver-guide is greatly encouraged to ensure the choice of daily activities match your mood and pace. There is the freedom to carry out Safaris on foot with one of the Resident Specialist Walking Guides, or with young Masai Warriors. You can also Game Drive in open vehicles and enjoy night Game Drives. You can picnic looking out onto the vast plains, (Serengeti means endless plains in the Masai language) or on a kopje outcropping. You can decide to spend a night in our fly camp, with just a net between you and the stars. You may also choose to enjoy a delicious Bush Breakfast or a more leisurely lunch in camp. Alamana Wilderness Camp (B,L,D) Day 8 Wednesday, February 2 THE NGAROI-SERENGETI PLAINS Drive to the Southern Serengeti plains - game drive en route to your Camp.

4 The days of heavy canvas hunting camps set for the likes of Roosevelt and Hemingway were almost over until Photographic safaris gained popularity. Your Luxury Mobile Tented Camps are tasteful, extremely comfortable, and above all mobile, allowing complete freedom to follow the movements of the great migratory herds. Wildlife Explorer is extremely proud to have the new tent bay fully operational for all their mobile safaris. The tents, which have been custom designed for them, offer the very highest level of comfort and mobility. New furniture, new layout, and now full led and energy saving light technology make those early morning wake up calls even more enjoyable! The bathrooms remain en-suite, but the shower now enjoys an open air feel to really take advantage of the impressive night skies. All tents are en-suite with Queen or twin bedded sleeping arrangements, silver service dining and of course the renowned well-balanced menus served al Fresco under the African stars or in the candlelit dining tent. Migration Luxury Private Camp (B,L,D Day 9, 10 & 11 Thursday/Friday/Saturday, February 3, 4, 5 SERENGETI PLAINS Three full days will be spent exploring the nearby areas of the Serengeti ecosystem, following conditions and the movement of game. The Serengeti is where thousands of wildebeest, gazelle, topi, buffalo and zebra draw predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, making it the world s most exciting wildlife environment. Migration Luxury Private Camp (B,L,D) Day 12 Sunday, February 6 SERENGETI - ARUSHA-DEPART FOR USA Drive to the nearest airstrip and fly to Arusha, where lunch will have been arranged, before driving to KIA Lodge where a day use room will be at your disposal. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your International flight departure. KIA Lodge (day room, B,L) End of services * * *

5 LAND COST Per person, based on sharing twin accommodations $ based on 3 full paying trip participants $ based on 4 full paying trip participants Single supplement - $300 INCLUDED IN LAND COST: Kilimanjaro airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure trip dates Accommodations at lodges specified in the itinerary, or similar Private Tented Camps: Alamana Wilderness Camp and Migration Luxury Camp Safari camp staff All meals as specified in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner) Exclusive use of one 4WD safari vehicle with window seating Exclusive services of professional driver-guides Services of Walking Guide Specialist in the Alamana Wilderness Camp Game Park Entrance Fees. Camp Site Fees, Conservation Fees Temporary Membership in Flying Doctor Society for emergency medical assistance All soft drinks, beers, local brands spirits and house wines while in Alamana Wilderness and Migration Luxury Private Tented Camps Scheduled flight Serengeti/Arusha NOT INCLUDED IN LAND COST: International flights/airfare (USA-Kilimanjaro-USA Nairobi road transfers should you prefer to fly in/out of Nairobi Single supplement (quoted separately) Travel Protection Insurance covering Trip Cancellation, Trip Delay, Baggage, Emergency Medical Expenses, Emergency Medical Evacuation and Assistance Services. (This optional coverage is strongly recommended and can be purchased through Landmark Travel Ltd.) Information and application will be sent upon enrollment Customary gratuities to camp staff and driver-guides Passport and visa fees Any inoculations, medications required/recommended for travel to Tanzania Alcoholic and soft beverages in the lodges (Ngare Sero and Ngorongoro Serena Lodge). Premium brand spirits and Champagne throughout Items of a personal nature such as laundry at lodges, mail, and phone calls Hotels, meals, or other services at any stopover point en route (e.g. in Europe) Meals not noted in the itinerary Airport departure taxes, where applicable Excess baggage charges Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Landmark Travel Ltd. International Air and En Route Stopovers The land cost does not include your international transportation from your home city. We will be happy to assist you with these arrangements and with any other additional extensions you may wish to add to your trip itinerary. We will try to secure the best possible fare for you and request that you notify us immediately of any pre-and post-trip extension plans. Early reservations ensure the most desired airlines, routings, seating, and departure times. Unfortunately, we cannot initiate frequent-flyer bookings.

6 If you are not using Landmark Travel Ltd. for your air travel (including using frequent flyer tickets), it is essential that you give us your air schedule at least 60 days prior to your departure, so that we may confirm your arrival and departure transfers and hotels. Trip Grade This safari is graded Easy to Moderate Touring a camping and lodge safari. All accommodations are excellent and luxury private camps are delightful. You will reach an altitude of 4,600 ft in Arusha and 7,500 ft at Ngorongoro Crater. All game drives are operated in 4-wheel drive vehicles; you will travel over uneven surfaces at low speeds. There will be some long driving days and at times over rough roads and dirt tracks. At your camp on private gamelands, experience off-road travel and game walks with a skilled tracker an activity exclusive and possible only on private gamelands. The walks allow you to explore the African bush at a slow pace and can be enjoyed if in reasonably good health. Africa s wild animals are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Care must be taken at all times, including walking around camps. Please remember that travel in Africa can be arduous and fraught with logistical delays and changes. Travelers to Africa should bring along flexibility, a sense of humor and be open to the unexpected. Together you will endure the significant rigors of rough roads and full schedules, and share the fantastic rewards of discovering remote lands and new friends. Note Regarding Baggage Weight Limits Your luggage should fit in one large soft-sided bag (or duffle bag) and not exceed 15 kgs/33lbs in weight. No hard suitcases or wheeled bags permitted. This is also applicable to your flight from Serengeti to Arusha. Extra luggage (such as travel clothes, books, etc.) can be stored in Arusha until your return on February 6. Pre-Trip Information After you sign up for the trip, you will receive detailed information on required documents, health and safety, clothing suggestions, background information and suggested reading. Payment schedule On or before Oct. 15: $2300 per person Oct. 15, 2010: Balance payment Cancellation schedule All cancellations must be received in writing Cancellations received before Oct. 15, 2010: $150 per person plus any non-refundable fees paid to lodges and National Parks to secure the booking Cancellations received between Oct. 15 and Nov. 4, 2010: 25% of tour cost Cancellations received between Nov. 5 and Nov. 24, 2010: 50% of tour cost Cancellations received November 25 or later: No refund At or after trip departure: No refund Refunds for Unused Portions of Trip No refunds can be made for any accommodations, services or features not taken. If cancellation occurs while trip is in progress, there fill be no refund for any unused portion About our Tanzania Partner In 1984, Gary Strand, The Founder and Managing Director of Wildlife Explorer, originally formed the company with his parents and late wife, after leading long range expeditions across the length and breadth of the African continent. As a keen Naturalist and with his great in-depth knowledge of the areas in which Wildlife Explorer safaris, his enthusiasm for the bush is quickly contagious! He has built the company into the premier safari outfitter it is today. Trained as a professional photographer, his eye for a great photograph has seen numerous publications and exhibitions

7 including the front cover of Geographic magazine. Many of their guests return time and time again to experience unspoilt Africa. I consider it an exceptional privilege to have been able to spend so much of my life surrounded by Africa s unique peoples, landscapes and wildlife and to have been able to unfold the magic that is Africa to so many of my guests. Each Safari is lead by a Professional Wildlife Explorer Guide who has the knowledge and expertise to unfold the magic of a true journey in the wilderness with exclusive use of specially prepared 4WD vehicles. Wildlife-Explorer supports various community projects, as well as secondary school scholarships. Over the past 15 years they have provided school uniforms and supplies and participated in the renovation and construction of primary and secondary school classrooms, teachers quarters, toilets and libraries in villages near the Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha and Moshi. They are currently helping with the construction of a village health clinic for women. The person organizing your trip Karin Sennstrom, representing Wildlife Explorer, is making all the special arrangements required for this Exclusive Safari. She is a native of Sweden. An enthusiastic wanderer from an early age, Karin is a member of the select group of travelers who have visited all seven continents. During her 40 years in the travel industry she has been fortunate in developing many long lasting relationships with the wonderful people who define the travel industry around the globe. Her work is carefully designed with select professional and dedicated local partners. Karin s focus is on nature, wildlife, local cultures as well as photography and to provide quality and memorable experiences for the travelers. Her passion for Africa goes back to her first visit in the early 70 s and she has returned numerous times since. To register for the Safari, contact: Karin Sennstrom Private Journeys Specialist Landmark Travel Ltd. Virtuoso Member 335 Village Square Orinda, CA California License CST # Direct line: Cell: ksennstrom@yahoo.com

8 CONSUMER DISCLOSURE NOTICE PART OF CONTRACT OF SERVICE Landmark Travel Ltd., it s employees and affiliates, Stephen Johnson, and Stephen Johnson Photography, (referred to below as the travel agency ) are acting as mere agents for the various companies in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc). The travel agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term guaranteed is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. The travel agency shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages or losses caused to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions or conditions outside the travel agency s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the travel agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations, during the length of the proposed travel. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of the above risks as well as possible travel industry bankruptcies and medical and climatic disruptions, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them, which is available at an extra cost through this travel agency. Traveler s retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the above and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members. LANDMARK TRAVEL, LTD. 335 Village Square, Orinda, CA Ph: (925) Fax: (925) info@landmarktravel.com California License CST #