A bespoke North Serengeti Safari TANZANIA. 10 Days/9 Nights

Transcription

1 A bespoke North Serengeti Safari TANZANIA 10 Days/9 Nights

2 North Serengeti Safari Tanzania 10 Days / 9 Nights Quotation Reference Start 20th July 2018 Travel Consultant Finish 29th July 2018 Leanne Gammon info@worldwildlfejourneys.com Office Cell 24h Table of Contents Introduction.3 Tour Highlights & Pricing.4 Payment Terms & Conditions...5 Itinerary In Brief..6 Arusha..7 Ngorongoro Crater.8 North Serengeti..9 Travel Information Page 2 of 12

3 Introduction Our Guarantee We are Safari Wildlife experts - At World Wildlife Journeys our sole objective is to offer our travellers the greatest wildlife encounters on earth so if you re passionate about the wonders of nature, it just makes sense to choose a company that is dedicated to creating life-changing wildlife safaris! Best Guides - We believe that the knowledge and experience of a seasoned guide brings an extra dimension to any safari and we pride ourselves in only recruiting the very best. With an average of over 30 years full-time experience, no other company that we know of comes even close to matching our minimum standard. Ethos - We are commi ed to practicing responsible eco-tourism that emphasises respect for the wildlife, the environment, and the wilderness communities that we visit. Our aim is to operate a company that not only offers life-changing journeys but also makes a meaningful contribution to the preservation of the wild places that we all love. Meet your Team Russell Gammon traces his ancestry back to se lers that first came out to Africa in the early 1820 s and as one of Africaʹs leading Professional Guides, he has been conducting photographic safaris throughout Southern and East Africa for over 30 years. He currently works with National Geographic and Smithsonian Institute, as well as many of the top Universitiesʹ alumni travel programs and his services are sort after, as a Private Guide, by discerning travelerʹs seeking to get the most out of their time in Africa. Leanne Gammon grew up on a remote game farm in Zimbabwe and her childhood was filled with all manner of adventures usually accompanied by a menagerie of pets that at various times included, an orphaned Banded Mongoose called Sikkie, a baby Duiker Antelope, three orphaned baby Elephant s and a voracious Flap Necked Chameleon called Chappie. Leanne s love of travel and passion for conservation meant the choice of a life on safari was a natural one and over the last 30 years she has worked in every facet of the safari industry. Her experience and a ention to detail ensures that every guests journey is as unique as it is unforge able. Page 3 of 12

4 Tour Highlights North Serengeti Safari Arusha National Park Manyara National Park Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area North Serengeti National Park Services of World Wildlife Journeys Guide with 30 years experience Witness the largest, Large Mammal Migration on Earth Visit the largest unflooded, intact volcanic caldera on Earth Drive through the heart of the Great East African Rift Valley Flight over Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater View the crossing on the Mara River in North Serengeti Visit 2 World Heritage Sites Presentation by World Wildlife Journeys Guide Fit for Purpose How Darwins natural selection has shaped Africa s Wildlife Hominid Evolution From Lucy to Modern Day, the ascent of man The search for the source of the Nile In the footsteps of the Victoria Explorers The Future of Wildlife Beyond poaching and population growth there is hope! NORTH SERENGETI SAFARI Pricing US$ PER PERSON SHARING US$ SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Page 4 of 12

5 Payment Terms & Conditions Included The services of a Specialist Wilderness Guide All safari transport by 4 4 safari vehicles with roof hatches Air transfers as specified Twin/double accommodation on board basis mentioned All game-viewing activities and park conservation fees for Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Parks and the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area All general touring Only at Olakira Camp- drinks (soft drinks, house wine, local beers & non-imported spirits) and bush laundry All on tour gratuities Payment Terms & Conditions Excluded International flights and associated departure taxes Visa fees if applicable (Tanzania US$ for US citizens) Travel Insurance & Medical Personal items Optional tours and excursions Drinks and laundry unless included Wire Transfer Bank details to be advised on Invoice Deposit: A non - refundable booking deposit of US$2500,per person sharing, is due at the time of booking, to confirm your travel arrangements. A further US$ 3712,per person sharing, is due by the 15th of February 2018, which takes the deposit total to 70% Final Payment of US$ 2663,per person sharing, is due 15th May Please ensure you take Medical and Travel Insurance for your Safari Cancellations Policy Cancellations are subject to the following penalties of the full trip price: days prior to trip start: 30% penalty days prior to trip start: 50% penalty 60 days prior to trip start: 100% penalty No Refunds will be made in case of late arrival or no show. Liability World Wildlife Journeys PVT. LTD, while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodations and other services only acts as an agent on the clear understanding that it shall not be, in any way responsible or liable for any accident, damage loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with travel facilities (Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Transporters, Railways) arranged by the company, its employees or agents. Rates quoted are subject to change without notice due to change in foreign exchange rate, or transport or hotel tariff. All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond our control. Page 5 of 12

6 Itinerary in brief DAY DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION th 1 20 July Kilimanjaro International Airport [JRO] Lake Duluti Serena Hotel 2 21 st July Arusha Lake Duluti Serena Hotel 3 22 nd July Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge 4 July Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge 23 rd th 25 th July Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge July Serengeti National Park Olakira Mobile Camp 7 26 th July Serengeti National Park Olakira Mobile Camp th 28 th July Serengeti National Park Olakira Mobile Camp July Serengeti National Park Olakira Mobile Camp th July Kilimanjaro International Airport [JRO] Depature Transport Flight Information DATE FLIGHT FROM TO ETD ETA 25 July Scheduled Manyara Kogatende Airstrip 9h45 10h35 29 July Scheduled Kogatende Airstrip Kilimanjaro International 9h25 12h30 Airport [JRO] Transfers DATE PICK UP DROP OFF 20 July 22 July Kilimanjaro International Airport [JRO] Lake Duluti Serena Hotel Lake Duluti Serena Hotel Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge 25 July Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Manyara Airstrip 25 July Kogatende Airstrip Olakira Camp 29 July Olakira Camp Kogatende Airstrip Page 6 of 12

7 Day 1-3 Lake Duluti Serena Hotel, Arusha Arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania, on your privately arranged international flights. After completing entry formalities, you will be met by your host and professional safari guide Russell Gammon, and transferred through to the Lake Duluti Serena where two nights are spent in double/twin rooms. On the second day, enjoy a full day excursion into nearby Arusha National Park having a picnic lunch at a suitable spot before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. The Lake Duluti Serena Hotel (formerly the Serena Mountain Village) is located on the shores of Lake Duluti, outside of Arusha. Accommodation for up to 84 guests is provided in 42 king and twin rooms situated in a half moon of stone built traditional rondaval style buildings, all shaded by makuti thatch and all overlooking the gardens. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and private verandas. The reception, lounge, library, restaurant and shop are all located in the main building. Wi-Fi is available. Arusha National Park is often overlooked by visitors intent on seeing its more wellknown neighbours, but this small 200 sq mile park offers an incredible and beautiful diversity of habitats. Located near Arusha town and to the east of Mount Meru, the park includes a band of lowland montane forest which is full of inquisitive blue monkeys, the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey and colourful turacos and trogons. In the middle of the forest is the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor favoured by buffalo and warthog. Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the Momela Lakes, each one a different shade of green or blue or sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos. The lakes support a wide variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Waterbuck, giraffe and zebra are commonly seen, and although elephants are uncommon, and lions absent altogether, leopards and spo ed hyenas may be seen in the early morning andlate afternoon.mount Meru - the fifth highest in Africa at 4,566 metres (14,990 feet) - whoʹs peaksand eastern slopes are protected within the national park, dominates the parkʹshorizon. Mt Meru offers wonderful views of its more famous neighbour MtKilimanjaro, while also being a rewarding, less challenging hike in its own right. Included Bed & Breakfast - Packed Lunch on Safari Dinner & Drinks NOT included Page 7 of 12

8 Day 3-6 Ngorongoro Serena, Ngorongoro Crater After breakfast, depart on safari driving westwards through Arusha and across the central plateau to Lake Manyara National Park, about 2 and a half hours drive. Spend the rest of the morning game-viewing through the park before taking a picnic lunch at a suitable location. Lake Manyara National Park lies in the Great Rift Valley at the foot of the Ngorongoro Highlands.The 325 sq. km park has a charm which is completely different from other wildlife areas. The terrain consists of five distinct vegetational zones: groundwater forest with towering mahogany and fig trees, grassy glades, extensive marshland reeds, parkland sca ered with acacia trees and the scrubland of the 305m high Rift Valley wall, plus the 230 sq. km lake itself. Manyara has a high-density population of elephant, particularly young calves. The lions are known for their ʹtreeclimbingʹ habits, but they are not always easy to locate. Other animals to be found include buffalo, giraffe, leopard, zebra, bushbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck, impala, gazelle, baboon and both vervet and blue monkey. Near the hot springs, klipspringer can be observed on the rocky outcrops. Vast numbers of (migratory) water birds can be seen, particularly flamingo, pelican, stork, sacred ibis, grebe and cormorant, when the lake if full. In recent years however, this has only occurred during the rains and for a short time thereafter. The total number of bird species is in excess of 350. In the mid-afternoon, depart the park and ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands driving westwards through the rural market town of Karatu to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. After stopping at a view point, continue around the rim of the Crater to the Ngorongoro Serena lodge, arriving in the late afternoon. Two nights are spent here in twin/double rooms. On your second day, enjoy a full day game-viewing excursion onto the floor of the Crater, taking a picnic lunch to avoid having to return to the lodge too early. The Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is a largish lodge situated on the south-west side of the crater rim. The double storey accommodation blocks stretch out either side of the main reception, lounge, dining room and bar, all of which is built on decking under a huge makuti thatch roof. The 75 rooms are very comfortable, each with en suite facilities and a private verandah with excellent views over the crater. Wi-Fi isavailable. Included Full Board - Breakfast & Dinner, Packed lunch on safari Drinks not included Page 8 of 12

9 Day 6-10 Serengeti National Park - Introduction After three nights we drive to Manyara Airstrip to catch our flight to North Serengeti. With an area of some 14,000 sq. km, Serengeti is probably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. It contains more than 2,000,000 wildebeest, 500,000 Thomsonʹs gazelle and 250,000 zebra: the largest concentration of plains game in Africa. More than 30 species of herbivores are found here, plus nearly 500 species of birds. The hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra congregate on the southern short grass plains during the intermi ent rainy months from November to March/ April, calving around the end of January when the nutritious grass is at its best. The rut follows. Depending on grass/water supply, the start of the Serengeti annual migration begins at the end of this period, and the herds begin to march north/westwards, ʹlowingʹ incessantly so that the air hums like a dynamo (zebra first, then the wildebeest and gazelles). Lion, cheetah, hyaena and wild dog follow, ensuring that only the fi est survive, while jackals trail behind and vultures circle overhead. The herds reach the north and western regions from late May and remain there during the dry season (June to October) where they have access to permanent water. Around October/ November, as the rain clouds gather, the herds head south once more to calve on those nutritious short grass plains before starting the cycle again. Apart from the decline of black rhino (from poaching) and wild dog, the wildlife is Serengeti is thriving. But is a delicate ecosystem, easily affected by drought, overgrazing and disease. The Serengeti ecosystem includes the National Park itself, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Maswa Game Reserve and Kenyaʹs Masai Mara National Reserve, together forming one of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on earth. The landscape was originally formed by volcanic activity in the Ngorongoro highlands and it varies from the open short grass plains in the south, to savannah and sca ered acacia woodlands in the centre, to extensive woodland and black clay plains in the west, to hilly wooded grassland in the north. Most of the permanent water is found towards the northern and western areas, the lack of water and food in the south being the main reason for the annual migration. Other animals likely to be seen include giraffe, elephant, buffalo, impala, hippo, and leopard, aside from the aforementioned predators. Page 9 of 12

10 Day 6-10 Olakira Mobile Camp, Serengeti National Park As the Great Migration makes its way across the expansive Serengeti plains, so the luxury seasonal Olakira Camp follows. In the early part of the year, Olakira is perfectly situated in the Northern Serengeti to have a front row seat for when the big herds move north. Under canvas and intimate, Olakira Camp captures the essence of classic mobile tented safaris, reminiscent of safaris in the old days. Olakira is an intimate mobile safari camp made up of 8 spacious and comfortable tents. Each tent features a king size bed, en-suite bathroom and private veranda with a stunning view over the Serengeti. The camp moves twice a year between carefully chosen campsites, allowing for superb game viewing at all times. Meaning star in Swahili, Olakira Camp aims to delivering an intimate and authentic safari experience. Included Full Board - Drinks (Local Brands) Included Departure Page 10 of 12

11 Travel Information The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go! Banking and Currency Currency In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings. Banking Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines. Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes. Clothing and Dress Recommendations It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing, preferably co on or linen, is recommended. While on a game viewing safari, avoid brightly coloured clothing, stick to whites, beiges, khakis and browns. There may be long days si ing in safari vehicles, so it is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing such as short sleeved shirts and co on/linen trousers or shorts. Denim will become too hot and extremely uncomfortable. Walking shoes and socks will be required. The evenings will be chilly, so long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn. A sweater may be needed. These will also prevent you being bi en by insects. A hat should be worn at all times outside. The sun may sometimes not feel hot, but it can still easily burn, especially if it is cloudy and overcast. If visiting Zanzibar or any coastal town donʹt forget to take a swimsuit, as it is invariably warm. Ladies are recommended to take co on skirts, blouses and dresses. Sandals are a must for this environment! On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity is not.as over a third of the population in Tanzania is Muslim, it is therefore not etique e for ladies to walk around in public displaying their legs and shoulders. Remember to dress modestly as short shorts, miniskirts, vests and tank tops will be frowned upon. Page 11 of 12

12 Travel Information (cont.) Travel, Transport and Ge ing Around If you are visiting a number of parks and reserves in Tanzania, you can either drive or fly between them. Roads in most of the wilderness areas are in poor condition and unmarked, and self-driving is not recommended. Operators will supply you with a driver who doubles as an informal guide; alternatively, you can arrange to fly to your destination and utilize a car and driver supplied by the lodgings. Elsewhere in Tanzania, towns and cities are linked by a steady stream of buses and daladalas (minibuses), and in the cities, there is public transport in the way of buses, dala-dalas, taxis, and, in some places, bicycles or tuk-tuks. Precision Air run regular services, mostly via Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar, to all main towns and other destinations in East Africa and beyond. All national parks and some of the top-end luxury lodges have airstrips and Coastal Air operates between these and the main airports on the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. ZanAir has frequent connections between Zanzibar, Pemba and the mainland. Driving is on the left hand side of the road Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Most camps, lodges or hotels cater specifically to tourists and serve Western-style food, ranging in standard, but generally are excellent. Game lodges tend to offer a daily set menu with a limited selection, so it is advisable to have your tour operator specify in advance if you are a vegetarian or have other specific dietary requirements. First-time visitors to Africa might take note that most game lodges in and around the national parks have isolated locations, and driving within the parks is neither permi ed nor advisable after dark, so that there is no realistic alternative to eating at your lodge. Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travellers try to stick to mineral water. Filtered and bo led water can be difficult to find you are travelling outside of main town and so it is advisable to stock up. Most camps, lodges and hotels have bo led water readily available. Climate and Weather Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the ʹlong rainsʹ, lasts during about March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30 s. The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but itʹs usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather itʹs a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December thereʹs another rainy season: the ʹshort rainsʹ. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable. If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzaniaʹs ʹshort dry seasonʹ, before starting to rain again in earnest in March. Electricity and Plug Standards The electricity supply in Tanzania is 220/240 volts at 50Hz. Plugs are 3 point square (UK Type). Adapters are available at major airports. Page 12 of 12