AFRICA Anniversary Safari July / August 2018

Transcription

1 AFRICA Anniversary Safari July / August 2018 This safari is divided into three stages. You can select which ones you participate in, and you may choose to add on a side trip to Zanzibar. The following itinerary describes the one continuous tour, but indicates break-points for joining and leaving the group. International flights, regional flights and accommodation will be arranged to support whichever stages you choose. The costings at the rear reflect the stages described, however your individual variation may incur additional local transfer costs etc. STAGE 1 : KENYA NORTHERN TANZANIA Mon 16 Jul This morning we are flying from Sydney to Johannesburg on a Qantas flight departing at 10:50am. The flying time to Johannesburg is scheduled for 14hrs 10min. We arrive into Johannesburg at 5.00pm. After clearing Customs & Immigration we transfer to our hotel. The Peermont Metcourt Suites is one of four hotels within the Emperors Palace complex. The central part of the complex offers a variety of reasonably priced restaurants, a casino and retail shops. Access to this area is a few minutes walk from the Metcourt Suites. While the Metcourt Suites serves breakfast (which is included in your tariff), other meals will need to be taken in the central complex. Overnight at Peermont Metcourt Suites, Johannesburg (B&B basis) Tue 17 Jul This morning we use the hotel shuttle to return to the airport for our 10:10am flight to Nairobi. Flying time is 3hrs 55min.

2 On arrival at Nairobi at 3:05pm we will be met and greeted by our Kenyan/Tanzania operator transferred to our hotel this can take a little while as Nairobi traffic can be woeful. The Southern Sun Mayfair is in one of the quieter western suburbs of Nairobi. There are a few restaurants in the hotel complex we would recommend the buffet beside the pool for dinner. Overnight at Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel, Nairobi (B&B Basis) Wed 18 Jul This morning we will be transferred from our hotel to Wilson Airport (Nairobi s secondary airport) for a flight with Safarilink to the Masai Mara, departing at 10:30am. This is the first of our flights in smaller aircraft and our luggage will definitely be weighed at check-in. The weight limitation on luggage is 15kgs per passenger (hand and checked luggage). On arrival at the Mara at around 11.10am we will be met by our driver/guides and transferred to Ashnil Mara Camp for lunch and then a mid afternoon game drive. Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's finest wildlife reserve. Everything about this reserve is outstanding. The wildlife is abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure that animals are never out of sight. Birds, too, are prolific. Including migrants, well over 450 species have been recorded, among them, 57 species of birds of prey. Each year, far south in the great vastness of the Serengeti, the wildebeest raise their dignified but quaint heads, sniff the air and, as if by one accord, start the long trek to the Kenya border and the Masai Mara. After exhausting the grazing in Tanzania's northern Serengeti, a large number of wildebeest and zebra enter the Masai Mara National Reserve around the end of June drawn by the sweet grass raised by the long rains of April and May.

3 It is estimated that more than half a million wildebeest enter the Masai Mara National Reserve and are joined by another 100,000 from the Loita Hills east of the Masai Mara. Driving in the midst of these great herds is an unimaginable experience. Whilst the eyes feast on the spectacle, the air carries the smells, the dust and the sounds of hundreds of thousands of animals. There is nowhere else on earth to compare with this wildlife marvel. Located at the very centre of the famous Mara Triangle' of the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, Ashnil Mara Camp sits on the 25 million year prehistoric land which spans virtually all stages of life s evolution and the fossil record. It comprises 40 luxury tents, located adjacent to the Mara River, famous for the wildebeest migration. From our base at Ashnil Lodge we will explore the Masai Mara Reserve. Overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya. (Full Board). Thu 19 Jul Morning and afternoon gameviewing in the Masai Mara. We have our own vehicles so we can spend extended times gameviewing and also take picnic lunches for a full days viewing. Overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya. (Full Board)

4 Fri 20 Jul Today, in addition to undertaking further game drives, will proceed outside the Park to visit Rongai manyatta, a Masai village which is less frequented by tourists. Overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya. (Full Board) Sat 21 Jul Today we have our last opportunity to search for that elusive wildebeest crossing or track down one of the rare black rhinos of the Mara. Overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya. (Full Board) Sun 22 Jul This morning we depart from the Masai Mara and fly back to Nairobi where we transfer to a connecting flight to Arusha in Tanzania. From Arusha we proceed to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire lies to the south of the large open grass plains of southern Maasailand and is the best-kept secret on the northern safari circuit of Tanzania. It offers wonderful panoramas of wide savannah grasslands dotted with open acacia woodland studded with large Baobab trees. The density of game is second only to the crowded Ngorongoro Crater.

5 While Serengeti's animal migration has attained fame, for many tourists little is known of Tarangire s annual migration. The difference with Serengeti is that, in the Serengeti animals migrate away from the park during the dry season (June to October). The opposite happens in Tarangire, animals migrate from Maasai Steppe to the park during the dry season. They come in search for water, which is provided by Tarangire River, and predators migrate in search of prey. During this period the park has the largest concentration of animals in any park in the northern Tanzania. The most spectacular aspect of this migration is that it includes the largest number of elephant (migrating) anywhere in Africa. While there is some debate as to the actual number of elephant that move during this period, current estimates agree that around 5,000 are involved, while one research group believes that it could actually be approaching 10,000 animals. (One of our previous groups has observed over 1,000 elephants in a continuous procession through a valley in Tarangire. This is not to be seen anywhere else on the African continent - elephant herds usually number less than 30) Hidden among the kopjes, lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge, surrounded by ancient baobab trees. With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt ground. Overnight Tarangire Sopa Lodge. (Full Board)

6 Mon 23 Jul Game viewing in Tarangire National Park Overnight Tarangire Sopa Lodge. (Full Board Basis) Tue 24 Jul Game viewing in Tarangire National Park Overnight Tarangire Sopa Lodge. (Full Board Basis) Wed 25 Jul This morning we undertake a final safari before we depart from Tarangire and travel northwest to Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater (610 metres deep and 260 sq. kms in area, it is almost 20kms across at it widest point) is a microcosm of East African scenery and game. Here there are 25,000 larger animals within the crater itself, mostly zebra and wildebeest.

7 The Crater is possibly the only place to see black rhino in Tanzania, as well as prides of lion that include the magnificent black-maned males. There are lots of colourful flamingos and a variety of other water birds around the soda lake on the crater floor. More than a 100 species of bird not found in the Serengeti have been found in the crater. Other game includes: leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephants, warthog, impala, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and lots of other members of the antelope family. Our stay at the crater will be at the Sopa Lodge, which is perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater at 2375 metres (7800 ). The lodge is spacious, offering luxury appointed rooms that command a majestic view of the crater. Open fireplaces are features of the bar, lounge and dining room. The lodge offers a bracing "high altitude" swimming pool. Overnight Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. (Full Board) Thu 26 Jul This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. In an attempt to avoid congestion in the crater, a six hour permit is issued to all vehicles during that time we will experience the vast array of wildlife concentrated into this wonderland and we shall have lunch next to a freshwater lake where hippos watch our every move. After leaving the crater we return to our lodge s viewpoint of the crater highlands.

8 Overnight at Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. (Full Board basis) Fri 27 Jul This morning we depart Sopa Lodge leaving the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and proceed to the regional centre of Arusha. For those continuing with Stage 2 of the tour the afternoon is at leisure with an overnight stay at Arusha. Overnight at Kibo Palace Hotel, Arusha. (B&B basis) For those leaving the tour at this stage you will depart Arusha this afternoon for your next destination (Nairobi / Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar.. ) STAGE 2 : SOUTHERN TANZANIA Sat 28 Jul This morning we return to Arusha Airport for our flight with Safari Air Link to Ruaha National Park. This flight takes around 3.5 hours with a refuelling stop en-route. The weight limitation on luggage is 15kgs per passenger (hand and checked luggage). Ruaha National Park is 20,226 square kilometres in size, making it the largest National Park not only in Tanzania, but East Africa. It sits alongside the Ruaha River which floods during the rains, but nearly dries up during the the dry season. The river is a magnet for all wildlife, but especially for predators with lion, cheetah and leopard being present in good numbers. The Park is famous as a home to wild dog, which is becoming rarer to find across Africa. It is home to the largest population of elephant in Tanzania.

9 Our stay will be at Ruaha River Lodge (one of the Lodges owned by the Fox family, who have pioneered brilliantly located lodges and camps throughout Southern Tanzania). With individual style accommodation along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, you can relax on your veranda and watch dramas unfold as game comes down to the river to drink. Designed to blend into the surroundings, the lodge is constructed out of local stone and thatch. The rooms are spacious with uninterrupted views of the river. Depending upon the timing of the flight from Arusha we shall endeavour to undertake game viewing this afternoon. Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha. (Full board basis) Sun 29 Jul Today we have morning and afternoon safaris in Ruaha. Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha. (Full board basis) Mon 30 Jul Today we have morning and afternoon safaris in Ruaha. Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha. (Full board basis)

10 Tue 31 Jul Today we shall transfer from Ruaha to Selous with Safari Air Link. This usually takes place in the middle of the day which may permit game viewing in both locations. The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest wildlife reserves of the world. It was named after Frederick Selous, a famous big game hunter and early conservationist. Selous was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of its wildlife and undisturbed nature. The reserve covers a total area of 50,000 km2 and within the reserve no permanent human habitation or permanent structures are permitted. Much of the Selous is wild and unchartered and acts as secure a haven for wildlife. It is estimated that over 60,000 elephants and over 120,000 buffalo are found here. One quarter of all the wild dogs in Africa are found in this Reserve. These staggering figures do not diminish the vast array of other typical African wildlife, including the apex predators, that are found here. Our stay is at Rufiji River Camp (also owned by the Fox family). Situated on a promontory in the Rufiji River, it overlooks one of the most stunning areas of Southern Tanzania. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp, Selous Game Reserve (Full Board basis) Wed 1 Aug Morning and afternoon game viewing in the Selous Reserve and by boat on the Rufiji River. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp, Selous Game Reserve (Full Board basis)

11 Thu 2 Aug Morning and afternoon game viewing in the Selous Reserve and by boat on the Rufiji River. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp, Selous Game Reserve (Full Board basis) Fri 3 Aug Today we depart from Selous and fly to Dar es Salaam with Safari Air Link. For those leaving the tour at this stage you will depart Dar es Salaam for your next destination (Johannesburg / Zanzibar.. ) At Dar es Salaam we connect with the South African Airways flight to Johannesburg. Overnight at Peermont Metcourt Suites, Johannesburg (B&B basis) STAGE 3 : ZAMBIA Sat 4 Aug This morning we depart Johannesburg, for a flight to Lusaka (Zambia) on SAA. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Latitude 15 Hotel, Lusaka. (B&B basis) Sun 5 Aug This morning we return to Lusaka airport for an 11:20am flight with Proflight to Mfuwe. This flight has a baggage allowance of 20kgs, but hand luggage is limited to 5kgs. The aircraft has a small interior with no overhead compartments and limited cabin space. You may be forced to have your hand-luggage stored in the hold of the aircraft.

12 The South Luangwa National Park The Luangwa Valley has one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. Due to the lush riverine vegetation and lots of water, large animal populations and a variety of birdlife can comfortably be supported. Sightings of lion and leopard are common. Puku, while not widely distributed in Africa, are common in the Luangwa. With over 400 resident species, the Luangwa is a wonderful place to see birds at any time of the year. During the wet months, from November to March, many migrants arrive and the Luangwa becomes a mecca for birders. The Luangwa is known for huge herds of elephants and large pods of hippos. Of the primates, baboons and vervet monkeys are prolific, and Maloney's monkey is scarcer. Present, but unlikely to be seen except on night drives, is the nocturnal bushbaby. Hyenas are fairly common throughout the valley and their plaintive, eerie cry, so characteristic of the African bush, can be heard on most nights. Lions are as plentiful in the Luangwa as anywhere else in Africa, but when a kill is made away from the central tourist area, the pride may stay away for several days and may not be seen by visitors on a short stay. Very often they roam in prides of up to 30. Of the other carnivores present but not often seen is the caracal, wild dog, serval and side striped jackal. The Luangwa River also has an extraordinarily high number of crocodiles. It is not uncommon to see several basking on the riverbanks or even floating down the river tearing at a dead animal. Night drives are fascinating in the Luangwa - not only for the chance of seeing a leopard but for the many interesting animals that only come to life at night. Other animals active at night include genets, civets, servals, hyenas, and bushbabies as well as owls, nightjars, the foraging hippos, honey badgers and of course lion.

13 Bird watching is superb in the Luangwa Valley. Near the end of the dry season, when the river and oxbow lagoons begin to recede, hundreds of large waterbirds can be seen wading through the shallows. The red faced yellow billed storks move along with their beaks open underwater, disturbing the muddy liquid with their feet until the fish flop into their mouths. The pelicans tend to operate in lines abreast, driving the fish before them into shallows before scooping them up into their beak pouches. The striking 1.6m saddle bill stork makes quick darting movements into the water. Then there's the marabou stork, great white egrets, black headed herons, open billed storks and the stately goliath heron that can stand in the same position for hours before pouncing. Of the most beautiful are the elegant crowned cranes, with their golden tufts congregating in large flocks at the salt pans. With about 400 of Zambia's 732 species of birds appearing in the valley, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species, there is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot, whatever the season. We are staying at Lion Camp. We have chosen this camp because of its location and isolation. It will just be us, and fantastic wildlife viewing, and for those who wish a game walk can be undertaken from the camp (no special fitness required). Apart from a few lions (from where the camp finds its name) you will find yourself surrounded by other animals. Overnight at Lion Camp, South Luangwa Valley, Zambia (Full Board basis) Mon 6 Aug Gameviewing by vehicle and on foot in the South Luangwa. Overnight at Lion Camp, South Luangwa Valley, Zambia (Full Board basis)

14 Tue 7 Aug Gameviewing by vehicle and on foot in the South Luangwa. Overnight at Lion Camp, South Luangwa Valley, Zambia (Full Board basis) Wed 8 Aug Gameviewing by vehicle and on foot in the South Luangwa. Overnight at Lion Camp, South Luangwa Valley, Zambia (Full Board basis) Thu 9 Aug This morning we leave Lion Camp and travel back to the airport where we join our Proflight service departing at 1.00pm for Lusaka. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Latitude 15 Hotel, Lusaka. (B&B basis)

15 Fri 10 Aug This morning we transfer to the airport for our South African Airways flight departing at 1:05pm for Johannesburg. At Johannesburg we connect with the Qantas flight (QF64) for Sydney, departing at 7:10pm. Flying time is 11hrs 45min. Sat 11 Aug You will arrive back into Sydney at 2:55pm. J C e

16 Map of full Itinerary.

17 ZANZIBAR OPTION: (dates shown here reflect if this was undertaken after Stage 2) Fri 3 Aug After lunch you transfer to the nearby airport for the Precision Air flight (PW425) departing at 3:50pm for the island of Zanzibar (the baggage allowance on Precision flights is 20kgs checked luggage and 7kgs of hand luggage). On arrival in Zanzibar you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Zanzibar was first settled some years ago, and was once the seat of government for faraway Oman. Persian-descended Parsee s from India moved here while it was under British rule. In the mid 1800 s it was the world s largest exporter of cloves, while at the same time around 20,000 slaves were sold from the island each year. From this complex and chequered history this island now is a combination of cultures, historical vagaries and still a leading spice centre. It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, and little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork.

18 There will be opportunities to witness the busy port and the charming dhows which still work here, and then to turn around and enter the labyrinth of streets that Stone Town is. Discover cathedrals, mosques and temples alongside traders offering wares from all over the world. You will be staying at Maru Maru, a converted traditional home originally built in 1916, which is ideally located in the centre of the Stone Town area. Overnight at Maru Maru, Stone Town, Zanzibar (B&B basis) Sat 4 Aug While in Zanzibar there will be ample time to explore the alleyways and historic sites of Stone Town. This morning you will undertake a guided tour of the main areas of Stone Town. Not only will this familiarise you with a history of Stone Town, but will provide a good understanding of the layout of the area. This afternoon you are free to explore Stone Town at your leisure. Overnight at Maru Maru, Stone Town, Zanzibar (B&B basis) Sun 5 Aug Today you will undertake a full day excursion of Zanzibar. Initially you will visit a spice farm to be introduced to the variety of spices we take for granted, and see them in their natural form. Then you will travel to Nungwi Village in the northern area of the island where Dhow (traditional boat) construction is still practised. You will also visit Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond a wonderful project dedicated to preserving these endangered creatures.

19 The tour will continue to Jozani forest in the south of the island, to see the rare Red Colobus monkeys (only found in Zanzibar). Overnight at Maru Maru, Stone Town, Zanzibar (B&B basis) Mon 6 Aug Later this morning you transfer to the airport for the short flight with Precision Air (PW421) departing at 1:05pm for Dar es Salaam. This is a 30 minute flight and arrives at 1:35pm. There are restaurant facilities within the airport where you can take lunch after checking in for your next flight. The onward flight is with South African Airways (SA187), departing at 3:40pm and arrives into Jo burg at 6:20pm. On arrival in Jo burg you transfer to your hotel for our overnight stay. Overnight at Peermont Metcourt Suites, Johannesburg (B&B basis) Tue 7 Aug Today you can undertake a local excursion as you only have to be back at the airport by 5:00pm for check-in.

20 The options that most of our clients consider include: - Organised tour to Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. - A tour of Soweto, which could include the Oscar Peterson Museum - Visit to the Apartheid Museum - Catch the Gautrain to Sandton City for lunch / shopping We can assist with these or other options. You may leave your luggage in the secure luggage room at the Metcourt Suites and return here later in the day to use the hotel s general facilities and then take the complimentary shuttle to the terminal. You need to check-in two hours prior to departure to the International Terminal (Terminal 1) and then proceed through immigration. Your Qantas flight departs at 7:10pm (QF64). Flying time is 11hrs 45min. Wed 8 Aug You will arrive back into Sydney at 2:55pm. W J e

21 AFRICA Anniversary Safari July / August 2018 Your tour s cost is made up of two components: (1) International / Regional Airfares Between now and the time of travel the airlines will release special fares, and it is our intention to offer these as/when they become available. Our estimate is that the economy airfares will total between: SYD-JNB-NBO/DAR-JNB-SYD : $2,900 to $3,500 (Applies: Stage 1 and Stage 1+2 clients) SYD-JNB-NBO/DAR-LUN-JNB-SYD : $3,100 to $3,700 (Applies to clients taking all stages) (+ Regional Fares: Arusha/Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam will vary according to your itinerary) (2) Tour costs - We are quoting this tour in US Dollars. This will be converted to Australian dollars when final payments are made. (Our policy is to use the prevailing exchange rates [NAB Selling Rate] at the time of full and final payment. This gives clients the advantage of improving exchange rates. Many operators use a forecast rate which is much lower than prevailing rates and which "loads" the quote to protect them. We believe it is fairer to adjust the final price according to prevailing rates, thus giving clients a possible benefit of an improved rate, and a current quote which doesn't have to be loaded to cover variations. You may also elect pay this amount in advance when exchange rates are very favourable (details of this scheme will be forwarded when you book on the tour). Possible Combinations: Stage 1 Only = US$6, Stage 1 + ZNZ = US$7, Stage 1 + Stage 2 = US$10, Stage 1 + Stage 2 + ZNZ = US$12, Stage 2 + Stage 3 = US$9, Stage = US$14, (Single supplements will apply to all of the above) The cost includes:- The complete tour as per the itinerary with meals as specified All local flights specified in the itinerary are included. + International and Regional Airfares as outlined in Component 1 above. The cost does not include: Visa fees are not included, but expected to be no more than US$150 for Aust. Passports. Travel Insurance is required (we have a discounted Travel Insurance offer for this tour) Any expenses of a personal nature (such as laundry, phone calls, personal tipping etc.) Any drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)