GUIDED SAFARI TOUR Naturalist Aly Rashid Exclusively Designed by The Wander Plan and Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
WHEN 12 th 19 th August 2017 Min. 6 people WHY THIS TIME OF THE YEAR? August is usually associated with The Great Migration; the largest animal movement on earth. A group of approx. 1.5-2 million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles make up this Great Migration and this group of animals can sometimes stretch up to 40 kms!! The migration is often misunderstood; most people associate it with the river crossings that most TV programs focus on, however, this is just part of the journey. This is a phenomenon that occurs round the year; the herds are driven by their hunger for food and follow the rains in pursuit of fresh grass. The huge herds follow a year-round cycle of travelling thousands of kilometers in their quest for fresh grass and are constantly migrating through the Serengeti, stretching a vast 15,000 sq.kms, and spend a few months out a of year in Maasai Mara. However, it is around August that migration reaches the northern Serengeti and it is here they have to cross the Mara river to make their way into the Maasai Mara in Kenya. 2
YOUR NATURALIST Wildlife and the wilderness has been a passion for Aly ever since childhood. This passion for wildlife inspired him to work with his family to set up and run Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, one of the finest wilderness camps in India. At Reni Pani, Aly has been heading the naturalist team for over 6 years and in this time his passion for wildlife has been instilled in the ethos of the lodge atmosphere. A trained naturalist and ornithologist, he has travelled across the country and in various parts of Africa to explore diverse wild landscapes. It is with this keenness to travel, explore and observe that we have started selective wildlife viewing trips to Africa with Aly as the tour mentor. Aly is also an avid wildlife photographer!! Be sure to get some interesting photo tips while you explore Tanzania with him!! Aly Rashid 3
This unique safari is the result of the joint effort of The Wander Plan and Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. Promoters of both these organizations are deeply motivated by the wildlife experiences the world has to offer. Driven by pure passion and a never-ending endeavour to explore the best wildlife locations around the world and to bring the same experiences their clients, they are constantly working on various unique offerings. About us The Wander Plan The Wander Plan is more than a business, it is our passion! The founder, Apurva Kamdar, is a sailor, pilot and an adventure wanderer himself. His love for nature & wildlife inspired him to conceive this unique set up, aimed at providing only niche experiences. TWP is a product of his passion for wildlife and nature and purely driven by his personal experiences. At TWP, we design experiences ranging from Wildlife safaris in India, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, etc., to Trekking at the foothills of Himalayas in Nepal and India to Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Elbrus, and others. Some other exotic destinations that we offer include Iceland, Norway, Finland, Montenegro, Ecuador, Peru, Seychelles, Maldives, Zanzibar, Mafia, Pemba, Bali, etc. and the likes. Reni Pani Jungle Lodge Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, which gets its name from a neighbouring village and the berry of the Reni trees, lies in a pristine forest typical of the Satpura Tiger Reserve. The first wildlife initiative of the Jehan Numa Hotels, Reni Pani is the creation of the grandsons of Obaidullah Khan Nadir and Yawar Rashid both of who have had a long romance with wildlife, animals and nature. Deeply involved in the conservation of India s wildlife heritage, Reni Pani has worked with forest officials to provide a new and natural experience of the Tiger Reserve and its protection. It plays an active role in the preservation of communities in the area, and the contribution of local craft material and service is on display at this beautifully designed resort. 4
Tarangire: The Location Tarangire National Park is the fourth largest national park in Tanzania and sixth largest in Africa. The name of the park comes from the Tarangire River, which crosses through this breath-taking park. This national park is spread across 2,850 sq kms. It is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees (which grow in the open acacia woodlands) and tree climbing African pythons an amazing sight to see! It is the surprise package on the Northern circuit. Often overshadowed by the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire has immense attractions in the peak months. Tarangire offers many great Tanzania safari opportunities as it is rich in wildlife, such as zebra, kudu, eland, impala, gazelle, buffalo, wildebeest, leopard, rhino and lots of smaller mammals. This reserve is also home to a large array of colourful and unique bird species. The swamps that are scattered throughout Tarangire can hold up to 550 different bird species at once. Tanzania: Tanzania was recently voted the best safari destination in Africa by both, the international visitors and by specialized safari operators. When you think of superlatives, you must think of Tanzania. From the highest peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the deepest depths of Lake Tanganyika. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the massive Selous Game Reserve. From the migration of more than one and a half million wildebeest to the nocturnal movements of the predators that stalk them. Tanzania offers a wide range of safaris for both first-timers and seasoned campaigners. Tanzania, the lesser know wildlife destination amongst Indians, has so much to offer. People generally associate wildlife safaris in Africa with Maasai Mara in Kenya. However, the Maasai Mara is actually an extension of the Serengeti National Park that lies in Kenya due to the international border between the two countries. Maasai Mara is actually 1/10th the size of the Serengeti. Ngorongoro: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Ngorongoro Crater is the main attraction of this area. It is the world s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 610 meters (2,000 feet) deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometers (100 square miles). The elevation of the crater floor is 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level. Approximately 25,000 large animals live in the crater. Large animals in the crater include the black rhinoceros, the African buffalo and the hippopotamus. Ostriches are a common sight in the crater. There are no topis, oribis, crocodiles or Impalas. Giraffe also are absent. Cheetahs, African wild dog and leopard are rarely seen. 5
Serengeti: The Serengeti stretches 14,763 sq kms (5,700 sq miles) stretching north into Kenya (called Maasai Mara in Kenya). The vast Serengeti plains evoke a sense of wonder and deep respect for the animal kingdom, renowned for its incredible concentrations of predators and the Great Migration of two million wildebeests; the Serengeti guarantees an exceptional safari. The endless grassy plains are the richest grazing grounds on the continent, and therefore home to the largest herds and the highest concentrations of predators on the planet. The stars of Serengeti are the animals. The population includes a million wildebeests, 150,000 Thompson s gazelles, 1000 elephants, 7,000 giraffes and 3,000 lions and 500 different bird species. A vast herd of grazers, huge prides of lions, spectacular expanses of uninterrupted views, Wildebeest River crossings, great leopard sightings, good concentrations of cheetah and some of the best camps in Africa - what more could you want! Seronera (Central Serengeti): In the heart of the national park, situated in the central region, just to the north of the short-grass plains, Seronera has all the best features of the Serengeti. Scenically, it s a lovely area with open plains, occasional kopjes and lines of hills to add interest. The resident game here is phenomenal, with high densities of relaxed leopards, cheetah and lion. These live off the resident her bivores, as well as the migrating game.it is always witnessing great wildlife throughout the year and one almost never misses the opportunity to the see the Big Five in this region. Seronera also boasts of the busiest airstrip in the Serengeti, the Seronera Airstrip, which is very well connected all the important cities of Northern Tanzania. One can even fly as far as the Zanzibar Island from this airstrip. Northern Serengeti: Far less crowded than the rest of the Serengeti, the north of the park is characterized by green rolling hills and thickly vegetated granite outcrops and offers visitors the highlights of the Serengeti without the crowds. Unlike the southern plains of the Serengeti that dry out, this area remains lush and green. From around August to October the migrating herds move through the area to cross the Mara River on their way north to the Maasai Mara. This is the time to visit the northern Serengeti: dramatic scenes ensue as tens of thousands of animals plunge into the river in a desperate attempt to reach the other side before the river s enormous crocodiles home in on them! 6
Itinerary 12 th 19 th August 2017 Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our airport representative and transferred to Arusha for overnight stay at Kigongoni Lodge (or similar). Rest of the day is at leisure. Day 2: Arusha Tarangire After breakfast, pick up from the hotel and drive, with packed lunch, to Tarangire National Park for a game drive to Tarangire National park for game drives in the famous park for groups of elephants moving together from one place to another looking for green vegetation.. After the safari, rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay and dinner at Tarangire Sopa Lodge (or similar) Excursions: Game drive at Tarangire Day 3: Tarangire National Park - Ngorongoro Crater Safari After early breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro crater via Maasai Village. Arrive Ngorongoro & descend 610 mts into the crater to reach the caldera floor and experience the awesome spectacle and wildlife that call this crater their home. Later in the afternoon you will visit a Maasai Village before heading back to the lodge for the evening. Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (or similar). Excursions: Game drive and visit to Maasai Village Day 4: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti (Seronera) Pick up after early breakfast, along with packed lunch, and then make your way towards Central Serengeti via Olduvai Gorge - commonly known as the The Cradle of Mankind. The entire drive is a safari, as you will be driving through complete wilderness areas. After entering the Serengeti National Park continue with your safari. In the evening head to Kubukubu Lodge (or similar) for overnight stay. Excursions: Enroute game drive & Olduvai Gorge 7
Day 5: All day safari in Central Serengeti (Seronera) Head out after breakfast for an all day game drive. Explore the very rich Central Serengeti and surrounding area. Seronera region is teeming with excellent wildlife all throughout the year. Overnight stay at Kubukubu Lodge (or similar). Excursions: All-day safari in Central Serengeti Day 6: Seronera to Northern Serengeti After breakfast at the camp you will checkout and make your way towards Northern Serengeti while enjoying the game drive along the way. Generally, the north is the region where the migration collects at this time of year to cross over to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. In the evening head to Serengeti Wilderness Camp (or similar) for overnight stay. Excursions: Transfer to the North and game drive Day 7: Northern Serengeti Head out after breakfast for an all day game drive. Explore the varied landscape of the north and surrounding areas. As the possibility of the migration being in this region is very at this time of year, you may get to see the largest gathering of animals in the world here; and if you re lucky you may even witness the famous river crossing!! Overnight stay Serengeti Wilderness Camp (or similar). Excursions: All-day safari in Northern Serengeti Day 8: Serengeti Kilimanjaro After breakfast and checkout drive to the Kogatende Airstrip for your flight at 1030 hrs to Kilimanjaro and your onwards, international, flight back home. You shall arrive in Kilimanjaro at 1300 hrs. 8
Cost Includes: For Your Information Accommodations and all meals as specified in the above itinerary Meet & greet services Assistance at the airport Private game drives for the group travelling together While on Safari a 1 litre bottle of purified drinking water per person per day Transportation in 4x4 Safari Vehicle Internal flight from Northern Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Park fees & government taxes Services of an experienced English speaking driver guide Cost Excludes: Visas, available on arrival International and Domestic Flights (unless specified) Airport tax (International - pay direct) Porter age Travel/medical/baggage insurance Driver/guide gratuities Drinks/laundry (unless specified) Dining rooms tips Telephone bill Any other items of a personal nature Indian Government levied Service Tax @ 9% or prevailing rate at time of booking Passenger Information: Transport while on safari is by custom built Toyota Land Cruisers with opening roof hatches and bucket-cushioned seats. The electric fridge keeps beverages chilled and we even offer electrical sockets to charge your equipment while on safari. All our driver/guides are certified paramedics; this is just one more way we offer our clients piece-of-mind while out in the bush. Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safaris. All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights. Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in. Passengers arriving to Kenya/Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. 9
Disclaimers: We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-vailability. Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may change without notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed on to you. In order to qualify for the low season rates tour must start and finish within the specified dates. If any safari starts in low season and ends in peak/high season, we have to pro rata the cost accordingly. TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. 50% advance payment as deposit at the time of booking for confirmation, and balance 60 days before arrival. 2. Last minute bookings will require full payment in advance. 3. Once booking is confirmed, cancellation charges will apply as follows: 4. 0 60 days 100% of the grand total 5. 61 90 days 50% of the grand total 6. 91 120 days 25% of the grand total Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safaris. All the passengers must have Passport with them for internal flights. The price quoted may change without notice due to any revision in prices brought about by the suppliers, revision in fuel prices or government levies/duties. NOTE: ALL SERVICES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. 10
Call Us Today to book your Guided Safari Tour Phone: +91 70454 56393 9820673537 Email: info@thewanderplan.com 11