BACK TO THE SERENGETI! TOM LAROCK S 25 TH ANNIVERSARY SAFARI A PRIVATE AFRICAN WILDLIFE SAFARI FEATURING THE SERENGETI, LOLIONDO & THE NGORONGORO CRATER DESIGNED & HOSTED BY TOM LAROCK MANAGING DIRECTOR & OWNER, SAFARI PROFESSIONALS JANUARY 15-24, 2014
BACK TO THE SERENGETI! A PRIVATE WILDLIFE SAFARI HOSTED BY TOM LAROCK JANUARY 15-24, 2014 From my safari journal - January 18, 1989 The Ngorongoro Crater: We awoke to a bit of fog clinging to the ridge of the crater, temporarily blocking our view as we ate breakfast. The fog lifted as our bags were being loaded into our Land Rover and, as we departed Crater Lodge, we enjoyed one last view of the crater, as the warm morning light illuminated the dense vegetation of the western wall of the old volcano. As we descended, I was reminded of the origin of the word, Serengeti derived from the Maasai word, serengit, which means endless plain. The horizon seemed to stretch to infinity, with nothing visible except the scrublike bushes, isolated acacia trees and the savanna grasses. As we pulled up to the car park at Olduvai Gorge, I caught my first glimpse of the deep gash that has yielded such important archeological finds. Waiting for the ranger to begin his talk, I stood on the edge of the ravine, looking down on the millions of years of history that lie in the layers of the rock. As I thought of Mary Leakey s 1959 discovery of early hominid remains, I marveled at the dedication of scientists who labored in what appeared to be inhospitable conditions at the bottom of the gorge. It was in the 80s here and I suspect it could be close to 100 at the bottom. We also explored the tiny museum on the site, which, although a bit ramshackle, holds a fascinating collection of mammal fossils found in the area, as well as casts of various hominid artifacts. My excitement grew as we continued on - we were almost at the Serengeti! When Francis announced we were now in the Serengeti, I laughed. I realized I had been looking for the sign announcing that we had arrived. Of course, there isn t one just the vast combination of scrub and grass. We checked in at Naabi Hill and, shortly after, saw dark lines in the distance. As we approached, hundreds, if not thousands, of wildebeest came into focus, as they grazed on the short grass. Here it is the migration! Sometimes our anticipation of events is greater than the reality. But not in the Serengeti! As we continued on, there seemed to be an endless population of wildebeest, often accompanied by small herds of zebra. There s nowhere else on Earth where you can see such abundance of life. And I m in the middle of it! I invite you to join me as I return to Tanzania and the Great Serengeti Migration to celebrate the 25 th anniversary of my first journey to this magical land. I ve returned to the Serengeti many times over the years and the thrill is always the same. The miracle of renewal is truly astounding, as thousands of wildebeest give birth to the next generation of one of the most successful large land mammals on earth. This is the perfect time to experience one of the world s most exciting wildlife spectacles: the annual migration of over two million wildebeest, zebras and Thomson s gazelles to the southern reaches of Tanzania s Serengeti Plains. The vast herds of plains animals move to the southern Serengeti in search of greener pastures fed by the expected annual short rains of November and December. These verdant grasslands provide the necessary nutrients that insure the success of the yearly renewal of the species that travel this well-worn route. It is also the season of plenty for the area s predators - lions, leopards and cheetahs - who often time the arrival of their young to match the arrival of the newly abundant game.
Although the Serengeti has long been the subject of significant conservation efforts, recent developments have brought it to the forefront of the world s conservation communities. The proposal to construct a road for commercial traffic across the northern Serengeti caused scientists, conservationists, photographers, safari companies, politicians and concerned citizens worldwide to rally to the defense of the Serengeti. During our travels, we will examine many of the most important conservation questions facing this extraordinary landscape as we follow in the footsteps of Dr. Bernhard Grzimek, whose documentary film Serengeti Shall Not Die! first brought the importance of the Serengeti to the attention of the world in 1959. With a length of over 250 miles, the Serengeti ecosystem encompasses a number of distinctive regions. We will explore three distinctive sections of the Serengeti that lie within Tanzania s borders. The northern Serengeti includes an area known as Loliondo, immediately east of the Serengeti National Park. This region provides so much bounty for the wildlife that the Tanzanian government selected it for the recent reintroduction of endangered white rhino. After exploring Loliondo, we move to the central Serengeti s Seronera Valley, before traveling to the southern edge of the savanna at Lake Ndutu. To the wonders of the Serengeti, we add one of Tanzania s most intriguing wildlife destinations: the Ngorongoro Crater - a veritable Garden of Eden with its isolated populations of lion, African buffalo, black rhino, leopard, elephant, zebra and other African wildlife. The largest unflooded collapsed volcano in the world, Ngorongoro offers 100 square miles of astounding wildlife habitat for exploration. In both locations, our exploration of these singularly unique habitats will allow us further insights into the diversity of conservation issues in East Africa. OUR SAFARI GUIDES As we travel throughout northern Tanzania in our private safari vehicles, it is our private Tanzanian safari guides who will insure the success of each day s explorations. Traveling with our own guides throughout our safari enables them to develop a real understanding of our interests and priorities so they may take us to the best locations within each of the habitats we visit. Drawing upon my extensive experience, I will personally select our guides from among the two dozen exceptional guides who make up the Safari Professionals team in Tanzania. OUR ACCOMMODATIONS Our accommodations include some of Tanzania s finest classic tented camps and lodges. In the tented camps, large canvas tents become comfortable airy rooms with breathable walls. The en suite baths offer completely private facilities, including a hot shower and flush toilet. These comfortable tented camps and lodges let us enjoy the romance of the classic safari in comfort, without giving up our most essential conveniences.
OUR TRANSPORTATION Our land travels take place in custom-designed safari vehicles. These spacious classic Land Rovers and Toyota Land Cruisers provide comfortable seating for up to six people and have been designed to meet the challenges of traveling across the African wilderness. Each of us has a window seat and an open roof above us to optimize our game viewing opportunities. Air transportation is provided using scheduled and chartered flights. SAFARI LIFE Our meals are made with fresh ingredients, a seemingly overwhelming challenge, considering the locations where we stay. Each morning, we are awakened by a gentle voice greeting us with Jambo (Swahili for hello ). A tray of coffee, tea and biscuits is left on our verandah to give us a start to the day, before we venture out for our morning game drive. Upon our return from the bush, breakfast awaits, served in open-air dining rooms. The morning menu tends to reflect East Africa s British heritage with fresh fruit, cereals, meats and breads. The chef prepares eggs to our specifications while Tanzanian coffee replaces tea as the primary breakfast beverage. Lunches are served buffet style and feature fresh salads, soup and hot entrees. Beef, chicken and fish are the primary main dish ingredients but the menu can be adjusted to meet any special dietary wishes. Later, we are invited to conclude our day by gathering around the campfire for refreshments. After toasting the day with a raised glass, we are served a delicious four course meal under candlelight while the sounds of the African night begin to call. After further campfire discussions of the day s events and tomorrow s expected quest, we are guided through the night back to our canvas homes to rest for another day. YOUR INVITATION I d love to share this incredible experience with you. Over the years I ve learned that small groups offer the best combination of safari excitement and excellent value. Only twelve people will be able to join me on this adventure into Tanzania s richest wildlife lands. Assuming we fill each place in the safari, we will have the exclusive use of two of the Serengeti s newest and most exclusive camps Sametu and Lion s Paw. I ve traveled with the owners of the camps for almost 20 years and I can assure you this will truly be the trip of a lifetime! Please read on and let me know if you have any questions. Please call me at 336-776-0359 or 703-981- 4474 (mobile) or email me at Tom@SafariProfessionals.com. I look forward to exploring the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater with you as I return to one of God s true miracles on Earth.
OUR SAFARI ITINERARY SUMMARY JAN 14-15 JAN 16 JAN 17 JAN 18 JAN 19 JAN 20 DEPARTURE FROM USA & ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA, TANZANIA ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE MOUNT MERU HOTEL FLY TO LOBO AIRSTRIP IN THE NORTHERN SERENGETI, DRIVE EAST TO LOLIONDO SAFARI ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING GAME DRIVES AND A BUSH WALK ACCOMMODATIONS AT BUFFALO LUXURY CAMP (BLD) FULL DAY OF SAFARI ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING GAMES DRIVES, BUSH WALK AND CULTURAL VISIT TO THE MAASAI VILLAGE ACCOMMODATIONS AT BUFFALO LUXURY CAMP (BLD) DRIVE TO THE CENTRAL SERENGETI FULL DAY OF SAFARI ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING GAME DRIVES ACCOMMODATIONS AT SAMETU CAMP (BLD) FULL DAY OF SAFARI ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING GAME DRIVES ACCOMMODATIONS AT SAMETU CAMP (BLD) DRIVE TO THE SOUTHERN SERENGETI FULL DAY OF SAFARI ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING GAME DRIVES ACCOMMODATIONS AT NDUTU SAFARI LODGE (BLD) JAN 21 FULL DAY OF SAFARI ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING GAME DRIVES ACCOMMODATIONS AT NDUTU SAFARI LODGE (BLD) JAN 22 JAN 23 JAN 24 JAN 25 DRIVE TO OLDUVAI GORGE, INCLUDING MUSEUM VISIT & RANGER PRESENTATION DRIVE TO NGORONGORO CRATER CONSERVATION AREA ACCOMMODATIONS AT LION S PAW CAMP (BLD) FULL DAY GAME DRIVE IN THE NGORONGORO CRATER, INCLUDING PICNIC LUNCH ACCOMMODATIONS AT LION S PAW CAMP (BLD) DRIVE TO ARUSHA LUNCH & DAYROOM AT THE MOUNT MERU HOTEL (B) SHOPPING VISIT TO THE MAASAI MARKET TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE ARRIVE IN THE USA B=BREAKFAST; L=LUNCH; D=DINNER
JANUARY 15 ARRIVAL AT ARUSHA, TANZANIA Our international departure flight takes us to one of the European gateway cities, where we board the flight that brings us to East Africa. Our safari truly begins upon our arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania. Upon clearing customs, we will meet members of the Safari Professionals team, who will take charge of our luggage and bring us to our relaxing overnight accommodations at the Mount Meru Hotel. Overlooking its dramatic namesake mountain, the Mount Meru offers us the perfect peaceful respite after our long international flights. To provide maximum flexibility in planning your safari, international air flights are not included. You may make your own arrangements or ask Safari Professionals to assist you in coordinating or purchasing your international flights. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and we can provide you a quote at your request.
JANUARY 16-17 THE NORTHERN SERENGETI & LOLIONDO Following breakfast and our safari briefing, we are taken to the Arusha Airport for our flight to the northern Serengeti and the area known as the Loliondo Game Control Area. Landing at Lobo airstrip, we meet our guides and board our safari vehicles for our first game drive. This part of the northern Serengeti has an impressive diversity of wildlife species, with impressive populations of elephant and African buffalo. However, the stars of northern Loliondo are a group of white rhinos, which were recently re-introduced into the area, as part of an international rhino conservation program. Focusing on the rhinos, we will explore the challenges faced by those who work tirelessly to provide safe sanctuaries for these critically endangered animals. Located just 2 ½ miles from the Kenyan border, Buffalo Luxury Camp is perched on the side of a hill, offering stunning views into the Lobo Valley and across the Serengeti. Named after resident herds of African buffalo, its location just outside the boundary of the Serengeti National Park allows us to engage in activities not permitted within the park. These activities include unrestricted off-road game drives, night game drives, walks through the African bush, as well as meaningful cultural interactions with the local Maasai community. As opposed to most cultural safari experiences, which involve visits to commercially organized villages, we will spend time within a truly traditional Maasai village and learn how their livestock-based community relates to the annual Serengeti migration and its accompanying predators. B/L/D
JANUARY 18-19 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK CENTRAL SERENGETI For the next two days, we will explore the central Serengeti, an area rich with an impressive diversity of African wildlife. It s interspersed stands of trees make this one of the best places to search for the always elusive leopard. Creatures of the night, leopards generally spend their days asleep on the horizontal branches of trees. And that s where we will search in the hope of joining the ranks of those few who are successful in finding the most elusive of the big cats. Along with other plains species, such as elephant, giraffe, African buffalo and impala, we may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebras during our explorations of the central Serengeti. From here, our paths will follow them as they continue their journey to graze on the rich grasses of the southern Serengeti. Today, the word, Serengeti, is recognized around the world. However, it was the passion of Dr. Bernhard Grzimek, the director of the Frankfort Zoological Society, who brought the Serengeti to the attention of the world in 1959, when his film, Serengeti Shall Not Die, was released. Winning an Oscar as best documentary feature, the film and its accompanying book, raised awareness about the unique wildlife spectacle the Serengeti Migration and the diverse landscapes of this unique ecosystem. Our temporary home, Sametu Camp, is located near the banks of the Ngarenyuki River. This spring-fed river serves as the base of the famous Sametu pride of lions. The Sametu pride is often labeled a super pride, due to the fact that the same family group has dominated this portion of the Serengeti for at least the past 42 years! Today, the Sametu pride is ruled by a unique coalition of four, exceptionally large males. Named after four Greek gods - Zeus, Ares, Apollo and Demeter these male lions cooperate in protecting their pride from other male lions. As we track the Sametu pride, we will learn how ongoing research projects focus on these dominant predators and the roles they play in the savanna.
Situated at the secluded eastern end of the Seronera Valley, Sametu Camp is one of the newest and most exclusive camps in the Serengeti. With only six tents, the staff of Sametu Camp prides itself on providing the highest level of personal service to their guests. Each tent offers spacious sleeping quarters, en suite bathrooms with flush toilets as well as running water, and 24 hour electricity. The camp, with its proximity to the Ngarenyuki River is perfectly located to enable outstanding game viewing throughout the seasons. B/L/D JANUARY 20-21 NDUTU SOUTHERN SERENGETI This morning we will head southeast to the very edge of the Serengeti. In January, the southeastern Serengeti usually provides lush grazing for over 1.3 million wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson s gazelles and 250,000 zebras. With such abundant pasture, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest babies are born within a six week period. While such a concentration of births enables the species to flourish, they also provide a bounty for the area s predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals. We will also seek other large mammals, including elephants, Maasai giraffes, Grant s gazelles, impalas, hartebeests and hippos. With any luck, we may find two smaller members of the cat family slender servals and the African lynx, also known as the caracal. Crossing into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we follow the herds of wildebeest and zebra to the area surrounding Lake Ndutu. With a bit of luck, we may see the beginning of the cycle of life for thousands of wildebeest, as the females begin to give birth often within sight of our accommodations at the Ndutu Safari Lodge. SERVAL Tracing its history back to the 1960s, Ndutu Safari Lodge is nestled under a grove of Acacia trees, overlooking the soda lake from which it takes its name. The lodge has undergone several significant renovations and, today, is one of the most delightful, out-of-the way destinations within the Serengeti ecosystem. In addition to the herds of the migration and the other large mammals, the lake draws a fascinating variety of birds, with the Fischer s lovebirds in a starring role. Usually hard to see elsewhere, these charming small parrots flock to Ndutu during this time of year when they begin to breed. B/L/D
JANUARY 22-23 OLDUPAI GORGE AND NGORONGORO CRATER After a hearty breakfast, we turn south through the vast grassland and on to Oldupai Gorge, one of the world's most important prehistoric archaeological sites. It was here, in 1959, that Mary Leakey discovered the fossilized bone fragments of one of our earliest hominid ancestors. Several animal fossils, which have been discovered in the gorge, are displayed in a small museum at the Oldupai Visitors Center. (Although most frequently written as "Olduvai," the correct spelling for the name of this area is "Oldupai," the Maasai name for a local species of wild sisal.) Continuing east, we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), the world s first multipurpose land use area with the goal to host not only tourism, research and conservation efforts, but also to allow local pastoralists access to ancestral grazing land. In addition, the NCA promotes the protection and exploration of archeological sites in which early hominid discoveries are found. Within this large area, defined as from the Ngorongoro Forest in the Karatu region all the way to the Serengeti, lies Ngorongoro Crater - one of seven World Heritage Sites designated in Tanzania and the world s largest intact and unflooded caldera. With a diameter of just 12 miles, the Crater s 100 square miles consists of six distinct habitats: acacia forest, swamp, short and long grass savannas, riverine and woodland, with each habitat attracting a variety of animals. The 2000 ft. walls of the Crater provide a natural enclosure, in which almost 30,000 animals live. Despite the high walls of the Crater, approximately 20% of the herd animals do migrate in and out, over the course of a year. Wildlife highlights of the Crater include some of the best opportunities to view black rhino in the African bush and the highest density of hyena in any location in Africa. The relative isolation of two species in the Crater, lions and elephants, have led to unique structures of the populations of these animals. We will explore the nature of these anomalies and the work of the conservation researchers attempting to unlock their secrets.
An early morning drive takes us down to the Crater floor, where we will spend the day exploring each of its habitats. We will enjoy a private picnic lunch on the floor of the crater and then venture out for an afternoon of game viewing, traveling up the side of the crater at the end of the day. Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, Lion s Paw Camp is a mere 10 minutes from the Crater floor, providing a sense of privacy and intimacy with nature in contrast to the large lodges that sit on the rim of the Crater. Lion s Paw is the common name for a tall, wild grass the local Maasai call Olbibiai. Like its sister camp, Sametu, Lion s Paw is a seasonal tented camp, featuring ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets and 24 hour electricity. B/L/D JANUARY 24-25 - ARUSHA, DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL HOME After breakfast, we drive to Arusha in time for lunch and some shopping for last minute mementos of our adventure. After a visit to the Maasai market, we return to the Mt. Meru Hotel, where we have a day room so we can relax and make our final preparations for our departure. In the evening, we are taken to the airport for our return flight, having enjoyed the hospitality and wonders of this magical part of East Africa called Tanzania! B B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
BACK TO THE SERENGETI! TOM LAROCK S 25 TH ANNIVERSARY SAFARI OUR PRIVATE AFRICAN WILDLIFE SAFARI: $7475 per person sharing twin/double occupancy, based on a minimum of 6 travelers Single accommodations may be available with an additional single room supplement of $1980 per person. This safari is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers. Please submit your non-refundable deposit of $1800 per person no later than May 1, 2013 to reserve your safari at the above prices. We strongly recommend submitting your safari registration as early as possible to insure your reservations, which cannot be confirmed until your registration and deposit are received. Full payment of the balance is due no later than September 1, 2013. Estimated optional expenses not included in the safari price: Tips: Safari Guides: Total of $10-20 per day per traveler Camp Staff: Total of $5-10 per day per traveler Optional laundry service is available at all camps and lodges. However, due to cultural considerations, laundry service for underwear may not be offered. We allow about $10-15 per week for laundry when we travel in Tanzania. International air transportation is available but not included in the safari price. SAFARI PROFESSIONALS does not make international flight arrangements. We book our personal flights through an independent air travel professional, Cathy King. We have found that Cathy takes the mystery and hassle out of international flights and finds the best prices. Cathy may be contacted at 888-850-9254 or at adventuretrips@hotmail.com. If your return flight departs from Arusha in the morning, you should book your departure a day later than shown in this itinerary. An additional night in Arusha can be arranged at an additional cost. Optional travel insurance (for trip cancellation, lost/delayed luggage and medical evacuation) is strongly recommended to protect your investment. The price of travel insurance varies according to age, length of safari and other variables. Please note that you must purchase travel insurance within 15 days of submitting your initial deposit to receive a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance must be paid in full with a credit card at the time of purchase. We will provide an estimate for travel insurance upon receipt of the names and birth dates of the safari participants.
Included in the Safari Price: The safari leadership services of Tom LaRock, Managing Director and Owner of Safari Professionals Land and Air Transportation in East Africa: All your ground transportation is in customized safari vehicles with a maximum of six travelers per vehicle. Each traveler has a window seat and easy access to an open roof hatch for excellent game viewing and photography. You will have the exclusive services of your safari guide and the exclusive use of your safari vehicle throughout your safari. Transfers and air transportation, as shown in the above itinerary, are included. Air transportation in East Africa may be provided through chartered and/or scheduled airline companies. Accommodations and Meals: All your hotel, lodge, and tented camp accommodations are based on two people sharing a room. At the permanent camps and lodges, your accommodations will have comfortable beds, flush toilets, hot showers and electricity. We include full-board table d'hôte meals (with some picnic lunches), as shown in the above itinerary, throughout your safari. Safari Activities: All game drives are included and there is no limit on the mileage driven during your safari. In addition to the traditional early morning and late afternoon game drives, your safari guides and vehicles are available for extended game drives throughout your safari. Miscellaneous Fees and Tips: All service charges, hotel taxes as imposed by government agencies and park and reserve entrance fees are included. In the unlikely event that emergency transportation to a hospital facility is required while you are on safari in East Africa, we will enroll you in the Flying Doctors Service. Pre-departure Preparation: You will receive extensive, personalized information on all aspects of your safari, including health and safety, passports and visas, packing recommendations, electricity, currency, and local customs. Not included in the Safari Price: Transportation between your home and Africa, passports and visas (visas are currently required for U.S. passport holders entering Tanzania), travel insurance, immunizations (proof of yellow fever immunization maybe required, depending on where you are traveling from), excess airline baggage charges (total baggage is limited to 33 lbs. per person on all flights within Tanzania), airline fuel surcharges, guide tips, beverages (other than tea and coffee) and items of a personal nature, such as medical expenses, laundry and room service; souvenirs; telephone and internet charges; and any activities not included in the safari itinerary or those activities listed as optional. For the comfort of all safari travelers, smoking is not permitted in safari vehicles or at meals.
SAFARI PROFESSIONALS SAFARI REGISTRATION FORM Back to the Serengeti! A Private Safari Hosted by Tom LaRock - January 14-25, 2014 The price of this safari is based on the number of travelers, as shown in the safari itinerary. A deposit of $1500 is due no later than May 1, 2013. The remaining balance is due no later than September 1, 2013. Enclosed is $ as a deposit for a total of persons on this safari. Accommodations Requested: ( ) Double/Twin two travelers sharing a room Name of person sharing accommodations ( ) Single If available, a single room supplement applies to anyone occupying single accommodations --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Air transportation to and from Africa is not included in the safari price. You may make your own flight arrangements or ask us to assist you. ( ) Please assist us with international air transportation ( ) We will arrange our own international air transportation Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment. ( ) Please provide a quote for travel insurance ( ) I will arrange my own travel insurance SCHEDULES & FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY RESULT IN PRICE INCREASES I certify that I have read, understand and accept the terms of the "Cancellations" and "Terms and Conditions" included on this registration and; 1. I am aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available during all or part of my trip. This includes emergency medical care, presence of physicians, and adequate medication. I hereby release Safari Professionals, their staff and safari escorts from liability in case of accident or illness while I am participating in this safari and do further agree to absolve from all responsibility Safari Professionals and their staff from all loss, damage or expense which I may incur by reason of any such accident or illness. 2. I shall be responsible for all uninsured medical expenses. 3. I have been offered the opportunity to purchase travel insurance. 4. I hereby authorize necessary hospitalization and/or treatment while I am participating in this safari. 5. I assume the risk for traveling in countries where standards of safety, maintenance, and health may not be common to those in the United States. 6. I understand that weather and other conditions may necessitate changes in the activities and schedule of this safari. Signature: Date: Signature: Date: Please note: Your signature on this form indicates that you understand and accept the terms and conditions of this safari. Registrations cannot be accepted without a signature. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for anyone under 18 at the time of registration. Make checks payable to: Safari Professionals, P.O. Box 25142, Winston-Salem, NC 27114 Please Read the Other Side and Complete the Traveler Information Form.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Safari Professionals and our representatives agree to work for you in the making of reservations and/or other arrangements with travel service providers on the following terms: We do not own, manage, control, or operate any of the travel service providers with whom we make your travel arrangements. We serve as agents for certain travel service providers, including Airlines Corporation carriers and in-country operators and we make your travel arrangements with these travel service providers in accordance with their terms and conditions. Should you have any questions concerning those, please contact either the travel service provider or Safari Professionals. All coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by us or a travel service provider are subject to applicable tariffs as well as any terms or conditions imposed by the travel services provider. We are not responsible for events of force majeure including disease, acts of war, terrorist attacks, unfavorable weather conditions, earthquakes, political instability or for inadequate visas or passports. Any and all controversies, clams or disputes of any nature arising before, on and after the date of this agreement and claims brought by or against the client, this travel agency, or a third party, shall be settled by a single arbitrator in Forsyth County, North Carolina in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You acknowledge that this agreement involves interstate commerce. Our sole knowledge and the expertise on which you may rely are in the making of travel arrangements. In the case of all travel arrangements the contract in use by the provider of such transportation or lodging, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and such travel supplier. Safari Professionals reserves the right to cancel or withdraw the safari prior to departure and to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant of the safari if their actions impose upon or disturb the other participants of the safari. The right is also reserved to amend the itinerary should it be found necessary for the benefit of the participants of the safari or for other reasons. By accepting these travel arrangements you confirm that you have read this agreement and understand that it is the sum total of our agreement with you and supersedes all prior arrangements or understandings. This agreement cannot be changed except in writing and signed by Elaine Hartung or Thomas LaRock. CANCELLATION: All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are subject to the following cancellation fees: The non-refundable deposit generally covers the costs of canceling the services already booked, if the cancellation is received in our office no later than May 1, 2013. If the fees charged by our suppliers exceed the deposit, an extra charge may apply. Cancellations received in our office after September 1, 2013 are subject to cancellation fees of 100% of the safari price. Refunds for any services that are voluntarily not used will not be issued. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Upon your request, you will receive detailed information regarding travel insurance. If the minimum number of travelers is not met and the safari is cancelled, your deposit will be refunded. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS: To enjoy your travels to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be reported in writing to Safari Professionals when the reservation is made. Safari Professionals reserves the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of Safari Professionals, in such physical or mental condition as to be incapable of group travel or who may require care and attention beyond that which Safari Professionals can provide. To assist you in preparing to make the most of your safari, you will receive a detailed personal Safari Guidebook after you register for your safari. We strongly recommend you read it thoroughly when you receive it and, again, a few weeks before your departure. You may call us at any time for answers to your questions. 1.13
TRAVELER INFORMATION: Please complete the following for each traveler: PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT (Please attach a copy of the photo page of your passport) Name Date of Birth Address: Phones: Home Office Mobile E-mail Address: Nickname Passport Number Country of Issue Date of Expiration Person to contact in case of emergency: Relationship (please identify as spouse, child, parent, neighbor, etc.) Their Address: Street City State/Zip Their Phone: Home Office E-Mail List the names of any medications you are currently taking or any disability or special health care needs that may affect your ability to fully participate in this safari: List any allergies, including food allergies, and dietary preferences: Health Insurance Company: Policy # Please give us any information, including special interests, you feel would be helpful Signature: Today's Date: PLEASE ENCLOSE A COPY OF THE PHOTO PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT