Tracks Through Tanzania

Departs: Wednesday

Once you've been bitten by the Africa travel bug, it's difficult not to keep scratching! Tracks Through Tanzania offers one of the country's finest safaris, combining the great northern treasures of wildlife and an array of cultures with the wild and mystifying south.

Day 1 Arusha - Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 4 hours)
Heading south from Arusha towards Tarangire, you pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni you turn north west and continue the journey up through a scenic Rift Valley escarpment before heading towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you'll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations of the highlands before journeying into the Ngorongoro forests and on to your lodge, perched over the edge of the Crater.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on a half board basis.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
The lodge is located on Lemala Hill on the uppermost eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, making this the only tourist development on the eastern rim of the crater. The views into the crater floor from here are spectacular and sunsets magnificent. Another major advantage here is that guests can enjoy a safari begins within five minutes of leaving the lodge, as the park gate is very close. The lodge is tastefully decorated, spacious and all the bedrooms are modern, comfortable and equipped with everything one would expect from a hotel of this class. With an altitude of 2,375 metres, the lodge experiences cool and even cold weather, especially during the winter months of June and July when temperatures can get as low as 10' C. However, guests enjoy sunshine during most of the year and must take care when sunbathing by the pool due to the altitude. The food and service here is stylish with meals being a massif collection of delicious international and Tanzanian dishes.

Day 2 Ngorongoro Crater
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart by 4x4 to explore what is commonly referred to as the World's largest wildlife zoo. After breakfast, you'll descend through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater for a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch. Ngorongoro Crater is the World's largest intact volcanic caldera and is also one of the World's seven natural wonders. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It's an awesome wildlife experience. Late afternoon you leave the Crater and drive back to the lodge for the evening.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 3 Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park (approximately 5 hours)
After breakfast you depart for the Serengeti, travelling around the Crater rim you stop off at Olduvai Gorge en route. The Gorge acquired its name from the Sansevieria bush that grows profusely in the area, named Olduvai by the Maasai. The Gorge is about 50km long and in some places around 90m deep and is found between the Crater and the Serengeti. It was first discovered by a German entomologist named Professor Kattwinkel, who instigated an expedition just before the First World War. Later, the exploration was continued by Dr Louis Leakey and his wife, who in 1959 found humanoid remains of Zinjanthropus, later renamed Australapithicus Boisei, an early form of man. You will have time to walk through the simple small museum at the gorge, where you can view copy displays of some of the finds as well as pictures of what life was like for the gorge's earliest inhabitants. From here, continue through the conservation area into the Serengeti. After lunch at the lodge and time to relax, you'll depart for an afternoon game drive, returning late afternoon.
Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Serengeti Sopa Lodge
The Serengeti Sopa lodge is located in the Nyarboro Hills in the south west of the Serengeti National Park and is the only tourism development in this section of the park. Year round water and the acacia woodland in this area create an ideal environment for the wide variety of wildlife seen in the immediate vicinity of the lodge. Looking out over the seemingly endless Serengeti plains, this hill side lodge is a tranquil oasis set in thousands of square kilometres of Serengeti National Park. The lodge can accommodate around 170 guests in 79 suites, each enjoying wall-to-wall carpeting, a private lounge with a mini bar, a bedroom with two queen size beds and ample room for a third guest. Each has a private veranda which offers stunning views over the plains. As the sun sets, you may enjoy sundowner cocktails by the pool, and in the evening, after a 4-course dinner, traditional dancers entertain guests. Slide presentations are also held daily by resident naturalists.

Day 4 Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Serengeti
In the local vernacular, Serengeti means 'the endless plains that go up to the sky'. And they do just that. It is therefore easy to understand why this is the most popular and spectacular of all game parks in East Africa. Covering 14,765 sq km, one of the striking features of this park is the series of large granite outcrops that dominate the vast plains, making it very different to the Masai Mara. Life in the park centres on the triangular trek of several million hooves. This movement never stops, as the animals constantly seek out new grazing pastures. Every year, after the south's short November rains, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, topi and hartebeest gather in their thousands on the Serengeti's southern plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands. Then, around April, they head towards the western corridor of the Serengeti, where many overflow into the Masai Mara around July/August. They remain here until late October/November, when Tanzania's new rains prompt the move south again, towards Lake Ndutu and Lagaja. This yearly phenomenon also affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of other species, who rely on the migratory herds for their survival. These include predators, gazelles, birds and lowly insects, not to mention the grasses and trees that are fertilised by droppings. Another of the highlights here, is the early morning balloon safari.

Day 5 Serengeti National Park- Lake Manyara National Park (approximately 5 hours)
After breakfast you depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara beyond. During the first part of the journey you'll be on a game drive in the vast Serengeti plains, spotting game all the way to the border of the park - and probably beyond! From here, the journey takes you eastwards, across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands, filled with wheat and coffee, before arriving at your lodge overlooking the distant Lake Manyara. After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon will be on a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge on a full board basis.

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
It would be difficult to find a more dramatic setting than the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. Situated at the edge of an escarpment, this deluxe lodge overlooks both the Great Rift Valley, which formed millions of years ago, and the beautiful soda lake of Manyara with is lavish supply of bird life. The birds themselves have provided the inspiration for the lodge's architecture. Graceful, curving and free flowing, it is built in the local circular style and exudes an atmosphere of peacefulness where man and nature co-exist. From the patterns in the reception area resembling bird migration paths, to the soft geometric designs in the bedrooms, there is barely a single straight line in its design. The bar and restaurant offer guests both indoor and outdoor seating at each meal. Sumptuous menus, buffets and barbecues are served to guests alongside authentic African dishes.

Lake Manyara
From whichever direction you approach Manyara, the first view is spectacular. From the east, the Rift Valley wall rises several hundred metres to form an impressive backdrop to the lake. From the west, if one is perched at the top of the escarpment, the park lies far below, with a long green strip of water that glistens in the sunlight. The vegetation around the lake's shores is surprisingly varied and comprises mostly forest, acacia woodland and open grassland. The park covers an area of 330 sq km of which about 230 sq km is the lake itself. You can always find hippo in the Simba River, elephant in the forests and a resident herd of Cape buffalo on the open plains at Mahali Pa Nyati, which means, 'the place of the buffalo' in Swahili. In addition, there are approximately 400 species of birds and with some luck you might see tree-climbing lions. Canoeing safaris are also available here.

Day 6 Lake Manyara - Arusha (approximately 2½ hours)
Depart after breakfast and head east, down the fascinating escarpment of the Rift Valley to Arusha. The journey will pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. After lunch overlooking the shores of Lake Duluti, the afternoon will be spent on a guided walk around the waters of Lake Duluti and the coffee farm.
Overnight at Serena Mountain Village on a full board basis.

Serena Mountain Village
Wreathed in multi-coloured tresses of tumbling bougainvillea, Mountain Village is hidden in the depths of a beautiful coffee plantation. Strung like a necklace around the shores of an idyllic wooded lake, a haven of calm and serenity is found here, just outside the hustle and bustle of Arusha, Tanzania's premier 'Safari Town'. Set in the flowered gardens of a coffee planter's farm house and surrounded by rolling groves of wax-green coffee bushes, Mountain Village offers wide timbered decks with panoramic views over Lake Duluti, and a selection of ethnically-styled 'Rondavel' village-cluster rooms. Each of these is neatly thatched with 'Makuti' stems, lavishly embellished with 'Makonde' carvings and comfortably furnished in traditional safari style. It's a great location to simply relax and enjoy strolls around the farm or gentle canoeing trips on the lake.

Day 7 Arusha - Ruaha National Park
This morning you'll enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the airport for the flight to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you'll be met by a guide from the camp and depart on your first game drive, arriving at camp in time for lunch. The following three days will be filled with morning and afternoon game drives and walking safaris.
Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge on a full board basis plus activities.

Ruaha River Lodge
Overlooking the Great Ruaha River, the lodge blends into its natural surroundings thus enabling visitors to feel part of this wilderness setting. Ruaha, one of the largest national parks in Africa, is comparatively unknown and due to its remoteness, remains unspoilt. Accommodation here is within bandas, built from stone and thatch and provide the perfect setting to relax between bush excursions. From the seclusion of your veranda you can watch animals descend from the hills in order to quench their thirst. The dining bandas and bars, in elevated positions above the river, combine comfort and coolness with unrivalled panoramic views. The delicious food, made with the produce from the owner's highland farm, competes with the distractions of this spectacular scenery. Game drives through the park is a 4x4 vehicle, takes guests into wildlife territory where refreshing cold drinks and picnics may be enjoyed. Alternatively, short walking safaris are led by an experienced guide and provide you the opportunity to really 'touch the wild'.

Day 8 Ruaha National Park
Morning and afternoon game activities and walking safaris.
Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge on a full board basis plus activities.

Ruaha
At 13,000 sq km, Ruaha is not much smaller than the Serengeti. However, only a fraction has been developed for tourism. For those seeking adventure, this park should be on the list. Its landscape is fascinating and the wilderness vast. Here, rocky outcrops, steep gorges, wooded forests and miombo woodlands all centre around the flood plains of the great sandy Ruaha River. This captivating river is lined with tamarind, winterthorn and palm trees, making it a great haunt for hippo, kudu, lion, leopard and elephant. Guided walking safaris and fly-camping are a great attraction in this park.

Day 9 Ruaha National Park
Morning and afternoon game activities and walking safaris.
Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge on a full board basis plus activities.

Day 10 Ruaha National Park - Selous Game Reserve
This morning you'll enjoy breakfast before a morning game drive, departing with a picnic lunch to be enjoyed before connecting with the flight to the Selous. Upon arrival at the Selous airstrip, you'll be met by a guide from camp and transfer to camp with a game drive en route. You'll probably arrive into camp late afternoon/early evening. The following three days will be filled with morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River and its picturesque lagoons.
Overnight at Rufiji River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Rufiji River Camp
Situated in the heart of this pristine nature reserve is the Rufiji River Camp, where guests stay in palm leafed comfortable tents that are simple, with verandas and en suite facilities and have views facing the river. The central building houses a restaurant, bar and library, all with a view of the river and the sunset. The camp dining room provides good international cuisine, while the bar offers its guests a wide selection of wine and spirits. The camp tries hard to be eco-friendly. Electricity is guaranteed by solar but its use is deliberately limited to bathroom and tent illumination, some kitchen functions and the recharging of video batteries. The camp aims to offer guests a more intimate relationship with nature and experienced guides specialise in 4x4 safaris, walking safaris and explorations by boat along the river banks. The opportunities for fishing and bird watching is excellent.

Day 11 Selous Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game activities, walking safaris and boat trips.
Overnight at Rufiji River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Selous
This must be the largest unspoilt game reserve in Africa. The reserve is named after the late Captain Frederick Courteney Selous, a famous elephant hunter who was killed by a German sniper in 1917. General accessibility to the 55,000 sq km reserve used to be difficult, however, there are now flights, a limited train service from Dar es Salaam and a convenient dirt road linking the park with other southern Tanzanian attractions. The reserve is immense, remote and wild and no human habitation is allowed within its boundaries, apart from within camps and lodges. Today it boasts some of Africa's finest virgin bush, unchanged through centuries and inhabited by three quarters of a million wild animals. The river systems and gorges are fascinating, as are the swamps, woodlands and savannahs, all home to hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, giraffe, waterbuck, baboon, leopards, lion, wild dog, eland, sable and roan, to mention just a few of the species. The bird-life is also extremely rich. There are a number of camps in the northern sector of the park, offering a mix of rustic and exotic accommodation. Game drives are by open four-wheel drive vehicle or by boat, a wonderfully peaceful way to view game. For a real highlight, choose a safari that offers escorted walking and fly-camping trips.

Day 12 Selous Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game activities.
Overnight at Rufiji River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Day 13 Selous Game Reserve - Dar es Salaam
After breakfast depart on your last game drive, walking safari or boat trip. Following lunch you'll transfer to the airstrip to connect with the flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.

2006 prices per person in US$

April 1-May 24		May 25-June 24		June 25- Aug. 31		Sept 1-26 + Nov 1 - Dec 15		Sept 27-Oct 31
Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS
closed		4734	665	4872	752	4734	665	4872	752

Cost Includes
" Meet and greet services
" Assistance at the airport
" English speaking guides through out
" Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater by 4x4 vehicle
" Guaranteed window seat in a shared vehicles
" All meals and activities as specified
" All park fees
" Schedule flights: Arusha - Ruaha - Selous - Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar

Cost Excludes
" Visas
" Airport tax (pay direct)
" Guide or local escort gratuities
" Drinks and dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel and baggage insurance
" Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
" Transfers in Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

Additional remarks
" We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
" Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
" In order to qualify for the low season rates tour must start and finish within the specified dates. If any brochure safari starts in low season and ends in high season, we have to pro rata the cost accordingly.

Option # 2

Days 1-6 - Same as above.

Day 7 Arusha - Ruaha National Park
This morning you'll enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the airport for the flight to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you'll be met by a guide from the camp and depart on your first game drive, arriving at camp in time for lunch. The following three days will be filled with morning and afternoon game drives and walking safaris.
Overnight at Mdonya River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Mdonya River Camp
Mdonya River Camp is a small but great adventure camp located in the heart of Ruaha National Park, a few kilometers from Mdonya Falls. Just from the airstrip, it's an exciting two-hour game drive to camp. The 8 tents are scattered under the shade of large sycamore fig and acacia albida trees, with a great view over the dry river bed and forest beyond. The tents are simple yet comfortable, furnished with twin beds veiled by mosquito net and a large veranda where guests can relax on a chaise lounge to observe wildlife. There is a dining tent though most meals are taken al fresco outside and dinners are usually by candle light in the dry river bed. Game drives are very flexible as there's many different areas to explore here: from river pools to the dry open savannah, crossing baobab valleys to enormous granite monoliths. It's all good fun.

Day 8 Ruaha National Park
Morning and afternoon game activities and walking safaris.
Overnight at Mdonya River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Day 9 Ruaha National Park
Morning and afternoon game activities and walking safaris.
Overnight at Mdonya River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Day 10 Ruaha National Park - Selous Game Reserve
This morning you'll enjoy breakfast before a morning game drive, departing with a picnic lunch to be enjoyed before connecting with the flight to the Selous. Upon arrival at the Selous airstrip, you'll be met by a guide from camp and transfer to camp with a game drive en route. You'll probably arrive into camp late afternoon/early evening. The following three days will be filled with morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River and its picturesque lagoons.
Overnight at Impala Adventure Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Impala Adventure Camp
Impala Adventure Camp is one of the newest camps in the Selous. The camp is set amidst borassa palm and tamarind trees and strung along the bank of the Rufiji River. The spectacular views from here are of the river and forest beyond. There are just 6 extremely spacious tents here, all very comfortable and equipped with luxurious furniture, shower, WC, dressing area and a spacious veranda. With the meandering river on the camps doorstep and its network of channels that connect lakes and swamps, this is the location for activities. Here, guests have the unique opportunity to explore this area by boat, 4x4 vehicle of on walking safaris.

Day 11 Selous Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game activities, walking safaris and boat trips.
Overnight at Impala Adventure Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Day 12 Selous Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game activities.
Overnight at Impala Adventure Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

2006 prices per person in US$

April 1-May 24		May 25-June 24		June 25- Aug. 31		Sept 1-26 + Nov 1 - Dec 15		Sept 27-Oct 31
Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS	Dbl	SS
closed		4975	554	5113	641	4975	554	5113	641

Additional remarks
" We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
" Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
" In order to qualify for the low season rates tour must start and finish within the specified dates. If any brochure safari starts in low season and ends in high season, we have to pro rata the cost accordingly.