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Tanzania

4-6 Day Safaris / 7-10 Day Safaris / 11-13 Day Safaris / Kilimanjaro Treks
Kenya-Tanzania Combos / Zanzibar / Accommodations

Vistas of Plains and Spice

Departs Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Combining two of Africa's greatest sanctuaries, the vast Serengeti and the mighty Selous, this safari ends on Zanzibar for four days, where the culture is fascinating and its powder beaches match the best in the world.

Day 1 Arusha - Lake Manyara (approximately 2 hours)
Heading south from Arusha towards Tarangire early afternoon, 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 escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara.
Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena on a half 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 2 Lake Manyara - Serengeti (approximately 5 hours)
After breakfast there is a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park that returns to the lodge for lunch. Leaving Lake Manyara behind, the journey continues north west across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you'll hopefully start spotting game well before you get into the park.
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 3 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 4 Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 4 hours)
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, stopping 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. After a picnic lunch you continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on a full 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 5 Ngorongoro Crater
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart 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 game drive. 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. In the afternoon, visit a Maasai village or enjoy a nature walk.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater - Tarangire National Park (approximately 3 hours)
Departing Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast and head south east en route to Lake Manyara, Mto wa Mbu village and Tarangire beyond. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you'll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment where you turn south on to the main Arusha - Dodoma road and into the park. From here to the lodge, you'll enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. After lunch and perhaps a swim, the remainder of the afternoon will be spent on a game drive.
Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire is recognised as one of the best parks on the northern circuit for elephant viewing during the dry season and Tarangire Sopa is ideally placed to experience this. The lodge welcomes guests to its vast marble-floored reception area with cold flannels and iced juice. In the pretty gardens a large circular pool with a central island, a pool bar and elegant wooden loungers demonstrates the lodge's commitment to comfort. Delicious barbecue lunches are often served here. A broad veranda wraps itself around the lodge and gives prime viewing for the waterhole below, which is filled during the dry season and becomes a magnet to wildlife. The rooms at the lodge are simple, comfortable and spacious and arranged in groups of four, in African-style buildings. Large sliding doors open to a private balcony.

Tarangire
South of Lake Manyara and just over 100km from Arusha, this is a delightful, untamed gem of a park. Covering 2,600 sq km, it abounds with game and the numerous wide-bowed baobab trees create a lasting impression. Tarangire is at its finest during the dry seasons, from between June to October and December to March. This is when the Tarangire River and the various swamps attract the highest concentrations of game, providing a lifeline to thousands of species. This area is best for oryx, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, elephant and eland but leopards and massive pythons are also found here.

Day 7 Tarangire National Park - Arusha - Selous
Depart after breakfast and head north east to Arusha. The journey will pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. Upon arrival into Arusha, you will be dropped off at the airport after lunch to connect with the mid day flight to the Selous. This flight is approximately three hours. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a guide and transferred to the camp to freshen up. The rest of the afternoon will be spent on a game activity within the reserve. 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 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 the traveller 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 the bird watching is excellent.

Day 8 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 9 Selous Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game activities.
Overnight at Rufiji River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Day 10 Selous Game Reserve - Zanzibar
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 Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to the Tembo Hotel, decorated in traditional Zanzibari style and looks out over the beautiful Indian Ocean.
Overnight at Tembo Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Tembo House Hotel
Tembo House Hotel is a splendid little 29-bedroomed hotel, right in the heart of Stone Town, around ten minutes from the airport. Overlooking a busy working beach, it captures perfectly the style, décor and flair of Zanzibar. There's a central courtyard, pool, bar and restaurants. The bedrooms are simple yet stylish in character.

Day 11 Zanzibar
Morning transfer to Mapenzi Beach Club, where you'll spend the next four days on a white sandy beach with every sort of activity to partake in. Mapenzi has a reputation for good food, spacious rooms and a vibrant island atmosphere.
Overnight at Mapenzi Beach Club on a full board basis including local drinks.

Mapenzi Beach Club
Mapenzi is located on the east coast about one hour from the airport. The gardens are tropical and filled with palms and colourful bougainvillea trees. Its beach is secluded, unspoilt and extremely beautiful. With swimming pools, 87 bedrooms and every type of activity you can think of, it is a good first-class hotel with a personal service.

Day 14
Spend the day at leisure before being transferred to the airport to connect with your departure or onward arrangements.

2006 prices per person in US$

Cost Includes
" Meet and greet services
" Assistance at the airport
" Depart by modern safari cruiser with an English speaking driver/guide
" Guaranteed window seat in a shared vehicle
" Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater by 4x4 vehicle
" Open vehicles, walking safaris and boat trips in the Selous
" All park fees
" Flights as above

Cost Excludes
" Visas
" Airport tax (pay direct)
" Driver 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

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.