TANZANIA DISCOVERY SAFARI - 2007.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS.

NORTHERN TANZANIA.
Day 1 - Tarangire Serena Lodge - Tarangire Nat. Park.
Day 2 - Ngorongoro Serena Lodge - Ngorongoro Crater Conservation.
Day 3 - Ngorongoro Serena Lodge - Ngorongoro Crater Conservation.
Day 4 - Serengeti Serena Lodge - Serengeti Nat. Park.
Day 5 - Serengeti Serena Lodge - Serengeti Nat. Park.
Day 6 - Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - Lake Manyara Nat. Park.
Day 7 - Return to Arusha and depart.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA, KILIMANJARO INT. AIRPORT THEN TO TARANGIRE NAT. PARK.

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Arusha on board flight…… at ……hrs, go through the passport control then down to the luggage collection hall. Collect your luggage from the conveyor belt and walk out to the arrival concourse. Someone shall be waiting for you holding a folder written 'TRAVEL CONNECTIONS'.

Meet and greet then drive to Tarangire National Park to arrive at Tarangire Sopa Lodge for lunch. Do afternoon game drive.

Tarangire comes from Tarangire River which rises in the Kondoa Highlands of Central Tanzania and makes its way northwards through the length of the park. Before becoming a national park, Tarangire was originally a popular hunting area. Today, it is regarded as one of the best wildlife areas remaining in Tanzania. The principal features of the park include the lake, swamps, rivers and rock outcrops. Interestingly, this area is engulfed by several hills. Oldonyo Ngahari is to the east while Kalima is to the south, Sangaiwe and Haidedonga are to the west and Kitibong a bit further inside from the two. On the other hand Tarangire hill is almost centrally located.

The major attractions in Tarangire National Park include the vegetation zones of which the Acacia Tortillis parkland is the most attractive to visitors. The park is also famous for having many species of birds. The other attraction is the tree climbing python, a rare occurrence in other parks.

Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 2 - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK  TO NGORONGORO CRATER.

After breakfast take picnic lunch and depart on a whole day game drive that will take you from Tarangire Nat. Park to Ngorongoro Crater. You will visit Olduvai Gorge en-route.

As if in a land before time, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is built into the rim of a dormant volcano, the plant and ivy-covered native stone blending masterfully with its surroundings. Close by lies the Olduvai Gorge, the 'birthplace of man'. Today the volcano and surrounding landscape are part of a vast conservation area inhabited by the masai tribe, as well as an extra-ordinary variety of big game and birdlife. Most guest rooms have private terraces with views of the crater floor where countless animals make their home. At Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, visitors co-exist in perfect harmony with the natural environment and wildlife that inhabits it.

Arrive at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge late in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 3 - NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK.

This day is solely reserved for a full day game viewing of the crater with picnic lunch.

Ngorongoro crater is without doubt one of the most outstanding natural features in the world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1978. Stunningly beautiful, the 18 km wide and 600 meter deep caldera is teeming with wildlife and one of the best places to see black rhino. On a full day crater tour to this garden of Eden, with a picnic in a shady grove, most large mammals can be seen.

Lunch, dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 4 - NGORONGORO CRATER TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.

After breakfast take picnic lunch and depart for Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti Serena Lodge is set high on a hill with breathtaking vistas of a landscape teeming with game. The lodge design is simple but stunning. Inspired by a traditional African village, separate rondavel 'huts' house the luxury guest rooms. From the overall impression to the smallest detail, the lodge is rich in local atmosphere created by indigenous handicrafts and art.

Arrive at Serengeti Serena Lodge late in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 5 - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.

These days are solely reserved for game viewing in the park.

Serengeti is the most famous of Tanzania's national parks and is one of the world's last great wildlife refuges. On the seemingly endless and almost treeless plains, there are an estimated three million large animals in constant search of food and water. Most take part in a seasonal migration that is unparallel in nature. Driven by the rains, over one million wildebeest and a few hundred thousand zebra and gazelles move to fresh grazing lands, in columns of several kilometers length and crossing crocodile infested rivers without regard to losses.

Lunch, dinner and overnight in Serengeti Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 6 - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK (200KM - 4 HRS).

After breakfast drive to Lake Manyara Serena Lodge for lunch.

It is difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - on the edge of the Mto Wa Mbu (mosquito river) escarpment, overlooking the Great Rift Valley and the stunning Manyara soda lake. Tree-climbing lions are but one lure. The extraordinary birdlife has made this place world renowned among ornithologists, who come to observe the masses of pink flamingoes and great birds of prey. The abundant birdlife inspired the design of Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - swooping curves are complemented by soft, geometric patterns, stylish murals depict bird migration patterns. The circular shape of the buildings is a tribute to indigenous architectural traditions. Beyond the superb standards of hospitality offered, there is a spirit of tranquility that prevails.

Depart for an afternoon game drive.

This slightly alkaline lake at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley can vary in size considerably depending on the season. Part of its western shore, squeezed between the water and the foot of the steep Rift Valley Escarpment is a National Park. Different habitats are concentrated on a small area: open water marshes, grasslands and a lush forest fed by groundwater. Hot springs and hippo pools complete the scenery allowing interesting game viewing.

Lunch, dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 7 - LAKE MANYARA TO ARUSHA THEN DEPARTURE.

Drive to Arusha for lunch, then transfer in the afternoon to Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your international departure flight.

COST:
LOW SEASON – 01 APRIL TO 30 MAY 2007.
USD 1,715.- PER PERSON SHARING
USD 20.- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

HIGH SEASON – 01 TO 31 MARCH, 01 TO 30 JUNE AND 01 NOVEMBER TO 15 DECEMBER 2007.
USD 2,052.- PER PERSON SHARING
USD 260.- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

PEAK SEASON – 03 JANUARY TO 28 FEBRUARY, 01 JULY TO 31 AUGUST AND 01 TO 31 OCTOBER 2007.
USD 2,263.- PER PERSON SHARING
USD 345.- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

Cost includes-
·         All transfers
·         Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
·         Safari vehicle during the safari
·         Experienced English speaking driver guide during the safari
·         Game drives
·         All park entrance fees. 

Not included-
·         International flights and taxes
·         Visa fees for Tanzania
·         Personal insurance policy
·         Personal effects and toiletries
·         Laundry and telephones.
·         Drinks
·         Tips.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1.       CURRENCY
Tanzania money is called Tanzania Shillings, abbreviated as Tshs.  1 US$ is equivalent to about Tshs. 750/=. Most banks in Tanzania open between 09:00hrs and 15:00hrs. There are however bureau de change in every urban center and the open as earlier as 08:00hrs and close at 17:00hrs. Hotels and lodges change currencies as well. 

2.    VISA/MASTER CARDS
Most lodges and hotels included shops accept the use of Visa/Master cards.  

3.       WATER
On the whole safari, it is recommended that you use only mineral water for drinking. Tap water may be used for shower and brushing of teeth, but we do not recommend that you drink it. The hotels and lodges have enough mineral water and you may also purchase this en-route when you make short breaks between the destinations. 

4.       WEATHER
January is quite hot in East Africa. Summer runs from December to March and rain, if any will be little. The nights could however be cool. You will require warm clothing during the evenings i.e. jackets, long sleeved blouses and shirts, trousers etc. For the day, you may need casual clothing as t-shirts and shorts. 

5.       PHOTOGRAPHY
Generally, photography is allowed in Tanzania. (The animals get a monthly wage for posing for the photos, so you are encouraged to take as many shots as you wish). Do not take photos of strangers, police officers, military personnel, presidential motorcade, masai herdsmen and women or any other traditionally dresses persons. You may seek permission first before taking shots of strangers and masai people. Your driver will be at your service for any assistance that you may need. 

6.       POWER VOLTAGE
All regions in Tanzania are supplied with 240 volts. Almost all sockets you will find on safari are those that take in the rectangular prongs plug. You may however need to carry an adaptor just in case the two bottom holes are too wide apart for the charger prongs to go in. Most lodges and hotels will provide you with an adaptor if you do not have one. It will be very rare to find sockets with rounded prongs.  

7.       TIPPING
As a sign of appreciation, you may offer some tips to those who offer services at the hotels on the entire safari. However, tipping remains entirely on you. Should you feel like tipping for services rendered, we recommend that porters and waiters be given at least US$ 1.- For the driver-guide, we recommend a tip of between US$ 5.-  to US$ 7.- per person per day.

8.       DO'S AND DON'TS IN THE NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES.
-          Do not throw litter or leave litter. There are litter bins at designated places or you may leave them in the bus.
-          Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys, baboons etc
-          Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife
-          Do not take any plant or animals, dead or alive.
-          Do not start fires or throw cigarettes
-          Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points
-          Do not shout, laugh loudly, play radio or cassettes as this will keep away the animals.
-          Do enjoy yourself to the fullest

Travel Connections wishes you all an unforgettable Africa safari.