NORTHERN TANZANIA.
Day 1 – Flight from Cairo, Egypt to Nairobi, Kenya
Day 2 – Serena Mountain Village – Arusha
Day 3 – Tarangire Sopa Lodge – Tarangire Nat. Park.
Day 4 – Ngorongoro Serena Lodge – Ngorongoro Crater Conservation.
Day 5 – Ngorongoro Serena Lodge – Ngorongoro Crater Conservation.
Day 6 – Serengeti Serena Lodge – Serengeti Nat. Park.
Day 7 – Serengeti Serena Lodge – Serengeti Nat. Park.
Day 8 – Lake Manyara Serena Lodge – Lake Manyara Nat. Park.
EGYPT.
Day 9 – Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – Cairo
Day 10 – Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – Cairo
Day 11 – Nile Cruise
Day 12 – Nile Cruise
Day 13 – Nile Cruise
Day 14 – Nile Cruise
Day 15 – Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – Cairo
Day 16 – Departure.
Take your Kenya Airways overnight flight no. KQ … departing for Nairobi at ….hrs.
Overnight on board.
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Int. Airport, Nairobi and connect to your flight to Kilimanjaro Int. Airport Arusha.
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 ‘YOUR NAMES’.
Drive from the airport to Serena Mountain Village Hotel and check in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Secreted in the depths of a tree-shaded coffee plantation, wreathed in multi-coloured tresses of tumbling bougainvillea, cooled by mountain streams and strung like a necklace around the shores of an idyllic wooded lake, Mountain Village offers a haven of calm and serenity 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 one neatly thatched with ‘Makuti’ stems, lavishly embellished with ‘Makonde’ carvings and comfortably furnished in traditional safari style.
The stone-built rooms are housed in a half-moon of traditional ‘rondavel’ circular dwellings with views over a bougainvillea-cloaked slope descending to the lake’s shores. Each ‘rondavel’, neatly thatched in ‘Makuti’ stems and lined with close-weave basketwork, has been arranged to cluster in a village-style grouping around the shade of an ancient forest tree whilst the lavishly ‘Makonde’ carved doors radiate off the cool of a central flowered courtyard.
Charmingly appointed with spacious bathrooms, individual verandas and curved French windows giving views onto the tranquil lakeside beauty, the rooms have been decorated in the traditional safari style and feature net-draped beds, soft lamps, intricately carved furniture and pastel-patterned drapes. At the end of an action-packed day, guests can also take in a stroll around the flowered gardens, watch flights of snow-white egret returning to their forest roosts, explore the lake by canoe or follow the nature trail that loops around the lake and into the groves of neighbouring coffee estates.
Overnight at Serena Mountain Village Hotel – bed and breakfast.
After breakfast 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drive to Arusha for lunch, then transfer in the afternoon to Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your international departure flight to Jomo Kenyatta Int. Airport, Nairobi.
Connect to your Kenya Airways flight departing to Cairo, Egypt at …hrs.
EGYPT.
Arrive at Cairo Int. Airport at ….hrs where you will be met by your escort who will assist with immigration, luggage and customs, and then you will be transferred to your hotel, overnight.
The stunning Le Méridien Pyramids resort, nestled between the city and the wilderness, boasts unparalleled views of the majestic, ancient splendor of the Giza Pyramids. A mere glance out your window reveals the secrets of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Le Méridien Pyramids is surrounded by luxuriantly landscaped gardens, providing a respite of greenery amidst golden sands.
With a peerless choice of restaurants and cuisines, a Royal Club floor, wireless connectivity and magnificent swimming pool and spa amenities, Le Méridien Pyramids is conveniently located only twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre and the ideal place to explore the ancient mysteries of Egypt.
Overnight at Le Meridien Pyramids Resort (rooms with pyramid view) – bed, breakfast and lunch.
After breakfast at your hotel you will visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities housing the largest collection of Egyptian monuments in the world 250,000 items.
Also see the jewelry of the famous King Tut Ankh Amun, dates back to 1352 B.C.
In the afternoon visit Giza Pyramids to see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Giza pyramids built by the IV Dynasty Kings Cheops, Chephren and Mycrinus 2559 B.C.
Experience a 10mins camel ride at the Panorama.
Proceed on tour to see the Valley Temple where they used to mummify the body of the dead King also to see the mysterious Sphinx guarding the cemetery for almost 5000 years.
In the evening visit the sound/lights show.
Back to your hotel for overnight.
Overnight at Le Meridien Pyramids Resort (rooms with pyramid view) – bed, breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast at hotel and check-out, transfer to airport for a short one hour flight to Luxor.
Meet and greet at Luxor Airport then escort to your Nile cruise which will be your home for the next 4 nights.
In the morning you will Cross the River Nile to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings housing tombs of the Kings of the XVIII Dynasty. Continue on tour to El Dier El Bahari Temple of Queen Hatshipsut one of the strongest women in the Egyptian history that went against the rules and ruled Egypt for more than 18 years. On your way back to the East Bank stop by the Colossi of Memnon of King Amenophis III, once stood in front of his Temple.
Lunch on board (the boat)
In the afternoon visit the great Temples of Karnak the largest temple man ever made to view the Avenue of the Sphinxes, the many Pylons, the Hypostyle Hall with it’s. 134 gigantic columns and the Sacred Lake.
Continue on tour to visit the Temple of Luxor built by King Amenophis III (The magnificent) one of the greatest Kings of XVIII Dynasty, overnight and dinner on board.
Overnight on the cruise – fullboard (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Sail to Edfu crossing Esna lock.
Overnight on the cruise – fullboard (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
In the morning you will go by horse carriage to visit the Temple of Horus The Falcon God of protection, that beautiful temple which is considered the only well preserved temple in a perfect condition dates back to the Ptolemaic period.
Board the horse carriage back to your boat and continue sailing to Kom Ombo
In the afternoon arrive at Kom Ombo, walk to the beautiful unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, which was, dedicated to the two Gods Sobek the Crocodile God. And Horus the Falcon God, This is a Greeco Roman Temple, where you will view the oldest Calendar in history, as well as the surgical instruments used in operations in ancient Egypt.
Back to your boat and sail again to Aswan.
Overnight on the cruise – fullboard (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Morning is free.
Afternoon you will have a Felucca (sailing boat) paste Aswan islands; where you can view the. Mausoleum of Agha Khan and Aswan Islands while sailing, rest of day free.
Overnight on the cruise – fullboard (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Disembarkation and check-out after breakfast then tour to see the High Dam, the Temple of Isis in Philae Island and the granite quarries where you will see the unfinished obelisk.
Transfer to airport to fly back to Cairo.
Arrive at Cairo Int. Airport and transfer to your city hotel.
Free time to do some shopping this afternoon.
Overnight at Le Meridien Pyramids Resort (rooms with pyramid view) – bed, breakfast and lunch.
Transfer to Cairo Int.Airport for your flight ….. departing for home.
Tanzania money is called Tanzania Shillings, abbreviated as Kshs. 100 cents makes 1 shilling. 1 US$ is equivalent to about Tshs. 1200/= but this may change from more to less from bank to bank and lodge to lodge depending on the percentage of the commission taken.
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.
Most lodges and hotels included shops accept the use of Visa/Master cards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Currency in Egypt:
The Currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound and it is divided into 100 piaster. Egyptian pound is referred as LE.
The Egyptian pound is called genaeh in Arabic. Here you will find 25 and 50 piaster notes and various sized coins down to the 5 piaster. At present 1 $ dollars is equivalent to 6.2 Egyptian pounds
-In Egypt most of the banks open from Sunday to Thursday, working hours are 8:30 to 2 PM. However, banks at the airport and the majors entry ports are open 24 hours daily.
Credit Cards.
Most the the major credit card names such as American express, master card, all euro cards and JCB are widely accepted in various hotels and shops To use an ATM machine, they mostly accept visa master and cirrus cards, if you don’t find an ATM machine in your vicinity; you can still obtain cash if you go to any of Misr Bank braches. Banks are unwillingly to accept US$100 notes issued before 1992. You can use US$ and English sterling or Euros to exchange, as they are accepted in many places and banks.
Electricity :
The electricity current is 220 volts, 50 Hz, North American travelers are advised to bring a converter, sockets are designed for round pronged plugs, if you are coming from the UK, you will need an adaptor for your plugs.
The power plugs used in Egypt are 220 volts. if you are coming from a country using 110 please don’t forget to bring you converter, the socket pins in the wall are the two holes type !
Customs at Cairo Airport :
You are allowed to bring 250 grams of tobacco two cartoon of cigarettes One liter of alcohol and personal stuff. if you are planning to bring your own pet make sure you have a veterinary health certificate and it should include a valid rabies certificate.
Tipping
10 to 12 per cent is added to hotel and restaurant bills but an extra tip of 5 per cent is normal. Taxi drivers generally expect 10 per cent.
Electronic gadgets
Persons traveling with valuable electronic equipment such as cameras, video cameras or computers may be required to list these in their passports to ensure that they will be exported on departure.