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13 Days The land of Kilimanjaro - featuring the Island Paradise of Zanzibar Tour Package
The perfect introduction to the bounties of East Africa, our 13-day Tanzania tour features the cultural and natural wonder of Tanzania, a country that stands out as one of the few remaining destinations that can still provide an authentic safari experience, and Zanzibar, an exotic island paradise brimming with romance and history. We enjoy a brief, three-day foray into Kenya to find adventure in the capital city, Nairobi -- once a backwater frontier town and today a bustling, modern metropolis that numbers among Africas largest and most interesting cities -- and Amboseli National Park, where we see red dust-covered elephants and plains game roaming the plains. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is our first stop in Tanzania, a protected area considered by some as the eighth wonder of the world due to its blend of diverse landscapes, wildlife, tribal peoples and historic sites. We see back and white colobus monkeys and bushbuck in highland forest parks and descend deep into the UNESCO Heritage Ngorongoro Crater, where we find the Big Five, gazelle, zebras and hippos. Pressing onwards, nowhere conjures up so vivid an image at the mere mention of the name like our next Tanzanian destination: the Serengeti. That said, flights of the imagination could in no way even begin to convey the magic of a wildlife adventure in the Serengeti, a place whose very name has come to represent the epitome of safari experiences. Roaming over the grasslands and sweeping savannahs of the Serengeti is a more diverse and abundant range of animal than can be found in any other location on the planet and a trip here is a once-in-a-lifetime event never to be forgotten. Before heading to Zanzibar, we visit archaeological sites that bear evidence of hominid existence over two million years ago and revel in the bounteous beauty of Lake Manyara National Park. Our Zanzibar leg of the tour encompasses exploration of religious and historic sites of Stone Town, a settlement said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa and one that has changed little over two centuries, viewing rare endemic flora and fauna in natural forest reserves, reclining on white-sand, coral-fringed beaches and embarking on a spice tour in paradise. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi Today we arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Part of Maasai land when the British arrived, this modern capital grew with the development of the railway. Derived from a Maasai word meaning "Cold Water," Nairobi is a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences. This evening we enjoy dinner at the famous Tamarind Restaurant. Overnight in Nairobi. Nairobi Hilton (or similar). Dinner if required. Day 2 Nairobi - Amboseli National Park Today we travel south from Nairobi to the Amboseli National Park. Just across the border from Tanzania, this park is situated on the African plain at the foot of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent's tallest mountain at 5894 m (19,300 feet). Here the cone-shaped mountain seems to hover majestically over the shimmering African plains. The Amboseli National Park is also famous for its large herds of elephants. Here they cover themselves in red dust, giving them an even more imposing appearance. On this afternoon's game drive we hope to view animals grazing on the open plain with Kili providing the classic backdrop (weather permitting). Overnight in the Amboseli National Park. Amboseli Sopa or Serena Lodge or similar. All meals. Day 3 Amboseli, Kenya - Ngorongoro, Tanzania We depart early this morning as our destination today is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania.* We pass through Arusha, the starting point for the northern safari routes of Tanzania, and one of the country's most attractive towns. The surrounding area is primarily a highland forest park and it is a good place to see black and white colobus monkeys and bushbuck. You may catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After lunch in Arusha (on your own account), we continue to Ngorongoro via Lake Manyara, another Rift Valley lake, renowned for its unique rainforest micro climate. A rough road takes us up the rift escarpment, through dramatic rolling green fields and tiny traditional villages. Our arrival at the crater rim near sunset coincides with the best time to see the elusive leopard as they quietly patrol the thick forests. Called the 'eighth wonder of the world' and stretching across some 8,300 sq km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology that is unsurpassed in Africa. The volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests are home to an abundance of animals and to the Maasai. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthral visitors. Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 4 Ngorongoro Conservation Area Today we enjoy a half-day tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.* After an early breakfast we descend into the crater far below for a game drive in this incredible setting, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the Ngorongoro Crater, 20 km (13 miles) wide and 700 m (2300 feet) high where we may see the "Big Five" as well as many herbivores like wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and hippopotamus, as well as thousands of flamingos. * As of July 2005, in order to reduce congestion and stress on wildlife, the Tanzanian government began limiting visitors to half-day visits of the crater. Depending on what time "window" we are assigned, our excursion may take place first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon (both of which are equally advantageous for game viewing, given the relatively mild climate at this altitude). Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals. Day 5 Ngorongoro - Serengeti National Park Departing the Ngorongoro Conservation area this morning we descend onto the Serengeti Plain, stretching out endlessly before us. Indeed the name "Serengeti" derives from a Maasai word meaning "Land-without-end." This is a land of superlatives, both in the vast landscape that surrounds you and the incredible biodiversity it supports. It is here that you have a chance to witness one of the most compelling natural dramas on earth -- the annual migration, a sight unparalleled anywhere in the natural world. Our afternoon game drive provides an excellent introduction to this fantastic landscape and the biodiversity it supports. Overnight in the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals. Day 6 Serengeti National Park Today we have a full day of game viewing on the Serengeti. We will visit the "kopjes," a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for hungry predators contemplating the endless stream of hoofed animals parading past them. During this time, up to 1.5 million wildebeest and a half a million zebra embark on a single-minded and perilous quest for water and grazing land. Following this spectacle, of course, are the meat-eating opportunists, hoping to capitalize on the physical toll this journey exacts on the desperate grazers. Overnight in the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals. Day 7 Serengeti - Lake Manyara National Park Travelling back to Manyara today we make a stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of the Leakey excavations in the 1960s and 70s that established this region as the prehistoric habitat of some of the earliest species of hominids with some finds dating back 1.8 million years. Pundits in the life sciences have argued that the Olduvai contribution to the story of human origins remains unsurpassed by any other prehistoric site in the world. A small museum on site outlines the unique geological and human history of the area. Later we will enjoy a leisurely lunch at Gibb's Farm. Founded during German colonial times and still privately owned, Gibb's Farm is now a small hotel perched on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, surrounded by coffee plantations with long views over lush and beautiful agricultural country. We continue to the vicinity of Lake Manyara National Park, the smallest of the northern parks in Tanzania (330 sq km, of which two thirds is the actual lake) hosting a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from savannah to ground water forest to riparian habitats. The park is host to thousands of pelicans, ibis and flamingo that can be heard from afar. Other common visitors to this beautiful lake are hippos and the majestic African fish eagle, which can be seen swooping down from its perch to snatch a fish from the still waters of the lake. We will spend the night at a lodge near Lake Manyara. Overnight near Lake Manyara. Serena Lodge or E Unoto Lodge or similar. All meals. Day 8 Lake Manyara - Arusha We have a morning game drive through this beautiful park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprising of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Wildlife interest at Lake Manyara is not confined to bird life only, many game animals such as buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo and a great variety of smaller animals also inhabit the park. After lunch we continue to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Mountain Village Serena or similar. All meals. Day 9 Arusha - Zanzibar: Town Tour This morning we fly to Zanzibar and transfer to our hotel in Stone Town. Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. Zanzibar Island is 96 km (60 miles) long and 32 km (20 miles) wide, occupying a total area of approximately 1040 km sq (650 sq miles). It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town--said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City, which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birthplace of the language. This afternoon we have a walking tour of Stone Town, the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors--there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. Our tour takes us to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), the old slave market, the Arab Fort, and the Hamamni Persian Baths. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. NOTE: The exact order of our Zanzibar sightseeing may vary depending on variables such as weather and other logistical considerations. Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town). Zanzibar Serena or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 10 Jozani Forest & Stone Town This morning we visit the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island, home to the rare red colobus monkey, endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs. This afternoon is free to enjoy Stone Town. Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th Century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The coraline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to coordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence. Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town). Zanzibar Serena Inn. Breakfast and dinner. Day 11 Spice Tour - East Coast The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without a 'spice tour.' Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices were as important to the Sultans of Oman as the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and our morning tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. It is fascinating the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments and culinary applications. We then travel to our resort-style hotel located on a beach outside of Stone Town. Overnight on Zanzibar. Karafuu Beach Resort. Breakfast and dinner. Day 12 Zanzibar: East Coast Resort A day at leisure to enjoy the beach and to rest up after our journey Overnight on Zanzibar. Karafuu Beach Resort. Breakfast and dinner. Day 13 Departure We usually have some free time this morning before our afternoon departure from Zanzibar. Breakfast. SAFARI NJEMA! Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Tanzania vacation specialist. Contact : Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 12/09 |
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