2013 | Safari Tour

Tanzania Wildlife Safari

12-day tour includes

• Round-trip air transportation with a major airline and airport transfers

• The services of a multilingual Go Ahead Tour Director

• 9 nights accommodations in well-located hotels including baggage handling

• Buffet breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 10 three-course dinners, including wine or beer on days 3 and 10

• Safari transport, featuring a small jeep or van with a guide for every seven travelers

Game Drives Come face-to-face with the “locals” during your game drives. Day 3: (p.m.) Day 4: Tarangire National Park (a.m. & p.m.) Day 1: Fly to Day 4: Tarangire Day 5: National Park (p.m.) National Park (p.m.) On your overnight flight, begin imagining the time- As you rumble across the baobab-dotted plains on Day 6: (a.m. & p.m.) less savannahs and wondrous wildlife of Tanzania. your game drive this morning, the wildlife comes Day 7: Serengeti National Park (a.m. & p.m.) in waves: , , , buffalo and Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater (a.m.) Day 2 : Arrival in one of the largest herds of in . The Day 10: Arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be escort- park also has 500 recorded bird species, including eddirectly to your hotel in Arusha where you’ll en- majestic ones like bataleur eagles and quirky ones Tour Highlight The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s joy an included dinner. like the white-bellied go-away bird (so named be- premier wildlife park. It is one of the best Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner cause its distinctive call sounds like “Go away!”). places to view big game in Africa and hosts Before your included lunch, you’ll embark on an the largest migration in the world. Day 3: Tarangire invigorating walk through the savannah to a Ma- Serengeti is known for its huge heards of The adventure begins today as you travel to Taran- sai village, and your Masai guide will explain the wildebeest, and gazelles as well as gire National Park, one of the best-kept secrets in tribe’s conservation efforts built on a deep con- population. Tanzania. On your way, you’ll be inspired by the nection to the land and wildlife in this region. work at Shanga River House. The project provides Another game drive awaits in the early evening, local people with disabilities the opportunity to where the savannah comes alive again—keep an Insider’s Tip Participate and learn about the many con- work and develop new skills, including jewlery eye out for predators on the prowl. In the evening, servation programs taking place in Tanzania making. While there, you’ll also get to explore the enjoy an included dinner, and then perhaps go out that help protect both the local communi- oldest coffee estates in Tanzania. After an included to listen to the nightly chorus of the bush. ties as well as the environment lunch, it’s off to Tarangire National Park, a wild- Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner life wonderland that is the perfect introduction to your African experience. With landscapes that Day 5: Manyara Region vary between dry scrub to lush swamp, this park Today, immerse yourself in Masai way of life on a offers great game-viewing year round, and you’ll tour of an authentic boma, the heart of the Maasai see it on an afternoon game drive. and village where livestock are kept. Your local guide may be on the hunt, searching plains game will illuminate the fascinating culture of this proud such as kudu, eland and , the famed long- and enduring tribe. Then it is off to Manyara and necked antelope. Recount the day’s exploits at to- a starkly different landscape: acacia woodland and night’s included dinner. grassy plains along the steep and scenic Rift Val- Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

goaheadtours.com 1-800-206-9871 goaheadtours.ca TWS13 05.12 A young Masai morani, or “warrior-youth” Acacia dotting the wide Serengeti plains

ley escarpment. You’ll explore this verdant region good place to spot the ever-elusive : the history of archeology and provided unprecedented on a game drive, spying the park’s stunning vari- lack of trees make it easier to spot this awe-inspir- insight into human evolution. After a picnic lunch, ety of wildlife: giraffe, zebra, hippos and perhaps ing animal. A picnic lunch adds to a remarkable ex- you are off to the Ngorongoro Crater region, home even the elusive tree-climbing lions. Of course, the perience in the wilderness, and the cozy ambience to the celebrated “Eighth Wonder of the World”. region is well known for its alkaline namesake: of the lodge is perfect for dinner this evening. Dinner is included this evening. beautiful Lake Manyara, home to a massive popu- Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner lation of flamingoes—a stunning swath of pink across a shimmering lake. At your included lunch Day 8: Serengeti Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater and dinner, you’ll have time to rest and relax. The name of this region comes from the Masai It is among the most spellbinding sights in all of Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner word Serenget, meaning “endless plain”. You’ll Africa: the incomparable Ngorongoro Crater. An in- continue your exploration of this vast landscape tact caldera covering over 100 square miles, the Day 6: Serengeti on another game drive. The plains practically Crater is regularly referred to as “Africa’s Garden The Serengeti is your next stop. This is the Africa ripple with life: giraffe, antelope, jackals, colobus of Eden”. As you descend the 1,000 feet into the of countless tales, a legendary golden landscape monkey, ostrich and of course the big cats. This is crater, you can see why: a magnificent menag- that has drawn adventurers for centuries. A mix of a great place to have a chance encounter with the erie of staggering scale. Over 25,000 species are sweeping grassland, tree-lined streams and open exceedingly rare black rhino, one of the Serengeti’s spread across the open grasslands—including the woodland, the Serengeti is world-famous for its most formidable creatures. Yet some of the smaller densest population of lions. You’ll explore this diverse wildlife. After you have arrived and had animals of the bush are equally interesting: like landscape for half the day, enjoying a picnic lunch lunch, you’ll set off for a game drive. The dramat- the diminutive dik-dik, a tiny, Bambi-like antelope before returning to the lodge to relax before your ic dance of predator and prey continues on the that mates for life. After your included lunch, you’ll farewell dinner. plains as it has for millennia, and you’ll have a set out again to see the Moru Kopjes—stunning Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner front row seat to the fascinating spectacle. You’ll granite formations rising out of the plains—as well pass the striking Moru Kopjes (Rocky Cliffs) and as some ancient Masai cave art. Dinner is included Day 11: Departure spy plains game and hopefully all of the Big Five: at the lodge this evening. Your safari draws to a close. Drive form Ngorong- lion, leopard, , Cape buffalo and rhino. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner oro to Kia. If you are not joining the exten- Dinner is include back at the lodge. sion, you will have time to relax in a dayroom Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 9: Olduvai Gorge before your included dinner. Then a Go Ahead On your way to the Ngorongoro Crater from the representative will help you transfer to the Kili- Day 7: Serengeti Serengeti, enjoy a stop at the famed Olduvai manjaro airport for your flight home. If continuing On a full-day game drive, explore one of the Seren- Gorge. The fossil Homo habilis (the handy man) on to for the extension, you will fly to geti’s richest ecosystems: the Seronera Valley. The was discovered here, and you will visit this “Cradle Stone Town in the afternoon. network of rivers running through the valley en- of Mankind” and see some of the finds firsthand. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner sures a year-round supply of water, making it a Dating to more than 1.75 million years ago, the wildlife-viewing bonanza. This is a particularly fossil ranks as one of the most important in the Day 12: Arrive home goaheadtours.com 1-800-206-9871 goaheadtours.ca Overnights Post-Tour Extension 2 Arusha Serengeti Ngorongoro

Zanzibar 2 Tarangire 3 nights Manyara Arusha 1 Manyara Days 11: Arrive in Zanzibar 2 Sarengeti After driving from Ngorongoro Crater to Kiliman- Tarangire jaro Airport, fly over the glimmering Zanzibar Ngorongoro Zanzibar 2 Channel to the magnificent isle of Zanzibar. The TANZANIA name alone conjures exotic visions of gentle trade winds, palm-fringed beaches and a medley of fas- cinating cultures. This is the ”Isle of Spices”, an alluring destination that has captivated bygone ex- plorers and modern-day travelers alike. Savor an Travel Pace: 4 Climate included dinner at your hotel in Stone Town, the Travel pace levels are based on criteria such historic center of Zanzibar. as length of tour, number of cities visited, Tanzania enjoys a pleasant climate through- out the year due to the high altitude of Included meals: breakfast, dinner number of included activities, as well as length of flights and land transfers. most of the area. Temperatures generally range from low 50s to mid 8os. The rainiest Day 12: Stone Town part of the year is March to May, with a This morning, wander the narrow alleys of Stone 1 - leisurely 3 - active secondary rainy season from October to De- Town, exploring the intriguing corners of a place 2 - comfortable 4 - challenging cember. The following guide provides aver- that has remained largely unchanged for 200 years. age temperatures for the regions on your Visit an old Anglican church, colonial mansions and itinerary. an old slave market. Even more intriguing sights Walking on Tour Arusha await: the House of Wonders, Palace Museum The amount of walking on this tour is quite Jan-Feb 66˚–84˚F / 19˚–29˚C (People’s Palace), Dr Livingstone’s House and the low. All game drives are conducted by a Mar-Apr 66˚–80˚F / 19˚–27˚C May-Aug 60˚–70˚F / 16˚–21˚C Arab Fort. After a quick stop at a nearby spice specially equipped safari van, and walking Sep 60˚–75˚F / 16˚–24˚C is prohibited in these areas. The “Travel plantation, you’ll make your way to the East Coast Oct 64˚–80˚F / 18˚–27˚C beaches. This area evokes visions of paradise: Pace” of 4 is instead based on the number Nov-Dec 64˚–80˚F / 18˚–27˚C beaches of powdery sand, placid turquoise waters, of transfers and the difficulty of transfers. Tarangire coconut palms swaying in a gentle sea breeze. For more information, see our “Transporta- Jan-Feb 61˚–84˚F / 16˚–29˚C tion” section. This picture-perfect setting is ideal for soaking in Mar-Apr 63˚–84˚F / 17˚–29˚C the sun or simply unwinding. Enjoy an included May-Aug 57˚–77˚F / 14˚–25˚C dinner this evening. Sep 61˚–82˚F / 16˚–28˚C Included meals: breakfast, dinner Visit goaheadtours.com for: Oct 61˚–84˚F / 16˚–29˚C Nov-Dec 63˚–86˚F / 17˚–30˚C • Enhanced destination information Day 13: Zanzibar Beach • Featured Tour Directors Manyara Jan-Feb 68˚–84˚F / 17˚–31˚C Continue to bask in the sunny splendor of Zanzi- • Personalized “My Account” Page bar’s beaches. Close your eyes, listen to sounds of Mar-Apr 64˚–86˚F / 18˚–30˚C • Tour planning May-Aug 57˚–79˚F / 14˚–26˚C the surf and smile at the simple pleasures of life • Suggested reading lists Sep 61˚–82˚F / 16˚–28˚C here. If you wish, take advantage sailing, snorkel- Oct 61˚–84˚F / 16˚–29˚C ing and fishing offered here. Dinner is included. Nov-Dec 68˚–86˚F / 17˚–30˚C Included meals: breakfast, dinner Serengeti Jan-Feb 77˚–88˚F / 25˚–31˚C Day 14: Departure Mar-Apr 73˚–88˚F / 23˚–31˚C Ferry across the waters of the Zanzibar Channel to May-Aug 66˚–82˚F / 19˚–28˚C , where you’ll savor a final dinner Sep 66˚–82˚F / 19˚–28˚C with your group before your flight home. Oct 70˚–84˚F / 21˚–29˚C Nov-Dec 72˚–88˚F / 22˚–31˚C Included meals: breakfast, dinner Ngorongoro Day 15: Arrive home Jan-Feb 51˚–63˚F / 11˚–17˚C Mar-Apr 54˚–64˚F / 12˚–18˚C May-Aug 50˚–61˚F / 10˚–16˚C Extension is available on select departure dates, and Sep 50˚–64˚F / 10˚–18˚C space is limited. Please call early to hold your spot. Oct 51˚–68˚F / 11˚–20˚C Extension also requires a minimum of 10 travelers. Nov-Dec 54˚–66˚F / 12˚–19˚C

goaheadtours.com 1-800-206-9871 goaheadtours.ca Pre-departure information for your tour

Passport and Visa Requirements we recommend muted colors, as bright clothing Currency In order to enter Tanzania, U.S. and Canadian citi- can scare off the animals. The currency you will be using on your tour is the zens need a valid passport. The expiration date Tanzania schilling. All African countries have strin- must extend at least six months beyond the date of Health gent exchange regulations, and their currencies are your return home. U.S. and Canadian passport Visitors should be in good health. Please contact not interchangeable. We recommend that you carry as little local cash as possible, and small amounts holders are also required to obtain a visa in order your family doctor well in advance of your depar- of the U.S. dollar for small purchases. (Please to enter Tanzania. Though it is possible to obtain a ture for information regarding immunization and make sure that you only bring U.S. dollars printed visa at the airport upon arrival, we recommend that personal travel requirements. Because of Tanzania’s in 1997 or later.) It is important to keep a receipt proximity to the equator, you can sunburn very you obtain an individual visa through Zierer Visa whenever you convert foreign currency. No local quickly. While on safari, you are assured the ser- Service (1-866-788-1100; www.zvs.com), using the currency can be taken in or out of the country. application that will be mailed to you with your vices of emergency medical evacuation to Nairobi, Major American credit cards are accepted in Tanza- confirmation letter. If you are not a U.S. or which has been designed to bring first-rate medical nia. We suggest that you inform your bank and Canadian citizen, you must contact the relevant care by superbly qualified personnel to outlying ar- credit card company of your travel plans, so that embassies as soon as possible for your specific eas. See below for information on drinking water. they won’t confuse your international purchases entry requirements. for fraudulent charges. Important Health Tips If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must In order for you to stay healthy on your Tanzania Special Information: Shopping contact the relevant embassies as soon as possi- tour, we recommend the following: Local handicrafts are generally inexpensive and ble for your specific entry requirements. • Drink bottled water. Refrain from drinking tap make wonderful souvenirs of your trip. You will water, including when brushing teeth. have the opportunity to shop at outdoor markets, Airport and Departure Taxes • Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless small shops and tribal roadside stalls, as well as All airport and departure taxes for this tour are in- they are cooked or washed in clean water and elegant boutiques at some of the lodges. Prices in cluded in the total trip cost printed on your invoice. peeled. Tanzania are almost always negotiated, providing an excellent way of meeting the Tanzanian people You are requested to obtain Yellow Fever innocula- • Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, up close. tions at least 14 days prior to arrival in Tanzania. anti-diarrhea medication and any prescription Please be prepared to present your vaccination re- medications. Items to Give or Trade cord or other proof of this innoculation. Visit travel. Cuisine Tanzanians are fond of North American goods. Many state.gov for more information. You’ll find that most cuisine in the game lodges travelers bring token items to offer as gifts or when reflects the region’s European colonial influence. Baggage Allowance bartering for souvenirs. Inexpensive items include Always avoid drinking tap water in Tanzania. Use Due to limited luggage space in transfer vehicles, T-shirts, baseball caps, anything imprinted with pro- bottled water for drinking and even for brushing you will need to pack in a duffel or soft-sided bag. fessional sports logos, pens, cosmetics and toilet- Laundry services also are available at select hotels your teeth, and be sure the bottle is sealed when ries. Offering Tanzanian children candy and gum is for a nominal fee. Some airlines may impose addi- you receive it. Bottled water is provided on tour somewhat controversial because the availability of tional charges if you choose to check any baggage. each day. Remember also to avoid any drinks served dental care for these children may be negligible. In- Please contact your airline or refer to its website for with ice cubes. stead, offer children’s books in English or crayons. detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your Transportation Tipping luggage will probably weigh more on your return Round-trip flights arrive in Kilimanjaro Airport and All porterage gratuities are included on safaris. trip due to souvenir shopping. One carry-on bag is depart from Kilimanjaro Airport. The extension However, it is customary to tip the driver/guide at also permitted, provided that it does not exceed includes a flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar the end of the program. We recommend tipping in the airline regulations of 45 inches (length + width and a ferry across Zanzibar Strait to Dar es Salaam your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of + height). There may be times when you will have on return. On safari, you will be traveling in a spe- $8USD/CAD to $10USD/CAD per person per day. to handle your own bag, and you’ll find that light- cially equipped safari van. The vehicle is open at the Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current weight luggage provides a distinct advantage. top, allowing for a panoramic view during game local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. Make sure you label your baggage and carry drives. Window seats are also guaranteed. Please valuables, medication and documents in your carry- keep in mind that transfers between the different International travel is, by its very nature, unpredict- on luggage. parks are long and roads are not always of the best able. We must therefore reserve the right to change quality. The vans are roomy and comfortable, but this itinerary without advanced notice to meet with Clothing and Packing Tips some bouncing is to be expected. local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate Safaris are informal, and casual dress in comfort- your understanding. Please refer to the current cata- able lightweight cottons is appropriate. Since the Electricity log for terms & conditions, dates and prices. temperature varies significantly from midday to Tanzania operates on 230 volts. evening, clothing that can be layered is a good idea, as are comfortable shoes such as sneakers or Time Zones lightweight hiking boots. Sandals or other shoes Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean that expose your skin are discouraged. We advise Time (GMT), or eight hours ahead of U.S. Eastern that you wear a hat during the day, and make sure Standard Time (EST). When it is noon in New York, Go Ahead Tours is part of you use a strong sunblock. For your game drives, the EF family of companies it’s 8 p.m. in Dar Es Salaam.

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