Luxury Walking with Masai Package

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Luxury Walking with Masai Package Arusha - Tarangire National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Central Serengeti - Lake Victoria 13 Days / 12 Nights

Date of Issue: 11 January 2018

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Overview

Accommodation Destination Nights Basis Room Type

Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge Arusha 1 B&B

Oliver's Camp Tarangire National Park 3 FI

The Highlands Ngorongoro Ngorongoro Conservation 3 FI Area

Namiri Plains Camp Central Serengeti 2 B&B

Rubondo Island Camp Lake Victoria 3 B&B

Key B&B: Bed and breakfast FI: Fully inclusive

Price From USD 8,000 per person

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Day 1: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha

Day Itinerary Meet your Asilia driver on arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge. where you will overnight in the serene and tranquil surroundings. Arusha Coffee Lodge is hidden among one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations on the slopes of the ever present. Mount Meru and is a haven of relaxation. Friendly and helpful staff combined with the rustic feel of a homestead reminiscent of times gone by create a peaceful and warm atmosphere, perfect for a pre or post safari stopover.

Arusha Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania located at the foot of Mt. Meru, close to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. From there it’s only a short trip to the Serengeti. Just to the north, on the slopes of Mt. Meru is the Arusha National Park. Built by the Germans as a centre of colonial administration because of the temperate climate, Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from your safari.

Overnight: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge View iBrochure Located in the middle of a verdant coffee plantation, Arusha Coffee Lodge is a sanctuary of aromatic tranquility and a welcome retreat after a long international flight, or the dust and excitement of a thrilling bush safari.

Take residence in one of 30 luxury wooden chalets - 12 Plantation Suites and 18 Plantation Rooms - nestled amongst the surrounding gardens and sea of coffee trees.

Turning off the road, a tree-lined drive guides you to the warm and inviting main area with its quiet understated aura of luxury. Vibrant gardens, a spa, and a swimming pool await, and a restaurant, Bacchus, and café bistro, 3° South, boast menus to satisfy the most discerning of palates, successfully fusing international culinary prowess with locally- sourced ingredients.

Visitors are also welcome to enjoy convenient gift shopping at the Traders Walk Boutiques, located on site. Browse through a collection of five boutiques offering arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing, gourmet coffee and cakes and traditional Swahili food.

Included Bed & Breakfast

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Day 2: Oliver's Camp, Tarangire National Park

Day Itinerary After breakfast at the lodge, you will be met by your Asilia driver and taken to Arusha airport for the flight to Kuro Airstrip in Tarangire National Park. Enjoy the scenery along the way and remember to ask your driver any questions you may have. On arrival at Oliver’s Camp, enjoy a leisurely lunch before settling into your new surroundings. After tea, experience your first taste of the wild and beautiful Tarangire National Park on an afternoon game drive with one of the superb guides. If you wish, the option of a night drive is also available at an extra cost; watch the antelopes feed in the cool night air and predators stalking their prey under the cover of darkness. Otherwise, sip a cool gin & tonic as the sun sinks below the horizon and head back to camp for dinner under a blanket of stars.

Tarangire National Park After the Serengeti, Tarangire has the greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania and in the dry season the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. This is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted. Tarangire is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, and its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the mountains to the south. Located just a few hours drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for safaris travelling through the northern circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife are allowed to move freely throughout.

Overnight: Oliver's Camp View iBrochure Discover Africa, just as it should be. Oliver’s Camp – in the remote southern reaches of Tarangire National Park – has just 10 beautifully appointed safari tents in a spectacular location close to the game-dense Silale Swamps and overlooking a flood plain of the Minyonyo Pools.

Oliver’s was inspired by the trailblazing camps that pioneered the early days of safari. It gives you direct access to the dense concentration of wildlife you will find year-round in this remote region, as well as the chance to enjoy walking safaris and fly camping. Oliver’s is intimate and personal, staffed by a world-class team that has worked together for many years to perfect a safari experience that guests consistently rank among their best.

Included Fully Inclusive

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Day 3: Oliver's Camp, Tarangire National Park

Day Itinerary There is no better way to experience the wilderness of East Africa up close and personal than on foot, and this morning you will leave camp as the sun rises with your expert walking guide to explore the area minus a vehicle! The morning walk will last for around 3-4 hours (temperature dependent), offering the chance to spot giraffe, buffalo, elephant and gazelle, and of course, the ever-present predators. A picnic lunch will be served under the shade of the large baobabs that dot the landscape, before you journey back to camp for a well deserved rest. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the camp and head to the campfire where whiskies are poured and safari tales told late into the night.

Included Fully Inclusive

Day 4: Oliver's Camp, Tarangire National Park

Included Fully Inclusive

Day 5: The Highlands Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Day Itinerary After breakfast, pack your bags and depart to Kuro Airstrip for the flight to Manyara. You will be met by your guide at the airstrip and transferred to The Highlands, the newest addition to the Asilia portfolio, stopping to admire the spectacular views of the ancient volcanoes that make up the landscape.

After lunch in camp, spend the afternoon following the ancient Maasai trails to the top of the Olmoti crater.The gentle 2-3 hour ascent leads you through mountain forest, grassland and rocky outcrops and is a botanist’s dream with varying vegetation and a variety of splendid fern species on show. The birding is outstanding and once at the summit, you will be treated to a simply stunning view of the Olmoti crater itself. On return to camp settle in for the night around the inside fireplace, the perfect place to unwind at the end of your long day exploring.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area The Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes the famous Crater and its lesser known regions to the north; the Olduvai Gorge (where Lucy was found in 1974) and expansive plains of grassland which run all the way across to the Serengeti. Local Masai herd their cattle and goats alongside Africa's famed wildlife, as they have for centuries.

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Overnight: The Highlands Ngorongoro View iBrochure The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro experience. Set on the edge of the mountain forest hugging the Olmoti volcano to the north of Ngorongoro Crater, The Highlands strikes a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a high-style, contemporary escape.

Experience the highlands of the wild Ngorongoro Conservation Area surrounding camp, home to leopard, buffalo and elephant. Follow ancient Maasai trails to the summit of the Olmoti crater and visit local communities to catch a glimpse into the traditional Maasai way of life that has defined this corner of East Africa for centuries. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is easily accessible from camp, while the setting ensures maximum privacy, a rich adventure and a range of activities not possible elsewhere in Ngorongoro.

Included Fully Inclusive

Day 6: The Highlands Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Day Itinerary Wake up with the rising sun and begin the 40 minute drive from The Highlands to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Look out for the zebra interspersed with the Maasai cattle as they are brought out to pasture, and the magnificent view down to the Ngorongoro Crater. You will spend the morning exploring the vast 300 sq km crater floor with the opportunity to spot the Big 5 and the many roaming predators present on the mineral rich floor. Lunch will be served on the crater floor, and in the afternoon, you may continue your exploration of the crater or venture back to camp for a quiet sundowner, taking in the magnificent views from the comfort of your suite.

Included Fully Inclusive

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Day 7: The Highlands Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Day Itinerary After an early breakfast, leave camp for the relatively unknown Empakaai Crater, 40km north east of it’s more famous neighbour, the Ngorongoro Crater. A 1 hour, 15 minute drive through the beautiful Bulbul Depression will lead you the Empakaai rim, where you will be treated to splendid views of the crater and a glimpse of Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s most active volcano. It is here that you will meet an NCA ranger and begin the 30-45 minute descent, watching out for buffalo, hyena and elephant in the forest. Once on the crater floor, the lake offers superb birding and the chance to see the famous flamingos that form a salmon pink band around the lake shore. For the more adventurous, the walk around the 6km lake takes around 4 hours; otherwise begin the ascent back to the vehicle and stop off to visit one of the local Maasai communities on the drive back to camp, offering an insight into the traditional way of life that has defined this corner of East Africa for centuries.

Included Fully Inclusive

Day 8: Namiri Plains Camp, Central Serengeti

Day Itinerary After breakfast, you will be driven to Manyara Airstrip for your flight to Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti. At Seronera, you will meet your guide and enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling plains to Namiri Plains camp. On arrival in camp, settle into life at Namiri Plains and watch the wildlife passing by from the stylish main area in camp. In the afternoon, begin your exploration of this exclusive corner of the Serengeti from a vehicle on an afternoon game drive, stopping for sundowners on top of the magical Soit Le Motonyi rock. With the nearest camp over 45 minutes away, you may be excused for thinking you are the only guests in the Serengeti! Back in camp, enjoy a delicious 3 course meal and listen to the sounds of the night as they unfold around you.

Central Serengeti The Serengeti together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomises Africa for many, and then add a Masai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. But that is not where the game viewing ends; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. Aside from traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains has become almost essential and you can even do a horseback safari.

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Overnight: Namiri Plains Camp View iBrochure For 20 years, the grasslands of the Eastern Serengeti were closed to tourists to allow the cheetah population to replenish itself. Today, this is big-cat territory, where cheetah roam the area in pursuit of prey, and lion and leopard hunt undisturbed.

In 2014, the region reopened with Asilia appointed as its custodian. Guests can enjoy this incredible corner of the Serengeti from the comfort of cool and elegant Namiri Plains. Expansive views, serious comfort, exceptional privacy and unrivalled sightings of apex predators in a region of the Serengeti come together to give you an exclusive and action-packed safari experience.

Included Bed & Breakfast

Day 9: Namiri Plains Camp, Central Serengeti

Day Itinerary Depart camp in the early morning for your walking safari; the pace is easy and your sense heightened to the smaller sights and sounds of the bush. Take a packed lunch with you and enjoy it under the shade of the trees, or return to camp for a delicious buffet created by the talented chefs. Return to camp for siesta time and a good book in the heat of the day and in the afternoon, continue your exploration by vehicle or on foot before returning to camp for a final dinner under the stars.

Included Bed & Breakfast

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Day 10: Rubondo Island Camp, Lake Victoria

Day Itinerary After lunch, you will leave Namiri Plains for Seronera Airstrip and your flight to Rubondo Island. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Rubondo Island Camp, situated on the 25,000 hectare island paradise in the south west corner of Lake Victoria. Spend the afternoon in your hammock swinging in the gentle breeze from the Lake, take a wander down to the beach and cool off in the swimming pool, or simply settle into an armchair with binoculars and a bird guide and let the wildlife come to you.

Lake Victoria This massive 6.5 million ha lake is three times the size of Wales and is shared by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It is both Africa’s biggest lake and the source of its biggest river, the Nile. Its waters are rich in fish life with shimmering shoals of colourful cichlids and large Nile Perch which is sought after by fishermen.

Overnight: Rubondo Island Camp View iBrochure Rubondo Island – in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria – is for those seeking the thrill of adventure in a truly wild area, all but untouched by man. The camp – the only lodgings on this verdant island – immerses you in this lush and unspoilt ecosystem.

From its lakefront location to the ecofriendly design of the eight fabulous cottages, the camp offers unrivalled access to this one-of-a-kind destination, where elephant roams wild, colourful birds and butterflies flit through the pristine indigenous rainforest and the waters teem with hippo, crocodile and the iconic Nile perch.

Included Bed & Breakfast

Day 11: Rubondo Island Camp, Lake Victoria

Day Itinerary After breakfast overlooking the lake, set out with your guide for your chosen activities. Lace up your boots for a walking exploration of the island, with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the chimps and learn about the island’s extraordinary birdlife, or take to the water and spend the day lazily drifting on the lake in a canoe or boat. Professional anglers regularly travel here for the opportunity to hook one of Africa’s biggest and most sought after

P a g e | 10 fresh water species, the Nile Perch and you can spend a morning trying to catch one of these giants from camp’s fishing boats. In the evening, you will gather for dinner in the beautiful dining room, swapping tales from the day as the moonlight dances on the surface of the Lake and hippos emerge from the water to graze.

Included Bed & Breakfast

Day 12: Rubondo Island Camp, Lake Victoria

Included Bed & Breakfast

Day 13: Departure

Day Itinerary After breakfast, pack your bags and depart with your driver for the airstrip, enjoying a last glimpse of the island flora and fauna. Here you will bid your guide farewell as your board your flight back to Arusha for your international connection.

Transport

Flight Information Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time Class Ref

Charter Elewana Arusha Coffee Oliver's Camp Lodge

Charter Oliver's Camp The Highlands Ngorongoro

Charter The Highlands Namiri Plains Camp Ngorongoro

Charter Namiri Plains Camp Rubondo Island Camp

Transfers Date Company Pick Up Drop Off Time Vehicle

Kilimanjaro International Airport Elewana Arusha Coffee [JRO] Lodge

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Travel Information

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

Banking and Currency Currency

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines.

Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2004. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around If you are visiting a number of parks and reserves in Tanzania, you can either drive or fly between them. Roads in most of the wilderness areas are in poor condition and unmarked, and self-driving is not recommended. Operators will supply you with a driver who doubles as an informal guide; alternatively, you can arrange to fly to your destination and utilize a car and driver supplied by the lodgings. Elsewhere in Tanzania, towns and cities are linked by a steady stream of buses and dala-dalas (minibuses), and in the cities, there is public transport in the way of buses, dala-dalas, taxis, and, in some places, bicycles or tuk-tuks.

Precision Air run regular services, mostly via Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar, to all main towns and other destinations in East Africa and beyond. All national parks and some of the top-end luxury lodges have airstrips and

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Coastal Air operates between these and the main airports on the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. ZanAir has frequent connections between Zanzibar, Pemba and the mainland.

Driving is on the left hand side of the road

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Most camps, lodges or hotels cater specifically to tourists and serve Western-style food, ranging in standard, but generally are excellent. Game lodges tend to offer a daily set menu with a limited selection, so it is advisable to have your tour operator specify in advance if you are a vegetarian or have other specific dietary requirements. First-time visitors to Africa might take note that most game lodges in and around the national parks have isolated locations, and driving within the parks is neither permitted nor advisable after dark, so that there is no realistic alternative to eating at your lodge.

Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travellers try to stick to mineral water. Filtered and bottled water can be difficult to find you are travelling outside of main town and so it is advisable to stock up. Most camps, lodges and hotels have bottled water readily available.

Climate and Weather Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the 'long rains', lasts during about March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.

The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.

If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania's 'short dry season', before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing, preferably cotton or linen, is recommended. While on a game viewing safari, avoid brightly coloured clothing, stick to whites, beiges, khakis and browns. There may be long days sitting in safari vehicles, so it is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing such as short sleeved shirts and cotton/linen trousers or shorts. Denim will become too hot and extremely uncomfortable. Walking shoes and socks will be required.

The evenings will be chilly, so long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn. A sweater may be needed. These will also prevent you being bitten by insects. A hat should be worn at all times outside. The sun may sometimes not feel hot, but it can still easily burn, especially if it is cloudy and overcast.

If visiting Zanzibar or any coastal town don't forget to take a swimsuit, as it is invariably warm. Ladies are recommended to take cotton skirts, blouses and dresses. Sandals are a must for this environment! On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity is not.

As over a third of the population in Tanzania is Muslim, it is therefore not etiquette for ladies to walk around in public displaying their legs and shoulders. Remember to dress modestly as short shorts, miniskirts, vests and tank tops will be frowned upon.

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Electricity and Plug Standards The electricity supply in Tanzania is 220/240 volts at 50Hz. Plugs are 3 point square (UK Type). Adapters are available at major airports.