DAY 3 TO 5:
After breakfast check out from the Mt. Novotel.
Your driver/guide will transfer you to the Arusha airport for your flight to Manyara. On arrival at the Arusha airstrip a representative will meet with you and brief you on your itinerary throughout Tanzania and hand you all Air tickets and vouchers and assist with check in for your flight. On arrival in Manyara, you will be met by your driver / guide you will transfer you to the Lake Manyara tree lodge with a 2 ½ hour game drive en route.
2 nights at LAKE MANYARA TREE LODGE in a luxury tree house with en-suite facilities on a full board basis including local brand drinks & scheduled shared game activities.
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LAKE MANYARA TREE LODGE .......................................... LUXURY TREE LODGE
Set in the heart of a mahogany forest, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is located on the remote south-western shores of Lake Manyara, and, the successor to Maji Moto Tented Camp, is the only lodge in the small but incredibly diverse Lake Manyara National Park. The Park nestles at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment and is known for its great beauty and wealth of wildlife – excellent for viewing elephant, lion, impressive herds of buffalo and exceptional birdlife. The Lodge accommodation comprises ten stilted treehouses nestled into the boughs of mahogany trees with an outdoor shower, bath and double hand-basins. Intimate guest areas overlook a forest boma with an interactive kitchen where wholesome and delicious food is prepared in wood-fired ovens, and the crafts shop features signature community craftwork. Activities include interpretive guided nature walks in the forest along a perennial river down to the lakeshore escorted by Maasai askaris; forest birding walks (the area has over 400 species), and morning and afternoon game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced guides. Picnic lunches, dinners and sundowners can be enjoyed on the lakeshore which is situated about a kilometre from the Lodge.
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Your game viewing experience at Lake Manyara:
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet incredibly diverse wildlife haven at the base of the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Six distinct habitats support an array of wildlife: Famous tree-climbing lions, Large herds of elephant and buffalo, Richest birdwatching locality in Tanzania, Enormous flocks of nomadic lesser flamingo, Extraordinary hot springs on lakeshore, Luxuriant groundwater forest.
Africa Safaris chose Lake Manyara Tree Lodge’s remote location in the southwestern region of the Park, only 0.62 miles from the extraordinary soda-rich lake, because it offers guests a thrilling safari adventure. Professional and skilled African safari guides based locally at Lake Manyara will lead you on interpretive game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles in the gamerich Lake Manyara National Park. Due to our chosen secluded location, there is minimal vehicle intrusion, allowing for leisurely tracking of the Park’s famous tree-climbing lions, and uninterrupted viewing of flocks of pelicans and flamingos in the lake.
With 387 different bird species recorded here, Lake Manyara offers abundant birdwatching opportunities led by a specialist African safari guide. Our birding safaris take you from the beautiful soda lake where you will spot hundreds of thousands of flamingos and pelicans, to the evergreen forest inhabited by various species including the silvery-cheeked hornbill.
Your skilled African safari guide based at camp will lead you on interpretive wilderness walks in the vicinity of the Lodge, providing you with a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the Park’s intriguing fauna and flora.
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Stylish safari accommodation:
Cradled in the boughs of mahogany trees, 10 stilted tree house suites are a sophisticated blend of intimacy and romance, offering privacy and exclusivity in cool, leafy surrounds. Each tree house suite features large windows to invite the lush forest inside. The classically elegant tree house suites are fitted with contemporary furnishings in neutral colours and textures.
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Lakeshore picnics at lake Manyara with Africa Safaris:
During your stay at Lake Manyara enjoy a delicious breakfast or picnic on the lakeshore while viewing flocks of pelicans and flamingos, with buffalo and hippo cooling in the water
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DAY 5 TO 8:
Fly out toward the Serengeti. On arrival at Grumeti Private Game Reserve you will be met by a representative and transferred to the spectacular Grumeti River Camp.
3 nights accommodation at Grumeti River Camp in one double-bed tent with en suite facilities on a full board
basis including local brand drinks & scheduled game activities. |
from top: Wildebeest crossing Grumeti river
during the Annual Wildebeest Migration,
Wildebeest grazing on the plains
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GRUMETI RIVER CAMP ............................................ SUPERIOR TENTED CAMP
A wonderful tented camp set far from the overcrowded Serengeti National Park, in the remote western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, Grumeti River Camp offers a comfortable, contemporary haven from which to experience the truly wild pulse of Africa. Boasting abundant resident game year round, the Camp overlooks a bywater of the Grumeti River where wildebeest plunge through the waters, running the gauntlet of gigantic Crocodiles, on their annual Migration during June and July. Ten spacious tents under thatch - set along the banks of the River and its hippo pools - each have a viewing deck and ensuite bathroom with hand-basin, toilet and a shower open to the starlit sky. Furnished with vibrant décor, the accommodation brings alive the excitement and romance of Africa. An open-fronted dining area, sitting area and domed bar, all in colorful décor with unusual beaded, antique artefacts make up the main guest area. There is also a plunge pool on the banks of the River and a spacious deck from which to enjoy sundowners whilst watching pods of hippo in the pools. A special feature is the sheltered boma where star-studded romantic dinners are served. Twice-daily interpretive gamedrives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, led by our highly trained and experienced rangers, explore savannah and woodlands boasting the largest mass of free-ranging game on earth, whilst keen birders almost always exceed their sighting targets.
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About your safari accommodation:
Grumeti River camp is renowned for its stylish, vibrantly African designed tented suites set along the banks of a bywater of the Grumeti River, offering exceptional crocodile and hippo viewing.
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Grumeti’s spacious tents under makuti (palm frond) canopies and the vibrancy of colourful interiors - including hand-blown Kenyan glassware, African cloth and local sculptured furnishings - bring alive the excitement of Africa. Each tented suite features a large bed made of Tanzanian cypress and comfortable deck furniture both in and outdoors. En suite bathrooms offer separate w.c.s and alfresco showers open to the sun and stars. Yoruba beaded antique artefacts adorn the sitting areas and domed bar. Spacious decks are perfect for sundowners overlooking the water. Delicious Pan-African cuisine - prepared on traditional ‘jikos’ (fires) or in stone ovens - is served in the boma or open-fronted dining area. Private dinners may be arranged for any special occasion and are perfect for honeymooners.
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Your Game viewing experience at Grumeti Game Reserve:
Explore this remote region of the Serengeti savanna and woodlands on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives and enjoy excellent birdwatching in and around the camp. Grumeti is set in the remote western corridor of the Serengeti, boasting five distinct habitats, which are home to an astounding year-round concentration of animals: Resident lion prides and spotted hyena clans, Spectacular congregations of migratory wildebeest (typically between June and July) which risk their lives crossing the Grumeti River, Good cheetah viewing, Gigantic Nile crocodile in Grumeti River, Resident pods of hippo in front of the camp, Superb birdwatching, including some Lake Victoria ‘specials’, Splendid black-and-white Colobus monkeys, Populations of buffalo, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle. Grumeti’s open woodland savanna is dominated by acacia and desert date trees. Grassland savanna consists of nutritious grasses which support resident herbivore populations. Bush-clump thickets of grewia, gardenia and cordia shrubs are hiding places for smaller mammals and feeding sites for birds. The level of the Grumeti River fluctuates greatly, sometimes spilling its banks, sometimes reduced to just a few pools. A large, almost permanent pool opposite the camp supports aquatic plants and birds, as well as large pods of hippo. Tamarind, river litchi and albizia trees are found in the riverine forest.
Unlike other parts of the Serengeti, the western corridor has resident populations of large herbivores (elsewhere in the ecosystem, the vast majority of herbivores migrate). High densities of lion and spotted hyena hold territories around Grumeti River Camp. Resident herbivores are joined each season by huge numbers of migratory wildebeest and zebra. Bat-eared fox and serval are among regularly seen smaller carnivores. Family groups of black-and-white Colobus monkeys reside in the riverine forest. Pairs of dainty Kirk’s dik-dik inhabit bush-clump thickets. Handsome yellowwinged bats often roost in and around the camp.
There are 341 bird species recorded at Grumeti. Black crake and African jacana dance across water-weeds in front of the camp. Large flocks of gregarious yellow-throated sandgrouse visit waterholes to quench their thirst. Striking black-headed gonolek, slate-coloured boubou and rufous chatterer forage close to camp. Dazzling Fischer’s lovebirds feed alongside grey-capped social weavers and blue-capped cordonbleu in bush clump thickets. Eastern grey plantain-eater, Schalow’s turaco and double-toothed barbet feed on fruiting trees in the riverine forest. Tawny eagle, bateleur and white-headed vultures are among breeding raptors. |
DAY 8-11:
Transfer to the Grumeti Airstrip for your flight to the Manyara Airstrip. On arrival at Manyara you will be met by a representative and transferred by road on a 5 hour game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater lodge.
3 nights accommodation at NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE in double bedded suites with en suite facilities on a full board basis including local brand drinks & scheduled game activities
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NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE ......................................... SAFARI LODGE
Perched on the edge of the famous Ngorongoro Crater at the eastern edge of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is without doubt one of the most architecturally spectacular lodges in Africa. The Crater, considered one of the Wonders of the World, is a World Heritage Site and shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth - some of Africa's last black rhino are protected within its rim and black-maned lions stalk the grasslands. Inspired in design by the Maasai mud-andstick manyatta, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge comprises three
separate and intimate camps, North Camp and South Camp (12 suites each) and Tree Camp (6 suites).
Tree Camp has the best views and when you book with Africa SAFARIS, we try to offer you a complimentary upgrade to the Tree Camp [availbility permitting]. The sumptuous suites are steeped in romance reminiscent of a bygone era, with stilted, handcrafted structures adorned in graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and Pan African treasures. All of this, however, remains subordinate to the magnificence of the verdant Crater views through the window of every room. Each suite is discreetly tended by a personal butler, who will bring you tea in bed, stoke your fireplace and even draw your bath, scattering the water with rose petals, ready for your return from your safari and lavish picnic on the Crater floor [see pic on left]. Guest areas at each camp include sitting and dining areas, outdoor dining areas, & viewing decks - all with awe-inspiring views of the Crater below. Activities include a daily game-drive in 4x4 game-viewing vehicles to the Crater floor and walks along the Crater rim.
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Your game viewing experience at the Ngorongoro Crater:
Expert Africa guides will lead you on interpretive game-drives in
closed 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs into the Crater (half or full day) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, boasting exceptional game and bird viewing opportunities. Driving into the Serengeti is an optional extra, and highly recommended during the first four months of the year. The Crater floor’s open grassland habitat supports resident herds of grazing herbivores and their attendant predators. Pillarwood, nuxia, mountain bersama, hagenia and ficus trees, all draped with lichens and epiphytic orchids, dominate cloud forest on the Crater rim. Lerai fever tree forest is home to elephant and nesting raptors. The sodarich Lake Magadi on the Crater floor attracts flamingos and other wading birds. Big Five African wilderness: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge lies within the
Ngorongoro Conservation Area at the eastern edge of the
Serengeti. There are four distinct habitats which are home to
25 000 animals – boasting excellent year-round game viewing:
• Big Five, including black-maned lion
• Tanzania’s best locality for viewing black rhino
• Resident bull elephants with spectacular tusks
• Abundance of lion prides and spotted hyena clans
• Thousands of lesser and greater flamingo in the soda lake
• Excellent montane forest birdwatching on Crater rim
Expert, local based African guides will lead you on interpretive game-drives in 4x4 safari vehicles into the Crater (half or full
day) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, boasting exceptional game and bird viewing opportunities.
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 One-of-a-kind safari lodge:
Inspired in design by the Maasai mud-and-stick manyatta (homestead), three intimate camps comprise romantic suites perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater – a World Heritage site.
Steeped in romance, each mud and thatch suite is reminiscent of a bygone era, with the stilted, handcrafted structures adorned in graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and en suite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooking the magnificent Crater below. Your personal butler will discreetly tend to your every need, bringing you tea in bed, stoking your fireplace and drawing your bath.
Described as Maasai meets Versailles, each extraordinary camp operates independently with its own central living and dining areas and viewing decks. Early settler-style interiors combine silver, gold and ruby colors under banana-leaf ceilings and grass roofs. Beaded chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors, and antiques, plump cushions, voluptuous raw silk curtains and leather-backed chairs blend harmoniously with African art elements. The domed dining room, with its fireplace, crystal, silver and massive wooden platters, makes every meal a special occasion. Delicious Pan-African cuisine may also be enjoyed on the outdoor dining deck.
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DAY 11:
Transfer to the Manyara Airstrip for your flight to Arusha where you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight to Amsterdam OR if you fancy a beach retreat or some diving after the safari take an optional extension to the Mnemba Island [see RIGHT].
DAY 12:
On arrival in Amsterdam connect to your flight back to the USA.
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OPTIONAL BEACH/DIVING EXTENSION: MNEMBA ISLAND FROM DAY 11:
DAY 11-15:
Transfer for your flight to Zanzibar. On arrival in Zanzibar you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Mnemba Island.
4 nights at MNEMBA ISLAND LODGE in one double bed zanzibari banda with en suite facilities on a full board basis including local brand drinks and scheduled activities.
Mnemba is an idyllic island situated within a marine reserve comprising four distinct habitats which are home to a diverse array of Indian Ocean wildlife. You may fill the sun-drenched
hours with a variety of water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing and swimming, or simply sunbathing on the beach.
Mnemba boasts some of the world’s most beautiful dive sites. The clear blue seas provide unsurpassed visibility for both snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts – Mnemba will provide you with all scuba and snorkelling equipment needed. Just a short boat trip from the Island, coral reefs drop into the deep open sea. You can enjoy two dives daily led by Mnemba’s experienced dive instructors.
CLICK TO READ MORE ON MNEMBA’S PRIVATE ISLAND EXPERIENCE...
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NOTES:
-The Tanzania Safari is not available in April and May as all lodges will close due to the long rains.
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