itinerary for currie culp. itinerary for... · web viewproud african safaris. is the leading...

Itinerary for Currie Culp.

Private, Custom, Tanzanian Safari

Zubeda Mukunde1/28/2011

PAS is Tanzanian owned and operated, making us experts in local wildlife, cultures and regions. We pride ourselves on creating unique, personalized, and memorable experiences for every individual. The enclosed itinerary is totally custom - tailored to your interests, needs, ability and stamina.

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Itinerary for Carrie Culp

__________________________________________________________ It’s our great pleasure to welcome you to the beautiful country of Tanzania; it’s a land of wildlife and conservation in Africa, enriched with fascinating cultures. The warmth of the people of Tanzania is truly amazing.

Proud African Safaris will be on hand to greet and assist you and the other members of your party throughout your adventure in Tanzania. Proud African Safaris is the leading expert in exploring the National parks of Tanzania/East Africa. Our expertise is unique, and we will ensure that you have an amazing adventure and a once-in-a life-time safari experience. We are looking forward to seeing you soon, welcome to Tanzania.

Adam ole MeshalluProud African Safaris

DAY 0: AMSTERDAM - JRO - ARUSHA

Accommodation, all meals included at the Arumeru River Lodge www.arumerulodge.com

On arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport we will meet and greet you just after landing and assist you with luggage and the visa process. Our VIP status enables us to move through this process quickly and, therefore, you avoid waiting in long lines. Upon departing the airport, we will drive to the Arumeru River Lodge for your overnight.

The lodge is situated in an old coffee farm overlooking the two beautiful, awe-inspiring mountains of Tanzania; Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. This exclusive resort with its particular African charm aims to

Proud African Safaris12 Greystone Road, Marblehead, MA 01945 · Toll free (888)-629-6755 · Fax 978-922-0750

http://www.arumerulodge.com/

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offer guests comfortable luxurious accommodation, personalized service, great attention to detail, excellent international and local African cuisine, and has an inviting homey atmosphere.

DAY 1: ARUSHA (Lay-over day)

Accommodation, all meals included at the Arumeru River Lodge

After breakfast, you will have a short briefing from your Proud African Safari representative in preparation for your bush safari which begins the following day. However, today is your day to rest and relax before the true excitement begins. Today may be spent at your leisure. You may simply choose to relax with your favorite book in the lush hotel gardens, or take a town-tour of Arusha and perhaps do some shopping at the marketplace.

If you are eager to get a taste of what the future days in the bush will be like, we can do a short game-drive in Arusha National Park - the closest National Park near Arusha Town. The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited. Upon arrival at the forest gate, we will most likely be greeted by inquisitive Blue Monkey’s as well as the acrobatic black-and-white Colobus Monkeys. As we drive further north, we come into the rolling hills that surround the Momela Lakes where thousands of flamingos gather. We’re sure to see giraffes and zebra herds, and we’ll also be on the lookout for leopards and spotted hyenas. You may take your time observing and photographing nature. In the early evening hours we will return to the Arumeru River Lodge for rest, relaxation and your overnight.

DAY 2: ARUSHA – NORTHERN EXTENSION

Accommodation, all meals included at the Lemala Mara Luxury Tented Camp http://www.lemalacamp.com/

After an early breakfast we depart to Arusha Airstrip at 7:00am to catch an internal flight departing 8:00 am to the Northern Serengeti. Upon arrival at the Kogatende Mara River airstrip, your expert Proud African Safaris driver guide will greet you at the most primal wildlife viewing in Africa. After a short orientation, your game viewing starts immediately! Today we will search for wildebeest crossings at the Mara River. Explore the large part of the migration including herds of elephants, pride of lions, jackals, spotted hyenas, giraffes, zebras and large schools of hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River.


http://www.lemalacamp.com/

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The Northern Extension is the backbone of the Serengeti Ecosystem. It’s a dry season refugee for the wildebeest migration. These extensions provide permanent water throughout the year- the Mara River. It’s a higher elevated area, 1800M.A.S.L and compared to the short grass plains it offers a conducive temperature for animals during the dry season. Apart from migrants, the north part provides species that are not commonly seen in other parts of Serengeti; these include Orib, Blue duiker, and water mongoose.

This region is, without a doubt, the best kept secret of the Serengeti. It is twice the size of the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya, but has practically no crowds. The vistas and landscapes are unsurpassed, which make for terrific back-drops while game-viewing.

Plan to enjoy your lunch today in true safari style – in the bush! At your discretion, your guide will pick a good, safe location to stop. You will continue game-driving in the afternoon and in the early evening you will arrive at the Lemala Luxury Tented Camp.

Lemala Mara is considered the ultimate in seasonal camps, with a superb location nearly a stone’s throw-away from the Mara River! The camp is open from the months of June-October, when the migration is at its peak in this region. It sits in a remote wilderness nearly double in size to the Masai Mara. With fewer crowds it is the Serengeti’s best kept secret for game-viewing the migration of the wildebeest particularly in the months of June-August. The camp offers eight spacious, luxury tents with en-suites, hardwood floors, and the option for single or king-size beds. There is a communal mess-tent with contemporary style furnishings where guest will have their meals. There is also a fire lit each night where guest can enjoy a sundowner before retiring to dinner or to their tents for the evening.

DAY 3 & 4: NORTHERN EXTENSION

Accommodation, all meals included at the Lemala Mara Luxury Tented Camp

Leave the camp after your breakfast. Spend the morning hours to game drive again near the Mara River and expect more actions along the way. It’s the best time for the cats to sneak the prey as they come to drink. Today you will enjoy plenty of game-viewing with the excitement of the great migration in large numbers, beautiful landscapes, and see many lovely birds. At the end of the day, head to back to the camp for overnight.

The Serengeti is particularly famous for the Wildebeest migration which makes the complete circle annually. The migration starts in the Southern plains and migrates to the Western corridor, Central


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Serengeti, and eventually to the Northern extension. The movements are unique with a lot of activities taking place as the heard keeps moving. They fuel the ecosystem; carnivores are active hunting on the migrants for their survival. Crossings takes place along large and small rivers. Giant Nile crocodile take time to hunt as wildebeest takes time to drink and cross at these rivers and large marshes. Behind this “Arena” are vultures feeding on the left-over’s while keeping the ecosystem clean. From the month of August the migration settles up in the northern part of Serengeti. This is the best time to witness a large part of wildebeest crossing the Mara River. The river is wide with water and plenty of crocodiles, so a challenge for the crossing of wildebeest.

This is a wonderful time to be visiting the Serengeti. The herds travel through this region in great numbers on their way to the Mara, particularly in the late Summer – early Fall. Resident animal numbers are extremely high as well, with prides of lions up to thirty strong. Migration and predator action is non-stop, assuring the reputation of this area as one the finest game-viewing regions in Africa.

DAY 5: CENTRAL SERENGETI

Accommodation, all meals included at the Mbuzi Mawe http://proudafricansafaris.com/lodge/mbuzi-mawe-tented

With just 16 spacious rooms under traditional canvas, Mbuzi Mawe provides for a very intimate and authentic safari experience. Each luxury tent is furnished with 2 queen size four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms and a lovely veranda with an extra large zebra striped sun bed for two. The main lodge is


http://proudafricansafaris.com/lodge/mbuzi-mawe-tented

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equally charming and consists of a cozy tented lounge and bar, outdoor patio, both indoor and outdoor dining rooms, gift shop and a fire pit. The sleeping tents are situated in a circular formation around the base of the beautiful Kimasi Kopjes while the main lodge tent is set further up a hill allowing for good views. The surrounding topography is one of gentle rolling hills, open acacia tree woodlands and large granite outcrops called kopjes.

The Serengeti National park offers the best wildlife viewing in East Africa. A wide diversity of animals and gorgeous landscapes makes the Serengeti the top wildlife sanctuary in the world. The ecosystem not only supports the great wildebeest migration, but also the highest concentration of carnivores in the world. It is the only place with a high number of lions -up to 2000, also 9000 hyenas, 250,000 zebras, 450,000 Thomson gazelles, 1.7 million wildebeest, 1000 leopards, and 500 cheetahs. There are hundreds of other animal species supported by this system, including 250 species of birds, the rare bat-eared fox, elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes and many more.

DAY 6: SERENGETI PLAINS

Accommodation, all meals included at the Mbuzi Mawe

Depart the lodge early (6.00 am) for a full day game-drive in the central region to capture the migration of wildebeest. You will have your breakfast and lunch parked in the bush. You will game drive the Seronera Valley which is the best place for viewing lions, leopards and cheetahs. The Seronera River is the main source of water for the resident ungulates. Game-drive off the beaten path and discover more adventures and secluded sightings.

The Maasai word “Siringet” meaning “endless plain”, is at the origin of the name of this National Park, and sums up the emotion felt by the visitor when contemplating Africa at its wildest. Serengeti is the largest National Park in Tanzania, and it continues with the smaller Maasai Mara to the North in Kenya. The Serengeti National Park stretches from the highland plateau of the Ngorongoro in the South to the mountainous slopes of Isuria escarpment in the North. It reaches as far as Lake Victoria to the West in the form of a wide corridor. The altitude varies from 920 and 1850 m.a.s.l.


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The vegetation of this park is in its great variety of environment: open grass plains to the South, acacia savannah to the Central region, more densely wooded hills to the North, and in the Western corridor vast woodland with mountains overlooking the plains.

DAY 7: SERENGETI PLAINS

Accommodation, all meals included at the Mbuzi Mawe

Today is another exciting full-day of following the migration and game-driving the Serengeti plains! The Serengeti is particularly famous for the Wildebeest migration which makes the complete circle annually. The migration starts in the Southern plains and migrates to the Western corridor, Central Serengeti, and eventually to the Northern extension. The movements are unique with a lot of activities taking place as the herds keep moving. They fuel the ecosystem; carnivores are active hunting on the migrants for their survival. Crossings takes place along large and small rivers. Giant Nile crocodile take time to hunt as wildebeest takes time to drink and cross at these rivers and large marshes. Behind this “Arena” are vultures feeding on the left-over’s while keeping the ecosystem clean. From the month of August the migration settles up in the northern part of Serengeti. This is the best time to witness a large part of wildebeest crossing the Mara River. The river is wide with water and plenty of crocodiles, so a challenge for the crossing of wildebeest.


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The vegetation of this park is in its great variety of environment: open grass plains to the South, acacia savannah to the Central region, more densely wooded hills to the North and in the Western corridor vast woodland with mountains overlooking the plains.

DAY 8: CENTRAL SERENGETI - NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Accommodations, all meals included at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge http://www.serenahotels.com/serenangorongoro/default-en.html

Depart the lodge early with breakfast; drive through the western part of the Ngorongoro area and stop at the Olduvai Gorge, the gorge is a historical place where the remains of early hominids and stone tools are discovered here. You will have a short lecture on what is the gorge about. Proceed through the Serengeti, en route game drive on your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation area and stop for lunch, parked in the bush. In the afternoon, we will visit a tribal village near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

THE MAASAI

Maasai are pastoralists, who live off their herds of cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys. Traditionally, they moved widely with their herds to find pasture and water. In recent years, they have been encouraged to


http://www.serenahotels.com/serenangorongoro/default-en.html

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make more permanent settlements. The Maasai traditional diet is milk, blood and meat although grains are taken as a supplement. Maasai have held their traditions in the modern world it and it is always interesting to visit and learn about their culture.

Tonight you will overnight at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. Prior to arriving at your lodge in the early evening hours, you will get your first glimpse of the impressive Ngorongoro Crater. A full day of game-driving the crater will be saved for the following day!

The Serena Safari Lodge is situated along the top of the jagged rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. It is well- known for its endless vistas over the crater floor below, along with its unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendor and ethnic style. The interior is decorated with authentic Maasai artifacts and you will be able to enjoy a cozy log fire at the heart of the lodge. In addition, the flamed wall-lanterns will guide your walkways from the main lodge to your room. Each room has its very own balcony overlooking the crater so you may enjoy the incredible views at sunrise and sunset.

DAY 9: NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Accommodations, all meals included at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge http://www.serenahotels.com/serenangorongoro/default-en.html

Today you will leave the lodge earlier, trying to be at the crater floor as early as possible. The reason is to capture best animal sightings at early hours including the Black Rhinos. Plan to game-drive the crater for the day, taking advantage of various animal encounters and numerous photo opportunities.


http://www.serenahotels.com/serenangorongoro/default-en.html

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The Ngorongoro crater is a home to the Black Rhinos, whose number went down in the past 16 years due to ivory poaching. Because of the nature of Ngorongoro landscape it proved difficult for poachers to encroach into the park. The Maasai who lives in the Ngorongoro conservation area has by nature added to a protection of wildlife in general.

Ngorongoro was established as a separate conservation area in 1959, this region covers about 8,300 square kilometers including the volcanic highlands. It stretches from Lake Natron in the North East, to Lake Eyasi in the South, and Manyara to the East. The area includes the volcanic region of the Ngorongoro crater, the still active volcano of Ol- Doinyo Lengai, vast forested highlands and also the famous Olduvai Gorge. It was at Olduvai that the English Anthropologist Leakey discovered the skull of a primitive, “Australopithecus”, dating back about 1.75 million years. The name Ngorongoro evokes unforgettable memories for those nature-lovers who have been lucky enough to visit this remarkable crater. The view from the crater rim is magnificent, especially when the quality of the light brings out a whole range of delicate colors. From the viewing point on the crater rim, with a pair of binoculars one can quickly discover that the crater floor is dotted everywhere with animals: around the Magadi Soda Lake, on the slopes and the edge of the beautiful highlands forest, where the typical yellow-backed acacia predominates. The Ngorongoro crater is also the only place where the mighty tusked Elephant bull are still surviving.

Because of its uniqueness, the Ngorongoro stands as


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-The only conservation area with a successful co –existence between human and wildlife. -A world heritage site.-A biosphere reserve.

THE CRATER FLOOR

The crater floor is carpeted with rich pastures, which ensure the continuation of the life cycle, and the fascinating concentration of some 3,000 large resident mammals. Bird life is also extremely abundant including Ostriches, Crowned cranes, Flamingos, Pelicans, Egyptian gees, Eagles and other birds of prey. The giant crater has an area of 250 Sq. km. and measures 11 to 19 km. in diameter.

DAY 10: NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA – KARATU.

Accommodation, all meals included at the Plantation Lodge www.plantation-lodge.com/

Today you will leave the lodge earlier, trying to be at the crater floor as early as possible. The reason is to capture best animal sightings at early hours including the Black Rhinos. Plan to game-drive the crater for the day, taking advantage of various animal encounters and numerous photo opportunities. We’ll drive to your next lodge in the late evening hours – the Plantation Lodge in the Karatu area.

We’ll drive to your next lodge in the late evening hours – the Plantation Lodge in the Karatu area.

This luxurious owner-run lodge was intentionally designed with a pampering, yet practical, garden at its center. The lodge boasts of its cordial service and great attention to detail. There are 16 rooms which lie generously distributed throughout the flowering garden, some with verandas and direct access to the garden. Individuality is a major feature of Plantation Lodge, where each room has its own style, choice accessories and bouquets of fresh flowers. Meals are specially made with delicious and healthy organic vegetables, herbs and fruits that come directly from the Plantation’s gardens.

DAY 11: KARATU -TARANGI RE VIA LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK.

Accommodation, all meals at the Kikoti Luxury Tented Camp http://www.tzphotosafaris.com/docs/kikoti-.htm

After breakfast we’ll drive to Tarangire National Park via Lake Manyara National Park for a morning hour’s game-drive.

Manyara is a beautiful place to visit while on safari, it is one of the parks that is ever green due to the underground water flow from the Ngorongoro highlands. The rift valley is highly conspicuous at this area. The Manyara Park is well known for its tree-climbing lions, a behavior which is not common in most places in Africa. The name Manyara is a Maasai word for a species of thorn plant grown by the Maasai into a stout hedge to protect their cattle from predators. Similarly, the name signifies settlement. There are beautiful Flamingos on the Lake Manyara and due to its alkaline content it provides food for the Flamingos for a long period of the year. The lake itself is situated at an altitude of 950 m.a.s.l and nearly 60% is within the park. It was formed two-to- three million years ago, after the flow of the rift


http://www.tzphotosafaris.com/docs/kikoti-.htm

http://www.plantation-lodge.com/

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valley subsided. The streams flowing from the rift wall accumulated in depressions which later became a lake as there was no outlet for the water. Hot springs of 60 degrees centigrade is among the unique feature within the park. Lake Manyara National Park, though small, it offers a lot. In the afternoon or after your lunch –game drive out of the park and head to Tarangire National Park.

There is also a lot to learn today on the way to Tarangire and you will notice gradual changes as we move on. The landscape, the people, the vegetation and the Great Rift Valley are all different. There will be a lot to learn, photograph, and experience on your adventure. In the early evening hours we will arrive at the Kikoti Luxury Tented Camp for your overnight.

Kikoti camp is a small, luxury tented camp which lies in the line of the annual Elephant migration corridor. This camp recaptures the time-honored splendor of the traditional safari camp of yesteryear, when comfort was defined by superior service and camp fire hospitality. Each of the ten large tents has sewn-in floors and plumbed en-suite facilities. They have been laid out in the traditional safari manner with wooden beds, fresh linen and veranda from which to admire the views of the Silale Wetlands in the valley below. The tents have been raised on platforms of natural timber and appointed for incredible views of sunsets across the savannah, and to allow freedom of movement of the wildlife that pass through the area.

DAY 12: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Accommodation, all meals included at the Kikoti Luxury Tented Camp

Today we will spend our morning hours continuing our exploration of Tarangire National Park for unlimited game-driving and animal observation. Your guide knows where to take you off-the-beaten path, deep into the wilderness for exceptional game-viewing and new animal encounters. Today in the afternoon we will have a talk with Elephant researchers of Tarangire; our visit to the researcher’s supports the animal conservation in Tanzania (mainly the elephants) this is an exciting moment to talk to the researchers and learn more about elephants and their exceptional behaviors which are not observed often. Later in the evening we’ll drive back to the camp for relaxation and your overnight.

DAY 13: TARANGIRE - ARUSHA – JRO


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Day-room and meals at the Arumeru River Lodge

After breakfast, depart with lunch boxes en-route game-drive on our return back to Arusha. After leaving the park, we will pass through small towns and see local people living and working in their day-to-day lives. We may also stop and take advantage of some shopping should you wish to purchase any souvenirs from your travels in Tanzania.

In the early-afternoon you will have the use of a day room and later have dinner at the Arumeru River Lodge. Following dinner we provide an evening transfer to the Kilimanjaro airport for your return flight home.

SAFETY & CREDIBILITY:

Proud African Safaris is licensed and incorporated in Tanzania, with insurance through the Tanzanian government. We are in adherence to the Tourist Agents Licensing Act of 1969 (also known as “T.A.L.A.”) and retain a current license. We are also accredited by and proud members of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (also known as T.A.T.O.) and the Africa Travel Association (or ATA). More information can be found on these organizations at www.tatotz.org and www.africatravelassociation.org/ata/.

In addition, one of our primary concerns is the safety of our clients. That is why Proud African Safaris is pleased to be members of the Flying Doctor’s Society of Africa. Membership benefits include 24-hour access to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Response Centre for medical advice and air ambulance requests should an emergency evacuation be required. To learn more about this organization, please visit http://www.amref.org/flying-doctors


http://www.amref.org/flying-doctors

http://www.africatravelassociation.org/ata/

http://www.tatotz.org/

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CUSTOM SAFARI PACKAGE PRICING:

14-days for 1pax, 2pax, 4pax to 6 pax adults, September 2011 timeframe

Tanzanian Safari*:1 pax $ 11,572 ,/ 2 pax $ 15, 702 ($7,851 per person) 4 pax 26,404 ($ 6,601 per person) 6pax $ 37,406 9( $ 6,234 per person)

*Should you choose to pay with Visa/Mastercard, there will be a 3% service charge added to your grand total.

Payment of a non-refundable deposit in the amount of $500 per person, along with a completed and signed Reservation Booking Form and Travel Insurance Acceptance Form are required in order to confirm your reservation. The balance of the safari price is due not later than 90 days prior to departure. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars.

If the final number of travelers in your party increases or decreases, Proud African Safaris reserves the right to re-estimate this safari package.

Tanzania Safari inclusions:• All accommodations• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)• All airport transfers, hotel transfers and meet and greet VIP services (all safaris are 100% escorted)• All national park and reserve entrance fees, including special game drive permits with exclusive access• Use of a private 4WD vehicle, including unlimited game-drives• Private services of your professional and knowledgeable Tanzanian driver-guide• Internal airfare to Serengeti National Park from Arusha• Tanzania visa fees and VIP assistance with visas upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport• Use of Nikon Action 10 x 50 binoculars while on safari • Unlimited bottled drinking water, soft drinks (coke and sprites) and bush snacks in your vehicle• Comprehensive support from our Tanzanian office for the duration of your safari

Tanzania Safari Exclusions:• International Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)• Gratuities to your driver-guide suggested at $30 to $60 per group per day• Travel Insurance• Laundry, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits not specified above• Tips for walking safaris payable to your Maasai Warrior escort - $20 per group, if applicable• Maasai Boma visit fee payable to the Village Chief - $20 per group, if applicable


itinerary for currie culp. itinerary for... · web viewproud african safaris. is the leading...

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