Classic Best Gorilla Experience & Northern Tanzania Expedition

Classic best of gorilla experience & Northern Tanzania expedition features one of the world’s best adventures where you get to interact with the world’s most endangered ape that shares 98% DNA with human beings in the forested Volcanoes National Park before proceeding to the Tanzania most wonderful and most visited Northern Parks. Where your second discovery journey will start at Tarangire Tanzania’s best secret which is an all year park and is usually not overcrowded by tourist as other parks, to Ngorongoro Conservation area the 8th wonder of the world which has remained unchanged since time in memorial and is always game rich not forgetting the rich culture of the Masai co existing with wildlife there! The journey takes you further to the vast Serengeti plains the venue to the greatest show on earth the wildebeest migration! Enjoy unlimited game in this vast and sensational 14,763km sq of endless savannah! Wind up your adventure with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park famous for its tree climbing lions among other game!

Accommodation is carefully selected to offer great value to each and every traveller and pay keen attention to conservation, minimum environmental degradation impact to areas they are located, bettering the livelihoods of the local people through meaningful employment!

We hope that you will join us soon in discovering what Northern Tanzania has to offer!

Pre-or post-night Kigali Serena on bed and breakfast can be arranged!

FLIGHTS INCLUDED IN THE QUOTATION
KIGALI – KILIMANJARO

Inclusions

• Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
• Transportation in a private chauffeur driven custom made safari 4 X 4 land cruiser throughout the safari. (a private vehicle available on request at an extra supplement).
• Services of an English-speaking Speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Gorilla Trekking permit.
• Flight Kigali to Kilimanjaro
• Complimentary mineral water per person per day in the safari vehicle.
• Guaranteed window seat for all safari participants (maximum 6 pax per safari land cruiser).
• Wireless internet at camps main areas and limited signal in the safari land cruiser.
• All meet and greet services.
• All arrival and departure transfers.
• 24 hours stand-by contact number.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Unlimited game viewing drives
• All park entrance fees.
• Two-way long-range high frequency radio communication in each vehicle.
• On safari accessories in each vehicle: – First-aid kit, wildlife books, a pair of binoculars, cool box and fire extinguisher.
• Flying doctor’s coverage which covers you within East Africa for a period of 14 days. In the eventuality of a medical emergency, you will be airlifted to Nairobi where you will be taken to a good hospital. Hospital bills are born by the patient.

Exclusions

• All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, laundry etc.
• Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver- guide(s).  Budget approx. $ 2.00 – $ 4.00 per person per day for lodge and hotel staff, $ 1.00 per bag for porters and $ 10.00 – $ 15.00 per person per day for driver-guides). Note that gratuities should be given as a reward of exceptional service and is at your discretion.
• Meals and beverages, other than specified.
• Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary.
• Visa fees – you can apply for visas online easily through the following government websites. Rwanda https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/en/web/dgie/single-entry-visa?menu-highlight=CAT#VSA.SENV and for Tanzania https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ .
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the above listing.

*Please note that the itinerary sequence is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by Classic Journeys Customer Care Representative, outside the airport arrivals section and after a briefing. Enjoy a City Tour of Kigali. (Cost of city tour included)
The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare.

Visit the old Kigali and the craft centres then visit the genocide memorial site. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Lunch in Kigali. Later, depart Kigali and drive to Ruhengeri. 2.5 hrs arriving in the early evening at the Volcanoes National Park.

Meals: Full Board

Early breakfast. 0620 hrs: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs for your first day of trekking.
0700 hrs: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of your amazing Gorilla Tracking adventure. Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear.
The cost is ten USD per person/per day. We advise that you utilize this service.

Your trek again starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virunga’s offering stirring views in all directions. When it enters the national park, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the colorful bird calls, chattering golden monkeys, littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, beckon an ascent.

Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with one of the Gorilla Families.

Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
After the trek, rejoin your driver Guide for a transfer to your lodge for lunch.
Afternoon at leisure or visit the twin lakes Ruhondo and Bulera.

Morning activities
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike per person per trek US$ 75 (Approximately 6 Hours)
Golden monkey trek per person per trek US$ 100
Bisoke Hike Per person per trek US$ 75 (4 – 6 Hours)
Muhabura Hike per person per trek US$ 100

Afternoon activities
Visit Iby’iwacu cultural village tour per person US$ 30
Visit the local village and participate in the activities per person US$ 55
Visit Musanze Cave per person US$ 50
Buhanga Eco-Park walk per person US$ 55

Ruhengeri area is located at 2400 meters above sea level and is chilly early morning and evening. While trekking, it can rain unexpectedly, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. You will also need boots that can cope with some mud. Gorilla permits are only confirmed upon payment of a deposit. The balance payable 60 days before trekking date.  (Non-refundable).

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Full Board

Ruhengeri area is located at 2400 meters above sea level and is chilly early morning and evening. While trekking, it can rain unexpectedly, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. You will also need boots that can cope with some mud
Gorilla permits are only confirmed upon payment of a deposit. The balance payable 60 days before trekking date.  (Non-refundable).

Breakfast at the lodge. Depart from foothills of the volcanoes and drive south on a scenic drive to Kigali. Everything and everywhere, sheer green and hanging on the hills; Rwanda truly – land of a thousand

fertile green hills. (Approximately 2.5 hrs). Transfer to Kigali International airport for your scheduled departure flight to Kilimanjaro.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by Classic Journeys Africa Customer Care Representative who will introduce the Driver Guide who will be with you throughout the safari. He will then assist you with the transfer to your hotel in Arusha, assist you with the hotel check-in and brief you on your program ahead.

Overnight: African Tulip
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

This morning depart for Tarangire National Park which Tanzania’s best-kept secret on the northern safari circuit. Named after a nearby river called Tarangire, it has the same attractions as the parks up-north- the only difference is that this place is not usually as crowded as the other ones.

Hot lunch will be served at lodge, following check in, depart for an afternoon game viewing drive in the park returning later as the sun sets.

This is a year-round park with distinct seasons offering different experiences, from dusty, dry and baking with animals clustered around the rapidly reducing river, to the fecund green season full of new-born
animals and chattering birds.

Overnight: Tarangire Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

This morning depart to the famous Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area (NCCA), which features rolling plains, lakes, craters, mountains and dormant volcanoes. Arrive at lodge in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure with an optional visit to the Masai village to learn about their unique culture.

Overnight: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast, descend into the ‘8th Wonder of the World’, a unique biosphere that has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Enclosed within its towering walls are grasslands, swamps, forests, saltpans, a fresh water lake and a glorious variety of birdlife. Here too are all the members of the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) as well as a large cast of plains game and one of Africa’s densest populations of predators. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before climbing back up and driving to your next lodge in time for relaxation before dinner.

Overnight: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast, you will drive crossing into the neighboring Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch boxes. Stopping en route at Ol Duvai Gorge. Known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, this is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world. Pioneered by famous paleontologists Louis and Mary Leakey in the 1950s it offers a glimpse into life two million years ago. Arrive at your camp or lodge in time to relax and enjoy a classic safari supper.

Overnight: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Enjoy a full day game drives (meals taken in true safari style ‘in the bush’) in the vast and sensational Serengeti, which covers 14,763 sq km of endlessly rolling savannah. Venue for ‘the greatest wildlife show on Earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest, the park is also renowned for its lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and plains game.

Overnight: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast drive to the beautiful Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake that shimmers in a cleft in the Great Rift Valley.  Enjoy lunch and check in at your lodge. Then later enjoy an afternoon game viewing in Lake Manyara National Park famous for its tree climbing lions. Later return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Drive to Arusha. Following lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge, spend time doing last minute shopping then later you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight to out.

Say good bye to the wonderful country and promise to join us on another expedition.

In order to book please send us the below information: –

• Full names as per your passports
• Passport copy
• Dietary requirements and allergies
• Special requests e.g. birthday, anniversaries etc.
• Contact number whilst travelling (if applicable)
• International arrival and departure flight details.

Once you send us the booking details, we will send you an invoice in which we will require a 20% to secure the space then the balance at least 2 months (60 days) prior to your safari. You can pay us direct via bank wire transfer or online via PayPal account: info@classicjourneysafrica.com by or Pesapal by use of credit or debit card. See following link https://payments.pesapal.com/classicjourneysafrica. Note that online payments attract a 4% credit card surcharge on the amount you will be paying.

Participants:

• Must be able to climb in and out of, as well as move around in confined quarters within safari 4X4 vehicles, minibus, and small aircrafts unassisted. People need to be willing to rotate seats.
• Must be able to tolerate riding on uncomfortably uneven, bumpy roads (some with many potholes) for long periods of time (6-9 hours maximum) as well as some off-road experiences when opportunities allow.
• Must be able to stand and/or walk moderate distances when visiting villages, town, or other sites. This walking will be on uneven ground or uphill, often at altitudes many people are not used to.
• Should generally be in good health and prepared to travel in locations without medical facilities.

In General, this trip requires:

• Flexibility and good humor- unexpected changes and/or glitches will occur.
• A spirit of adventure and curiosity.
• Interest in and willingness to appreciate a destination with a modest infrastructure and a bending definition of comfort. That being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm.

Air Schedules.
Choosing the best possible air arrangements for our travelers is always a challenge. We work with many airlines that offer the best level of service, routings and value for our programs. While there may indeed be more direct routings available with another airline, the cost of these flights may not be within the budget that allows us to give you the best value possible. If you prefer to purchase your own international air, please feel free to choose the ‘land only’ rate for this program.
The start and end city for the land only program is Nairobi, Kenya

DOCUMENTS
PASSPORT & VISAS: the onus is upon the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited and for the applicable time period, as outlined by the U.S Department of State (travel.state.gov) or by the passport holder’s country. Classic Journeys, their staff and their agents cannot be held liable for any visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor for the cost of obtaining visas.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION: upon receipt of your registration and deposit, we will send a complete itinerary, packing checklist, required documents, etc.
FINAL DOCUMENTS: final documents and tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure, provided all money has been paid in full.

TRANSPORTATION
OPTIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION: no air is included. Contact Classic Journeys for a quotation.
TRANSFERS: roundtrip airport transfers are included in the tour for guests arriving on group flights. If travelers make their own air arrangements, they will be subject to extra transfer fees.
DEPARTURE TAXES: please note the amount of departure tax reflected in the airfare is subject to change, at the discretion of governments and airlines and with no advance notice. Should this occur, you will be invoiced prior to departure for any additional taxes imposed.

TRIP DETAILS
ACCOMMODATIONS: you will marvel at the wonderful accommodations provided throughout your tour. All rooms have private bathroom facilities and air conditioning and/or fans. All rates are based on double occupancy. Most rooms are twin-bedded, but king-size beds are occasionally available and should be requested in advance. Accommodations listed in this itinerary are correct at time of writing, but on rare occasions may be substituted for a different property of comparable quality.
MEALS: all meals as specified in the itinerary. Please notify us if you have special dietary needs or requests, and we will do best to accommodate.
INOCULATIONS: when it comes to vaccination and disease prevention, we suggest that travelers first review information provided by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(www.cdc.gov/travel) and then review those details with their personal physicians.
WATER: It is always advisable to drink bottled and/or filtered water when traveling overseas. Safe drinking water will be provided to travelers free of change in the vehicles and during meals.
BAGGAGE: on average, international flights allow one piece of luggage, not exceeding 50 pounds; however, we always recommend that you check your airline’s policy just before departure, as luggage limitations are always subject to change. Despite this, weight allowance, we always suggest guests travel light. Also, soft-sided duffel bags are ideal for this tour, as they stow best in vehicles and airplanes with limited space.

a) Final Payment
Final payment is due one month prior to departure. Costs of gratuities to driver guides, lodge/hotel staff, as well as any excursion not related to the safari, and other items of personal nature are not included.

b) Accommodation Substitution
Should the case arise whereby accommodation is not available at the quoted hotels/Lodges/Tented camps alternative accommodation will be provided at hotels/lodges/tented camps of similar caliber.

c) Diet
Guests with special dietary requirements are advised to warn us well in advance before your departure.

d) Luggage
Please keep your luggage light – soft duffel bags are preferable. Luggage is limited to 15kg per person on internal local flights.

e) Passport and visas
The onus is upon the client to ensure that passport and visas are valid for the countries listed. The company, its staff and its agents cannot be held liable for any visas etc. not held by the clients.

f) Photography
The company reserves the right without further notice to make use of any photography or film taken on safari by our staff for general purposes without payment or permission.

g) Check-in and check-out times
Rooms are available for check in at 1200 Noon on the scheduled arrival date. Rooms should be vacated by 1000Hrs on the scheduled departure date. Special consideration may be extended on departure time subject to anticipated arrivals.

h) Changes to Schedule
Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that the Company reserves the right, and in fact is obliged, to occasionally change routes and accommodations on safaris as dictated by changing conditions. Such conditions may be brought by force majeure” or statutory directive, seasonal rainfall on bush tracks, airfields and game areas, or game migrations from region to another or reservation problems, etc. However, the company shall make all reasonable efforts in resolving the situation not limited to offering alternative

i) Airline Clause
Flight fares, taxes and schedules are subject to change without prior notification by the airlines. The company will not be held liable for these changes and delays. The airlines cannot be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. The passengers’ tickets in use by the airline or by other carriers concerned when issued, shall constitute a sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of these tickets and or passengers. Please note that the company subcontracts the flying services to independent charter operations, and they are responsible for the flying. The same will apply to train services.

j) Guide Substitution
If one of our guides is unable to take a safari due to illness or other reasons, we reserve the right to substitute with another guide.

k) Prices
We will do our outmost to keep the prices as quoted or published. Should fluctuation in statutory taxes, exchange rates, etc. force increases on us; we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, up to maximum of 10% of the tour rate.

l) Participant Incompatibility
The company may, at its discretion and without liability of its cost to itself, at any time cancel or terminate the passengers booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the forgoing, it shall be entitled to do in the event of illness or illegal or incompatible behavior of the passenger, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund.

m) Publicity Materials
The company reserves the right to use any photograph or film taken during the safari by any appointed representative of The Company, for the use in The Company’s advertising or publicity material, without obtaining further consent from the client prior to the departure of the client’s appointed safari.

n) Fitness
The client acknowledges that the safari can sometimes be demanding and it’s his/her responsibility to ensure that he/she is sufficiently fit and able to embark on the tour.

o) Authority of the Safari leader
Clients will accept the authority and decisions of the safari leader appointed by the Company. The final decision on the itinerary, accommodation and conduct on the safari will be taken by the safari leader appointed by the Company.

p) Liability
The company is insured against legal liabilities arising from any injuries which might be received by passengers in its vehicles. The Company’s liability to passengers carried in its vehicles is governed by the laws of Kenya and no other Country, and all claims subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Kenya.
The Company reserves the right to employ sub-contractors to carry out all or part of the Services agreed to be supplied and in the event of the exercise of such right the terms of clause relating to The Company is subject to the booking conditions and cancellation provisions of the Travel organizer or the airline concerned.
Neither the Company, nor any person acting for, through or on behalf of The Company shall be liable for any loss or damage including property whatsoever and without restricting the generality of errors or omission contained in the brochure or other literature, acts of God, late or non-confirmations or acceptance of bookings, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness or death whether occasioned by the negligence or not.
In addition, The Company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any tour or the reminder thereof or make alteration on route, accommodation, price or other details and in the event of any tour being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by the weather, avalanches, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever. The extra expense incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger.
Please be aware that these safaris may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no safari into the African Wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur. Neither the company, nor its employees, nor its agents can be held responsible for any injury or incident on the safari.

q) Governing Law
All terms and conditions of this agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance to the laws of Kenya, and any litigation necessary to resolve disputes between the parties shall be field in the courts located in Kenya where such a dispute cannot be solved through arbitration

Our professional guides are there to assist you every step of the way.  Even though there is a general outline of your safari, your guide will talk with you regarding each day’s plans.  He will tell you about the country you are visiting, its history, traditions, the area you are visiting, what you see; he will take you to the loveliest places, look after any formalities or negotiations with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort. They all are proficient in bush craft, and can also tell you about the local traditions, wildlife, identify the birds, and help you learn more about the world around you. All our guides speak English as well as their local language and some speak French and Spanish as well. Days will vary depending on your specific schedule, road conditions, and what you would like to do. A typical day may unfold like this:

You will get up before dawn when hot coffee and tea are served.  The air is cold as the sun rises and shimmers on the open plains.  This is the best time to see the wildlife.  Your camera is ready to go and you have layered your clothing to keep you warm.  Head into the bush and search for lions, elephant, giraffe and plains game.   Each turn will offer something unique – a lioness and her cubs, a herd of elephant moving to a waterhole, a cheetah stalking a gazelle.  Your morning game drive lasts about two hours, depending on what you see.  Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.  After breakfast there is time to relax from being up at sunrise or now is the time to participate in any additional activities that the lodge may offer – such as walks, village visits, or bike rides.

Lunch is usually served in camp/lodge, unless you are out for a full day’s game drive, when they will have a picnic lunch.  You will head out again in the afternoon; searching for the special species that may have eluded you.  As the sun sets, return to camp for a hot shower. Then indulge in a delicious dinner and after dinner drinks in the lounge. There may also be a chance to sit around the campfire exchanging tales of the bush. Everyone retires early with great anticipation of the next day’s adventure!

When you are out on safari your schedule is flexible at most locations; however, some locations have set times for game drives or walks.  You can always talk with the hosts of the camps/lodge to adjust schedules and they will try to accommodate you.  The restriction will be to stay within park rules and travel times required to get you to your destination.  Your guides will always give their recommendations but are there to listen to your needs.