Classic Luxury & Thrilling Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar


CLASSIC LUXURY & THRILLING KENYA, TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Our Classic Luxury & Thrilling Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar is choreographed in mind of amongst the finest, award winning properties and attractions in East Africa making sure that our upmarket clients get to enjoy the finest experiences in the region.

From the first time they touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to the time they leave at Zanzibar Airport, high end VIP services are guaranteed.

Our particular selection of a wide array of luxury accommodation properties in East Africa ensure that the guest is able to enjoy game drives and other attractions in the region hassle free at exceptional service and utmost comfort with great services such as butler service in some of the properties, golfing, unlimited tailor-made game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits, beach sports which make the adventure worthwhile.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF:
Date Location Accommodation Meal Plan Activity
Day 1 Nairobi Hemingways Nairobi Breakfast Transfer in
Day 2 Nairobi Hemingways Nairobi Breakfast Day at leisure, city excursions
Day 3 Mt.Kenya Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club Full Board Drive to Nanyuki, visit the William Holden Wildlife Orphanage, game viewing
Day 4 Mt.Kenya Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club Full Board Game viewing in Olpejeta Conservancy, visit to Rhino and Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Day 5 Mara Angama Mara Full Board Fly Mara, unlimited game viewing/optional Masai village visit @ USD 25 per person
Day 6 Mara Angama Mara Full Board Unlimited game viewing/optional balloon ride @ USD $ 450 per person
Day 7 Serengeti Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge Full Board Fly to Serengeti, customs and immigration formalities at Isebania, game viewing
Day 8 Serengeti Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge Full Board Unlimited game viewing/optional balloon ride @ USD $ 599 per person
Day 9 Serengeti Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge Full Board Unlimited game viewing
Day 10 Zanzibar Tulia Zanzibar All Inclusive Fly Zanzibar, transfer in, beach stay
Day 11 Zanzibar Tulia Zanzibar All Inclusive Beach stay
Day 12 Zanzibar Tulia Zanzibar All Inclusive Beach stay
Day 13 Departure Transfer to Zanzibar airport for your flight home
NETT 2020 RATES: –
JAN/FEB/JUNE 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 PAX
Per Person Sharing $13,325 $12,610 $12,250 $12,035 $11,895
Single Room Supplement $ 4,400
MARCH 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 PAX
Per Person Sharing $12,230 $11,515 $11,160 $10,945 $10,800
Single Room Supplement $ 3,370
APRIL – MAY 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 PAX
Per Person Sharing $11,765 $11,050 $10,690 $10,475 $10,335
Single Room Supplement $ 3,090
JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 PAX
Per Person Sharing $15,845 $15,130 $14,775 $14,560 $14,415
Single Room Supplement $ 5,765
OCTOBER 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 PAX
Per Person Sharing $13,220 $12,505 $12,150 $11,935 $11,790
Single Room Supplement $ 4,320
01 NOV – 15 DECEMBER 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 PAX
Per Person Sharing $12,455 $11,740 $11,380 $11,165 $11,025
Single Room Supplement $ 3,670
16 DECEMBER- 31 DECEMBER 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 PAX
Per Person Sharing $16,590 $15,875 $15,520 $15,305 $15,160
Single Room Supplement $ 6,215

Note that from 26 December to 5 January Tulia minimum stay is 7 nights at a rate of USD $ 935 per person sharing and USD $ 1,495 per single per night

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS INCLUDED:

NANYUKI 1030HRS – MARA 1130HRS
MARA 0845HRS – SERENGETI SERONERA 1230HRS
SERENGETI SERONERA  1100HRS – ZANZIBAR 1250HRS
Location Accommodation Room type Inclusions
Nairobi Hemingways Nairobi Deluxe room Breakfast
Mt.Kenya Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club Deluxe room Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mara Angama Mara Tented Suite Breakfast, lunch and dinner, guided walking safaris on the Rift Valley escarpment, drinks (excluding French Champagne), laundry service & WiFi
Serengeti Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge Horizon room Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus Beverages (which include house wines, well spirits and local beers), Complimentary Internet & Complimentary laundry credit of $50 per room per night & premium internet.
Zanzibar Tulia Zanzibar Royal Garden Villa with Jacuzzi Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus Beverages (which include house wines, well spirits and local beers),WIFI, Private two-way Airport transfer, One hour massage for each person, Snorkeling equipment ,Paddle boards, Windsurf, Bicycles & Kayaks

Inclusions

  • Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
  • Transportation in a private chauffeur driven custom made safari 4 x 4 land cruiser in Kenya & Tanzania with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography.
  • Services of an English or French or Spanish Speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Complimentary mineral water per person per day in the safari vehicle.
  • Guaranteed window seat for all safari participants.
  • 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 a visa online easily through the following government website. For Kenya www.ecitizen.go.ke  and for Tanzania https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/.
  • Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the above listing.
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL /NAIROBI

JAMBO! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by Classic Journeys Africa Customer Care Representative who will assist you with the transfer to your luxury hotel.

Before checking in at hotel, he will brief you on your program ahead and introduce the Driver Guide who will be with you throughout the safari.
Accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 2 : NAIROBI

After your morning rest start off at your Nairobi excursions where you will proceed to the AFEW Giraffe Center, visit a nature center run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. An elevated observation walkway allows you to get face to face with 18-foot-tall Rothschild’s giraffes. In 1974 Jock Leslie-Melville, grandson of a Scottish earl, and his wife Betty founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and proceeded to move five babies of the highly endangered Rothschild giraffe to their property where they have been successfully reared and have since produced their own offspring. Betty chronicled these events in her book, Raising Daisy Rothschild.
Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage where you will be able to adopt a baby elephant and become a foster parent! This is a nursery and rehab center for infant elephants that have lost their families, as well as the occasional rhino, zebra and other wildlife. Daphne was the first person to successfully raise an orphan infant elephant, discovering a formula that has now been used widely. The widow of the famous naturalist and warden of Tsavo from 1948 to 1976, David Sheldrick, and Daphne has dedicated her life to conservation.
These infants are eventually released into the wild at Tsavo East National Park and end up in the care of other orphans who have been successfully reintroduced to the wild.
Lunch will be at Utamanduni Craft Centre as you shop for souvenirs. Visit Karen Blixen Museum famous for the award-winning movie “Out of Africa”.

Visit to Kazuri beads factory where you can buy some bead work and other souvenirs as you see how they are made.
You will be transferred to your hotel for freshening before going for dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant, “Africa’s best eating experience”, famous for its mouthwatering charcoal grilled barbeque.

Accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1 : DAY 3 : MT. KENYA

After breakfast, drive to Mount Kenya Safari Club to arrive in time for lunch. With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Resort’s 120 luxuriously appointed hotel rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Its no wonder this Nanyuki resort emerged a winner in the 2013 Travellers Choice Awards and that Travel & Leisure Magazine often positions it in the ‘World’s Top 50’ List. Originally the retreat of movie star and Club founder, William Holden, the Club’s illustrious former members have included Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby.

Arrive in time for lunch at the Club in the afternoon visit the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy which was established in 1967 by the Hollywood actor, William Holden, Julian McKeand and Iris and Don Hunt.
The Conservancy also hosts a herd of rare white zebras, shelters orphaned or wounded animals and provides a wide-reaching educational program for young Kenyans.
Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy gives orphaned, injured, neglected, abused or frightened wild animals a second chance. The orphanage provides shelter and professional care with the goal to release these creatures back to the wild where they belong. Its known for bongo breeding programme and protection of the rare white zebra.

Overnight: Mt Kenya Safari Club
Accommodation: Full Board

DAY 4 : OLPEJETA CONSERVANCY

This morning depart to the privately-owned 24,000 acre reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy for a full day game viewing in the conservancy with magnificent views of Mt. Kenya.

Enjoy a morning game viewing, lunch will be at Serena Sweetwaters Camp followed by an afternoon game viewing drive. One of only four private wildlife reserves in Kenya, your experience includes wildlife drives in search of the ‘Big Five’. This afternoon you will also visit the 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary that has been set up here as well as the Rhino Sanctuary.
Later return to Mt. Kenya Safari Club for an optional around of golf or other club activities, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Mt Kenya Safari Club
Accommodation: Full Board

DAY 5 : MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

After breakfast and a short briefing by your driver guide fly to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, backdrop to ‘the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest. You will arrive Masai Mara in time for a short noon game drive, lunch followed by an afternoon game viewing drive in Kenya’s most popular reserve. Go back in camp in time for campfire cocktails and dinner.

Overnight: Angama Mara Camp
Accommodation: Full Board

DAY 6 : MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Your day will be spent on safari in Africa’s richest wildlife viewing arena. Historically teeming with wildlife, the Mara hosts Kenya’s largest lion prides and elephant herds. Other predators include leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena; while in the Mara River you will see fat pods of hippo and vast Nile crocodiles. Other highlights include giraffe tops, gazelle, zebra, buffalo and over 550 species of birds.

Take the opportunity to fly over the Mara in a Hot air Balloon at an extra cost. The balloon package includes a champagne breakfast in the wild! If you can spare the money, viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively visit a Masai village and get learn the Masai culture at an extra cost.

Overnight: Angama Mara Camp
Accommodation: Full Board

DAY 7 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the Airstrip at 0910hrs where you will fly Migori arriving at 0930hrs. Upon arrival at Migori you will have a 30 minute road transfer to Isebania Immigrations and customs office then clear with the Immigration officials. At 1045hrs you will depart from Tarime airstrip arriving Serengeti~ Seronera airstrip at 1105hrs where your Tanzania guides will be eagerly waiting for you. You will be transferred to Four Seasons Serengeti with a game viewing en route. Lunch will be at your lodge followed by relaxation .Later enjoy an afternoon classic safari supper in the Serengeti National Park.

Accommodation: Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 8 & 9 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

fter breakfast, enjoy two full days game driving (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 at your lodge.

Accommodation: Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 10, 11 & 12 : ZANZIBAR BEACH STAY

This morning breakfast will be at your lodge before flying to Zanzibar at 1100hrs to arrive Zanzibar 1250hrs awhere you will be transferred to your hotel.

Your days will be spent at Tulia Zanzibar a unique beach 5-Star resort located on the East coast of Zanzibar Island at the famous Pongwe beach. The independent resort was opened in 2015 and sets the standard for luxury on the Zanzibar Island. All 16 villas are designed to reflect the spirit of Zanzibar.

Tulia offers many complimentary services and activities for all clients. The resort was awarded with title of TripAdvisor Excellency, won the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017 as The Best Luxury Beach Resort in Tanzania and Zanzibar and also is proud member of Pure society of ‘PUREists’ who are true mavericks, united by their mission to Change Worlds by catalyzing adventure, fostering personal connections and encouraging a conscientious approach to the environment and local communities..

Also on offer are a wide variety of tours and excursions which are part of the Tulia Zanzibar, with each one of them being an adventure to relish.

For ocean lovers, the choices range from diving to snorkeling, fishing and sailing trips. Some of these are provided in traditional Dhows and powerful speed boats.  Sea-excursions can take place from just about anywhere on the Island.
The most popular excursions which can be arranged for you at an extra cost are:

The Spice Tour: – Zanzibar, for centuries famed for its cloves, is still the pre-eminent spice market of eastern Africa. This tour enables guests to touch, smell and tastes a whole world of spices.

Stone Town Tour:  This tour takes you to the historical Stone Town, famous for its intricate architecture and rich history. The excursion includes visits to the town market, the Tipu Tip House (where once lived one of  Africa’s most colorful buccaneer), the Slave Market  (that was the centre of east Africa’s slave trade) the unforgettable Slave Chambers, the National Museum, the High Court of Zanzibar, the Sultans Palace, the House of Wonders and the Old Fort.
The land excursions will acquaint you with the history, culture, fauna and flora of this pristine Island whilst the Indian Ocean presents a wonderful opportunity for sea-excursions.

Jozani Forest Tour: This tour will take you tothe south east of Zanzibar, right at the heart a beautiful green mangroves forest. The forest is home to a number of endemic species, including the rare Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey.

Dolphin Adventure:  This excursion diverts to the southern tip of the Island where Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins are frequently seen. The trip doubles as an exceptional opportunity to snorkel or just swim in the Indian Ocean. Lunch of a variety of local and seafood dishes is served in one of the many small restaurants on the beach.

The Blue Safaris:  This adventurous excursion will take you in a motorized dhow to the south west of the Island.  The trip will take you to the mangroves forest, then on to one of the many sand banks for snorkeling before making a stop on the famous Kwale Island where your chance of making new acquaintances with Dolphins is a remarkable 85%.

Lunch on the Island is a sumptuous BBQ affair with local specialties and a choice of homemade local sauces. Late afternoon offers a choice of further snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing.

Overnight: Tulia Zanzibar
Meal Plan: All Inclusive

DAY 13 : DEPARTURE

Today you will spend the day at leisure enjoying the facilities at the hotel. Later you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back home.

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

HOW TO BOOK

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.

CANCELLATIONS/ NO SHOW

Reservations/Bookings that are cancelled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in numbers of participants (hereinafter collectively called CANCELLATION) are subject to cancellation and No-Show fees. The scale of charges, expressed as a percentage of the tour prices, is as follows:

SEASON 1 (20 DECEMBER – 28 FEBRUARY & 01 JUNE – 31 OCTOBER)

More than 61 days’ notice Deposit refunded less 5% handling fee
Less than 60 days’ notice 33%
Less than 30 days’ notice 100%  

SEASON 2 (REST OF THE YEAR) More than 56 days’ notice Deposit refunded less 5% handling fee
Less than 28 days’ notice 50%
Less than 21 days’ notice 60%
Less than 14 days’ notice 90%
Less than 7 days’ notice 100%
Should you fail to join a tour or join it after departure or leave prior to its completion, no tour fare refund can be made. (Please note that if the reason for the cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy, which you hold, then the insurance company, subject to the terms of your insurance will normally refund any such charges to you).  

KENYA & TANZANIA WEATHER AND CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO BOOK

Weather & Climate – Kenya

Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant, tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. The coast is hot and humid all year round, but the heat is tempered by the monsoon winds. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, both a Dry and Wet season.

Dry season –June to October
•   June, July, August, September & October – These are the coldest months. Temperatures vary significantly per region and because of their difference in altitude. Daytime temperatures are usually around 23°C/73°F at higher altitudes, such as the Masai Mara, and 28°C/82°F at lower altitudes, such as the coastal areas. During the Dry season, the sky is clear and days are sunny. Early morning temperatures at higher altitude are typically 10°C/50°F. It is advisable to pack warm clothing, as morning game drives will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country, so these are the least humid months, making it the best time to stay at one of Kenya’s beautiful beaches and national parks for wildlife viewing.  

Merits of visiting during this season
•         Wildlife is easier to spot because the bush is less dense and animals gather around waterholes and rivers

•         It’s unlikely to rain, the days are sunny with clear skies, and there are fewer mosquitoes

•         July to October are the best months to see the wildebeest migration
Demerits of visiting during this season
•         It gets very busy and crowded in the most popular parks

Wet season –November to May

During the Wet season daytime temperatures are between 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F at higher altitudes. At lower altitudes daytime temperatures are more consistent and hover around 30°C/86°F. Mornings stay cool at higher altitudes, and it is advisable to pack warm clothes for early morning game drives. From December to April, the humidity is intense in Tsavo and the coastal areas.

•   November & December – ‘Short rains’: A period of unpredictable, short rains between November and December that lasts about a month. The rain is sometimes heavy, but mostly falls in the late afternoon or evening, and will seldom have a negative impact on your safari.

•   January & February – During these months, a dry spell in the rainy season occurs with less rainfall. How long the spell lasts and when it takes place exactly is unpredictable.

•  March, April & May – ‘Long rains’: These months get the most rain, and there can be a downpour on a daily basis, although it seldom lasts the whole day. It’s very cloudy, especially in the highlands, including Aberdare NP and Laikipia Plateau. Humidity is higher and will be particularly noticeable in the coastal regions.

MERITS OF WET SEASON

  • The scenery is beautiful and green
  • Rates drop because it’s the low season
  • Newborn animals can be seen, and in general, you will still see plenty of wildlife
  • Migratory birds are present from September to April
  • Except for March, April and May, rains are short showers in the afternoon or evening and will rarely compromise your safari

DEMERITS OF WET SEASON

•During March to May the rains can be continuous – some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season for renovations.

The best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the Dry season from late June to October. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.

TANZANIA WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Tanzania has a pleasant, tropical climate but has large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). The hottest and most humid part of the country is on the coast. Other low-lying areas, such as the western and southern parks, are also hot but much less humid. The rest of the interior is much milder and cools down significantly at night. Tanzania is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, a Dry and Wet season.
Dry season –June to October

There is very little rainfall during the whole winter and humidity is very low. When water becomes scarce, wildlife will gather around predictable water sources.

•        June, July, August, September & October – Afternoon temperatures are usually between 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F and vary greatly according to altitude and location. Most days have a fine, clear sky and sunny weather. It cools off at night; be sure to pack warm clothing because morning game drives will be cold- especially in the northern parks. These are the coldest and least humid months and the most pleasant time of the year to visit the coastal areas. There is very little rain in most of the country.

Merits of visiting during this season
•        June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration
•        Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation
•        There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain; skies are clear and most days are sunny
•        Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still don’t feel crowded, except for the Seronera area in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater

Demerits of visiting during this season
•        Mornings and nights get cold; it’s recommended to bring warm clothing for morning game drives during the months of June, July and August

Wet season –November to May

During most of the Wet season, afternoon temperatures are more consistent throughout the country (a bit above or below 30°C/86°F) but will be colder above 1,300m/4,265ft. Morning temperatures are more moderate, but still cold in most northern parks due to the high altitude. It is advisable to pack a windproof jacket and warm sweater for early morning game drives in open vehicles.
•        November & December – ‘Short rains’ – A period of about a month of short rains which occurs sometime between November and December. Its timing is unpredictable and, in Northern Tanzania, it can even happen in October. The rains will rarely interfere with your safari.

•        January & February – The northern parks and coastal areas tend to have a break in the rainy season with less rain around this time, but the exact timing of the dry spell is unpredictable. The other parks don’t really experience a dry spell. In Selous, Ruaha and Mikumi the rain gradually builds up from November to its peak in April. Gombe, Mahale and Katavi have one continuous Wet season.
•        March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – These are the wettest months. It tends to rain heavily almost every day, although not often for the whole day. It is often cloudy, especially in the northern parks. Humidity tends to be high, especially in the hotter southern and western parks.

Merits of visiting during this season
•        Late January to February is the time to see the calving in the southern Serengeti, and an excellent time to see predator action

•        The scenery is green and beautiful; it’s low season, meaning lower rates and less crowded parks

•        Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty and most northern circuit parks offer good year-round wildlife viewing

•        Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its best

•        Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom have a negative impact on your trip

Demerits of visiting during this season
•        March to May is the peak of the Wet season

•        Most big wildlife has migrated out of Tarangire NP, and wildlife viewing in Katavi, Selous and Ruaha is clearly better during the Dry season
The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year. June and July are the best months for seeing the migration, and February is the best month for the wildebeest calving. The dry months offer good wildlife viewing throughout Tanzania. Tarangire and the southern and western circuit parks (including Katavi, Selous and Ruaha) are best visited in the Dry season, from June to October

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SAFARI
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.

TERMS & CONDITIONS AGREEMENT

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

 

TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI

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.