Classic Wonders of Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

CLASSIC WONDERS OF KENYA, TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR

 PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Wonders of Kenya and Tanzania bush and beach has never been this exciting! What a better way to start a safari with East Africa’s most celebrated park the “Masai Mara”, crossing over into game rich Tanzania’s Serengeti which shares the same eco system with the Masai Mara, to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area- a unique wonder of the world which has remained unchanged for decades and finally winding up the adventure with relaxation at the East Africa’s purest, white sandy beaches of Zanzibar!

Our Classic Wonders of Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar offers our clients the best experience while visiting the best located camps and lodges, offering bespoke access to the most game-rich areas for an in-depth, privileged safari experience with the help of our most professional & dedicated safari guides who are ready to show you what best our great East Africa parks have to offer. Winding up your adventure with relaxation at Zanzibar is the best way to indulge and rejuvenate before going back home to your busy life schedules.

We hope that you will join us soon in discovering what our Classic Wonders of Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar has to offer!

ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 : NAIROBI- ARRIVAL
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 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: Longview Suites
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 2 : MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
After breakfast and a short briefing by your driver guide, drive 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 lunch followed by an afternoon game viewing drive in Kenya’s most popular reserve. Go back in lodge in time for campfire cocktails and dinner.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 3 : 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.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 4 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, drive into the neighboring Serengeti with picnic lunch boxes. A brief stop will be at Isebania border for customs and immigrations formalities. Drive to Serengeti to arrive at your camp in time to relax and enjoy a classic safari supper.

Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 5 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, enjoy a full day’s 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 the camp.

Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 6 : NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
This morning depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area 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. Proceed to the famous Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area (NCCA) features rolling plains, lakes, craters, mountains and dormant volcanoes. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and relaxation or an optional cultural village visit.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 7 : NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
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 to the lodge in time for relaxation before dinner.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 8, 9, 10 : ZANZIBAR
This morning breakfast will be at your lodge before driving to Arusha. Lunch will be on your own account. Transfer to Arusha Airport where you will fly Zanzibar at 1400hrs to arrive Zanzibar 1530hrs, on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Your days will be spent at Uroa Bay located on the serene shores of Zanzibar, Uroa Bay Beach Resort enjoys uninterrupted access to its very own private stretch of beach. Sun yourself on ivory sands while refreshing cocktails are served to you from the bar. Venture to the quaint fish market were freshly caught seafood is sold at the village auction. Take a tour of vibrant Stone Town, hop on a traditional Dhow, and swim with dolphins in the clear blue sea. In the mood for a little pampering? Book a treatment at the full-service spa, then take a seat at the restaurant where a spectacular buffet of local and international cuisine is served. Experience a captivating combination of luxury and local charm at Uroa Bay Beach Resort.
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: Uroa Bay
Meal Plan: Half Board

DAY 11 : 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 to back home.

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

FLIGHTS INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE QUOTE

Safari inclusions:   

• Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
• Transportation in a private safari minivan in Kenya and 4 x 4 land cruiser in Tanzania on safari with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography. Supplement for using a 4 x 4 land cruiser in Kenya is quoted separately.
• Services of an English or Spanish or French speaking driver-guide, unlimited game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Flight Arusha to Zanzibar.
• All Government taxes and levies.
• Complimentary 1500 ml mineral water per person per day in the safari vehicle.
• All meet and greet services.
• All arrival and departure transfers.
• 24 hours stand-by contact number.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• 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 doctors 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.          

Safari exclusions

• All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills 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 $ 5.00 – $ 10.00 per person per day for driver-guides).
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks,
• Any local or international flight and departure taxes.
• Laundry services.
• Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary.
• Visa fees

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 need