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Tanzania
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| July 29 | Depart from USA or other home airport. |
| July 30 | Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. Night at Mountain Village Lodge. |
| July 31 | Lake Manyara National Park. Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. |
| August 1 - 3 | Ngorongoro Conservation Area for great game drives. Ndutu Safari Lodge. |
| August 4 - 5 | Serengeti National Park to witness "The Great Migration." Nights at Lobo Lodge. |
| August 6 | Seronera Area of Serengeti National Park. Night at Serengeti Sopa Lodge. |
| August 7 - 8 | Ngorongoro Crater – the Eighth Wonder of the World! Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. |
| August 9 - 10 | Tarangire National Park's elephant extravaganza. Nights at Tarangire Sopa Lodge. |
| August 11 - 12 | Back to Arusha and flights out, to arrive home August 12 or extend your safari by joining us in Kenya through August 24. |
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July 29 - 30, Sunday - Monday Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania
Depart from your home to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania, on the evening on July 30. See complete flight information. Meet our host from Wildersun Safaris and drive the short distance to Mountain Village Lodge for overnight on July 30. Mountain Village Lodge is located twelve kilometers from Arusha and is beautifully located beside Lake Duluti. Meals are on your own these days. We will arrange any extra nights and transfers for you if you want to arrive early to sightsee or simply have time to recover from travel.
Lodging on July 30: Mountain Village Lodge
July 31, Tuesday: Lake Manyara National Park
Enjoy a short walk at dawn, a beautiful time of day, at Mountain Village Lodge, overlooking Lake Duluti. After breakfast, meet our wonderful Tanzanian drivers then head to Arusha for a stop at the Wildersun Safaris office where you may exchange money for Tanzanian Shillings and store any extra bags that are not needed on safari in Tanzania. Plan on bringing one soft-sided bag per person during the safari. There is plenty of space beside you inside the vehicle for your camera equipment and field guides.
We'll take a picnic lunch and drive west to Lake Manyara, 76 miles from Arusha. After lunch, enjoy a full afternoon of wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara, located at the base of the escarpment that is part of the great East African Rift Valley. Unique habitats include the alkaline lake, the escarpment dotted with Baobabs, the ground water forest, the meandering river, and the savanna. The source of water is the Ngorongoro Forest Reserve above the escarpment, where frequent precipitation percolates through the porous volcanic soil. When it hits the granitic basement rock at the bottom of the escarpment, it flows out of springs, providing enough moisture for lush forest habitat, including beautiful fig and tamarind trees. Many land mammals and birds feed in the "ground water forest." Permanent water means abundant wildlife. Manyara Serena Lodge sits atop the escarpment formed by the long rift zone that separates East Africa from the rest of the continent. The bird activity and the views from the lodge make this a wonderful site to spend the night.
Lodging: Manyara Serena Lodge
Cheetahs use the Vehicles as a Vantage Point
August 1 - 3, Wednesday - Friday: Ndutu on the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After an early breakfast, enter Lake Manyara National Park at the peak time of great wildlife action with Olive Baboons and Blue Monkeys both very abundant in the forest, plus African Elephants, Silvery-cheeked Hornbills braying and the great wildlife along the lake shore.
Later this morning, we ascend an extensive and rich agricultural area between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater Rim before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The main route to the Serengeti (a lovely dirt road) passes alongside the crater rim for our first view down to the crater floor. From a good viewpoint overlooking this ecosystem 2,000 feet below, a small speck is perhaps an elephant and the pink hue on the alkaline lake most certainly flamingos.
During the drive to Ndutu, watch for mammals and birds resident on these plains. We may find Spotted Hyenas, Golden and Silver-backed jackals, Kori Bustards, and gazelles. We stay for three nights at wonderful Ndutu Safari Lodge, one of our favorite places in East Africa. During this time of year in the dry season, it is definitely off the beaten track, but Ndutu is fantastic all year. It is one place where we have a good chance of seeing rare, small mammals, such as Ratel (Honey Badger), Serval, Wild Cat, Side-striped Jackal, and even Caracal! Many Fisher's Lovebirds, doves, and other species of birds come in near the camp to roost and drink. Sunsets are wonderful at Ndutu, located on the shores of alkaline Lake Legaja, also called Lake Ndutu. The night sounds at Ndutu are intriguing, a true feeling of the "bush" in East Africa. Take a short evening walk after dinner around the lodge grounds if you would like to nightspot for nocturnal mammals and birds.
Each day at Ndutu, we'll head for the plains at dawn, taking hot cereal ("Uji" in Swahili), coffee, tea, and muffins, for a delicious breakfast later in the morning on the Serengeti Plains. We'll search for Bat-eared Fox and Cheetah out hunting, possibly Honey Badger (Ratel) still foraging, as the mornings are very cool at this season and nocturnal mammals are sometimes still about, and even African Wild Cat, though the latter two are extremely shy. This is an excellent area for Cheetah, which feed mainly on gazelles and hares. Grant's Gazelles stay here year round. Thomson's Gazelle is the last of the three major antelopes to migrate out of the Ndutu short grass plains. Most of the Burchell's Zebra and Wildebeest have migrated and we will see them in the Lobo Lodge area in the northeast end of the Serengeti at this season. Return to Ndutu for lunch both days. The afternoon game drives will be full of action as well and we will enjoy the spectacular late afternoon light as we drive along the shores of the alkaline lake where flamingos are feeding at the edges. Steinbuck (Steinbok), Grey-breasted Spurfowl, and Chestnut-banded Sand Plover are some of the specialties of the Ndutu area.
Lodging: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Bat-earred Fox
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August 4 - 5, Saturday - Sunday: Northern Serengeti National Park
Before we depart Ndutu, we'll enjoy a game drive before breakfast. We'll then search the area around Naabi Hill for elusive species, especially big cats and other predators. The behavior of every species is fascinating, as they go about their daily survival strategies in the different habitats that sustain them. The great ungulate herds will be scattered between the Western Corridor and the Kenya border. Drive over the short grass plains through the kopjes (pronounced "copies"). Kopjes, meaning "big heads" from the Dutch word "kop" for head, are ancient, granitic boulder outcroppings. They harbor predators and are fascinating to explore when abundant herds are present in the vicinity. Stop for a picnic and a walk at the kopje where the Seronera Museum is located, an oasis for many birds, hyrax, and lizards.
Arrive at Lobo Wildlife Lodge, our favorite lodge in the northern Serengeti, in the late afternoon. The location is atop one of the most beautiful kopjes in the Serengeti, so we are always very excited to go back to this location. Vast herds of Wildebeest and Zebra travel through this area and to the northwest as they migrate to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Great Migration includes more Wildebeest and Burchell's Zebra than we can possibly estimate. Very few people visit this northern Serengeti area. If the migration is congregating in the area, we will drive to the Mara River on the Tanzania side of the ecosystem, close to the Kenya border. It is a miracle that the Serengeti ecosystem still exists intact and it is thanks to two or three people with the foresight to take measures to save it in its natural state, a true conservation success story. Serengeti Home by Kay Turner conveys how so few people accomplished so much. Doug calls the Serengeti the "glory of the Pleistocene" with so many species of mammals still surviving. We'll see many species of mammals and birds in this very rich wildlife area.
Lodging: Lobo Wildlife Lodge
August 6, Monday: The Seronera Area of Serengeti National Park
We'll have another full day in Serengeti National Park visiting areas where conditions are right for the best wildlife action, especially for observing Cheetah hunting for Thomson's Gazelles and Leopards that go up into the Yellow-barked Acacia in the afternoon along the Seronera River. Herds are covering great distances every day to drink and congregate at the rivers and springs where they can find good water supplies and Lion have learned where to have the best chance to ambush. Stay tonight at the beautiful Serengeti Sopa Lodge in the central part of the Serengeti, not far from the amazing Seronera River.
Lodging: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Consorting Lions in Ngorongoro Crater
August 7 - 8, Tuesday - Wednesday: Ngorongoro Crater
This morning, as we return south to Naabi Hill, we will travel through an exciting area of the Serengeti where the Cheetah population is doing well. Take the turnoff to Olduvai Gorge within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the eastern boundary of the Serengeti Ecological Unit. This is where the Leakeys found the hominid remains "Zinjanthropus" Australopithecus, Homo habilis, and Homo erectus, plus many other fossils exhibited in the museum at Olduvai. Descend into the gorge and visit "Bed I" where Mary Leakey found the Australopithecine "Zinjanthropus." If you search the adjacent wash, you may find some fossil fragments. (Fossils must be left in the gorge for the benefit of future visitors to the site.) We will enjoy our picnic lunch at Olduvai.
Arrive in the late afternoon at the spectacular Ngorongoro Serena Lodge situated on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater at approximately 7,500 feet. This lodge is truly a five-star accommodation with views into the crater from every room.
On Wednesday, we'll have a very early breakfast at 6:00 am, take a picnic lunch and descend into the crater. This crater is one of the great wonders of the natural world, covering 110 square miles. It is almost a perfect caldera ten to eleven miles across. Black Rhinos are regularly seen here, especially near the acacia woodlands in the marshy plains. With both fresh and alkaline lakes, the water birds and land birds are very abundant. The lion prides, hyena clans, and jackal families, uninhibited by vehicles, carry on their interesting interactions. Male lions of Ngorongoro, famous for their black manes, are habituated to the presence of vehicles and are frequently found in consort with a lioness in estrous. Even in the daytime we can sometimes hear lions roar and hyenas call in the crater. We may stay in the crater until the gates close at 6:00 pm, although you may choose to return earlier to relax at our beautiful lodge on the rim of the crater. Forest birds are all around the lodge, including sunbirds, canaries, weavers, and many others.
Lodging: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Elephants
August 9 - 10, Thursday - Friday: Tarangire National Park
With our packed bags in our vehicles, we'll descend into the crater for the morning and enjoy our picnic lunch there. Then drive to Tarangire National Park, arriving in time for a late afternoon game drive. Tarangire National Park is home to several species not found in the parks to the north. We can thank the Tsetse Fly for saving this area from cattle and "sloats" (sheep and goats). The flies have been controlled, and the land is now protected as a national park. There is a chance of seeing Fringe-eared Oryx, Lesser Kudu, and Leopard. Yellow Baboons, African Elephants, the endemic Ashy Starlings, and several species of hornbills, kingfishers, waxbills, and many others are abundant.
Lodging: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
August 11 - 12, Saturday - Sunday: Arusha and Homeward or join us on safari in Kenya!
Head back to Arusha this morning and stop briefly at a craft shop to give you a quick opportunity to shop before lunch. Keep in mind, however, that you may not want to wait until the last day to buy gifts or crafts. If something catches your eye in one of the lodge gift shops, it may be difficult to find again.
If you are traveling homeward, drive to Kea Lodge this afternoon, located only one-half mile from Kilimanjaro International Airport, to freshen up in dayrooms. The Kea Lodge provides a shuttle to the airport with plenty of time to check in for your evening flight home. Arrive home on August 12, depending on flight schedules. See complete flight information. We would be happy to arrange hotel nights and airport transfers if you would like to extend your stay in Tanzania.
Lodging: Dayrooms at Kea Lodge
Continue with us on our Kenya Migration Safari! The Kenya safari is the perfect companion to our Tanzania safari. For those continuing to Kenya, we'll drive together in a Wildersun Safaris transfer bus to the Kenyan border at Namanga and then on to Nairobi. On the way, we pass through the Athi Plains that are "owned" by the Masai. Some of their land is now being leased or sold for farming purposes, such as the Ostrich farm that belongs to former President Moi. The Athi Plains is a peneplain that stretches from Nairobi at 5,500 feet south to the coast. It was formed by the massive amounts of volcanic lava, which flowed from the Kenya Highlands to the coast. Most of Kenya and Tanzania's rich wildlife areas are at altitudes above 4,500 feet and have very comfortable climates. Say "kwaheri" to our Tanzanian driver on arrival at the Mayfair Court Hotel (now a Southern Seas Inn) in Nairobi. Dinner on your own this evening.
Lodging: Mayfair Court (included in cost of the Kenya safari)
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Gail and Doug
Gail and Doug Cheeseman (safari leaders) have been leading safaris to Tanzania and Kenya since the summer of 1978 giving them a deep and fond understanding of this wonderful corner of the world. They find leading safaris to be a fresh way of blending a desire to observe nature with a wish to teach the values of conservation and education. Doug influenced the lives of many biology majors teaching zoology and ecology to students during his long career as a college professor. Gail is an avid birder and knowledgeable naturalist, plus a meticulous safari coordinator. During decades of leading East African safaris, they handpicked, taught and influenced each of the resident guides and drivers that will accompany you to provide the full Cheesemans' experience that you expect.
Emmanuel
Emmanuel Joseph (resident guide, naturalist and driver) has a great knowledge of the terrain and wildlife of Tanzania that is matched by a great sense of humor and contagious chuckle. His father was head chef at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge giving him a wonderful opportunity to learn about its special wildlife as he was growing up. We drive through his homeland and village in Mbululand, located on the main road to the crater, where he went to school. We first met Emmanuel in the late 1980s when he drove every day in the crater. Some of our former safari-mates were so impressed with Emmanuel that they are now helping finance a new project for his former school.
Steven
Steven Massey (resident guide, naturalist and driver) has been guiding for us in Tanzania since the late 1980s. He is to a great extent self-educated and is even now taking exams to finish his degrees. He learned to speak English when he was in the Tanzanian Army. He often studies the mammal, bird, and plant books and puts his extensive knowledge to work in the field to find the best wildlife action. Mbululand, fertile highlands on the way to Ngorongoro Crater, is the homeland for Steven's people. Steven has a wonderfully warm personality and is a great leader, highly respected by every other safari guide in Tanzania.
Yuda
Yuda Mkai (resident guide, naturalist and driver) grew up near the east side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenya border on land that is now part of Mkomazi National Park. He worked at a wildlife sanctuary before becoming a guide and is especially knowledgeable about animal behavior. Due to his long hours in the field observing wildlife, he understand s their feeding, hunting and other behaviors, especially the cats. Like all our Tanzanian guides, he is aware of the elements that make a good photo and will position the vehicle to achieve the best action in the best light.
Maulidi
Maulidi Omari (resident guide, naturalist and driver), like many of our Tanzanian guides, has been working with us since the late 1980s. He is a true intellectual who spends hours studying about nature, learning both English and scientific names plus many interesting facts of the species you encounter. You will be convinced that he has "eyes in the back of his head" because of his keen spotting abilities used to find hidden Leopards and other wildlife. He is familiar with all the bird songs, which he began learning as a boy growing up west of bird-richTarangire National Park. He is a wonderful teacher who trained two of his brothers and his son to become safari drivers. Maulidi is our only Moslem guide in Tanzania and it is comforting to hear him describe the peace, goodness and strength that his religion brings to him.
James
James Urio (resident guide, naturalist and driver) has the most experience of all our guides in Tanzania and is considered the wizard of the safari scene. Once when we arrived at a flooded river with many cars queued and waiting to cross, James rerouted us to a little-known crossing that was not flooded and we were soon on our way. He is a very wise man and an inspiration to his daughter who recently earned her master's degree in biology and manages one of the national parks in southern Tanzania. James is a warm and friendly person with lots of knowledge that he will share with you.
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Costs, Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send complete trip materials. Deposits are refundable before the final payment date, except for $150. The $150 may go toward another tour if a reservation is made within six months of the departure date of this trip. There are no refunds given after the final payment date. Trip cancellation insurance applications are available. Trip options, if any, and singles are extra.
| Cost per Person | |
|---|---|
| Trip cost, double occupancy | $7,700 |
| Single supplement | $TBD |
| Payment Schedule | |
| Deposit - to reserve your space | $500 |
| June 30, 2011 - second payment | $1,000 |
| March 30, 2012 - final payment | remaining balance |
| For reservations made after the second payment date, the deposit and second payment will be due with registration. | |
Included:
Not Included:
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To Make a Reservation: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill out one form per person, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit. Or fill out our handy online information request and we will send you more information.
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com
Flight Information: Please let us know if you would like help arranging your international flights and we will put you in contact with our excellent ticketing agent.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, Tanzania, on the evening of July 30 at the latest. For most, this will mean departing home on July 29.
Depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on the evening of August 11, or later if you prefer to overnight in Arusha. If you are continuing with us on our Kenya Migration Safari, we'll drive together to the Kenyan border and then on to Nairobi.
Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is required for this safari. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.
Outfitters, Transportation, and Lodging: Our outfitters are Wildersun Safaris located in Arusha, Tanzania. We travel in stretch, four-wheel drive Landcruisers with covered pop-tops. Even though the vehicles hold nine participants, we only take four, providing plenty of space for observing and taking great photography. Lodges are in beautiful surroundings, with wonderful food, private baths, and good laundry service.
Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!
Non-smoking Policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours.
Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!
Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.
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All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
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