The key features of our scheduled departure safaris are:
- We focus on the region's top game viewing and wilderness areas, which includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
- Accommodation well situated in each National Park
- Professional Safari guides
- Unlimited mileage on game drives
- Window Seats for all clients
- A Tourleader from South Africa will join you on your safari
Wildebeest Migration: Every year, triggered by the rains, more than a million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle gather to undertake their long trek to new grazing lands. The rutting season is a frenzied three week long bout of territorial conquests and mating, followed by survival of the fittest as the 40km long columns plunge through crocodile infested waters on the annual exodus north. Replenishing the species is the brief population explosion that produces more that 8,000 calves a day before the 1,000 km pilgrimage begins again.
Lake Manyara National Park
Located 125 km west of Arusha town, under the wall of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the oldest and most popular sanctuaries in East Africa. The park has a large variety of habitats, making it possible to support a wealth of wildlife in its small area. The main habitats include the shallow soda lake itself, which occupies 70% of the National Park total area of 320 sq. km, the ground water forest, open grassland, acacia woodland and the rift wall. The most famous spectacle in the park is the tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally seen along branches of acacia trees. Other animals found in the park include buffalo, elephants, leopards, baboons, impala, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and hippos. Popularly referred to as an ornithologist’s paradise, Lake Manyara National Park contains over 400 bird species found in most savanna and river habitats in East Africa. Common water birds to be seen here are pelicans, spoonbills, Egyptian geese, hammerkops and the migratory flamingoes, which arrive in hundreds of thousands creating one of Africa’s great natural sights over the soda lake.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti’s vast area of over 14,763 sq. km with the most spectacular concentration of game found anywhere in the world is the symbol of Africa’s wildlife. Its primeval beauty is the subject of many great books and films. It is Tanzania’s largest National Park. The Serengeti contains all the big five and over 35 other species of game animals. A Splendid selection of bird life is also to be found in the park.
The annual migration of wildlife animals adds to the uniqueness of the Park. This is a massive movement of vast herds of animals, usually in May and June. Thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebra are seen moving across the central plains westwards and northwards in search of water. To watch these animals movement is a remarkable and inspiring sight.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers 8300 sq km, of which the renowned Ngorongoro Crate only makes up about 3% - equal to approximately 260 sq km. The conservation area also encompasses the volcanic area around the Ngorongoro Crater including the still active volcano of Oldoinyo Lengai and the famous Olduvai Gorge. Its centerpiece, the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, and the first sight of it is truly breathtaking. The floor of the crater is home to a year round population of varied wildlife, including the almost extinct black rhino. Animal densities are high, and game viewing is excellent, with visitors after being able to get up close to the now almost habituated “wild” animals.
| Day 1: Johannesburg / Kilimanjaro Airport /Arusha |
(Distance: 55km / Drive time: 1 hour) |
Meet and greet by a representative of eXplore Plus Travel & Tours at the Air Tanzania check-in counter (International Departures) for check-in.
Return economy airfare with Air Tanzania from Johannesburg (OR Tambo airport) to Kilimanjaro Airport. (Tanzania is 1 hour ahead of South Africa).
Johannesburg / Kilimanjaro - 13h50 / 20h55
Meet and greet by our safari team for your transfer to Arusha.
Overnight at the Mountain Village Serena Lodge (Bed & Breakfast) |
| Day 2: Arusha / Lake Manyara |
(Distance: 130km / Drive time: 2 ½ hours) |
After breakfast, drive through the local town of Mto wa Mbu (Maasai for Mosquito Village) to Lake Manyara National Park followed by afternoon Game drive in the park with a picnic lunch.
Dinner & Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (Full Board) |
| Day 3: Lake Manyara / Serengeti |
(Distance: 205km / Drive time: 6 hours) |
After breakfast drive from Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy your picnic lunches at the Naabi Gate followed by a late afternoon game drive en-route. Herds of animals run swiftly across vast open spaces and predators hunt their prey.
Dinner & Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge (Full Board) |
| Day 4 & 5: Serengeti |
(Distance: 205km / Drive time: 6 hours) |
Breakfast. Enjoy your full day in Serengeti National Park with Morning and afternoon game drives with a choice of hot lunch at the lodge OR Picnic lunch box. Witness this incredible untamed wilderness where lion, elephant, cheetah and millions of hoofed animals roam. The Serengeti is one of the few places in Africa where game sanctuaries have remained completely unspoiled
Dinner & Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge (Full Board) |
| Day 6: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater |
(Distance: 145km / Drive time: 4 hours) |
| After Breakfast, enjoy another Morning game drive in Serengeti National Park with a choice of hot lunch at the lodge OR picnic lunch box. After lunch en-route to Ngorongoro Crater you will visit the Olduvai Gorge the famous archaeological site. The gorge lies on the site of an ancient lake, covered by thick layers of volcanic ash, which carefully preserved the world's earliest records of mankind and which was unearthed by the dedicated Leakey family. The museum displays some of these fascinating discoveries and remarkable finds. Dinner and overnight stay at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (Full Board) |
| Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater / Arusha |
(Distance: 145km / Drive time: 4 hours) |
After breakfast, descend 600m into this magnificent crater for a half-day (6 Hours) Crater tour. You will witness an unforgettable spectacle of African wildlife - a world teeming with animals. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the park supports a vast variety of animals, which also includes the black rhino. Another big draw to this picturesque park is it dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever elusive leopard. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool near the Mandusi Swamp. Afternoon ascend to the crater rim, drive back to Arusha.
Dinner and overnight at the Mountain Village Serena Lodge (Half Board) |
| Day 8: Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport / Johannesburg |
(Distance: 55km / Drive time: 1 hours) |
Early morning breakfast before you depart to the airport for your flight home.
Kilimanjaro / Johannesburg - 08h00 / 13h10
End of service |
We have 5 set group departures for 2009:
Group 1: 18 – 25 April 2009 (12 places available)
Group 2: 02 – 09 May 2009 (booked)
Group 3: 09 – 16 May 2009 (Birding Safari)(5 places available)
Group 4: 16 – 23 May 2009(booked)
Group 5: 23 – 30 May 2009 (9 places available)
Maximum 18 people per group
Only 6 people per vehicle (everybody have window seats)
| COSTS: |
Safari costs
| Price per person |
R 17 118.00 |
| Plus airport taxes |
R 1 244.00 |
| TOTAL price per person |
R18 362.00 |
Single supplement R1 930.00
Deposit required to secure booking: R2 000.00pp
Outstanding balance payable 2 months before departure
Extra options:
Serengeti Balloon Safari: R4 020.00
PLEASE NOTE:
• Exchange rate used: R8.20 to US$1.00
• Unfortunately eXplore Plus do not except credit cards payments
• Price quoted are base on a group fare on Air Tanzania
• Price quoted is base on 18 pax traveling together on the same dates and itinerary
• Price quoted is per person sharing |
- Economy airfares from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro airport, return
- SA & Tanzania airport taxes
- National Park entry fees
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with English speaking guide (6 pax per vehicle)
- Bottled water during game drives
- Government taxes on accommodation
- Travel information pack
- Free postage of travel documents
- Entry visa to Tanzania (SA passport holder is $50-00)
- Yellow fever inoculation (+/- R350-00)
- Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Laundry services
- Gratuities to the driver/guide and hotel staff
- Driver guide – $10 to $15 per vehicle per day
- Waiters at lodges – $1.00
- Porters - $1.00
- Room stewards - $1.00
- All expenses of personal nature
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Rika & Michael |
+27 (0)12 997 0208 / Cell: 083 297 0344 |
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Mariska |
+27 (0)12 808 33090 / Cell: 083 297 0344 |
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Faxsimile |
+27 (0)86 678 6584 |
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E-mail |
info@exploreplus.co.za |
| DESCRIPTION ON ACCOMMODATION: |
Mountain Village Serena Lodge
Mountain Village Lodge is located 20 minutes drive outside of Arusha - nestling in the heart of a coffee plantation on the shores of Lake Duluti, it is the perfect place to relax before or after experiencing the adventure of a Safari.
It is designed as an African Village and is renowned for its collection of spectacular bougainvilleas. The gardens are beautiful and provide a very tranquil place to just sit and relax, with chairs and tables randomly scattered all over. The area is an ornithologist’s paradise. Guests can take a relaxing walk along Lake Duluti spotting all the stunning African birds or wander through the coffee plantations around the lodge.
Accommodation is housed in banana stem thatched huts, grouped in semi-circles around tropical shade trees. The lodge has 46 guest rooms (36 twins & 6 superior rooms). All rooms are en suite with private front doors leading out into the garden. The rooms are very romantic and comfortable.
The restaurant and bar are located in the Old Colonial Farmhouse which has all modern amenities. They have a good restaurant which serves a good buffet and a very good pub.
Activities: Lake shore walks to see the Colobus monkeys, forest antelope and the abundant bush life. |
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley.
Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the Lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst the vibrantly coloured frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns.
The ambiance of the Lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquillity, towering volcanic splendour and adventure-packed sporting activity. The circular, closely-thatched 67 rooms echo the traditional Maasai 'Boma' style of construction whilst featuring a vibrant interior design concept that reflects the Maasai people's abiding love of brilliant scarlet-and-indigo checked 'Shukas' (cloaks) and bright yellow, white, blue and orange beadwork. Each room has a private veranda and breathtaking views of the shimmering reaches of the flamingo-frosted Lake. |
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Drawing its inspiration from the circular 'Rondavel' dwellings and winding paths of a traditional Maasai village, the Lodge features thickly-thatched, stone-built rooms, spaciously set amongst groves of indigenous trees that are cooled by sparkling streams and papyrus-fringed ponds. A delightful water feature runs through the main public areas, creating a natural source
of waterborne plants and provides a home to many indigenous species of reptiles, amphibians and birds.
There are a total of 66 rooms in the hotel. Each room is accommodated in a stone-built, traditionally-thatched 'Rondavel', featuring natural stone bathrooms, wildwood balconies, rope-lashed staircases, leopard-print drapes and intricately carved furniture, the overall effect of which is a unique blend of authentic ethnicity and world-class elegance. |
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is built onto the rim of the amazing natural phenomenon, a stunning plant and local creeper covered stone lodge where guests coo-exist in perfect harmony with the surrounding natural environment and wildlife. It s built of stones and boulders and is literally hidden in the vegetation of the crater’s rim, disappearing completely from view from the crater’s floor. The interiors are filled with exquisite wooden furniture and African artefacts, and stunning frescoes adorn the walls of many rooms and public areas. All bedrooms have private terraces with uninterrupted views across the grasslands, forests, lakes and rivers that make up the crater floor.
The hotel has 75 rooms. Activities include game drives through the crater where you will see a microcosm of Africa in one day, bush walks, picnic lunches and a variety of cultural events. |
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