Heart of Tanzania Tour Itinerary

Heart of Tanzania Tour Itinerary
REF: AFL20
VERSION: 4

Duration:	5 days - Nairobi to Nairobi
Countries Visited:	Kenya - Tanzania
Age Guide:	18-75 years
Max Group Size:	10
Transport:	Private Minibus, 4WD, Plane, On Foot
Accommodation:	Lodges (2 Nights), Luxury Tented Chalet (2 Nights)
What's Included:	Meals – 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners - Escorted Tour - Local English Speaking Driver/Guide - All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - All Tolls and Taxes - 3 Flights (2 International, 1 Domestic)
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Tanzania - Gibbs Farm - Ngorongoro Crater - Game Viewing in Crater - Olduvai Gorge - Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Game Viewing
Optional Highlights:	Tanzania - Hot Air Ballooning Serengeti
Meeting Point:	Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi Cnr Parklands Rd and Msapo Close Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 374 0920 Fax: +254 20 374 8823
Introduction:	A fly in fly out safari covering two of Tanzania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Within the Ngorongoro Crater lives a huge population of game, including black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, lions, wildebeest, zebra, eland and Thomson’s gazelles. On the crater rim are leopards, elephant, giraffe and buffalo. The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth, and the Masai people have grazed their cattle on the vast grassy plains for centuries. But it is perhaps the annual migration for which the Serengeti is most famous, when over a million wildebeest and thousands of zebras head south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains, and then move west and north after the long rains.
Day 1: The tour will depart from the Southern Sun at 11.30am on Day 1.	Nairobi to Gibb's Farm. We meet at 11am, ready to depart from the hotel at 11.30am. We transfer to Wilson Aiport for our scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Once you have cleared immigration and customs, your Tanzanian guide will meet you and transfer you to Arusha for lunch at a hotel. Arusha is situated on the southern slopes of Mt Meru and was originally a coffee town. These days’ safaris have taken over as its primary industry, and it is now the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. After lunch we proceed to the Karatu area, and on to Gibb's Farm where we have dinner and overnight. Gibb's Farm is a working farm located on the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The farm hugs nearly a mile of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, part of a 3,200 square mile reserve, and lies half way between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, near the village of Karatu. Built in 1929, the farmhouse has hardly changed, retaining the charm of a well looked-after private house. Organic Coffee is grown, processed and roasted on the farm, and a vast 10-acre organic fruit and vegetable garden provides 90% of the ingredients used for the fresh, home-cooked meals. (L,D)
Day 2:	Gibb's Farm to Ngorongoro Crater. After breakfast and check out, we drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We have lunch at the lodge, before we descend onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a half day game drive in one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. At 19km across and 600m deep, this is the fifth largest crater in the world. It is a World Heritage site and boasts a unique eco-system. The crater itself reflects a mini Rift Valley. It has a soda lake with flamingos, fresh water, open plains and a forest area. There is a high concentration of animals that reside here, and it is also home to a small population of black Rhino. Dinner and overnight at lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3:	Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park. Today we drive to the Serengeti National Park, via Oldavai Gorge where some of the earliest fossils of mankind have been found. Depending on the time you travel, you may be able to see the migration tracks of the wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle and zebra. Crossing over the Ngorongoro/Serengeti border we continue our journey and arrive at our Serengeti lodge to check in to our tented chalet. Then there is time to relax before the afternoon game drive. The Serengeti is the oldest and largest National Park in Tanzania, its name coming from the Masai word meaning “endless plains”. Its landscape varies from the long and short grass plains in the south, to the central Savannah, the hilly wooded areas in the north, and extensive wooded areas in the west. It is world renowned for its immense concentration of game, in particular its lion and zebra populations and the annual wildebeest migration which commences in July – the beginning of the dry season - when they move in search of pasture towards the Masai Mara. It is a time when you will see the full circle of life for these animals sometimes called “the clowns of the plains”. The migration journey is hazardous and many of the older and weaker animals will lose their lives to predators such as lions and crocodiles. The migration also coincides with the annual rutting season, the calves being born at the beginning of the rains when there is plenty of fresh grass for feeding. After the game drive, we return to the lodge for dinner, and overnight in the tented camp. (B,L,D)
Day 4:	Serengeti National Park. Following breakfast, we have a full day of game viewing in the Serengeti National Park, in search of big game. The Park is world renowned for its immense concentration of game such as lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, zebra, impala and crocodile. There is also an opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride over the fabled Serengeti plains. After approximately an hour ballooning, waiters serve a full English breakfast, together with continental pastries, accompanied by champagne and fruit juice, in colonial dress on long, white-clothed tables in the middle of the plains. Today’s lunch is generally taken in picnic form at the Visitor Centre, situated within the park. We continue our game drive after lunch and make it back to the lodge in the late afternoon, where you’ll have time to relax. Dinner is served at the lodge. (B,L,D )
Day 5:	Serengeti to Nairobi. After breakfast, we check out of the lodge, and are transferred to Grumeti Airstrip for the scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, and the connecting flight to Nairobi.. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your city hotel, for those choosing to stay the night in Nairobi. (B) Please note that accommodation in Nairobi is NOT included today, but we are more than happy to book post tour accommodation on your behalf.
Finishing Hotel:	Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi Cnr Parklands Road and Msapo Close Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 374 0920 Fax: +254 20 374 8823
Link This Tour	You can link this tour to a Mombasa Beach Extension, or a Zanzibar Extension Package.
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible, but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; however we always try to use the best facilities available. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre- and post-tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre-Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 11am the day of the scheduled departure date at the meeting point. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: Passport. Vaccination Certificate. Travel Voucher. Travel Insurance Policy.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate information about your visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change frequently, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please also consult your relevant embassy for all details on whether to obtain visas in advance or locally. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS FOR THEIR TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information and Vaccinations:	Vaccinations: You must have an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if crossing borders within Africa. Southern African countries i.e. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe DO NOT need the International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are only travelling between these countries. Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever if you are arriving from an infected area. Please refer to your GP or Immunization Clinic. Strongly Recommended: Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningitis, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever. These may vary from country to country, please consult your GP or local Travel Clinic. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Malaria:	Anti-malaria tablets are essential. Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about types of tablets, as resistant strains exist. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.
Security:	Whilst all Kumuka Worldwide vehicles have secure doors and are fully lockable, it always pays to be cautious. Do not bring any unnecessary valuables such as jewellery or electronic equipment with you. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings close to you at all times as pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in built-up tourist areas. A money belt or something similar worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports and other important documents. DO NOT be overt about how much money you are carrying or walk around with your camera dangling around your neck, no matter where you are travelling on the globe, you will be a walking target for opportunistic thieves. If staying in hotels, do not leave your valuables in the room, make use of the safety deposit boxes available. Likewise, do not leave ANYTHING of value in your tent unattended, leave these onboard the truck in the safe.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-250 per week for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money, however in countries such as Uganda and Tanzania the exchange rate is higher for large denomination notes. Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes. Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques. Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities and in Southern Africa; they are, however, useful in case of emergency. Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa. Please do NOT rely on using ATM’s. They are not widely available or reliable though this situation is slowly changing.
Tipping and Bargaining:	For many, tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars. Bargaining is also expected and in all markets prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but do not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away. The tips below are purely given as a guideline. Poor service should result in lower tips; in serious circumstances a report should be lodged with local ground staff or on the feedback form. We recommend the following amounts are not exceeded except in special circumstances. ALL prices are PER day PER GROUP (so split between the number of passengers each day) – generally paid as a total sum in USD at the end of each trip. Suggested tipping for all routes on Kilimanjaro Guide USD$ 15 Cook USD$ 10 Assistant Guide USD$ 10 Porters USD$ 7 – NOTE there will be at least 2 porters per trekker Suggested tipping for all Gorilla treks Guide USD$ 15 Assistants USD$ 10 Suggested tipping for all driver/guides on lodge based and family tours Guide USD$ 15-20
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take?· The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting. A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many lodges there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Contrary to expectations it does get cold in Africa. Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia get quite cold at night between June and August. Mount Kilimanjaro will be cold at night all year round, due to the extreme altitude. You will need to bring your warmest clothes. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Climate Information:	As a general rule when travelling, it is worthwhile being prepared for all types of weather. Keep a lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho – this should prepare you for all seasons! For detailed climate information about the areas you are travelling to, please visit our website www.kumuka.com
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs or allergies can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. Please note we will attempt to provide for these special requests, however they cannot be guaranteed - please ensure the tour leader is aware of any special requests.
Photography:	Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute. If you are using print film, all supplies plus any filters and other accessories should be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable. NOTE:- Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places. A good idea is to use an old tea towel or t-shirt to wrap your camera up inside it’s dustproof camera bag when not in use. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. For this lodge safari we have selected lodges for their spectacular location and quality of service. The lodges are generally located within the parks we visit to allow the best access to game. All accommodation is ensuite and to a high standard.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereby, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. Below is a list of optional excursions available at your expense on your African tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed.Your tour leader will be able to organise any optional excursions on your behalf. The list below is by no means comprehensive. There will be many other optional activities available. All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk. All costs are in US Dollars. Tanzania - Serengeti Morning Hot Air Ballooning $450 It is also a good idea to have extra US$ cash to absorb any price increase.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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