Best of Tanzania in Luxury
12 Days
from
10,750 pp*
Highlights:
Tanzania
(Arusha, Katavi, Mahale Mountains, Serengeti)
Trip Start/End:
Arusha
/
Arusha
Explore some of the most remote corners of Tanzania in stylish camps and through a variety of “lesser-travelled” Game Reserves and National Parks. Begin by exploring the vastness of the Katavi National Park, an ideal place to see things at eye level as you walk through the wide open grazing plains.
Secluded in the valleys of the Mahale Mountain Ranges and along the shorelines of the picturesque Lake Tanganyika are some truly special forests. Prepare for an arboreal adventure with our closest wildlife relative as you experience a “day-in-the-life” of the wild chimpanzees which reside here…
From the idyllic and pristine beaches of Lake Tanganyika it’s off to the famed savannah area of the Serengeti, home to the African Big 5 and location of the Great Migration, where over two-million wildebeest graze these grassy plains. Game viewing at its finest, dynamically isolated parks and reserves, unbelievably luxurious accommodations and expert local guides create a Tanzanian adventure that will surely remain etched in your memory for the rest of your life.
Includes internal flights.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Arusha
| - Welcome to East africa
- Transfer - Kilimanjaro Int'l Airport (JRO) - Vehicle/Guide
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance - Plane
- Dinner (included)
| Legendary Coffee Lodge Standard (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Arusha - Katavi
| - Transfer - Domestic Airport (ARK) - Vehicle/Guide
- Air - Arusha - Katavi [Flight (4hrs, Monday-Thursday)] - Charter
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Chada Katavi Tent (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Katavi
| - Chada Katavi Optional Activities - Optional Activities
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Chada Katavi Tent (Package) (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Katavi
| - Morning Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Chada Katavi Tent (Package) (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Katavi
| - Morning Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Chada Katavi Tent (Package) (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Katavi - Mahale Mountains
| - Air - Katavi - Mahale Mountains [Flight (45 min, Monday-Thursday)] - Charter
- Lunch (included)
- Mahale - Park Fees - Included
- Dinner (included)
| Greystoke Mahale Bandas - Package (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Mahale Mountains
| - Chimpanzee Experience
- Lunch (included)
- Mahale - Park Fees - Included
- Dinner (included)
| Greystoke Mahale Bandas - Package (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Mahale Mountains
| - Greystoke Mahale Camp Optional Activities - Optional Activities
- Lunch (included)
- Mahale - Park Fees - Included
- Dinner (included)
| Greystoke Mahale Bandas - Package (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Mahale Mountains - Arusha - Serengeti
| - Air - Mahale Mountains - Arusha [Flight (4 hrs, Monday-Thursday)] - Charter
- Air - Arusha - Serengeti [Scheduled Charter (2hrs)] - Premium - Northern (Lobo, Singita)
- Singita Arrival
- Park Fees - Park Fees
- Dinner (included)
| Singita Sabora Tented Camp Luxury Tent (AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Serengeti
| - Singita Activites
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Impala
- Park Fees - Park Fees
- Dinner (included)
| Singita Sabora Tented Camp Luxury Tent (AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Serengeti
| - Singita Grumeti Reserve
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon Game Drive - Migration
- Park Fees - Park Fees
- Dinner (included)
| Singita Sabora Tented Camp Luxury Tent (AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 12
- Serengeti - Arusha
| - Transfer - Lodge Airport Transfer
- Air - Serengeti - Arusha [Scheduled Charter (2 hrs)] - Premium - Northern (Singita)
- Transfer - Kilimanjaro Int'l Airport (JRO) - Vehicle/Guide
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Arusha
View from Lodge
Day 1: Arusha
Airport transfer between your Arusha hotel and Kilimanjaro International airport with private vehicle and english speaking driver.
In the unfortunate event of serious illness or injury, all travellers are covered by this “Flying Doctors” Insurance policy. This emergency evacuation insurance policy covers the cost of the evacuation flight back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance policy however DOES NOT cover the cost of any medical treatment received.
Accommodation: Legendary Coffee Lodge The Legendary Lodge is located on the outskirts of Arusha in lush tropical gardens and surrounded by a working coffee farm. The Legendary Coffee Lodge is one of a kind in Tanzania. Come and enjoy inspiring views of Mount Meru from the privacy of your own garden cottage whilst the staff takes care of your every whim!
Katavi
Chada Katavi blends in with its surroundings
Day 2: Arusha - Katavi
Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.
Relax during this charter flight departing Arusha, and arriving in Katavi, Tanzania. This flight will make multiple stops during the approximate 4 hour travel period.
This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide aboard a 4x4 Safari-game vehicle. Your guide will take you the local wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that the wildlife may be trying to avoid the scorching hot African sun. You'll visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent.
Accommodation: Chada Katavi Chada Katavi is in one of the best safari locations in Tanzania. The camp includes six small, yet spacious East African safari tents with wide-open fronts giving you panoramic views of the plain and animal life that constantly comes and goes. Elephant are frequent visitors, attracted to the shady fruit around the camp, and vast herds of buffalo graze on the flood plain. You'll find the dining tent and library are comfortable little spaces to relax in when you're not out in the midst of a safari adventure.
Rhino Family
Game Vehicle
Day 3: Katavi
A variety of activities are made available for guests staying at the Chada Katavi. There's walking and then there's real walking; bush walking in a good pair of boots where you want to keep going on and on. Katavi makes you feel like this, it might be something to do with the endless plains around you and vast open skies. Not to mention what you might see whilst you're out there. With your guide, and an armed scout, you could find yourself watching elephants from up close marveling at how, despite their size, they can move so quietly. Travel along the river line seeing all the different birds around the pools, and crocs and hippos who are a big feature of Katavi life. Animals who would often take flight at the sound of a vehicle, won't even know you're there and that's what makes walking out here such an incredible experience.
This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide aboard a 4x4 Safari-game vehicle. Your guide will take you the local wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that the wildlife may be trying to avoid the scorching hot African sun. You'll visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent.
Accommodation: Chada Katavi
Leopard
Day 4: Katavi
This morning you'll board your dedicated Safari vehicle, accompanied by your expert driver/guide for the day’s first game drive. Your guides knowledge of this area is utilized as they will take you to the locations which are most frequented by local wildlife. Keep your camera handy as you explore this beautiful African landscape to snap some photos of the elusive big cats, migratory herds, and colorful birdlife.
This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide aboard a 4x4 Safari-game vehicle. Your guide will take you the local wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that the wildlife may be trying to avoid the scorching hot African sun. You'll visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent.
Accommodation: Chada Katavi Day 5: Katavi
This morning you'll board your dedicated Safari vehicle, accompanied by your expert driver/guide for the day’s first game drive. Your guides knowledge of this area is utilized as they will take you to the locations which are most frequented by local wildlife. Keep your camera handy as you explore this beautiful African landscape to snap some photos of the elusive big cats, migratory herds, and colorful birdlife.
This afternoon you'll head out on a game drive alongside a local expert guide aboard a 4x4 Safari-game vehicle. Your guide will take you the local wildlife hotspots, keeping in mind that the wildlife may be trying to avoid the scorching hot African sun. You'll visit local water-holes and shady tree patches where a variety of resident big cats, migratory herds and colorful birdlife frequent.
Accommodation: Chada Katavi
Chimpanzee in the Mahale Mountain National Park
Tents
Day 6: Katavi - Mahale Mountains
Relax during this charter flight departing Katavi, and arriving in Mahale, Tanzania. This flight may make multiple stops during the approximate 45 min travel period.
Enjoy optional activities at your camp, including swimming in Lake Tanganika, snorkelling, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. Other activities may be booked at the camp (not included in tour price) include fishing or a boat safari along the shore. Park fees included.
Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale On a far-flung beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika , below a huge story-book tropical forest, lies the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. The water is as clear as gin, the air scented and the living is very easy indeed. The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp, home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees, with approximately 1000 individuals inhabiting the national park. Each day you can venture out into the forest, to observe and commune with these, our closest relatives, as they groom , wrestle and forage across the leafy floor.
Mahale Mountains Chimp
Lake Tanganika
Day 7: Mahale Mountains
A morning hike into the mountains to visit a chimpanzee family. There is only 1 chimp trek per full day, and time spent with the chimps is 1 hour only - but the trekking time is variable depending whether the chimps are close to camp or are up in the mountains. Most guests will see the chimps at least once but a sighting is not always guaranteed. Each group has a maximum of 6 people per group. Any guest showing symptoms of any contagious disease (viral or bacterial) will NOT be able to go into the forest in order to protect the health of the chimps.
Enjoy optional activities at your camp, including swimming in Lake Tanganika, snorkelling, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. Other activities may be booked at the camp (not included in tour price) include fishing or a boat safari along the shore. Park fees included.
Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale
Fishing
Day 8: Mahale Mountains
Every priviledged guest staying at the marvelous Greystoke Mahale Camp is provided with a variety of activities to choose from. Guests can hike the forest paths looking for birds and butterflies, as well as the other shy mammals who quietly live here. Swim in ice-cold pools up in the mountain waterfalls, take a kayak out for a dawn paddle towards the middle of the lake. Go for sundowners on the old wooden dhow, lazily following the shoreline and stopping to fish along the way, or just relax on the warm sands of the beach with a drink in hand.
Enjoy optional activities at your camp, including swimming in Lake Tanganika, snorkelling, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. Other activities may be booked at the camp (not included in tour price) include fishing or a boat safari along the shore. Park fees included.
Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale
Serengeti
Sabora Bedroom
Day 9: Mahale Mountains - Arusha - Serengeti
Relax during this charter flight departing Mahale, and arriving in Arusha, Tanzania. This flight will make multiple stops during the approximate 4 hour travel period.
Take your flight from Arusha (ARK) to Serengeti today with multiple stops along the way. The flight duration is approximately 2 hrs.
While at Singita, your luxurious all-suite accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily, teas and coffees are all included. Along with this, you'll also enjoy two game drives per day in an open Land Rover, accompanied by an experienced game ranger. Other activities include mountain biking, walking, tennis and archery. Laundry and valet services are also included but subject to certain conditions and restrictions. Also included are all of your drinks while on the Land Rover safaris and all drinks, including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (excluding vintage champagne and vintage wines on the connoisseurs wine list).
Accommodation: Singita Sabora Tented Camp Sabora Plains Tented Camp is in a massive private reserve aside the Serengeti Park, on the Serengeti Plains. As the focus of much international and media acclaim, the 6 tents have surpassed all standards in luxury camping in 1920s style, with outdoor shower and air conditioning, and simply going beyond the comforts of home. Dining is set with elegant glassware, white porcelain, and crisp tablecloths. Champagne glasses clink in the background, while animals wander the property. Activities include archery and badminton for the whole luxury experience, though others prefer a little game-gazing.
Singita Game Drives
Impala
Day 10: Serengeti
While at Singita, you'll have access to a wide range of activities, including: Game drives and walks with professional guides. Fun activities such as archery, lawn croquet, badminton, star-gazing safaris and mountain biking are all available. There are tennis courts at Sabora Tented Camp and Sasakwa Lodge with a choice of surfaces. Spa facilities are available at all three lodges.Yoga and gym facilities are available at Sasakwa Lodge and Faru Faru. Wireless internet access and satellite television at all three lodges.
Spend today searching out Impala, one of Africa's most beautiful and graceful animals. Previously thought to be part of the gazelle tribe, Impalas have been found to be so different that they are now classified as their own sub-family status. When frightened or startled the whole impala herd starts randomly leaping to confuse their predator. They can jump distances more than 10 meters (33 ft) and 3 meters (9 ft) high. Leopards, cheetah, lions and wild dogs prey on impala. Impala can reach running speeds of approximately 50 to 55 mph (80 to 90 km/h) to escape its predators. See if you can track these incredible animals!
Accommodation: Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Singita Grumeti Reserve
Buffalo
Day 11: Serengeti
The untouched wilderness of Singita Grumeti Reserves is located in northern Tanzania and forms part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, on the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park – Africa’s No. 1 World Heritage Site. The word ‘Serengeti’ comes from the Masai word ‘Siringit’, which means ’the place where the land stretches to forever.” The famous Great Migration, an annual trek of 2 million animals through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, bisects our reserve annually. Called The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth it has, since time immemorial, been the dramatic backbone of this enormous wilderness. The successes of conservation as well as diverse habitats have ensured that, since its inception in 2003, Singita Grumeti Reserves has a well-established resident game population that inhabit the area throughout the year. In addition to the annual wildebeest migration some notable highlights include: large mixed herds of impala, zebra, topi, eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle. Good numbers of reedbuck, waterbuck, dik dik, klipspinger, oribi and Coke’s hartebeest are to be found and large breeding herds of buffalo, up to 400 strong, compliment the abundant small bachelor groups of bulls. Herds of elephants number up to 450 – concentrations seldom seen elsewhere in Africa.
Spend the day taking in the spectacle of the famous wildebeest migration. This annual migration through the Serengeti and Masai Mara is one of the safari highlights of Africa. The wildebeest migration moves in a basic clockwise direction throughout the year in Serengeti eco-system and move north into Masai Mara, Kenya from June/July through to Sep/October. Sightings cannot be guaranteed as the herds move according to availability of food source and migration movements can be erratic. The herds are accompanied by zebra and Thomson's gazelle and are stealthily hunted by local predators such as leopard, lion and hyena.
Accommodation: Singita Sabora Tented Camp Day 12: Serengeti - Arusha
A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip. Depending on time, they will fit in a bit of a game drive to/from the lodge.
Take your flight from Serengeti to Arusha today. The flight will do more than one stop on the way. The flight duration is approximately 2hrs.
Airport transfer between your Arusha hotel and Kilimanjaro International airport with private vehicle and english speaking driver.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Kilimanjaro international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
View from Lodge
Legendary Coffee Lodge - Arusha
The Legendary Lodge is located on the outskirts of Arusha in lush tropical gardens and surrounded by a working coffee farm. The Legendary Coffee Lodge is one of a kind in Tanzania. Come and enjoy inspiring views of Mount Meru from the privacy of your own garden cottage whilst the staff takes care of your every whim!
Chada Katavi blends in with its surroundings
Chada Katavi - Katavi
Chada Katavi is in one of the best safari locations in Tanzania. The camp includes six small, yet spacious East African safari tents with wide-open fronts giving you panoramic views of the plain and animal life that constantly comes and goes. Elephant are frequent visitors, attracted to the shady fruit around the camp, and vast herds of buffalo graze on the flood plain. You'll find the dining tent and library are comfortable little spaces to relax in when you're not out in the midst of a safari adventure.
Tents
Greystoke Mahale - Mahale Mountains
On a far-flung beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika , below a huge story-book tropical forest, lies the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. The water is as clear as gin, the air scented and the living is very easy indeed. The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp, home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees, with approximately 1000 individuals inhabiting the national park. Each day you can venture out into the forest, to observe and commune with these, our closest relatives, as they groom , wrestle and forage across the leafy floor.
Sabora Bedroom
Singita Sabora Tented Camp - Serengeti
Sabora Plains Tented Camp is in a massive private reserve aside the Serengeti Park, on the Serengeti Plains. As the focus of much international and media acclaim, the 6 tents have surpassed all standards in luxury camping in 1920s style, with outdoor shower and air conditioning, and simply going beyond the comforts of home. Dining is set with elegant glassware, white porcelain, and crisp tablecloths. Champagne glasses clink in the background, while animals wander the property. Activities include archery and badminton for the whole luxury experience, though others prefer a little game-gazing.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Tanzania
VISA/PASSPORT
Passport valid for at least six months, visa and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Visa may be purchased on arrival at the airport. Single entry visa is $50 per person ($100pp for US citizens), payable in cash (no credit cards). Visas may also be obtained in advance through a visa service. Processing generally takes 5 working days and costs approximately $75.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Tanzania for the most up to date visa information.
NOTE: Only newly printed USD currency and local currency will be accepted in East Africa, any USD currency printed without the new security measures will not be accepted.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Guests of Kensington Tours are covered by East African Flying Doctor Services included in the tour price. This coverage guarantees that any member injured or ill while on safari will be airlifted back to Nairobi to the international hospital.
We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/tanzania.aspx
A yellow fever shot is NOT required for visitors from US/Canada/UK/EU direct, however if you are travelling through Kenya into Tanzania, you will need the vaccine.
COUNTRY INFO
Language: Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.
Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Most tourism prices are in US Dollars.ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels accept credit cards.
Time: GMT +3.
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.
Communications: The international country dialing code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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