Wild Kingdom’s Garden of Eden

Much like the explorers of old, you will fall under Tanzania’s spell, intoxicated by the calls and rumbles of migrating herds, the elegant arches of ancient baobab trees and the kaleidoscope of its ethnic diversity. Venture into remote areas of Tarangire and the Serengeti and stay in intimate, exclusive tented camps that blend into the landscape where you are serenaded only by the wildlife around you. Unforgettable moments, unbelievable memories!

Getting Settled

Your journey will begin as you board your overnight flight to Arusha, Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your luxurious lodge, nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru, in view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

What to Expect Your First Couple of Days

Your first official day you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and eager to begin your safari adventure. Start with a drive to Tarangire National Park, where the gently rolling countryside is dotted with the majestic baobab trees which seem to dwarf the animals that feed beneath them. This stretch of Africa is spectacular in the dry season when many of the migratory wildlife species come back to the permanent waters of Tarangire River. Huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, eland and oryx gather to stay until the onset of the rains when they migrate again to good grazing areas. Tarangire is a birdwatcher’s dream with over 300 bird species. But in addition to all those magnificent trees, birds and beasts, Tarangire is known to house the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania, now numbering close to 2,500. Your intimate camp features only ten beautifully furnished guest tents. The expertise of the naturalist guides at Oliver’s Camp is unparalleled and their depth of knowledge of the resident lion prides reaches down to individual family members and traits, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mid-Week Adventures

The Next day, descend 2,000 feet into the Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site, an extinct volcano and the world’s largest unbroken caldera. Through misty clouds reach the crater’s floor for a treasure trove of wildlife: swaggering prides of black-maned lion, large herds of wildebeest, buffalo, gazelle, eland and zebra roam the grasslands with hyena close behind. The best chance to see the rare black rhino is here, as they are protected around the clock. Colorful flamingo inhabit the shores of the soda lake, and Hildebrandt’s Francolin lurk in the forest while Verreaux’s Eagle soar high above. Bull elephant with massive tusks charge the plains while their female counterparts, and the solitary leopard meander through the forests. Set in the tranquil highlands, your Cape Dutch manor exudes old world Afro-European elegance and décor.

Situated on top of a valley, overlooking the eastern wall of the Ngorongoro Crater and a beautiful waterfall, is your exclusive lodge. Kitela Lodge consists of 20 spacious suites built inside of cottages reminiscent of an old colonial farm, all with ensuite facilities and stylish contemporary décor. Meals are served in the main building and on-occasion lunch is served al fresco by the pool. Relax and unwind in the tranquility of the beautiful gardens, at the heated pool, or in the African spa.

The following morning, you’ll get to visit a Maasai village and learn about this fascinating culture that has existed through the millennia in perfect harmony with nature. Your bumpy but scenic road takes you to Oldupai Gorge, where in 1959 Louis and Mary Leakey uncovered Zinjanthropus and Homo habilis. Oldupai is one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological locations. In addition to the remarkable human fossils, prehistoric elephant, giant horned sheep and enormous ostrich fossils have been found here while extinct species unearthed include three-toed horses and giant antelope.

Last Couple Of Days

Continuing your journey to the Serengeti, a World Biosphere Reserve, which plays host to the annual Great Migration of over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra shadowed by cheetah, leopard, and hyena eyeing the movable feast. Search the open plains for giraffe, topi, buffalo, and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle. See elephant herds resting in shady thickets in the Seronera Valley. At an additional cost, soar through the skies on a balloon safari. Your home combines elements of style and luxury with an incredible wildlife experience. This diminutive camp of eight exceptionally appointed tents rests in a secluded setting close to the Moru Kopjes and is a tranquil retreat in the most scenic part of the Serengeti.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Masek in Ndutu, situated between the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park and the northwest side of the Ngorongoro Conservation area, lies your oasis. Expect exclusivity, luxury, and a front row seat in this unique setting for the wildebeest migration from December to April each year.

Continue your visit of Serengeti National Park as you travel to your next accommodation located in the Central Serengeti adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River. You will enjoy a wildlife drive en route.  You’ll be able to look up at the towering yellow fever trees with napping leopard and to the river at its hippo pools. Search for predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, and their prey — giraffe, topi, Bohor reedbuck, Defassa waterbuck, buffalo, wildebeest and impala. The kopjes (prehistoric rock outcroppings) host hyraxes, dwarf mongoose, and red-headed agamas, while patience might reward you with a sleepy black-maned male lion or leopard. The open grassland is home to large groups of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, spotted hyena, jackal, and such birds as the double-banded courser, yellow-throated sandgrouse, redcapped lark, Fischer’s sparrow-lark, and capped wheatear. Your twice-daily wildlife drives will allow ample viewing. You’ll then spend your nights at a permanent tented camp set on a hill in central Serengeti with views over the Serengeti plains. Designed in a modern African style with a touch of romance, Kubu Kubu is the perfect balance of sleek and cozy.

Heading Home

Fly to Arusha where you can do some last-minute shopping at the African Heritage before transferring to the airport for your overnight flights home, bringing with you the memories of all the wonderful sights of East Africa.

HELPING THE WORLD ONE JOURNEY AT A TIME

Classic Escapes is committed to supporting the preservation of the environment, wildlife conservation and research in the countries featured in our programs. The Classic Escapes Conservation Fund has been established from the inception of the company to ensure that a percentage of all profits go to support the Bring-A-Book Foundation, and the wildlife researchers in the field. When you travel with Classic Escapes, you support travel as a tool for building the mutual respect, awareness and understanding that are vital to preserving the planet for future generations.

Entire adveNture would cost $11,995 Per Person Based on Double Occupancy

Your Journey Would Include:

• Flight between Serengeti and Arusha.
• Flight between Arusha/Zanzibar on the post extension.
• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• American breakfast in Arusha; all meals while on safari. Other meals as indicated.
• A host from Louisville Zoo will accompany the group with 10 travelers on both the main trip and the post extension programs.
• All park entry fees and resort fees.
• All wildlife viewing by 4 x 4 vehicles, driven by a naturalist driver/guide.
• David Barisa, a specialist guide, will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers.
• Maximum of 6 travelers per vehicle with a window seat guaranteed.
• Complimentary bottled water in vehicles.
• Complimentary luggage tags and a water bottle.
• Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.

Your Journey Won’t Include:

• Round trip air transportation between the USA and Arusha. The extension returns from Zanzibar. If you require assistance with air arrangements, contact Classic Escapes.
• Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
• Gratuities to drivers and other conveyance attendants. Gratuities should only be given as a reward for exceptional service and are at your discretion. We estimate $15 per person/per day for the specialist guide. $15 per person/per day for the safari driver. $10 per person/per day for the camp staff. $5 per person for each arrival and departure transfer from the airport/hotel. These are daily per-service estimates, and an exact tipping chart will be detailed on your final itinerary.
• Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
• Meals and beverages, other than those specified.
•  Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• Personal and baggage insurance.
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.

Know Before You Go: 

In general, this trip requires:

• Flexibility and good humor — unexpected changes and/or glitches will occur.
• A spirit of adventure and curiosity
• Interest in and willingness to appreciate a destination with a modest infrastructure and a bending definition of comfort. That being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm.

Participants:

• Must be able to climb in and out of, as well as move around in confined quarters within safari 4 x 4 vehicles, and small aircraft unassisted. People need to be willing to rotate seats.
•  Must be able to tolerate riding on uncomfortably uneven, bumpy roads (some with many potholes) for long periods of time (6 – 9 hours maximum), as well as some off-road experiences when opportunities allow.
• Must be able to stand and/or walk moderate distances when visiting villages, towns, or other sites. Walking will be on uneven ground or uphill, often at altitudes that many people are not used to.
• Should generally be in good health and prepared to travel in locations without medical facilities.