Rwanda & Tanzania
Rwanda, Tanzania - A Private Air Safari
Departure Dates:
- Aug 11, 2009 - Aug 22, 2009
- Aug 15, 2009 - Aug 26, 2009
Rwanda & Tanzania Private Air Safari
Departure Dates
- August 11, 2009
- August 15, 2009
Trip Summary
Let us take you by private air to discover some of the biggest names in wildlife in a small-group setting. Start in Tanzania's Tarangire National Park where the river attracts a profusion of game. Continue to the 100-square mile Ngorongoro Crater, home to buffaloes, black rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes and elephants. Next discover the Serengeti migrations of wildebeests and other grazing herbivores, as well as their magnificent predators: cheetahs, lions and leopards. In Rwanda we'll explore Volcanoes National Park where we'll track mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and visit Dian Fossey's Karisoke Research Center (optional). Sleep comfortably in luxury lodges and permanent tented camps.
Itinerary: 12 Days/11 Nights
Day 1
Arusha, Tanzania
On arrival in Kilimanjaro in the evening, you will be met and transferred to the Arusha Hotel, a comfortable hotel in Arusha.
Lodging:Arusha Hotel (D)
Days 2 - 3
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast an approximately two-hour drive brings you to Tarangire National Park, and your luxury lodge on top of a high bluff with a breathtaking panorama of the park. The Tarangire River carves out the landscape below the lodge and is a favorite watering place for impressive numbers and variety of game. The scene unfolds before you as you relax on the outdoor patio, and allows you to appreciate Tarangire's diverse wildlife without ever leaving the lodge. At the heart of the lodge are the impressively high thatched roofs of the lounge and dining room. The open-sided design allows an uninterrupted view of the landscape and wildlife below, and captures the cooling breeze while you dine on our delicious home cooked safari cuisine. During morning and afternoon game drives discover stands of ancient baobab trees, large family herds of elephants, prolific bird life, and dry season concentrations of wildlife on the Tarangirie river which make this a classic African wildlife experience.
Lodging:Tarangire Safari Lodge (B, L, D)
Days 4 - 5
Ngorongoro Crater
Today drive about two and a half hours to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world's hallowed places. This giant amphitheater is ten miles across and is, "stamped like a footprint deep into the green hills of Africa." The ancient volcanic crater floor encompasses a self-contained ecosystem which sustains the greatest concentration of wildlife on earth. Lemala Ngorongoro is a tented camp situated on the rim of the crater offering luxury accommodation under canvas in large spacious tents with wooden platform and rugs. a heater to warm the tent, and a private bathroom that includes a dressing area, flush loo, shower and basin with running water. There are only 8 tents in the private concession to ensure privacy and seclusion. Early the following morning, descend into the 100-square mile crater, the inert dots viewed from the top come to life and animals appear in small groups. Here you will see the beloved little "Tommie" with ever-flagging black tail, buffalo, rare black rhino, lion, zebra, giraffe and elephants. There are birds too, in abundance - vultures, pink-necked marabou storks, and thousands upon thousands of greater and lesser flamingoes wading carefully through the shallow waters of Lake Magadi. Nearby is the Olduvai Gorge, where you can visit the famous site where Dr. Leakey discovered a vast repository of prehistoric human remains. It was here in these desolate gullies that Zinjanthropus Man was discovered. You will also see the mystical "Shifting Sands," a sand dune (revered as a god by the Maasai) which creeps forward inch by inch, year by year, while retaining its shape.
Lodging:Lemala Ngorongoro (B,L,D)
Days 6 - 8
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Today fly by private air to an airstrip in the Serengeti. On arrival, drive through the short grass plains to your private luxury tented camp, strategically set up in the heart of the Serengeti Plains and possibly near the great wildebeest migration. Over the next three days explore the vast savannas with naturalist guides in search of the annual migration. During this time of year the concentration of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle attract predators such as black-maned lions, cheetahs, and leopards. This is also a time when animals are beginning to congregate around permanent water and the crocodiles of the Grumeti river are active. Your luxury tented camp is fully mobile and supported by a large crew who set it up in advance exclusively for your group, and this means a very private safari experience. The large Meru sleeping tents are 8 feet high, completely enclosed, and offer 140 square feet of living area. Each tent houses full-size beds with high-density mattresses and fine blankets and linens; dressing tables; a wardrobe; luggage racks; and rechargeable lights. At the front of each tent is a verandah with table and safari chairs, and at the rear is an en-suite bathroom. Hot water is available day and night on demand and there is a daily laundry service, weather permitting.
Lodging:Lemala Private Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 9
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Today you will be flown by private air to Kigali, Rwanda via Mwanza to clear immigration out of Tanzania. On arrival in Kigali, board vehicles for the two-hour drive to Silverback Lodge. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, in an undulating area of 11 hectares with fabulous views towards the Volcanoes National Park and its five volcanoes (comprising part of the Virunga Volcano range) and distant lowland agricultural areas.
Lodging:Silverback Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 10
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Today, we'll split into smaller groups and set off early for Volcanoes National Park, where we track mountain gorillas, returning to our lodge for dinner and an overnight. The following day you will have the option of a second full day of gorilla tracking, or to take a scenic drive through lush plantain fields and patches of rainforest. Our destination will be the shores of lake Kivu, a crystal clear inland sea of blue situated along the Congolese border, and enclosed by steep green terraced hills. Other options today include tracking golden monkeys or visiting Dian Fossey's memorial (see options detailed on Day 11).
Lodging:Silverback Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 11
Kigali, Rwanda
Today you may tailor your day, choosing from 4 options:
- A second, full day of gorilla tracking.
- Drive through lush plantain fields and patches of rainforest. Our destination will be the shores of lake Kivu, a crystal clear inland sea of blue situated along the Congolese border, and enclosed by steep green terraced hills.
- Track elusive golden monkeys in the Virunga mountains on a short excursion. As with the gorillas, only one hour is allowed with the golden monkeys and six visitors are allowed per visit. There is one visit a day, which starts at 7:30 a.m. from the park office at Kinigi.
- Take a day excursion to Dian Fossey's Karisoke Research Centre. The walk takes about six to eight hours in all and is a fascinating way to explore the park and get a glimpse of the remains of this historic place.
All guests will then return to Kigali after the days options. On arrival check in to the Kigali Serena Hotel, situated in Central Kigali, and the ambassadorial and commercial heart of Rwanda. The hotel is situated only 10 km from Kigali International Airport.
Lodging:Kigali Serena Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 12
International Flights Home
After breakfast this morning depart on a city tour of Kigali with a visit to local markets and the National Museum. Day rooms will be available at the Kigali Serena Hotel before transferring to the airport for international flights home.
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 16 guests
Dates: August 11-22, 2009 and August 15-26, 2009. Note that for the August 15, 2009 departure date the route runs in reverse, starting in Kigali.
Price per person: $13,980 double occupancy, $2,075 single supplement
Price Includes: All private air in Africa; all accommodations; meals (as indicated by B,L,D in itinerary); drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey, local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals and functions, and where permitted by local law; all laundry, where available, at two night stays or more, excluding the tented camps; one full day gorilla tracking; safari tours, and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees; services of a Bushtracks expedition leader; professional naturalists in each safari camp and lodge, and local tour guides; all gratuities; airport departure taxes in Africa; porterage of one soft-sided checked bag weighing no more than 26 lbs.; International Travel Insurance Medical Plan including medical evacuation insurance; trip bag and amenity kit.
Price Does Not Include: International airfare; personal expenses such as mini bar and room service charges; souvenirs and telephone/fax charges; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance, passport, visa and inoculation fees; extra tours, meals and activities not indicated in the itinerary.
Physical Requirements: You must be in good health and prepared for travel in places without medical facilities, be mobile, and able to climb into and out of private aircraft and safari vehicles. You should be capable of walking moderate distances at an easy pace and over rough terrain, and be able to withstand hard riding four-wheel-drive vehicles on dirt roads or rough, bumpy ground. On any given day the duration and the technical difficulty of gorilla tracking can vary due to the location of the gorillas. Typically guests walk for 3-5 hours through the forest on uneven, muddy and wet terrain, crossing streams, trekking up and down gullies, and perhaps walking for up to 1 hour on a steep incline approximately 1 mile, or walking sideways on the mountain. Weather can fluctuate with average temperatures ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, you will most enjoy the opportunities these expeditions have to offer if you are willing to dispense with a few Western amenities and travel with flexibility and a spirit of adventure.
International Airfare: Bushtracks would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Deposit and Final Payment: A 20% deposit per person, is due upon confirming your reservation. Final payment is due 14 weeks before departure, upon receipt of invoice, and is payable by check or credit card.
Dates, schedules, program details and prices, given in good faith, and based on information available and in force in April 2008, are subject to change.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.