6 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro &
Lake Manyara
Nairobi to Nairobi
(Trip Code: NTN6) - Departs Daily
2007 - R5 890 + Local payment US$450
6 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro &
Lake Manyara
Nairobi to Nairobi
(Trip Code: NTN6) - Departs Daily
2007 - R5 890 + Local payment US$450
This trip starts in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south to Tanzania, finishing back in Nairobi. From the memorable experience of viewing mountain gorillas, the abundance of game of the Masai Mara, the magnificence of Africas highest mountain to the vastness of the Serengeti plains, these trips encompass the most prolific game parks, diversity and beauty of what East Africa is famous for. These trips will see you interact with the local tribes of Masai, who inhabit the border regions of Kenya & Tanzania, whilst game viewing almost every possible specie of African wildlife. Whilst Kili tests your reserves, the unique people of Africa will see you enmeshed in their way of life.
Please note that this trip departs Nairobi daily, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked. Departure Details: For clients staying at the Boulevard Hotel or the Kenya Comfort Hotel, a representative of the Davanu shuttle bus company will meet them at their respective hotels at the appointed time below.
Hotel Addresses: Boulevard Hotel, Harry Thuku Road.
Kenya Comfort Hotel, Cnr Muindi Mbingu & Monrovia Streets
Check In Time: 7.15am
Departure Time: 7.30amHIGHLIGHTS
Lake Manyara National Park
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro CraterITINERARY
Day 1 - Nairobi to Arusha: Leaving Nairobi we travel by Davanu shuttle bus via the border town of Namanga to the safari hub of Tanzania, Arusha. Your overnight stay in Arusha is at the Novotel Mt Meru Hotel. The shuttle bus will deliver you to the hotel.
Day 2 Arusha to Lake Manyara: This morning you will be met by your driver and our representative and after a briefing will proceed on safari. Today sees us on our way to Lake Manyara National Park. Most famous for its tree climbing lion, it is also known for leopard, elephant and flamingo, which abound on the shores of the lake. Being part of the Great Rift Valley the views from Manyara are as spectacular as they are real. (B; L; D)
Day 3 Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park: Everyone has heard of it and now you are there. Probably the best known game park in Africa, and rightly so. Serengeti offers you the most complete game experience with the open plains teeming with wildlife. The annual migration of wildebeest through July to September between the Mara and this region is undoubtedly one of the great spectacles not to be missed. (B; L; D)
Day 4 Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater: Having driven via the Ngorongoro Crater to enter the Serengeti we now retrace our steps and then descend to the crater floor to view the highest concentrations of game anywhere in the world. Although not a captive enclave the crater is well watered and thereforee the game tend not to migrate from their green pastures. (B; L; D)
Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha: Crossing back across the Great Rift Valley we travel through Masai villages, which have been in and around this area for centuries. You have ample time to stop and chat with them and appreciate their customs and cultures. The Masai are a very proud race of people who take pride in preserving their traditions. (B; L)
Day 6 Arusha to Nairobi: A morning departure from Arusha by Davanu Shuttle bus sees us heading in a northerly direction back to Nairobi where your safari finishes. (B)
This trip is a camping trip. There is an option to upgrade to a luxury camp or lodge. Please your travel agent for rates.
Local Payment: US$450 (2006)
Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.
PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION FOR YOUR ADVENTURE SAFARI
GENERAL
The following information is provided to assist you in preparing for your trip.
The safari you are travelling on is in the main a camping trip. The safari is mostly aimed at young, adventurous people wish to visit these game parks. However, we do not impose an upper age limit.
On all our safaris we provide cooking and camping equipment with the exception of a sleeping bag and mat. Transportation is by shuttle coach to Arusha and back to Nairobi and a safari vehicle whilst in the parks or reserves.
Accommodation on this trip is a combination of a budget hotel and camping in two person tents with sewn in groundsheets and mosquito netting on doors and windows. Passengers are expected to participate in all aspects of the tour. This means pitching and dismantling your own tent and, on a roster basis, helping with daily chores such as cooking, washing up, vehicle cleaning and packing. On this trip we have a safari cook although we do ask you to assist in food preparation and shopping.
The advantages of group travel are gained when the group works as one. Sharing the responsibility for the roster duties as well as security of the vehicle, equipment and belongings will help to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
LOCAL PAYMENT
All passengers contribute to the Local Payment for each of our safaris equally. It is payable to the representative of our ground handler in Arusha on day 2 of your safari. Payment should only be in US dollars cash.
We have calculated the Local Payment amount from our experience in running trips in and around Africa.
As stated we calculate the Local Payment contribution of each trip based on previous experience. However we often have to publish Local Payment contributions a year or two prior to the time the particular trip enters a country, and it is impossible to anticipate exactly how exchange rates, local inflation and price rises may change so far in advance. It very rarely happens that extra contributions have to be made, but if it does prove necessary, it is usually only a few dollars and is usually because a group has been particular extravagant or unlucky.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
You should have a full passport valid for at least six months after the end of your safari. It is advisable to allow at least one blank page for each country to be visited. If your passport is almost full you may find yourself unable to complete the tour.
Note: it is advisable to bring a photocopy of your passport in case you lose the original.
Visas are your responsibility. Please check visa requirements with the consular office of each country that you will be visiting. Alternatively, consult your agent or us. You should allow plenty of time for obtaining necessary visas. In Africa, most visas can be obtained en-route.
Note: Passports and vaccination certificates with an indication of travel to Israel must be replaced.
VACCINATIONS
Please consult your doctor or immunisation centre for the relevant vaccination requirements for the countries to which you will be travelling. Please note, however, that a Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory for most African countries. In addition for African safaris, we would recommend vaccinations for typhoid, polio, tetanus, hepatitis, meningitis, and perhaps, cholera.
Note: you should have a photocopy of your Certificate in case you lose the original.
MEDICAL / HEALTH
We would strongly advise you to bring a personal medical kit. Any reputable medical store will be able to provide this.
Suggested contents includes:
Lip balm anti-histamine cream or tablets
Sunscreen water purifying tablets
Pain killers anti diarrhoea remedy
Moisturiser dehydration salts
Elastoplasts/band aids insect repellent
Sterile dressings antiseptic creamMalaria is endemic in most parts of Africa. It is your responsibility to provide anti malaria tablets and other preventative measures. You should consult your doctor as to the correct prophylaxis for the countries to be visited. It is also useful to avoid being bitten through the use of an insect repellent containing DEET and wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers at night.
INSURANCE
Personal travel insurance is compulsory for all our safaris. This should include a comprehensive medical cover including repatriation, personal effects and luggage, as well as cancellation and curtailment insurance. If you are in any doubt as to the cover you need, please contact either your agent or us.
Note: Please bring a photocopy of your Insurance Policy and hand to the trip leader at the pre departure meeting.
LUGGAGE AND WHAT TO BRING
As a guide we recommend you keep to your airline's restriction I .e.. 20 kg or less. Most people bring along a backpack (preferably with built-in frame) and a day bag. Large suitcases are not recommended, as these can be difficult to store on the truck. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much clothing. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry, but avoid nylon and other synthetics which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Please remember that Africa can be colder than you might expect, particular at night and in the early morning.
The following is a suggested list of clothing and accessories:
2 long sleeved shirts/blouses money and traveller's cheques
3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts vaccination certificates
2 pairs trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt Passport (plus photocopy)
1-2 pairs shorts camera and film
Tracksuit pants personal toiletries and towel
Heavy sweater water bottle
Light sweater watch (inexpensive)
Underwear sunglasses (inexpensive)
Hat torch and spare batteries
Water/windproof jacket small sewing kit
Boots or trainers washing soap for clothes
Sandals or thongs plastic bags
Set of smart clothes and shoes clothes line and pegs
Swimsuit small scrubbing brush
Sleeping bag, sleep sheet and roll mat penknife
Music (our vehicles are equipped with stereos)
If you wear glasses (or contacts) it is also advisable to bring a spare pair.
If you wish to sleep out on warm nights you will need to bring a mosquito net and ground sheet.SECURITY
We cannot stress enough the need for you to be aware whilst travelling in Africa. Please do not bring unnecessary valuables along with you such as jewellery or expensive watches.
We also recommend that you photocopy all your travel documents including the first 4 pages of your passport and keep them aside from the originals. Whilst on safari the vehicle should never be left unattended except when we are staying in a guarded campsite.
Vehicle security is a part of safari life and we ask that you share this burden at times with your fellow travellers.
Although all care and attention will be exercised, Africa Travel Co nor its agents and employees can accept responsibility for anything deposited in the truck safe or left on the vehicle.
SPENDING MONEY
Well, only you know to what extent your spending habits will tax you I .e.. whether you smoke or drink, what souvenirs you are most probably wanting to buy, or any extra excursions you may want to do. Africa is not as cheap as a lot of the travel books have you to believe and as such we would recommend that you allow, in addition to the listed optional excursions in our brochure, a figure of US$20 to US$30 per day.
It is advisable to bring spending money in both cash and travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars or pounds sterling, or both. Cash should be in a variety of denominations, and travelling to East Africa, please make sure that US dollar notes are post 1993.
ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY
The itinerary as set out in the brochure and this information is intended as a guideline only and may vary slightly as the trip progresses. Each trip must be flexible to allow for all variables, such as road conditions, political situations, weather and even possible breakdowns. Where possible you will see everything listed and probably more.
Travelling in Africa is unpredictable. Our safaris are not luxury tours and trips of this kind do not always proceed as planned. If you approach your trip with a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude, you and your fellow travellers will get the most out of the journey.
Due to reasons of health, security, or circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary to make alterations to the planned itinerary. If this is unavoidable the Leader will make the final decision on changes after discussing the issue with the group. Obviously the Leader will bear in mind the wishes of the group, although there may well be occasions when unpopular decisions have to be made.
In all matters relating to the trip the Leaders decisions will be final.
WHILST ON SAFARI
We ask you to preserve the countries that you will be travelling through as much as possible, and as such, please do not drop or leave behind litter. When bush camping we either dispose of our litter by burying or burning it.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
We ask that each passenger obey all the laws of the countries we are travelling through. Any passenger found in possession of contraband, non-prescribed narcotic drugs or firearms will be asked to leave the trip immediately, with no refund of the tour fare.
All of the countries you will be travelling through will have their own individual customs, please respect them.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Naturally, there are many opportunities for photography in Africa. As film can be very expensive in many countries that you will be visiting we suggest you bring plenty from home. It is also advisable to bring a re-sealable polythene bag to keep dust from your equipment.
Video photography is also possible. Batteries can be recharged at some of the campsites we visit but it is advisable to bring spares.
A note of warning. Under no circumstances should you attempt to photograph government buildings, police, military personnel or any government official. This applies especially at borders. It is not unknown for people to have cameras confiscated if officials even suspect a photo has been taken. If in doubt, ask.
ONWARD TRAVEL
As we have said, conditions in Africa change, thereforee we cannot accept responsibility for disruptions and delays that may cause you to miss connections.
We do recommend that you allow 1 -3 days after the scheduled completion date of your safari before flying out.
2006/7 DEPARTURES
Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara NTN6 Price R 5,890 Local Payment U$450 START FINISH NBO NBO DAILY DAILY
