Beyond the Serengeti Safari
TANZANIA
2016 TRIP ITINERARY
TRIP DATES June 12-21, 2016 July 17-26, 2016 September 4-13, 2016 While there are great reasons to choose a smallgroup safari, we also offer private safaris on the dates that work for you. Please call if you are interested in learning more.
800-941-8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com
How We Deliver
THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS SAFARI Experienced naturalists guides. Our expert guides know the park rangers and keep in touch with them regularly, so they always have the inside track on where to find the most exciting wildlife action. Our guides seamlessly guide your entire safari, allowing for a much more in-depth experience. Carefully selected accommodations. That allow us to be close to the action in privacy and comfort. Luxury tented camps on private reserves and in national parks, and deluxe lodges in ideal locations fill your evenings. Camps include hotel quality linens, full-sized beds (not cots), individual bathroom facilities attached to each tent (including hot showers!), a professional camp staff and indulgent touches like French-press coffee – an experience not to be missed! The finest vehicles. Our fleet of custom built, 4WD extended Land Cruisers are the finest in Tanzania. We limit six passengers to each eight passenger vehicle so everyone has a window seat and plenty of space, and pop-up roofs allow shaded, 360 degree wildlife observation. Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both scheduled, small-group departures and Private Collection journeys so that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey to fulfill your travel dreams. Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone? There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your adventure, and hold your hand (and your bags) until you return home.
Recognized by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine as a top 5 “World’s Best Tour Operator” in their annual survey; and by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.
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Beyond the Serengeti Safari
TANZANIA
Any Tanzania safari must delve into the rich wildlife of the Serengeti and
The Journey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this safari
Journey at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . 10
also takes you beyond these places, to discover the private Loliondo
What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
game reserve and its local Maasai people, and the great elephant herds of Tarangire National Park. No matter whether you come for the wildlife,
Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
the scenery, or the culture, it is the things that are impossible to predict
What to Expect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
– a pride of lionesses on the hunt, or a rainbow breaking over a herd of
Our Guides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
elephants, or the thrilled grin of a child for the simple gift of a pencil – that will stay with you long after you leave Tanzania. HIGHLIGHTS • Incomparable wildlife encounters: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and millions of zebras and wildebeests; pillars of the earth’s last great migratory ecosystem. • Legendary landscapes, from the Great Rift Valley, to the Ngorongoro Crater, to the plains of the Serengeti - plus off-the-beaten-track locales like the private Loliondo Game Reserve and Tarangire National Park. • Expert Tanzanian naturalist guides bring the wilderness to life. • Beautiful accommodations in astounding settings. Our deluxe tented camps allow our groups easy access to the most animals and vibrant local culture.
Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Boundless Beyond. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
DETAILS DURATION
10-day trip begins and ends in Arusha, Tanzania ACCOMMODATION Four nights in first-class lodges and five nights in luxury permanent tented camps (all private baths) TRIP RATING 1 2 3 4 5 Easy . . . . . . . . . . . Strenuous
(See page 12 for more details)
LAND COST
$5,495 per person SINGLE SUPPLEMENT First two reserved on each departure: $1,195* Additional singles: $1,695 *Must reserve at least 120 days ahead. INTERNAL AIRFARE $330 per person
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A BOUNDLESS MOMENT IN TANZANIA
After a stop at their village near our camp, we follow two young Maasai scouts out into the open savannah, an endless sea of gently rolling grassland, dotted with kopjes. Our destination, our guides explain, is one of these small, rocky hills, known to house a pack of wild “painted” dogs, one of Tanzania’s rarely seen predators.
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THE JOURNEY DAY 1 Arrival to Arusha Upon arrival of your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by a Boundless Journeys representative who will transfer you to our lodge, set quietly amid coffee plantations on the shores of Lake Duluti. At the lodge, you are greeted by a friendly staff offering refreshments before turning in to rest after your travels. Lake Duluti Serena Hotel, Arusha
DAY 2 Maasai Steppe and Tarangire National Park Afternoon game drive.
A lone elly cools off in the Mara River.
After a pre-safari briefing, we depart Arusha, driving across the Maasai Steppe. This expansive area of grassland dotted with trees is populated with various tribal peoples - predominantly Maasai - whose historically pastoral lifestyle is in some cases evolving into subsistence farming. Within just an hour or two, we find ourselves beginning our exploration of the vast wilderness of Tarangire, making our way to our camp for the next two nights, strategically situated astride the migratory corridor connecting Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. Following lunch and time to settle in at our camp, we’ll head out on an afternoon game drive in search of Tarangire’s renowned elephant herds. Maramboi Tented Camp, Private Concession between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park
DAY 3 Tarangire National Park Full day game drive. Optional hot air balloon safari (at additional expense). Estimated at over 15,000 individuals, Tanzania has the largest lion population of any country.
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Today we enjoy a full day’s game drive through Tarangire National Park. While this scenic park is best known for its large herds of elephants and the unique baobab trees that dot the landscape, we will also see a wide range of other animals, from the diminutive dik dik and rock hyrax to the majestic giraffe, not to mention a healthy population of lion. For those looking for a different kind of adventure, an optional (at additional expense) hot air balloon safari can Boundless Journeys © 2016
THE JOURNEY continued be booked for the early morning hours. Floating silently over thes lovely landscape with its herds of animals is an unforgettable experience. The approximately one hour flight is followed by a champagne bush brunch, after which our guide will pick you up to enjoy the remainder of the day’s activities - before dinner back at our camp. Maramboi Tented Camp, Private Concession between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park
DAY 4 Lake Manyara Game drive through Lake Manyara National Park.
“Each day was our favorite, from seeing all the animals in the Crater, to witnessing the Maasai rituals from Buffalo Camp, to our stay at Swala Camp with Liz and Garth and their wonderful staff. Thank you for a wonderful experience from start to finish!” —B.N. & G.N., Austin, TX
Even though Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s smaller national parks, its jungle-like forest and immense “soda lake” support a great variety of wildlife. As we slowly make our way along a dirt track through the park, we may encounter pools of water full of hippos, and see countless pink flamingos, dainty gazelles, and graceful giraffes meandering through the tall grass. We enjoy lunch at a viewpoint overlooking the lake, spying on animals through binoculars and scanning the trees for elusive tree-climbing lions. This afternoon we drive to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera that is home to a huge concentration of wildlife – including the “big five” – elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros. One of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated in Tanzania, Ngorongoro is the world’s largest unflooded caldera. While only 100 square miles in area, the crater is home to six distinct habitats: acacia forest, swamp, short grass plains, long grass plains, rivers, and woodland, with each habitat attracting a variety of animals. The rim of the crater reaches 7,800 feet in altitude and the crater floor rests at 5,000 feet. Home to almost 30,000 animals in an area naturally enclosed by the slopes of the volcano, this is the best location in Tanzania for viewing black rhinoceros and huge, old bull elephants. There is not enough vegetation to support the large cow and calf herds, but the old male elephants “retire” to the crater for the lush swamp grass and acacia forest. The only Tanzanian game not seen in the crater are impala and giraffe. It is not known why impala do not inhabit the crater, but giraffe are unable to descend the steep grade without lowering their heads, which 800-941-8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com
Maasai warriors perform a ritual dance near our camp.
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THE JOURNEY continued raises their blood pressure to dangerous levels. By late afternoon, we arrive at our home for the night, a comfortable stone lodge on the western rim with fantastic views into the Crater. This evening after sun sets and we are sitting comfortably by a crackling fire, our thoughts will be on the crater and the unseen drama unfolding in the darkness below, on the hunters and the hunted, completing life’s circle, as they have been for thousands of years. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater If we are lucky, we may witness the unforgettable spectacle of a river crossing.
DAY 5 Ngorongoro Crater and into the Serengeti Full day game drive on the crater floor and into the Serengeti. This morning we rise early to be among the first on the crater floor. This is a magical time with the sun rising above the rim of the crater and the animals still active. We enjoy an extended game drive, with plenty of time for photography and to simply observe the interactions of the lions, cheetah, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, buffalo and black rhinoceros. The sheer number of wild animals living in such close proximity is amazing. Making our way slowly across the caldera floor, which contains sweeping grasslands, lerai forest, a soda lake, and marshy wetlands, one has the sense of being in another time. The landscape is so primitive, the ecosystems so intact, that it is like taking a trip to prehistory. Coming upon a lone elephant, a beautiful giant with gracefully curving tusks quietly munching on the soft grasses, listening to him breathe, is something one won’t soon forget.
The old bull elephants of the Ngorongoro Crater are known for their exceptionally large tusks.
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This afternoon we ascend out of the crater and and make our way into the great plains of the Serengeti. Known as Siringitu to the Maasai, a word meaning “where the land goes on forever”, the Serengeti covers 5,700 square miles of open grassland, acacia-dotted rolling hills, and rocky outcrops known as “kopjes.” It is home to millions of Earth’s most impressive land animals, and one of the last great migratory ecosystems on the planet. Throughout the year, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra make their way from the
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THE JOURNEY continued southern plains, through the grassy woodlands, and into Kenya’s Masai Mara, before returning to the south to begin the cycle again. Even during moments when we are not in the midst of the migrating wildebeest and zebra, we will be getting to know the Serengeti’s other resident wildlife, including giraffe, buffalo, topi, hartebeest, waterbuck, impala, hippopotamus, elephant, crocodile, warthog, hyena, lion, cheetah, and leopard -- just to name a few. Our lodge for the next two nights is ideally located in the central Serengeti adjacent to the well known “Western Corridor” and Grumeti River. The lodge was carefully designed to blend completely into the living landscape, with thatched cottages reminiscent of the domed ‘rondavels’ that are typically seen across the Maasai Steppe. Groves of acacia trees and sparkling streams cool the area. On the edge of the ridge is an infinity pool, looking out over the endless plains after which the Serengeti is named.
THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS DIFFERENCE
This safari takes you beyond the Serengeti, to discover the private Loliondo game reserve with its local Maasai people and the great elephant herds of Tarangire National Park – both ideal safari locales for the months of JuneOctober.
Serena Serengeti Lodge, Central Serengeti
DAY 6 The Serengeti Morning and afternoon game drives through the Serengeti plains. Optional hot air balloon safari (at additional expense). Today we’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the area surrounding our lodge. The central area of the Serengeti is renowned for its abundance of game, especially big cats including a substantial leopard population. For those looking for a different kind of adventure, an optional (at additional expense) hot air balloon safari can be booked for the early morning hours. Floating silently over the great plains and herds of animals is and unforgettable experience. The approximately one hour flight is followed by a champagne bush brunch, after which our guide will pick you up to enjoy the remainder of the day’s activities - morning and afternoon game drives, before dinner back at the lodge. By now we each have favorite animals – for some it is the unflappable giraffe, standing with noble grace at up to 18 feet tall. For others it will be the herds of elephants, always protective of their young. Of course, for many it is the lions, confidently gazing from their sun-warmed kopjes, quietly planning what will be on the menu tonight. Serena Serengeti Lodge, Central Serengeti
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Fording rivers is a bit easier if you are 18 feet tall!
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THE JOURNEY continued “We looked out of our tent in the morning to see half a dozen elephants grazing just a few feet away. Unforgettable!” — F.L., Woodland Hills, CA
DAY 7 , 8 & 9 Northern Serengeti and Klien’s Concession Full day game drives, night drives, and walking safari – easy, about 5-6 hours of activities per day. Our final days are filled with wildlife and authentic cultural interactions, from our luxury tented camp located on private concession sharing an unfenced border with the park. Our stay here allows us to enjoy activities that are not allowed within the park boundaries, such as night drives, nature walks with a local Maasai guide, and off-road driving. In the evenings, enjoy a cocktail by the campfire while the sun sets, before a delicious meal served either al fresco or in the camp dining area. Using our camp as our base, we spend this morning on a game drive, waking early to find the animals at their most active, and to take advantage of the optimal morning light for photography. As the bush is always changing, we make our plans the night before based on information gained as to where the best wildlife viewing will be. Depending on the day’s plans, we may take a picnic breakfast, lunch, or both. Even during moments when we are not in the midst of the migrating wildebeest and zebra, we will be getting to know the Serengeti’s other inhabitants, including giraffe, buffalo, topi, hartebeest, waterbuck, impala, hippopotamus, elephant, crocodile, warthog, hyena, lion, cheetah, and leopard (to name a few).
Al fresco, African style, complete with fine linens and unforgettable sunsets.
One afternoon we will likely find ourselves at a local Maasai village near our camp, where we are greeted warmly and shown around the village to get a glimpse inside the traditions of these people living so close to the land, and perhaps join one of the Maasai youths on a walking safari across the open savannah. The opportunity to walk in a region populated by impressive wildlife in the company of a knowledgeable tracker is very special, and if we are very lucky, we may come across the rare African wild dogs that sometimes come through the area. On our last night, we enjoy a final celebratory dinner, toasting the wonders of Tanzania. Buffalo Luxury Camp, Private Concession bordering Serengeti National Park (three nights)
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THE JOURNEY continued DAY 10 Departure from Arusha After breakfast we drive to a nearby airstrip, where we say good-bye to our naturalist guide and board our flight to Arusha. Seeing the Serengeti from above is an experience few others will ever have, and it is unforgettable. We arrive at Arusha’s domestic airport in time for your flight to Zanzibar, if you have reserved Boundless Journeys’ Zanzibar: The Spice Island trip extension. If you have not reserved the trip extension, you will be met by a Boundless Journeys driver who will transfer you to a lodge where you will have a day-use room to rest and prepare for your evening international flight. A transfer to the airport, in time for your flight, will be provided. Kia Lodge, Arusha (day-use)
Our remote camp allows for uncrowded gameviewing.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, wildlife movements, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
“A totally memorable trip, and we were very glad to be with Boundless Journeys. Our guide was superb… he worked hard to provide us with such an experience by locating incredible animals and avoiding the crowds.” —D.G., Atherton, CA
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JOURNEY AT A GLANCE TYPICAL ITINERARY Other private customized options are available. DAY 1: Arrival to Arusha, Tanzania. Transfer to our beautiful lakeside lodge. DAYS 2-3: Drive across the Maasai Steppe to our deluxe camp on a private 25,000 hectare concession located on the migratory path between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. Enjoy morning and evening game drives in search of elephant as well as eland, oryx, zebra and wildebeest, not to mention the predators. Enjoy and optional hot air balloon safari over the park, complete with champagne bush brunch (at additional expense). DAY 4: Enjoy a full day game drive through Lake Manyara National park, known for its beautiful soda lake often full of flamingos, hippo pools, and treeclimbing lions. Ascend out of the Rift Valley to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. Our lodge for the night boasts a spectacular view into the famed caldera.
DAY 6: Further explore the central Serengeti with morning and evening game drives, or take the morning for another optional (at additional expense) hot air balloon safari and champagne bush brunch. DAYS 7-9: Drive to our luxury camp in the private Klein’s Concession bordering the northern Serengeti. In addition to game drives in the northern Serengeti National Park (ideal June-October for the large herds in the area), the private concession allows us to enjoy nature walks with Maasai trackers and night drives. If we are lucky, we may witness one of epic river crossings of the migrating herds of wildebeest on the Mara River. DAY 10: Experience an incredible flight over the Great Rift Valley and Serengeti on our return to Arusha, where we say goodbye before your evening flight, or extend your tour on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
DAY 5: Arise early to be the first on the crater floor as the sun comes up and while the wildlife is most active. Enjoy an extended game drive, taking time to observe the interactions of the lions, cheetah, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, buffalo and black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot before descending from the Crater into the wide plains of the Serengeti. By this evening, we are in the central Serengeti, home to large numbers of big cats, especially the elusive leopard.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED Just pack your bags – we’ve got you covered! When you’re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes: • • • • • • • • • •
Expert leadership and services of safari camp staff All accommodations All meals Local wine and beer with included dinners All transportation during the tour, including guaranteed window seating in safari vehicles and internal flight Membership in Flying Doctor Society (providing emergency services in remote areas of Africa) All activities as noted in the itinerary National Park entry fees All gratuities except for those for your guide and driver, which are at your discretion Mountainsmith duffle bag for each participant; the perfect size to pack for a safari!
International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please contact Boundless Journeys directly at (800) 941-8010 for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs.
800-941-8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com
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ACCOMMODATIONS OVERVIEW First-class hotels and lodges, and luxury permanent camps in prime locations; all private baths. Night 1:
LAKE DULUTI SERENA HOTEL
Arusha, Tanzania Tel 011-255-27-255-3049 Fax 011-255-27-255-4163
Set in the flowered gardens of a coffee plantation and surrounded by groves of coffee bushes, Lake Duluti Serena Hotel offers wide decks with panoramic views over Lake Duluti, and round, thatched-roof cottages, comfortably furnished in traditional safari style.
Nights 2 &3:
MARAMBOI TENTED CAMP
Private concession between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park, Tanzania Tel 011-255-73-650-2894
This permanent tented lodge features 40 spacious thatchand-canvas tented rooms raised off the ground with wooden floors. Walkways connect the private tents with the main areas of camp and swimming pool, and each tent offers a private verandah overlooking the Great Rift Valley escarpment and Lake Manyara.
Night 4:
NGORONGORO SERENA LODGE
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Tel 011-255-27-253-7053
Hugging the Crater rim, each of the rooms of this deluxe safari lodge has a private balcony, offering uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below. The stone lodge features a grand hearth, where a fire is kept constantly lit to ward off the chill of the crater rim evenings. Arched stone passages, timbered decks, and walls decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by torches evoke the essence of African travel.
fusion of traditional African architecture and modern comfort. Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge has been designed to blend into the living landscape. A series of traditional domed rondavels style rooms are widely spaced throughout the grounds, cooled by groves of acacia trees and sparkling streams. Facilities include a swimming pool which looks out over the endless plains of the Serengeti is named.
Nights 7, 8 & 9:
BUFFALO LUXURY CAMP
Loliondo Reserve bordering Serengeti National Park Tel 011-255-27-255-3858 (in case of emergency, family and friends should call the number above and reference the “Boundless Journeys group at Buffalo Luxury Camp”) Buffalo Luxury Camp is a premier permanent tented camp consisting of 15 grand canvas tents with ensuite facilities, uniquely designed to embrace the beauty of the Serengeti and create an intimacy with the surrounding environment and wildlife. The captivating Loliondo location allows for a unique safari and wildlife experience. There is also a dining tent with full waiter service, a personal bush chef, fully stocked bar, and personal tent valets to look after your tent, laundry, and other needs while camping.
Day 10: (day-use)
KIA LODGE
Arusha, Tanzania Tel 011-255-27-250-6315 Beautifully situated with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, day-use rooms are provided for resting and repacking before your international flight, if you have not reserved our Zanzibar: The Spice Island trip extension.
Nights 5 & 6:
SERENA SERENGETI SAFARI LODGE
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Tel 011-255-27-254-5555
With 66 rooms set high on a tree-clad ridge, commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti, this lodge offers a 12
A room at Maramboi Tented Camp.
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WHAT TO EXPECT TRIP RATING Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Beyond the Serengeti Safari is rated 1, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). We combine camping and lodges as the base for our primary activity – game-viewing drives by 4WD vehicle. Some itineraries include optional guided bush walks, which can be enjoyed by anyone who is in reasonably good health. PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities (such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability (consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour. DELUXE PERMANENT CAMPS Our deluxe permanent camps allow us to be close to the action in privacy and exceptional comfort. Hotel quality linens, full-sized beds (not cots), en suite bathroom facilities attached to each tent (including warm showers!), a professional camp staff and indulgent touches like French-press coffee in the morning make these luxury camps an experience not to be missed.
– which is why our guides say never put away your camera, even on the way to the airstrip! Drives may last from a few morning hours to a full day. Sometimes we will take a picnic lunch, and other days we will return to the lodge or camp for lunch. As we come upon groups of animals, we allow plenty of time to simply observe and also take photographs. Our guides are experienced naturalists and will add greatly to your understanding of the animals. We keep a respectful distance – although the same cannot always be said about the animals and it is not unusual to come nose-to-car with baboons, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and elephants. WEATHER The weather in Arusha and the national parks is generally pleasant though the equatorial sun is strong. It can also rain at any time, but chances are higher during the months of April, May, June, November, and December. In the Ngorongoro area, evenings and early mornings can be chilly, and dressing in layers is a good strategy, so that you can shed or add layers as the day heats and cools. The following are average temperatures in Arusha: AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ºF (HIGH/LOW) JULY
SEPTEMBER
69/49
76/47
You may obtain more detailed weather information at www.weatherbase.com.
GAME DRIVES Unforgettable full and half-day game drives make game-driving the primary activity of Boundless Journeys’ Tanzania trip. On most days, we will depart our lodge or camp early and spend the morning tracking various animals in our custom-built, 4WD safari vehicles. Each day is unique and unpredictable
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WHAT TO EXPECT continued WHEN TO GO Our safaris coincide with important times in the annual migrations, as well as take advantage of other significant animal activities and weather patterns. JANUARY-MARCH
The herds have typically arrived in the southern short grass plains of the Serengeti by now, and tens of thousands of wildebeest have their babies over the course of just a few weeks, typically around the end of February/early March. A safari at this time of year will certainly offer sightings of enormous herds of wildebeest, along with all of the other African wildlife one would expect. Please request our Great Migration Safari itinerary if you’d like to plan at safari at this time of year. LATE MAY-OCTOBER
The large herds are on their way north and have scattered a bit around the northern Serengeti. If we are lucky, we may witness herds crossing one of the large northern rivers – truly a sight to behold. We also explore the private Loliondo reserve bordering Serengeti National Park, and include a few nights in Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and wonderful baobob trees. Beyond the Serengeti Safari is a perfect itinerary for this time of year. DECEMBER
During the month of December, the migration is heading south again to the short grass plains, and many zebras give birth around this time. Predators trail behind the herds. Being with your family in Tanzania is a memorable way to spend the holidays, and a great reason to consider a December departure. (Plan ahead, however, as airfare can sell out well in advance!). Please request our Great Migration Safari itinerary if you’d like to plan at safari at this time of year.
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OTHER TIMES
We suggest avoiding November and April through the first half of May, as those months comprise the rainy seasons in Tanzania. Outside of those months, there are great reasons to visit Tanzania at any time, and no matter when you choose to go, you will see more elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, buffalos, hippos, ostriches, baboons, and lions than you can keep track of. If you are interested in organizing a private safari for your own group of family or friends on the dates that work for you, please contact our office at 800-941-8010 and ask for our private safari sample itineraries. TRAVELER’S RESPONSIBILITY Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers. Traveling with a small group affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 6-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience.
Boundless Journeys © 2016
OUR GUIDES With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work – the mark of a truly great leader – our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure. Meet some of our guides in Tanzania: KELVIN PRONET KINABO Hailing from the Chagga tribe at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kelvin studied Geographic Information Systems at the University of Dar es Salaam, combined with a four year study of wildlife management and biodiversity conservation at the College of African Wildlife Management in Moshi, Tanzania. In addition to guiding throughout northern Tanzania, Kelvin has spent time as a research assistant for the African Wildlife Foundation, collecting scientific data on several species. Projects have included monitoring the elephant migration in the Kitendeni corridor and studying the habits of primates in Lake Manyara National Park. Kelvin’s in-depth wildlife knowledge and easy-going manner make him an ideal safari companion, and a favorite of Boundless Journeys’ guests. WILFRED MROSSO Born near Tarangire National Park, Wilfred’s childhood was filled with the sights and sounds of Tanzania’s rugged bush. This introduction to wildlife at an early age encouraged his dream to become a naturalist guide and introduce travelers to the part of Africa he calls home. A graduate of the Mount Meru Guiding College, Wilfred has been sharing his passion for Africa’s wildlife with guests on safari since 2006. In addition to Swahili, he speaks French and English. His personable nature and wealth of knowledge has brought guests back to Tanzania time and again.
What other guests have said about our guides in Tanzania: “I just wanted to let you know that the safari was really made by Wilfred and Kelvin - they made the trip outstanding! Their personalities really added another dimension to the adventure. We also particularly enjoyed Reuben and the staff at the mobile tented camp. They were so personable... They were even kind enough to let me plug my hair dryer into the outlet – they moved it outside of the dining room and we set up a quick hair-drying session right there!” - P.G., Sacramento, CA
“Our guide, Wilfred, was awesome! We always felt safe and worry-free in his care. We were so happy to meet him and it was sad saying goodbye to him at the end of the trip. He tried so hard to show us everything and he succeeded. We even saw the wildebeests crossing the river - what a bonus!” - L.J. & M.J., Sarnia, ON
800-941-8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com
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NEXT STEPS VISIT US ONLINE BOUNDLESSJOURNEYS.COM • additional departures • special promotions • detailed itineraries • inspiring photography EXTEND YOUR TRIP, CONSIDER: • ZANZIBAR: The Spice Island FOR MORE GREAT WILDLIFE, CHECK OUT… • BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA: The Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls • SOUTH AFRICA: Ultimate Kruger & Cape Town Safari PREFER A PRIVATE SAFARI? ASK ABOUT OUR PRIVATE COLLECTION Private Collection trips are the perfect option for alumni and family reunions, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, or just to catch up with great friends in fabulous destinations. Mark your calendar and leave the planning to us! Call our travel experts today: 800-941-8010.
THE WORLD’S GREAT
ADVENTURES
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TO MAKE A RESERVATION You may call Boundless Journeys at 800-941-8010, request a reservation online, fax 802-253-1844, or contact your travel agent. We will confirm your reservation with a deposit of $500 per person, and the payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. The balance of your trip price is due 120 days prior to the start of your trip. ONCE YOU RESERVE As soon as you have confirmed your adventure, we provide you with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival and departure details, a complete packing list, suggested reading lists, regional information, required documents, and other details. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE In addition to your detailed trip planner, we will also email you a quote for Travel Guard Trip Insurance. Please let us know if you would like us to purchase a policy on your behalf. If you choose to decline this service, we ask that you sign and return the Insurance Waiver included in your trip planner package. Boundless Journeys strongly recommends purchasing Trip Insurance. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY* If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip the following schedule applies to your trip cost and is determined by the day that we receive written notification: • >120 days prior to the trip will be charged $100. • 120-91 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 25% of the trip price. • 90-46 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 50% of the trip price. •
