Ultimate Tanzania Safari
TANZANIA
2016 TRIP ITINERARY
TRIP DATES February 11-20, 2016 March 3-12, 2016 July 4-13, 2016 August 11-20, 2016 While there are great reasons to choose a smallgroup safari and particularly this one time Special Event, we also offer private, customized safaris on the dates that work for you. Please call if you are interested in learning more.
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How We Deliver
THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS SAFARI Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications. Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests (and will be no more than 15), with a 5:1 guest-to-guide ratio for this special safari. We limit passengers in each vehicle so everyone has a window seat and plenty of space, and fully retractable roofs (or open-sided vehicles while in camp) allow 360 degree wildlife observation. Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection safaris, so that you can choose which works best for you. Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider. Our Tanzanian guides are experienced naturalists, and they 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. A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys. Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle. Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly – striving to preserve traditions and cultures around the world, and to protect fragile natural habitats.
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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Ultimate Tanzania Safari
TANZANIA
No matter what your reason for joining Boundless Journeys’ Ultimate Tanzania Safari, you will find yourself witnessing a Tanzania that most travelers never see. We’ll enjoy private seasonal camps in uncrowded areas, and explore with experienced local guides whose mission is to immerse you in their beloved Africa. We’ll follow a Maasai scout on a nature walk into the African bush, and witness one of nature’s most inspiring spectacles: the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra across the plains of the Serengeti. Hippos, lions, giraffes, leopards, gazelles, cheetahs, and a whole host of wild animals will join us on the way. Finally, we’ll relive the day’s events by cozy campfires, in our hidden corners of Tanzania. Featuring spectacular landscapes, fascinating cultural immersions, epic wildlife and luxurious private seasonal camps, we’ll skip the beaten path and discover our own version of Africa.
Tanzania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Journey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Journey at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 What to Expect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Our Guides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
HIGHLIGHTS • Explore the must-see wildlife areas of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Serengeti National Park from private luxury tented camps for the ultimate in exclusive safari experiences. • Come face-to-face with earth’s most impressive wildlife: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and millions of zebras and wildebeests. • Spectacular, grand African landscapes, from the baobabs and sparkling wetlands of Tarangire, to the shimmering soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley, to the Ngorongoro Crater, to the epic plains of the Serengeti. • Expert Tanzanian naturalist guides bring the wilderness to life. DETAILS DURATION
10-day trip begins and ends in Arusha, Tanzania ACCOMMODATION 2 nights in a permanent tented camp, 3 nights in lodges and 4 nights in luxury mobile camps TRIP RATING 1 2 3 4 5 Easy . . . . . . . . . . . Strenuous
(See page 12 for more details)
LAND COST
$8,995 per person SINGLE SUPPLEMENT First two reserved on each departure: $45* Additional singles: $545 *Must reserve at least 120 days ahead. INTERNAL AIRFARE $355 per person
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THE JOURNEY Please note the July and August dates will run in reverse.
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 beside Lake Duluti on the grounds of a former coffee plantation on the outskirts of Arusha. Wildebeest herds stretching to the horizon, Serengeti National Park.
“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
The permanently flowing Tarangire River attracts many elephants.
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Upon arrival to the lodge, you are greeted by a friendly staff, offering refreshments before turning in to rest after your travels. Ngare Sero Lodge, Arusha
DAY 2 Tarangire National Park Full day game drive. After breakfast and a briefing from our safari guides, we depart for our destination for the next two nights: Tarangire National Park. The baobabstrewn Tarangire is a haven for wildlife and offers rich game viewing: herds up to 300 elephants scratch the dry riverbed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons during the dry season. It has Tanzania’s greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem, and is the only place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the oryx and the gerenuk are regularly seen. We approach the park via a remote conservation area, allowing us views of the park far from the more crowded game routes near the main park entrance. As we approach the park we pass through a seldom visited Maasai boma and stop to meet with them. En route, we visit a remote Maasai boma, providing our first glimpse of this colorful tribal culture. We begin our first game drive as soon as we enter the park, stopping when we are ready for a picnic lunch. By this afternoon, we arrive at Osunyai Larmakau Camp, our private, seasonal tented camp set in an immense, uncrowded wilderness. Close to the Silale wetland, this is prime elephant and buffalo territory. Anywhere you look, you may find game meandering in search of grazing.
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THE JOURNEY continued Osunyai and nearby Silale are also fantastic habitats to view predators and prey in an unsurpassed setting. Our spacious, walk-in tents are set beneath mature acacia trees facing the morning sun. A dining tent forms the heart of the camp, where we’ll enjoy delicious meals, sample wines from Southern Africa and perhaps enjoy a cold beer from the region (German-style pilsners are a remnant of the colonial history of Tanzania and are a welcome thirst quencher after a day in the sun!). Osunyai Larmakau Camp, Tarangire National Park
DAY 3 Tarangire National Park Morning bush walk – easy, about 2 hours. Afternoon game drive. One of the great benefits of having private use of our camp is the flexibility to take advantage of the range of wildlife and nature activities available. In addition to traditional game drives in the camp’s open-sided Land Rover, the camp also has an experienced walking guide on staff; this morning, perhaps you’ll join our walking guide and a local Maasai scout for a nature walk. Leaving the vehicle behind and feeling Africa’s warm soil underfoot will most definitely heighten your awareness of all that surrounds you. Although you may encounter any number of species at a distance, close-up wildlife viewing is not the goal of a bush walk. Instead, we have the opportunity to learn about the smaller, less apparent signs of nature, from medicinal plants to the alarm calls of birds. Midday finds us back at camp to enjoy lunch and some time to rest. Later this afternoon, our guide will pack a cooler with drinks and snacks and we’ll head out for an African safari tradition -- a late-day game drive complete with sundowners in the bush. Finding the perfect spot to view the setting sun, we’ll enjoy a drink and listen to the sounds of the bush coming to life this evening, before heading back to camp for dinner.
The spectacular setting of our wilderness camp provides both comfort and privacy, deep in the wild.
There is nothing that can compare with an African sunset.
Osunyai Larmakau Camp, Tarangire National Park
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THE JOURNEY continued DAY 4 Villages of the Maasai Steppe Cultural immersion.
Visiting with the local Maasai people.
“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
The Maasai Steppe is an expansive area of grassland dotted with trees that is populated with various tribal peoples, predominantly Maasai, whose historically pastoral lifestyle is in some cases evolving into subsistence farming. Some villages have built up into small towns, and we’ll take time to stop for a glimpse at modern African village life. After a stroll through town and lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll have time to explore the local markets before continuing on to our home for the night, a comfortable stone lodge on the western rim with fantastic views into the Ngorongoro Crater. This evening, after the 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
DAY 5 Ngorongoro Crater Full day game drive. 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. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater
A journey of giraffe, Tanzania’s National Symbol.
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THE JOURNEY continued DAY 6 Olduvai Gorge and into the Serengeti Full day game drive and visit to Olduvai Gorge. This morning we depart the Ngorongoro highlands and descend into the wide-open plains of the vast 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 southern plains, through the grassy woodlands, and into Kenya’s Masai Mara, before returning to the south to begin the cycle again. En route to our camp, we will make a stop at the famed Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakey’s made their discoveries of some of human’s early ancestors. Dulana Serengeti Camp, Serengeti National Park (December-March) Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park (June-October)
DAY 7, 8 & 9 Serengeti National Park Full day game drives. We continue our exploration for the next three days from an private luxury mobile camp, harkening back the days of heavy canvas hunting camps set for the likes of Roosevelt and Hemingway. But our goal is to take photos and memories, not trophies. Our private camp for the next three nights is tasteful, extremely comfortable, and above all mobile, allowing us to place our camp according to the movements of the great migratory herds during each season. Dulana (DecemberMarch) sits on the edge of ‘Hidden Valley,’ a little known depression on the southern plains of the Serengeti, on the edge of the off road driving area, allowing immediate access onto the short grass plains where cheetah are abundant and lion prides establish territory close to camp and the surrounding woodland. Akiba Kibwe (June-October) is further north,
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You never know who you might meet on your next game drive!
A BOUNDLESS MOMENT IN TANZANIA
We follow the young Maasai scouts into the savannah, an endless sea of gently rolling grassland, dotted with kopjes. One of these small, rocky hills is our destination, home to a pack of “painted” dogs, one of Tanzania’s rarely seen predators.
Overlooking the sweeping plains of the Serengeti.
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THE JOURNEY continued when the herds are in that area. 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. After sundowners by the campfire, memorable evening meals will be served al fresco under the African stars, or in the candlelit dining tent. Each evening we drift off to sleep in the comfort of our safari tents, in full-size beds with hotel quality linens, soaking in the magic of the Serengeti, with distant roars of lions and a sky full of stars. Dulana Serengeti Camp, Serengeti National Park (DecemberMarch) Another lovely bush dinner awaits.
Akiba Kibwe Camp, Serengeti National Park (June-October)
DAY 10 Departure from Arusha After breakfast we begin our return trip to Arusha, bit by bit returning to civilization. Upon arrival to Arusha’s domestic airport, you will meet 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 our hotel where you will have a day-use room to rest and prepare for your departing flight. On the way to the hotel, we will stop at a market where artisans from throughout Tanzania sell their work. This is a great place to purchase batik fabric, fine wood carvings, and possibly even tanzanite. A final transfer to the airport in time for your flight will be provided. Day-Use Room in Arusha provided
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.
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JOURNEY AT A GLANCE Please note July and August dates run in reverse. DAY 1 Evening arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha, Tanzania. Transfer to our beautiful lakeside lodge on the grounds of an old coffee plantation. DAYS 2 & 3 Drive into the bush and our private seasonal camp, set in a remote area of Tarangire National Park. Here, wetlands attract large herds of elephants during the months of June-October, along with a healthy population of lion, zebra, buffalo, and more, all set before a beautiful mountain backdrop. Here we encounter our first Maasai, and they accompany us into the bush, along with our guide, to share knowledge passed down through generations. DAYS 4 & 5 Visit the bustling village of Mto-WaMbu for a look at current Tanzanian culture, and a traditional African lunch. Continue to our deluxe lodge, spectacularly set on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. 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 second evening of panoramic views over the Crater. DAYS 6-9 An unforgettable four nights are spent exploring the incredible wonders of the Serengeti from our private luxury camp, perfectly set to be near the Great Migration (in the south December-March, in the north for July and August). Explore the immense wilderness on full day game drives. Our seasonal camp is located in an ideal location for this time of year, allowing us easy access both the Great Migration and the resident animals that call these plains and rock outcrops home, from elephant, to big cats, to hippo, to the stately giraffe. DAY 10 Return to Arusha by bush flight, where we say goodbye before your evening flight, or extend your safari on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
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 • All meals • Local beer and wine with included dinners • All on-tour transportation, including guaranteed window seating in safari vehicles, and open-sided vehicles in two camps • All accommodations • All activities as noted in the itinerary • Membership in Flying Doctor Society • 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 Luxury private seasonal camps and first-class lodges; all private baths. Please note that July & August dates will operate in reverse.
Nights 6, 7, 8 & 9: (December - March)
Night 1:
A luxury mobile tented camp allows us to experience the grandeur of the Serengeti in comfort, privacy, and style. Our mobile camp is situated to take best advantage of the seasonal movements of the great migration, and features newly redesigned tents, featuring a unique open-ceiling shower to experience unforgettable African skies. LED lighting allows you to move freely about your tent at night without a flashlight. A candlelit dining tent with silver service meals evokes the finest safari traditions.
LAKE DULUTI SERENA HOTEL
Arusha Tel 011-255-27-255-3049 Fax 011-255-27-255-4163
Nestled at the foot of the wooded slopes of Mount Meru, this unique hotel stands amid coffee plantations on the shores of tranquil Lake Duluti. Designed to echo the traditional style of the colonial coffee farm, which originally stood on this site, Lake Duluti Serena Hotel offers tastefully presented cottage-styled rooms set amid extensive landscaped grounds.
DULANA SERENGETI CAMP
Serengeti National Park Emergency Tel: See Emergency Contact Details, facing page.
Night 6: (June-October)
MBUZI MAWE TENTED CAMP
Nights 2 & 3:
Serengeti National Park Tel 011-255-27-255-3313
Tarangire National Park Emergency Tel: See Emergency Contact Details, facing page.
Located under a scenic rock outcrop in the central Serengeti, Mbuzi Mawe is a great stopover point enroute from Ngorongoro Crater to the northern Serengeti. The central Serengeti is known for its prolific resident game, from big cats to hippos. This deluxe permanent camp is comprised of 16 spacious tents with ensuite facilities and verandas overlooking the sweeping views of the plains, each situated to enhance privacy.
OSUNYAI LAMARKAU CAMP
Luxury safari tents set under sprawling acacia trees in an uncrowded area of Tarangire National Park allow us to explore in utter privacy, with the best of traditional safari comforts. The tents are large and airy, with full width windows and en suite bathrooms with hot showers available on request, king-sized double or extra long single beds, a wardrobe for hanging clothing, luggage racks, interior solar lighting, and a private veranda. The camp, which is private for our group, also has a comfortable lounge tent for socializing and a fully stocked bar.
Nights 4 & 5:
NGORONGORO SERENA LODGE
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Tel 011-255-27-253-7053
Hugging the jagged Crater rim, each of the rooms of this deluxe safari lodge has its own 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.
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Nights 7, 8 & 9: (June-October)
AKIBA KIBWE TENTED CAMP
Serengeti National Park Emergency Tel: See Emergency Contact Details, facing page. A luxury mobile tented camp allows us to experience the grandeur of the Serengeti in comfort, privacy, and style. Our mobile camp is situated to take best advantage of the seasonal movements of the great migration, and features newly redesigned tents, featuring a unique open-ceiling shower to experience unforgettable African skies. LED lighting allows you to move freely about your tent at night without a flashlight. A candlelit dining tent with silver service meals evokes the finest safari traditions.
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ACCOMMODATIONS continued Day 10 (day-use only):
KIA LODGE
Arusha Tel 011-255-27-255-4194 or 4195 Fax 011-255-27-255-4196 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 the Zanzibar: The Spice Island trip extension.
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
While in the remote wilderness/mobile camps, communications are very limited. In case of emergency, family and friends should call the number below and reference the “Boundless Journeys group at Dulana or Akiba Kibwe Camp”. A message will be relayed to the camp: Arusha Office Tel 011-255-27-250-8577 24-hour Emergency Tel 011-255-762-868-355
A comfortable tented room at Osunyai Lamarkau Camp.
Make no mistake: safari camping Boundless Journeys’ style does not mean roughing it!
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WHAT TO EXPECT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 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. Ultimate Tanzania Safari is rated 1, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). We combine comfortable seasonal and mobile camps as the base for our primary activity – game-viewing drives by 4WD vehicle. Optional guided bush walks can be enjoyed by anyone who is in reasonably good health. NOTE: These optional walks are at your own risk, and can take you close to potentially dangerous wild animals. 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. PRIVATE SEASONAL CAMPS Our private seasonal camps allow us to be close to the action in relative solitude. While we do not have exclusive use of the national parks we will be exploring, our camps are situated to give us an unparalleled sense of space and exclusivity. But that does not mean we go without creature comforts: hotel quality linens, full-sized beds (not cots), ensuite bathroom facilities attached to each tent (including warm showers!), a professional camp staff and indulgent touches like French-press coffee in the morning make our private seasonal camps an experience not to be missed.
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GAME DRIVES Unforgettable full and half-day game drives make game-driving the primary activity of Boundless Journeys’ Ultimate Tanzania Safari. On most days, we will depart our lodge or camp early and spend the morning tracking various animals in our custombuilt, 4WD safari vehicles. Each day is unique and unpredictable – which is why our guides say never put away your camera, even on the way to the airport! 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 camp for lunch. As we encounter wildlife, 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 noseto-car with baboons, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, elephants, and more. CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS This safari is specifically designed to provide a satisfying balance of both wildlife viewing and interaction with one of Tanzania’s traditional tribal cultures: the Maasai. The Maasai inhabit much of northern Tanzania and we will join their scouts of bush walks, and have opportunities to witness some of their more colorful traditions -- they are in particular known for their ritualistic dances featuring the incredible jumping ability of young warriors. 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.
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WHAT TO EXPECT continued The following are average temperatures in Arusha:
DECEMBER-MARCH
MID 80s / LOW 50s
(Plan ahead, however, as airfare can sell out well in advance!). Please contact us to discuss a custom itinerary if you’d like to plan a safari at this time of year.
JUNE-OCTOBER
MID 70s / HIGH 40s
OTHER TIMES
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ºF (HIGH/LOW)
You may obtain more detailed weather information at www.weatherbase.com. 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. Ultimate Tanzania Safari or Great Migration Safari are perfect itineraries for 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 private reserves and Serengeti National Park, and include a few nights in Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and wonderful baobob trees. Ultimate Tanzania Safari or Beyond the Serengeti are perfect itineraries 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.
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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 let us customize a safari to suit you. 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. Small group travel 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.
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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: 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. FELIX MNYANGABE Felix was born and raised on the edge of Serengeti National Park, which instilled a deep affinity with nature and wildlife from a very early age. While his early career was as a mountain guide (he has taken over 85 groups to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro), Felix ultimately studied at the college of Africa Wildlife Management, before joining an antipoaching unit at the Moyowosi Game Reserve, situated in northwestern Tanzania on the Congo-Burundi border. This challenging post required the acquisition of a wide variety of skills. Felix is now a fully qualified walking safari guide and is considered one of the most likeable guides in Northern Tanzania to boot. His vibrant spirit and welcoming personality ensure that everyone feels well looked after and will have a wonderful experience. When not guiding, Felix does community work, counseling in vulnerable communities through the NGO, Ace Africa (www.ace-africa.org). What other guests have said about our guides in Tanzania: “I just wanted to let you know that the safari was really made by our guides - 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
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BOUNDLESS BEYOND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we aim to travel responsibly:
PROUD MEMBERS Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following organizations and the important work that they do:
MAKING CONNECTIONS On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to visit organizations working to protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with the people and places they visit. GOING LOCAL Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine; we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of responsible practices; and we employ local guides and support local economies. CONSERVING WILD PLACES On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors, we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the conservation of parks and protected areas. Our membership with the International Galapagos Tour Operator’s Association is one of the many ways we support conservation. LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one quite simple of how our travelers give back to the places they have explored with us: • The Botswana School Project was created in 2012 by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there was a need for books, supplies, and computers in schools they visited in northern Botswana. • A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she met on mountain trails and in rural communities and schools. To learn more about Boundless Beyond visit: www.BoundlessJourneys. com/sustainability-commitment.
800-941-8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com
THE WORLD’S GREAT ADVENTURES www.boundlessjourneys.com
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NEXT STEPS VISIT US ONLINE BOUNDLESSJOURNEYS.COM • additional departures • special promotions • detailed itineraries • inspiring photography
TO MAKE A RESERVATION You can call Boundless Journeys at 800-941-8010, request a reservation online, by fax (802-253-1844), or contact your travel agent. We will confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. The balance for your trip is due 120 days prior to departure.
TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP, CONSIDER: • ZANZIBAR: The Spice Island
ONCE YOU RESERVE As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival and departure instructions, a complete packing list, regional information, required documents, a reading list, and other details.
FOR MORE GREAT WILDLIFE, CHECK OUT… • BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA: The Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls • SOUTH AFRICA: Ultimate Kruger & Cape Town Safari
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE In addition to your detailed trip planner, we will 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. Boundless Journeys strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance.
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.
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. •
