Tanzania Safari
October 27 – November 4, 2024 (air departure date 10/26/24)
$7299 per person, double occupancy
- Itinerary
- A Note from Sharon Carr
- Pricing
- Payments & Cancellations
- Terms & Conditions
- What to Pack
- Need to Know
DAY 1 | October 27, 2024 | Gran Melia Arusha, Arusha
On arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after clearing Customs & Immigration you will be met and transferred to the Gran Melia Arusha where you will stay for one night.
Overnight: Gran Melia Arusha
Gran Melia Arusha is located between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, surrounded by all of Tanzania’s majestic natural beauty. The hotel offers city and mountain-facing rooms featuring air-conditioning, TVs and balconies. During their stay, guests can delight their palates at the Saba Saba all-day-dining restaurant, Yellow Chilli, Roof Top and the Ava Cafe. Other facilities include a spa, heated pool, and a gym. (B)
DAY 2| October 28, 2024 | Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge, Tarangire National (2 nights)
Following breakfast, you will be met by your safari guide and depart to Arusha Airport for your flight to Tarangire National Park. Arrive at Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge where you will stay for two nights. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.
Tarangire National Park, situated within Tanzania’s spectacular Manyara Region, is an awe-inspiring national park comprised of granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and free-roaming wildlife. During the annual dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. With lion being among the most commonly spotted animal, it is a rare day that a visitor does not spot this majestic animal prowling. Tarangire is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are seen regularly. This expansive area is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the wondrous mountains to the south.
Overnight: Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
Indulge in lavish luxury while visiting Tarangire National Park with Ole Serai Luxury Camp – Kuro, which is nestled deep within the heart of the park. The handpicked Ole Serai – Kuro site is strategically located atop an elevated Kopje Hill, overlooking the Tarangire River and the Silale valley leading to the Silale swamp in the West, which is celebrated for being inhabited by animals during any time of the year due to the water the swamps hold.
The uniquely designed Camp consists of 25 tree-top style tailor-made lodge tents each designed with luxury beddings, an en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower, and a private veranda with the perfect vantage point. The room is designed to offer an optimum 180-degree view even from your bed or while enjoying a meal or drink allowing you to connect with the ever-present wildlife theatre from the privacy and comfort of your rooms. (B, L, D)
Luxury Tented Lodge Rooms
Each Luxury Tented Lodge Room has an extra spacious Private Veranda and viewing deck with uninterrupted Panoramic Views, with en-suite toilet and shower with nature views from both. Other features include Ultra luxury memory foam beds, in-room safes, tea / coffee making facility, hair dryer, 2-way radios, floor standing fans, 24 hour power from invertors, back up power through generator, rechargeable torch, solar water heater, pressurized running showers and mosquito repellent. Typically, when you see a property referred to as “tented lodge” then the rooms feel like a lodge but with selected walls and/or ceilings being canvas. It feels like a spacious hotel room with proper lighting, bathtubs, doors, balconies, etc. The properties that are “tented camps” are the ones that look and feel like a tent (zip up entrance doors, limited lighting, roll-up mesh windows, etc. What makes Kuro Tarangire and Kuria Hills fit into the “tented lodge” category is, entrance doors, hanging lights, sliding glass doors (at Kuria), balconies, bathtubs, etc.
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- Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
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- Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
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- Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
Day 3 | October 29, 2024 | Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge, Tarangire National Park
Enjoy a full day of morning and afternoon game drives using the camp as a base for meals and overnight.
Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania, and is located near Lake Manyara. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park, and it is that river that is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebras. During the dry season thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas. It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles.)
The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. The beautiful landscape is comprised of a variety of vegetation, specifically a mix of Acacia woodland, Commiphora-Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and Baobab trees. The park is perhaps most famous for its high density of elephants and baobab trees. Visitors to the park in the June to December dry season can expect to see large herds of thousands of zebra, wildebeest and cape buffalo. Other common resident animals include waterbuck, giraffe, dik dik, impala, eland, Grant’s gazelle, vervet monkey, banded mongoose, and olive baboon. Predators in Tarangire include African lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, honey badger, and African wild dog. Home to more than 550 bird species, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The park is also famous for the termite mounds that dot the landscape. Those that have been abandoned are often home to dwarf mongoose. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
Day 4 | October 30, 2024 | Acacia Farm Lodge, Karatu
Early game drive to Karatu for some game viewing. Then a drive of 2 hours to arrive at Acacia Farm Lodge where you will stay for two nights. Arrive in time for an afternoon game viewing activity.
Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves.
Overnight: Acacia Farm Lodge
Acacia Farm Lodge is a romantic Country Lodge nestled in an active mixed farm located high on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area with commanding panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. Unrivaled area’s natural beauty is finely complemented by the elegant lodge. A timeless tranquility emanates from the exuberance of birdsong, mature trees, and the lovely coffee plants.
Acacia Farm Lodge is strategically located between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks on one side and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park on the other, this is a perfect base from which to explore these world-famous reserves as well as enjoy many other adventurous activities and impressive cultural experiences found in the local area. (B, L, D)
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- Acacia Farm Lodge
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- Acacia Farm Lodge
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- Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 5 | October 31, 2024 | Acacia Farm Lodge, Karatu, Ngorongoro Crater
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest wildlife zoo and arguably the highest concentration of animals on the African continent.
After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It’s an awesome wildlife experience. A picnic lunch is served overlooking a small lake populated with hippos.
You return to the camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight at the camp. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 6 | November 1, 2024 | Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Northern Serengeti
Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to Kogatende airstrip. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge. Arrive in time for an afternoon game viewing activity dinner and overnight.
Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is remotely located in the Wogakuria Hills of the Northern Serengeti. A scenic region characterized by grassy rolling hills, open woodland and tree-lined watercourses, it is a habitat that attracts wildlife throughout the year. Lemala Kuria Hills is in close proximity to the Mara River on the Serengeti’s border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara, so is also within the main corridor of the world-famous wildebeest migration between July and October.
Our lodge offers unrivalled luxury and sophistication, where you can choose to either relax in style or enjoy the Northern Serengeti’s excellent game viewing (without the crowds) with our superb guides in 4×4 vehicles.
There are several dining options at the lodge or out in the bush, and delicious meals include a choice of starters, main courses, desserts and house drinks. Afternoon tea is served before your game drive, and cocktails at sunset are taken on one of the kopjes with distant views of the Isuria Escarpment in the Maasai Mara. The Melengali Spa offers massages and manicures in a peaceful, natural setting.
Located between the Central Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to the north, the Northern Serengeti is a remote African wildlife wonderland. The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks at extra cost.
Overnight: Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge
Tented Lodge Suites
The glass fronted Tented Lodge Suites are set amongst giant boulders for maximum privacy. Each suite has a sitting room with mini bar, bedroom with mosquito netted bed, spacious bathroom with freestanding bath, indoor and outdoor shower and a spacious deck with tables and chairs, a private plunge pool and sun beds. Each deck boasts magnificent views over the grassy slopes below. Maximum occupancy 2.
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- Kuria Hills Lodge
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- Kuria Hills Lodge
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- Kuria Hills Lodge
Day 7 | November 2, 2024 | Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Northern Serengeti
Enjoy two full day of twice daily game viewing activities.
Game Drives
Game drives are by a combination of open, semi open and closed 4 x 4 Land Cruiser vehicles. Very reliable, comfortable and well-maintained with charging facilities, fridge on board, photography stabilizing bean bags, vehicle recovery equipment, VHF Radio communication, specialized guide books, first aid kit, seatbelts, binoculars and last but not least, great guides who undergo bi-yearly training with our internal and external guide trainers.
Day 8 | November 3, 2024 | Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Northern Serengeti
Enjoy a second full day of twice daily game viewing activities.
Day 9 | November 4, 2024 | End of Itinerary
Following breakfast you will have an abbreviated game drive en route to the airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will connect with your international flight home!
I was so excited when the PAC committee gave me the news they wanted to do a safari in Tanzania. As many of you know, Africa is my favorite destination, and I have been there 20 times. It truly is a life changing trip, and I am thrilled to be able to share it with you. We decided that rather than driving the approximate 5 hours between two of the lodges (with very bumpy roads), we would add flights instead. Trust me, you will be thankful. Also, we have picked first class properties, each unique in its own way. Two of them are called “tented lodges”. These are not what you know as a tent!!! You will see from the pictures and their websites; they are safe, and beautiful (inside and out). Yes, I know you will all ask if you will see the Migration. My answer is “maybe, probably, hopefully, but I cannot guarantee it”. If you Google “The Great Migration”, it says the following: “July – October: This is when the wildebeest are in the northern Serengeti plains, and you have a chance of seeing up to thousands crossing the great Mara River. As the sight of the wildebeest crossing is so dramatic, it is considered by many the most desirable time to see the migration. You can see the Great Migration in Tanzania all year round – they migrate in a circular motion around the Serengeti National Park as such it is an ongoing event.” Regardless of whether you see the migration or not, you will see lots and lots of animals and, YES, THE BIG FIVE – Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant & Cape Buffalo –The term was coined by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot .
If you need more information about this trip; just call me, 1/800-648-4856. The majority of my staff has been there. We know and love Africa. You will too.
Sharon Carr
If you need suggestions/help with pre and post tours, just call us. You could visit South Africa and Capetown, or trek the gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, or visit Victoria Falls. Or, fly Emirates to Dubai for a pre stay. There are so many options and we can help with all of them.
PRICES
These prices include tax
(Air has been estimated and will not be confirmed until Dec. 2021, thus price could change)
$7299 Per Person Double Occupancy (check or Zelle)
$7499 Per Person Double Occupancy (credit card)
$8499 Per Person Single Occupancy (check or Zelle)
$8789 Per Person Single Occupancy (credit card)
PRICE INCLUDES
All First Class accommodations as specified
Scheduled Charter Air flights as specified
All services as specified
Meals as stated
Game drives as specified in itinerary
Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
Representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
Final documentation
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
AIRFARE from USA to Kilimanjaro (JRO). Sharon Carr Travel will help with air quotes.
Telephone bills, drinks, laundry, and any items of a personal nature
Any item not specified above
Costs of Passports & visas
Inoculations
Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and/or Medical Insurance
Drinks unless otherwise specified
Arusha lunches, dinners, drinks, and associated transfers for meals
Gratuities/Tips for game rangers, tour guides, and drivers, etc.
DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT
A non refundable deposit of $1600 per person is due with booking. A non refundable final payment is due by May 1, 2024. SCT accepts AX, VI & MC. If booking pre or post stays, deposit/final payments will be advised after reservations are made. If paying deposit by credit card, final payment must be paid by credit card as well. (The same applies to paying by check or zelle). Air tickets require full payment within 24 hrs of confirmed reservations.
SHARON CARR TRAVEL HIGHLY RECOMMENDS THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE.
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL SHARON CARR FOR A QUOTE.
A VALID PASSPORT & VISA ARE REQUIRED. PASSPORT MUST BE VALID AT LEAST 6 MONTHS AFTER RETURN OF TRAVEL. We will provide Visa info later.
Complete Legal Names must be given as stated on passports. Name changes are allowed up to 90 days prior to departure at a fee of $300 per person. After 90 days, no changes are allowed. Please understand that vendors are very strict with regard to cancellation. No exceptions can be made.
RESPONSIBILITY
Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House offers retail travel services to customers, which are provided by separate and independent vendors of travel services. Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House does not operate, control, or otherwise provide the services of the independent travel vendors. Hence, customer agrees that Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House acts only as agent for the client in acquiring transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, and other privileges, or services for the clients’ benefit, and on the express condition that Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House shall not be responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, pandemic, omission or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned, whether by reason of any act, negligence or default of any company or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection there with. The suppliers reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House will not be held responsible should any of these suppliers fail to provide the travel services purchased, whether through default or any other cause. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air schedules or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be the responsibility of the member of the tour. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not responsible for any loss or damage to luggage during the tour. Also, Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not liable for any illnesses contracted during or after travel, is not liable for medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered during or after travel. Acceptance of the Tour Contract will serve as a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement. This agreement is binding on your heirs, legal representatives and assigns. If, for some reason, a trip must be rescheduled due to any of the above reasons, participants are bound by the new dates of travel, and can only obtain a refund if insurance has been purchased and insurer is contractually bound. SHARON CARR TRAVEL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WEATHER RELATED OR MECHANICAL DELAYS.
NOTE TO TRAVELER: The traveler assumes and understands that there is a risk involved with travel and travel activities and/or excursions. The traveler is responsible for reading and abiding by all Health and Safety protocols of the vendor & the destination prior to travel, has reviewed the travel itinerary for accuracy, has been advised of all applicable fees imposed by Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House Travel and the suppliers, and has been offered the option of purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The traveler also understands that discounted fares and vacation packages typically involve restrictions and that changing any aspect of any travel arrangements may result in the payment of additional money.
Sharon Carr Travel will charge a fee commensurate with the trip cost if client cancels his/her trip and commission is not paid by the vendor.
While the ExxonMobil Potomac Annuitants Club (EMPAC) works with Sharon Carr Travel to obtain a memorable travel opportunity for our members, neither ExxonMobil Corporation nor the EMPAC accept any responsibility arising out of the provision of these travel services, or the alteration or cancellation thereof. Members are encouraged to consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any risks associated with travel including the cancellation thereof for reasons outside the control of the travel operator.
WHAT TO PACK
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack are:
- Khaki, brown, white and beige colors. ABSOLUTELY NO BRIGHT COLORS!
- Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer.
- Long sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives. They will protect you from the sun. Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.
- Fleece or sweater and a jacket for game drives.
- Swimwear.
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- The roads between Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti are notoriously bad, and a good travel tip for the ladies is to pack a sports bra.
- The weather in Ngorongoro Crater is generally moderate and temperate,
- The crater’s unique positioning and the permanent sources of water and grassland available on its floor means that – unlike most other African destinations – the weather doesn’t affect game viewing.
PLEASE NOTE
Visas: United States of America passport holders require a visa for Tanzania. Visas can be obtained prior to departure from the Tanzania High Commission in Washington, DC. More information will be provided approximately 4 mos prior to departure. Tel: (202) 939-6125 Website: http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/
Visa Cost: US $100 per person single/double/multiple entry (excludes courier fees and additional charges to expedite the process)
PASSPORTS: Please ensure that you are in possession of a valid passport with at least THREE BLANK PAGES marked “VISA” for entry to TANZANIA. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after date of return. If you are visiting other countries, please establish entry requirements and have additional blank visa pages for those countries as well.
Malaria: You are visiting areas where malaria is found so please contact your physician or travel clinic for advice as to what precautions against malaria they suggest for you.
Yellow Fever: Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended – it is also required if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda as well as a number of South American countries. Please note that these requirements can change, please always check with the CDC or Canada Health at least a month prior to traveling. Children under 9 months of age and people in transit not leaving the airport in the countries with risk of transmission are exempt from yellow fever vaccination.
Other vaccinations: that might be considered before you travel include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and tetanus. For more information, contact your doctor or travel clinic.
Photography/Security: Do not take photographs of the local people without their permission. Never take photographs of military, military institutions, armed forces barracks, policemen, the President, Government officials or airports.
Baggage allowance: Baggage is restricted to 15kg/33lb per person including hand luggage (this includes camera equipment) on safari vehicles as well as on any domestic flights, as space is limited. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and on aircraft used within East Africa. Large suitcases of dimensions greater than 24″ x 17″x 7″ are impossible to store in vehicles and on aircraft and should not be used. (Baggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour and baggage insurance for members is strongly recommended).
Traveling by road in East Africa: Road conditions in East Africa can be different to what you are used to in North America which adds to the adventure of the trip. Whilst every effort is made to ensure your comfort, rough terrain could result in bumpy drives.
Travellers’ cheques: generally are not accepted in East Africa. US bank notes cannot be older than 2009 and must have the most current security markings (large portrait of the president).
Valuables: Some areas you visit will be quite poor by our standards and it is thoughtless to flash money or jewelry. We urge you to leave valuables, passports etc. in hotel safes or with camp managers at lodges that do not provide safes.
Import regulations: Please note that the import of meat or any products thereof (dried, canned etc.), plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, livestock, endangered wildlife species and products thereof (for example clothing and accessories) into the United States and Canada is prohibited. This includes Ostrich eggs and animal skins for sale in Africa!
USA Security: You may be asked to turn on any electronic or battery powered devices such as telephones, tablets, e-books and laptops in front of airport security teams and /or demonstrate the item’s functionality. Please make sure you do all you can to ensure that items are fully powered before arriving at the airport, items may be confiscated if you are not able to demonstrate their functionality.