RS4201A – Simba Safari – Serena Lodges (2015/16) – SEAT IN VEHICLE BASIS
Days of operation from Kilimanjaro International Airport – Friday and Sunday
Starts at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrival may be at any time on day 1. Please note that the earliest check-in at Lake Duluti Serena Hotel is 1400 hours.
The earliest departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport on the last day of the safari should be after 1600 hours.
Day 01 Arusha (Lake Duluti)
Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport (flight booked by agent), where you are met and transferred to your hotel located a short distance from Arusha Town Centre.
Overnight Lake Duluti Serena Hotel on bed and breakfast basis
Lake Duluti Serena Hotel
(Formerly Serena Mountain Village) 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 a range of tastefully presented cottage-styled rooms set amid extensive landscaped grounds.
Standing at the gateway to the famous Tanzanian ‘Northern Safari Circuit’, the hotel offers a broad range of attractions, which include: walking, mountain biking, canoeing on the lake, and trips to the nearby Arusha and Mount Meru national parks (all at additional costs).
The hotel features a stone-built reception with an adjoining lounge, library, restaurant, boutique and business centre. Imposing in stature and spacious in concept, the design of the new building echoes the hotel’s original incarnation as a working coffee farm dating back to colonial times.
Day 02 Arusha – LakeManyaraNational Park
Morning at leisure with safari briefing followed by lunch. Afternoon join seat in vehicle safari and you depart Arusha passing through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni you turn North West and continue the journey up through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant LakeManyara.
Overnight at LakeManyara Serena on full board basis
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of tranquillity, wildlife discovery, and ornithological richness. The unprecedented range of high-adventure sports, meanwhile, include mountain biking, canoeing and forest walks, while cultural choices include tours of the neighbouring villages and dance displays by the local Iraqw and sukuma people (all at additional costs).
Grouped around a central ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, this highly unusual lodge features a simple timbered reception area, built in traditional African style, which is accessed via a bridge over a small stream. Beyond reception, lies the central dining room, bar and veranda, below which lies the pool. Perched on the very edge of the cliffs, with stunning views over the lake is the pool bar and observation point. Dotted around the grounds, all with views over the lake, are a series of circular two-story ‘rondavels’, which house the rooms.
Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the architectural motif melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ , while the vibrantly coloured wall frescoes depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns.
Day 03 LakeManyaraNational Park – SerengetiNational Park
After breakfast there is a game drive in LakeManyaraNational Park that returns to the lodge for lunch. Leaving LakeManyara behind, the journey continues North West across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll hopefully start spotting game well before you get into the park.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Set high on the saddle of a tree-clad ridge, commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti, this lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. Winner of numerous awards from the world travel press, it is perhaps the finest venue the Serengeti has to offer.
Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge has been designed to blend completely into the living landscape. A series of traditional domed ‘rondavels’ are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. On the very edge of the ridge is a ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, which looks out over the ‘endless plains’ after which the Serengeti is named.
Situated close to the world-famous 2-million-year-old Palaeolithic site of Ol Duvai, ‘birthplace of mankind’, the lodge has been styled to offer a showcase of cultural performance, heritage and traditional art, which is best illustrated by the lavish Makonde carvings which decorate both the rooms and the stunning domed dining room.
As for wildlife, the Serengeti National Park offers not only all the members of ‘The Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), but also the annual ‘migration’ of over one million wildebeest and their attendant cast of predators.
Day 04 Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in SerengetiNational Park.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 05 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro with a picnic lunch viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. You then continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater on Earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 metres below.
Known as ‘The eighth wonder of the world’ the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s best-known wildlife arenas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a unique biosphere, which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Deep within the Crater, enclosed by towering walls, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests of ‘The land that time forgot’, dominated by enormous bull elephants, rhinos and lions.
Hugging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind’, the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylised prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.
Day 06 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. 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 lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 07 Ngorongoro Crater – Tarangire National Park
Departing Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast,head south east past Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu village. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you’ll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment where you turn south on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road and into the park. From here to the lodge, you’ll enjoy a game drive en route. After lunch and perhaps a swim, the remainder of the afternoon will be spent on a game drive.
Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Hidden among the kopjes, lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge, surrounded by ancient baobab trees. It is the home of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa, and other game including the elusive leopard. Over 400 bird species can be spotted here as well. With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt ground.
Spacious and airy with marble floors, the lobby has glass sliding doors that open out to a veranda where one can relax and enjoy the view. The ceiling has a wooden finishing, and the décor with plants in strategic places, gives it a feeling of total relaxation, much needed after the long and dusty drive to the lodge. There is also a swimming pool for those that want to take a refreshing dip.
The lodge boasts 75 spacious rooms, all with a private lounge on entering with a mini bar. Each room is carpeted, has 2 queen size beds with a mosquito net around them. Ceiling fans keep the rooms cool and glass sliding doors that open out on to a balcony, with a great view of the landscape beyond, and wildlife can sometimes be spotted.
Day 08 Tarangire National Park – Arusha
Depart after breakfast and head north east to Arusha. The journey will pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. On arrival in Arusha you will be provided lunch followed by transfer to KilimanjaroAirport to connect international departure flight (booked by agent). END OF OUR SERVICES
NETT Costs – SEAT IN VEHICLE
| Currency – US$
Nett and non-commissionable |
16 Dec 15 to 28 Feb 16 | 01 Mar 16 to 31 Mar 16 | 01 Apr 16 to 25 May 16 | 26 May 16 to 31 Oct 16 | 01 Nov 16 to 15 Dec 16 |
| Per person sharing | 2,656.00 | 2,052.00 | 1,747.00 | 2,656.00 | 2,052.00 |
| Single supplement | 355.00 | 254.00 | – | 355.00 | 254.00 |
Supplements
Festive and New Year Supplement [24 Dec to 01 Jan inclusive] – $40.00 per person per night
Easter Supplement [25 to 28 March inclusive] – $35.00 per person per night
Sole Participant Supplement
There is a supplement of $90.00 for a participants arriving and departing alone to cover the transfer costs. Participants travelling alone cannot be confirmed unless at least three other participants are already booked on the departure.
Child/Third Adult Rates
- Children younger than age 7 are not permitted on our seat in vehicle safaris. We welcome young children on private safaris.
- One child aged 7-11 years sharing with 2 adults pays 50% of safari cost
- Two children aged 7-11 years sharing their own room pay 75% of adult rate
- Third adult rate, same as per person sharing
Cost Includes
- Meet and greet services
- Transfers
- Seat in shared 4×4 vehicle with photo roof (maximum 7 clients per vehicle)
- Services of an English speaking driver-guide
- Guaranteed window seat
- Game drives and crater tour
- All accommodation and meals as specified
- All park fees and government taxes
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day during game drives
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Airport tax (pay direct)
- Driver guide or local escort gratuities
- Drinks and dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel and baggage insurance
- Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
- Medical insurance, evacuation cover and travel insurance
Additional remarks
We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
Passenger Information
Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
Passengers arriving to Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Transfers may be in a two wheel drive 7 passenger minibus or 24 passenger coach.
Luggage
Due to limited luggage space in vehicles, suitcases are unsuitable for scheduled road safaris. We recommend luggage packed in inexpensive barrel/sausage bags or soft sided bags not exceeding 15kgs and 65×46 cm.
Excess luggage can be handed over to the representative at time of briefing. It will be handed over to you on your return from safari. Additional costs may apply to pick up drop off luggage at specific points.
