2008
Secrets Of Tanzania
A wildly rustic experience, which combines trekking with chimps and enjoying some of Tanzania’s most untouched jewels.
Our opinion
A rare combination of magical encounters with the primates of Mahale’s mountains and game drives though the rural, animal rich kingdom of Katavi. Ideal for the discerning safari enthusiast, looking to venture away from the beaten track.
Escorted
English speaking guides.
Itinerary
- Arusha: 1 night
- Katavi: 3 nights
- Mahale: 4 nights
- Arusha: 1 night
Day 1 London/Nairobi/Arusha
Depart London Heathrow flying Kenya Airways overnight to Arusha via Nairobi.
Day 2 Arusha
Transfer to Ngare Sero Lodge at the foothills of Mount Meru. Time this afternoon to enjoy the scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance (clouds permitting!) or horse riding is available locally.
Day 3 Arusha/Katavi
Transfer by Sked light aircraft to Katavi, and Chada Camp. The six tents of Chada camp are situated on an elevated peninsula rising out of the miombo woodland of sausage, acacia and tamarind trees and boast panoramic views over the yellowish plains. You will arrive in time to settle into your endearingly wild and exclusively rustic tent, where paradoxically luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets and chilled white wine combine with hot bucket showers rigged in trees behind your tent! This bucolic elegance epitomises your stay at Chada. After lunch there will be a safari briefing and time to relax. Tonight and the next two days and nights will be spent enjoying game drives with professional guides in open-sided 4x4’s. The more intrepid may prefer to try a walking safari, or even fly-camping option where only a mosquito net stands between you, the vast plains and the overarching African sky (details and prices on request, please call 01306 747002).
Day 6 Katavi/Mahale
After the spectacles of Katavi transfer by Sked flight to Mahale, upon arrival transfer by dhow to Greystoke Camp. This rustic paradise will be your home for the next three days. The access, like the very experience of this safari is unique! As Greystoke nestles remotely on the sugar sand shores of Lake Tanganyika away from the bustle of roads, you will arrive aboard a dhow. Cruising over crystal waters, in which you can swim, snorkel and fish during your visit, you will see the cream tents amidst the Tongwe architecture of Greystoke, snuggled under the splendour of six jungle draped mountain peaks soaring over one mile into the African sky. Enjoy lunch at the camp, (especially the homemade ginger beer!), followed by an escorted walk of the surrounding area and safari briefing. Your meals during your stay will be served by candlelight on the beach, on the old dhow or in the mess, which is a thatched Tongwe chief’s hut on the beach.
Day 7 Mahale
At sunrise, breakfasts are cooked over a fire on the beach – the perfect start to a day of adventure. Today you will trek to see the chimps in their natural habitat. An experienced and dedicated guide will track last night’s nests – shadowy clumps high in a gallery of trees. Half-eaten fruits and fresh dung will act as valuable clues in the quest to see our closest relatives grooming, playing and foraging amidst the forest and swinging through vines. There are six different species of primate in Mahale National Park; yellow baboon, Sykes monkeys, red tailed, savannah, colobus monkeys (both red and black and white) and the famous endangered chimpanzees. There are over 1000 chimps in the park divided into roughly 20 troupes. The Mimikire family of around 60 chimps has been habituated by researchers in the last 40 years and so although wild, are content to have humans at close proximity. Nothing can prepare you for the first encounter with this human-like species, it is truly magical! The first shriek, followed by the mesmerising spectacle of these delicate creatures will take your breath away. The three days spent in Mahale will be filled with exciting pursuits of chimp trekking, as well as time to relax on the beach and swim amongst a kaleidoscope of cichlid fish in the world’s longest lake. There is also plenty of opportunity for nature walks where you may sight an array of bird life such as fish eagle, kestrels and kingfishers, while electric blue butterflies flutter in shafts of sunlight through the trees and warthogs scamper on the forest floor. The park also has resident elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, lion and leopard, though the focus here is truly on the primates.
Day 10 Mahale/Arusha
After breakfast, board the Sked aircraft to Arusha, glimpsing the expansive plains and their inhabitants from the air. Upon arrival return to the Ngare Sero Lodge for dinner and overnight – a slight acclimatisation before heading back to reality, or on to the coast for some sun drenched relaxation.
Day 11 Arusha/Nairobi/London
Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro for your Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi and on to London Heathrow, arriving the next day
Zanzibar Extension
Secrets of Tanzania: 9 nights
Zanzibar: 3 nights
Day 11 Arusha/Zanzibar
Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro to fly Precision Air to Zanzibar and enjoy three nights or more at Ocean Paradise in a Superior room.
Day 14 Zanzibar/Nairobi/London
Kenya Airways overnight flight to Heathrow, via Nairobi.
