DAY 1- WASHINGTON D.C.
We depart our
international flight from Washington D.C. non-stop to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dinner and breakfast are served.
DAY 2- ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Morning flight to
Mt. Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania. Meet and Greet service at the airport with
transfer to your centrally located hotel in the heart of Arusha town. Enjoy the
afternoon and evening to acclimate before you commence your safari expedition
tomorrow. Enjoy the amenities of the East African All Suite Hotel.
DAY 3- TO LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL
PARK
Board your 4x4 safari vehicle and transfer this morning to
Kirurumu Tented Lodge in Lake Manyara National Park. After lunch, enjoy a game
drive in an area renowned for birders for huge flocks of pink flamingos. Also
prevalent in the area are giraffes, baboons, hippos and elephants. Some of the
most amazing pods of hippos congregate at the rivers emerging at the lake.
(B, L, D)
DAY 4- TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
This
morning enjoy a scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Check-in
at Sopa Lodge late this morning followed by lunch at the lodge. This afternoon,
enjoy a game drive to the most complex and least disturbed eco system on
earth. The world renowned Serengeti supports more than 30 species of large
herbivores and nearly 500 species of birds.(B, L, D)
DAY 5- SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Spend
the whole day on a game drive, which is rich with all different species of
animals. To give you a better chance of seeing the Big 5(Elephant, Cape
Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros), a picnic lunch will be provided.
Return to your lodge for dinner.(B, L, D)
DAY 6- TO NGORONGORO CRATER
Board
your 4x4 this morning and drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The
highlight today is to visit a local Masai village to be introduced to their
social and cultural heritage. Afterward enjoy a picnic lunch in the “bush”
before proceeding to the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. This unique lodge sits on the
rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, facing in a westerly direction affording
spectacular sunsets.(B, L, D )
DAY 7- NGORONGORO CRATER
Descend 2,000
feet into Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling game drive among Africa's Big 5.
Also explore the forest area that is inhabited by monkey and elephant. Visit
the lake area, where you may see flamingos and visit the open savannah where
lions hunt for food. As one of the largest calderas in the world it is
considered the “Garden of Eden”. Enjoy a picnic lunch during this full day game
drive.(B, L, D)
DAY 8- TO SELOUS GAME RESERVE
Fly to
southern Tanzania from Arusha, which epitomizes her in a most pristine form,
off the beaten track, landing in one of the most isolated destinations in
Tanzania. Upon touching down transfer to the Selous Riverside Safari Camp.
Hidden amongst dense forest and on the banks of the Rufiji River, this
superior furnished Camp takes you into the Africa of a bygone era. This
afternoon explore the bush in open 4x4 vehicles to search for waterbuck, rare
sale antelope, lion and the greater dudu. Enjoy the serenity of this exquisite
location.(B, L, D)
DAY 9- SELOUS GAME RESERVE
This morning
accompany an armed ranger on a walking safari. The sights, sounds and smells of
a walking safari is a special treat that will live long in your memory.
The thrill of creeping up to animals to “shoot” them with your camera is a
great experience. After your lunch at the Camp, enjoy a boat safari where you
will explore the different channels and lakes of the Rufiji River system,
surrounded by hippos and crocodiles. A large variety of bird life such as
herons and storks and also giraffe and elephants can be viewed.(B, L,
D)
DAY 10- TO ZANZIBAR
This morning a short
flight takes you to the mystical island of Zanzibar. On arrival tour the UNESCO
World Heritage Site of Stone Town. This is one of the most charming and ancient
towns in East Africa. Wander the narrow streets; admire the fine buildings that
reflect the historical mix of African, Arab, Indian and European cultures.
Stone Town appears to have been frozen in time from two centuries ago, when it
was a major Indian Ocean trading center.Check in to the deluxe Serena Inn
conveniently located in Stone Town for an evening of leisure. (B, L)
DAY 11- TO WASHINGTON D.C.
Enjoy a
morning of leisure to enjoy Stone Town before your transfer to the
airport for your mid-afternoon flight to Addis Ababa for a convenient
connection with your overnight flight to Washington D.C. (B)
DAY 12- WASHINTON D.C.
Early morning
arrival into Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport).
Return Home or book an Optional Extension to Imperial
Ethiopia
DAY 11 - ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
After
your Tanzania Wildlife Safari fly from Nairobi or Kilimanjaro to Ethiopia. Early
evening arrival into Addis Ababa and transfer to the Jupiter Hotel (Bole).
DAY 12- TO GONDAR (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
SITE)
This morning board your flight to Gondar. Gondar was once the
old imperial capital founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides who built
a palace and seven churches. The subsequent five Emperors built their own
respective palaces and Gondar became known as the Camelot of Africa. Visit the
royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels
and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church
with its walls and ceiling decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval
history. Check in to the Florida International Hotel.(B, L, D)
DAY 13- TO LALIBELA (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
SITE)
This morning a short flight takes you to Lalibela, a
destination considered one of the best kept secrets of rock churches, nicknamed
the “Petra of Africa”. Ethiopia's Emperor Lalibela, who had visited Jerusalem,
attempted to build a New Jerusalem in response to the capture of Jerusalem by
Muslims in 1187.Only its relatively remote locations and international obscurity
keeps Lalibela from seeing the same levels of visitors to Petra. Visit the
twelve majestic rock hewn churches, which are still used as places of worship.
Check-in to the Mountain View Hotel.(B, L, D)
DAY 14- TO ADDIS ABABA/USA
Depart
late this morning arrives into the capital city of Addis Ababa. Visit the
National Museum, whose most important exhibit is a replica of the skull of Lucy,
a woman who had lived in Eastern Ethiopia about 3.5 million years ago. This
afternoon enjoy a tour to visit Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered
of all the churches. Visit the Merkato Outdoor Market. This evening enjoy a
traditional Ethiopian meal, dance performance and coffee ceremony. Transfer to
the airport for your overnight flight to Washington D.C. (B, D)
DAY 15- ARRIVE USA
Early morning
arrival into Washington D.C. (Dulles)