DAY 1- WASHINGTON D.C.
Depart from
Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport) for an overnight direct flight to Addis
Ababa.
DAY 2- ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Morning arrival
into Addis Ababa for a convenient connection for your flight to Kilimanjaro
airport. Upon exiting custom you will be met and transferred to the
conveniently located East African All Suites Hotel located in the heart of
Arusha town. Enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure.
DAY 3- ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
This morning
embark on a safari drive into Arusha National Park, when entering the shadowy
forest be greeted by inquisitive blue monkeys and colorful turacos and
encounter the acrobatic black and white colobus monkey. In the midst of the
forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater where you can view on the marshy
floor herds of buffalo and warthog. Further north, witness the tranquil beauty
of the Momela Lakes, tinged with thousands of pink flamingos, shaggy
waterbucks. After enjoying your picnic lunch, embark on a walking safari on
the grassy hills at the base of Mount Meru (14,900) the fifth highest in
Africa to view zebra herds and giraffes. Return late this afternoon back to
your hotel to enjoy an evening of leisure.
(B, L)
DAY 4- TO LAKE MANYARA (KARATU)
This
morning board your 4X4 safari vehicle and drive into the bush country driving
by many picturesque African villages viewing coffee and banana plantations.
Visit Lake Manyara National Park in the Great Rift Valley which offers a
series of fascinating and beautiful Lakes. Every imaginable East African
animal is found here. Herds of buffalo, zebra and several varieties of
gazelle inhabit this area. Witness some of the most amazing pods of hippos
that congregate at the lake. Though you may spot some tree climbing lions,
it will be the abundant flocks of Pink Flamingos that will leave you in
amazement. By the end of the afternoon continue to the town of Karatu
arriving at the Bougainvillea Safari Lodge, your home for the next three
nights.
(B, L, D)
DAY 5- TRIBAL VISITS (KARATU)
Enjoy a
full day excursion to Lake Eyasi, though not really a game destination, it is a
wild, scenically stunning area where you can get a real insight into the way
of life of some of Tanzania's fascinating tribes. This morning take a journey
into the “Gods Must Be Crazy” movie location to interact with the Hadzabe
tribe, the last true nomads of Africa. Join the men as they hunt using
traditional bow and arrows, or join the women as they forage for fruits and
berries. This is not your typical tourist scenario; this is the real deal, a
true African cultural experience. In the afternoon visit the pastoralist
people of the Mangati tribe. Their traditional culture is still unchanged,
with women wearing traditional goatskin dresses and the men walk around with
spears. Mix freely and be introduced to their unique lifestyle from growing
onions, dairy farming and the use of ox ploughs for farming. Return late this
afternoon Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.
(B, L, D)
DAY 6- NGORONGORO CRATER (KARATU)
Descend
2,000 feet into Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling game drive among Africa's Big
5; lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Also explore the forest area
that is inhabited by monkey and elephant. Visit the lake area, where you may
see flamingos and 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 returning late this afternoon to
the Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.
(B, L, D)
DAY 7- RETURN TO USA
A short transfer
returns you to the town of Arusha, which was the setting of John Wayne's 1962
epic film Hatari. Enjoy some leisure time and continue to Kilimanjaro airport
for your flight to Addis Ababa connecting with your evening flight to
Washington D.C.
(B)
DAY 08- WASHINTON D.C.
Early morning
arrival into Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport).
Return Home or Go on the Optional Extension to Zanzibar Island
DAY 7- ARUSHA TO ZANZIBAR ISLAND
After
your Tanzania Wildlife Safari fly south to Zanzibar Island. This was a major
Indian Ocean trading center but today it appears to have been frozen in time
from two centuries ago. Your resort hotel (or similar) is located just outside
of Stone Town and the first class Mbweni Ruins Hotel is an excellent base for
the next three nights. Hotel upgrade available at the Sea Cliff Resort.
DAY 8- ZANZIBAR ISLAND
This morning enjoy
a walking tour of Stone Town and visit the Old Dispensary the home where Dr.
David Livingstone lived before his famous expedition. Visit the Peace Memorial
Museum for an interesting look at Zanzibar history. Visit the Palace Museum
which in 1911 was the residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar. Before lunch visit
Arab Fort with its castellated battlements built in 1701. This afternoon
appreciate why Zanzibar was known as the “The Spice Island”, the result of
being one of the world's most important producers of clove, nutmeg and
cinnamon in the 19th century. Experience a taste of rural life and meet the
locals. See how spices are grown in the wild. An opportunity for tasting
spices, herbs and tropical fruits.
(B, L)
DAY 9- ZANZIBAR ISLAND
Enjoy a full day
of leisure to enjoy the amenities offered at the resort. Perhaps re-visit Stone
Town to further uncover the mystery of this UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
(B)
DAY 10- RETURN USA
Enjoy a morning of
leisure before your early afternoon transfer to the Zanzibar Airport. Fly to
Addis Ababa to connect with your flight to Washington D.C.
(B)
DAY 11- ARRIVE USA
Arrive early this
morning into Washington D.C. Dulles airport.
NOTE: Upgrade to the deluxe Sea Cliff Resort and
Spa, inclusive of 3 dinners at the Resort.
Return Home or Go on the Optional Extension to
Imperial Ethiopia
DAY 7 - ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
After your
Tanzania Safari fly from Kilimanjaro to Addis Ababa. Early evening arrival into
Addis Ababa and transfer to the Jupiter Hotel (Bole).
Note: This program is
also available for client purchasing the Zanzibar post optional.
DAY 8- 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 into the Florida International
Hotel.
(B, L, D)
DAY 09- 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 10- TO ADDIS ABABA/USA
Depart late
this morning arriving 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. Continue
to Mt. Entoto for a breathtaking view of the city and continue to 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 11- ARRIVE USA
Early morning arrival
into Washington D.C. (Dulles)