Southern Expedition: Tanzania Untamed

Transcription

1 Southern Expedition: Tanzania Untamed DAY BY DAY ITINERARY explorer safari Explorer Safari Tap your Inner Livingstone as you set out to track wildlife in this, the wildest, most uncharted part of Africa. This adventure is a chance to immerse yourself in some of the most sparsely populated and wildlife-rich reserves in Tanzania the Selous and Ruaha then join a genuine expedition and explore the remote Usangu Wetlands. In addition to enjoying the fun and adventure of exploring, you leave a legacy of positive impact upon wilderness conservation and community partnerships. This safari is for the curious, energetic traveler open to discovery. An adventure of contrasts, one night finds you dining by candlelight in an exquisite lodge, while the next is served by the campfire of a wellstaffed bush camp. One day you explore by Land Cruiser for thrilling, whisker-close predator encounters, and the next finds you hiking with local guides who explain the subtleties of tracks, bird songs and myriad other discoveries only a true explorer can uncover. Photo credit: Jack Stein

2 SAFARI SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT #1 Departs: TBD Arrives: TBD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT #2 Departs: TBD Arrives: TBD DAY TRAVEL/ACTIVITY LOCATION CAMP Day 1: Airport transport Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel Overnight in Dar es Salaam Days 2, 3 & 4: Bush flight to Roho ya Selous Selous Game Reserve Roho ya Selous Days 5 & 6: Transfer to Jabali Ridge Ruaha National Park Jabali Ridge Days 7, 8 & 9: 4 x 4 Drive to Maji Moto Usangu Wetlands Maji Moto Research Camp Day 10: Transfer to Jabali Ridge Ruaha National Park Jabali Ridge Day 11 Transfer to Msembe, Ruaha Dar es Salaam Bush Strip for flight to Dar es Salaam and international flights Photo credit: Robert Johnson

3 DAYS 2, 3 & 4 ROHO YA SELOUS NORTHERN SELOUS GAME RESERVE INCLUDED Breakfast Lunch Dinner Alcohol & Beverages Laundry WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Lion Wild dog Elephant Hippo Cape buffalo Giraffe Zebra Walking safari Crocodile Wildlife viewing Leopard Night safari Boat safari Cheetah Fishing Baboon High diversity of antelope, including rarer species such as lesser kudu, roan and sable More than 450 bird species EXPERIENCES There are three wilderness habitats to explore in Southern Tanzania: woodlands, streams and marshy wetlands. Roho ya Selous introduces you to each. Located near Lake Nzerakera, a palmy tributary of the Rufiji River surrounded by forest, Roho ya Selous is the perennial home to hippos, crocodiles and wetland birds. In dry season the waters lure elephants, buffalo, primates and antelope. Leopards, lions, and wild dogs live atop the food chain. Selous has one of the highest populations of lions in Africa. Begin with a guided exploration by boat down crocodile-lined streams while steering clear of the snorting hippo pods and watch land animals as they appear from forest s edge. With a range of active options, no two days are alike at Roho. Boat in the lake, explore the Rufiji River, hike with a skilled guide, and search for wildlife in a safari vehicle; these are the ways to learn about wildlife, plants and terrain. Enjoy your increasing depth of knowledge as the safari unfolds. Photo credit: Robert Johnson

4 DAYS 5 & 6 JABALI RIDGE RUAHA NATIONAL PARK EXPERIENCES Walking safari Wildlife viewing Night safari WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Elephant INCLUDED Lion Breakfast Leopard Lunch Buffalo Zebra Dinner Giraffe Alcohol & Beverages Hippo Laundry Crocodile High diversity of antelope, including rarer species such as bushbuck Greater and lesser kudu Baboon Bat eared fox More than 450 bird species On a ridge overlooking a baobab forest, Jabali Ridge offers surprising amenities in the remote and rugged Ruaha National Park. Luxuriant, spacious and breeze-cooled rooms, a well-appointed spa, and an infinity pool with a splendid forest view make a restful launching point for the more intrepid adventures to follow. The surrounding landscape of forest, interlaced with sandy intermittent streams, is ideal for exciting wildlife encounters. Elephants and lions are abundant. Leopards lurk in the trees. A night safari offers encounters with more elusive animals such as aardwolf, owls, hyenas, and bat-eared fox. Jabali Ridge is a place to ready oneself for the unexplored regions to come. Photo credit: Asilia Africa

5 DAYS 7, 8 & 9 MAJI MOTO RESEARCH CAMP USANGU WETLANDS EXPERIENCES Walking safari Wildlife viewing Night safari WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Ardwolf Baboon Bat eared fox Buffalo Elephant Hippo Lion Wild dog Zebra High diversity of antelope, INCLUDED Breakfast Lunch Dinner Alcohol & Beverages Laundry including rarer species such as roan and sable More than 450 bird species Now is the time to move into wilder spaces, places unexplored. A game drive south ends at Maji Moto (Swahili for hot water ), a great outpost for exploring the wilderness of Southern Ruaha and the vast Usangu wetlands. Maji Moto Camp is a tourism research and exploration camp designed to further knowledge and understanding of this largely unexplored region. The goal is to increase visitation and awareness of this little known wilderness so that it remains pristine and protected for future generations. Intrepid travelers will join researchers and guides exploring sections of the national park increasing the knowledge and understanding of the wildlife, habitat and landscape. Exploration involves boating through waterways, hiking over higher ground, and traversing narrow tracks by four-wheel-drive. In years to come these wetlands could rival Botswana s Okavango Delta. You get naming rights for the segment you explore something to leave behind for generations to come. Photo credit: Asilia Africa

6 DAY 10 JABALI RIDGE RUAHA NATIONAL PARK INCLUDED WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Lion Leopard Cheetah Wild dog Walking safari Buffalo Wildlife viewing Zebra Night safari Elephant Hippo High diversity of antelope, including rarer species such as lesser kudu, roan and sable Baboon Ardwolf Bat eared fox More than 450 bird species EXPERIENCES Breakfast Lunch Dinner Alcohol & Beverages Laundry Record your exploration finds with the researchers at Maji Moto and then drive back to Jabali Ridge to rest up and repack for the journey home. After a rugged adventure in the wilderness, the shower, the pool and the spa will be a welcome reprieve. Photo credit: Asilia Africa

7 COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES CARNIVORE RESEARCH PROJECT CARNIVORE RESEARCH PROJECT Ruaha is a predator s Eden, home to massive populations of lions, cheetah, spotted hyenas, leopards and African wild dogs that thrive on both the abundant natural wildlife found on the plains, and the livestock that is raised outside the protected area by local pastoralists. The attacks result in villagers tracking and killing lions and other apex predators to understandably protect their livelihood and households. As with almost every other species, population declines have proved dramatic in recent years. It is estimated that only six large populations of lions remain in all of Africa, and that Ruaha supports the second largest lion population in the world. The Ruaha Carnivore Project (RCP) was developed to address the needs of both the local human and predator populations in order to reverse these population trends. When RCP initially met with community leaders to listen to what they needed, they realized there were ways lions could be made more valuable alive to people than killed. After helping to reduce attacks on their livestock by reinforcing bomas (livestock enclosures) and placing guarding dogs to alert herders when predators approach, RCP addressed the villagers need for better healthcare and education for its people, and veterinary care for its livestock. When you stay at Jabali Ridge and Maji Moto Research Camp, you ll be supporting the Carnivore Research Project with a financial contribution per person for every night you stay in the camps. If you would like to make an additional donation to the Ruaha Carnivore Project, contact Karen Zulauf at Deeper Africa. Photo credit: Karen Zulauf

8 DAY 11 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BUSH FLIGHT Departs: Msembe Ruaha Bush Strip Arrives: Dar es Salaam INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT #1 Departs: TBD Arrives: TBD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT #2 Departs: TBD Arrives: TBD Photo credit: Lorenzo Rossi

9 SAFARI GUIDE PROFILES RUAHA Lorenzo describes Ruaha as wild, spectacular, exclusive. Ruaha is still a mostly unexplored park. It s the largest national park in Tanzania and only maybe four percent of it is really regularly touched by game drive routes. I am always thrilled by the high concentration of wildlife in the area. A safari with Lorenzo is as entertaining as it is adventurous. He mixes droll stories and fun facts sharing an encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife, birds, insects, plants, and even geology. Along the way, he routinely unveils birds and mammals so carefully camouflaged that they seem to materialize by magic. LORENZO ROSSI Even in the company of exceptional guides, Tony stands out. With more than ten years of guiding experience, Tony was chosen as one of Tanzanias top guides in 2017 by the Tanzanian Tour Guide Association. Tony was lured to Ruaha after hearing impressive reports about its wildlife. One memorable moment he was able to unveil for his travelers involved an incredible predator encounter. Spotting buffalo at the Mwagusi River, he then spied some lions on the other side of the river, level with the buffalo. Patiently waiting to see if lions would decide to hunt paid off; a spectacular chase ended right in front of the vehicle. TONY ZEPHANIA Tam is zealous when it comes to assuring that local populations benefit from conservation. Her newest commitment is spearheading the project to open the vast Usangu Wetlands to responsible tourism. The aim is to protect the region from wildlife poaching and agricultural encroachment while helping local communities through tourism dollars and greater employment opportunities. Born and raised in East Africa, Tam was exposed and inspired at an early age to the beautiful wilderness areas of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Her guiding course work was completed in Tarangire National Park and South Africa. TAMARA HOSKYNS-ABRAHALL

10 SAFARI GUIDE PROFILES SELOUS Hamza spent years training for a job that was always his dream. After completing a two year certificate in guiding, and then another three year course in Moshi s college of wildlife management, Hamza worked with several companies before joining Asilia six years ago. His passion has taken him from regular guiding to walking guide, and he has become expert in terrain from Lake Victoria through the Selous Game Reserve. What draws Hamza to the Selous is the reserve itself; it is a special place with spectacular and unique plant life, and a wide variety of animal species. He is particularly interested in the wild dog population, for which the Selous Game Reserve is famous. The social behavior of the Painted Dogs along with their speed and hunting technique never fails to fascinate. HAMZA VISRAM Hamza s favorite guiding story involves leading a group of travelers as they watched two lions mating about 100 feet away. The lioness then stood up, walked to the vehicle, scratching herself along the length of it and decided to take a nap in the middle of the road, blocking their way. The male lion then followed followed suit, giving everyone in the vehicle the thrill of a lifetime. There s actually more to the story (including the necessity to change clothes back at camp), but for those details you ll need to ask Hamza himself. Fraser has been a passionate guide and naturalist since the early 90 s. Starting his career in Southern Africa in special places such as Phinda Game Reserve, Kruger National Park and the Okavango Delta, he developed a love for all things wild and wonderful. Walking, birding and botany became a focus that led to him guiding all over the African continent, Madagascar, Asia and South America. Fraser has opened camps and operations in numerous remote locations, trained guides at all levels, worked as a private and specialized naturalist guide, led expeditions and adventures into the planet s unexplored corners and generally both been inspired -- and has inspired his guests by sharing his love for the natural world. FRASER GEAR

11 ADDITIONAL SAFARI INFORMATION INCLUDED IN YOUR SAFARI Full board accommodations in all lodges and tented camps All meals as stated in itinerary Game drives in private 4x4 safari Land Cruisers All park and entrance fees Experienced and professional safari naturalist guides Natural Learning Program Enrollment with Flying Doctors Evacuation Service All in-country transportation Laundry - available at some camps and lodges Alcohol and certain beverages at some camps Bottled water available at all times Beverages in 4x4 vehicles Extensive pre-departure briefing and materials including health information, reading list, and map 2018 pricing $8,445 - $10, CUSTOM DEPARTURE DATES & PRICING January 6 - March, June, November - December 19, 2018: 6 guests: $8,445 USD per person Best Value 4 guests: $9,995 USD per person 2 guests: $10,885 USD per person Single supplement: $1,999 USD EXCLUDED IN YOUR SAFARI Gratuities We plan your wildlife adventures in areas where wildlife habitats are known to exist for the season and time you are traveling. Still, animals in the areas you are viewing are not in a zoo. They run freely, and we cannot always anticipate their movements. Also, Deeper Africa uses best efforts to provide the lodging set out in this itinerary, but occasionally there are circumstances that occur in Africa that require lodging substitutions. We reserve the right to make comparable lodging substitutions whenever necessary. July - October, December 20 - December 31, 2018: 6 guests: $9,995 USD per person 4 guests: $10,995 USD per person 2 guests: $10,995 USD per person Single supplement: $1,999 USD Al pricing is in US dollars. Arrivals and departures are Dar es Salaam International Airport, Tanzania. Prices do not include international airfare. All itineraries and prices are subject to change Manhattan Circle, Suite 202 Boulder, Colorado fx explorer safaris