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Northern Discovery Tour
Serengeti
Tanzania
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Explore Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Manyara
The game parks of the Northern Circuit contain some of the most spectacular concentrations of wildlife found in Tanzania. It is no wonder that these game parks are world renowned, unparalleled in abundance of wildlife, and are some of the most pristine yet easily accessible biospheres left on earth.
Enjoy a private Safari or join us on our weekly departures that explore Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and Manyara Lake - while enjoying comfortable lodgings at luxurious Serena safari lodges. An excellent add on package to our horseback riding safaris.
Add a Balloon Safari while in the Serengeti ! An exclusive excursion over the Serengeti plains, offering breath-taking panoramic views of the awe-inspiring landscape. A very popular excursion. Only two balloons fly each day, each with a capacity of 12 people.
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Balloon Safaris: |
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Fly in a hot air balloon over the vast plains of the Serengeti. See the endless lines of wildebeest as they migrate across this huge expanse of wilderness. Watch the hippos scatter as the balloon drifts over the edge of the river bank. |
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Ngorongoro Crater
"EDEN OF AFRICA" and
8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD!
AREA : 300 Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE : 2286 Metres
Ngorongoro Crater is located West of the Great Rift Valley which runs from the Red Sea to Lake Nyasa in southern Tanzania. Ngorongoro was an active volcano some eight million years ago, whose cone collapsed, leaving a crater. It is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, the second largest extinct crater, and today shelters the most beautiful wildlife haven left on earth with spectacular wildlife and stunning views.
The Crater is oval in shape, 300Sq. Km in area, 610m deep. There are 25,000 larger animals within the crater itself. This is undoubtedly the best place to see the black rhino in Tanzania as well as the prides of lions that include the magnificent black-maned males.
All of the big five are seen - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. Other game includes: cheetah, hyena, zebra, warthog, impala, hartebeest, eland and lots of other members of the antelope family and smaller mammals of all sorts.
Birdlife includes - kori bustard, secretary bird, crested crane, maribou stock, goliath, heron, beautiful fish eagles, and thousands of colourful flamingos. More than a 100 species of bird not found in the Serengeti have been amazingly found in this crater.
Vegetation: The crater rim is wooded with mountain forest vegetation. Blooming in acres of flowers e.g. pink, blue and white lupines, candle white lilies, blue hyacinth.
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Ngorongoro Serena Lodge:
Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording endless vistas over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below, the clustered boulder-built buildings of the Lodge hug the crater rim, linked by rope-lashed timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees. The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the heart of the Lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game-viewing hide with the ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming wall-lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carven artefacts of the Maasai, the Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a theatre of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.
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Serengeti National Park

AREA : 14763 Sq. Km. ALTITUDE: 1400 Metres
The Serengeti National Park is as big as Northern Ireland, and the most popular wildlife sanctuary in the world. It has been a protected area since the 1940's, and was accorded national park status in 1951. In 1981, the Serengeti was inscribed onto the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. The park is fantastic in its natural beauty and unequalled in its scientific value. This vast expanse of land is known to contain about 4 million different types of animals.
The plains of Serengeti are mainly crystalline rocks overlain by volcanic ash with numerous granitic rock outcrops (kopjes). In the north and along the western corridor are mountain ranges of mainly volcanic origin. Two rivers flowing west usually contain water and there are a number of lakes, marshes, and waterholes.
Large herds of antelope of all sorts including: Patterson's eland, Klipspringer, Dikdik, impala, Zebra, gazelles, water, bush and reed buck, topi, kongoni, cotton's oribi, grey bush duiker, roan antelope buffalo, and wildebeest. Plus: lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, bat eared fox, hunting dog and jackal. Smaller mammals: spring hare, porcupine, warthog, hyraxes, baboon, vervet monkey, colobus monkey, patas monkey, and mongooses. Larger mammals: giraffe, rhino, elephant, hippopotamus. Nearly 500 species of bird, including vultures, storks, flamingoes, martial and fish eagles, ostrich. Reptiles: crocodiles, a number of species of snakes and lizards
The following statistics of wildlife population is a small indication of the immensity of the Serengeti: 700,000 Thompson gazelles, 65,000 Topi, 50,000 Grant gazelles, 1,500,000 wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, 2,000 lions, 800 leopards, 4,000 hyenas, 200 wild dogs, 500 cheetahs, 500 species of birds, more than 30 species of large herbivores...the list goes on.
In May and early June you can witness the annual migration of millions of zebra and wildebeest in search of water and forage as the seasons change.
Vegetation: Serengeti's low vegetation means that game viewing is relatively easy. It varies from open grass plains in the south, savannah with scattered acacia trees in the centre, hilly wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains in the west. There are many small rivers, lakes and swamps scattered about.
Animals live in absolute freedom on the endless plains.
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Serengeti Serena Lodge:
Serengeti Serena Lodge is set high on a hill with breathtaking vistas of a landscape teeming with game. The wildlife defines the Serengeti - countless zebra, buffalo, gazelle, wildebeest, and other species make it their home. Big game feed in full view of the lodge itself. The terrain is the main stage for the great wildebeest migrations, an awesome spectacle involving millions of these beasts. The lodge design is simple but stunning. Inspired by a traditional African village, separate rondavel "huts" house the luxury guest rooms. From the overall impressions to the smallest detail, the lodge is rich in local atmosphere created by indigenous handicrafts and art.
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Lake Manyara National Park
AREA : 319 Sq. Km. ALTITUDE: 945 Metres
Although it is Tanzania's smallest park, Lake Manyara is one of the most diverse reserves in the country. The beautiful Lake Manyara covers two thirds of the park, while the rest consists of steep mountainside, swamps, dense woodlands, open grassy areas and hot springs.
Lake Manyara is one of the many alkaline lakes of the Great Rift Valley. It was formed abut three million years ago and is quite shallow, with an average depth of about three metres. The lake attracts hundreds of birds species. In high vegetation near the park entrance, baboons and black monkeys charter between cicada shrills. More than 350 species of birdlife are found in Lake Manyara - including pelicans, Egyptian geese, ducks, waders, herons, storks, grebes, ibises, kingfishers and the flamingoes. The extraordinary birdlife has made this place world-renowned among ornithologists.
The park is famed for its unique tree-climbing lions. The rare sight of seeing the king of the beasts sprawled in the bough of a tree is an unforgettable sight.
The wall of the Great Rift Valley forms the backdrop before which lies the ground water forest, areas of open grassland near the lake foreshore, and the Soda Lake.
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Lake Manyara Serena Lodge:
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the Lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst the vibrantly coloured frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. The ambiance of the Lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquillity, towering volcanic splendour and adventure-packed sporting activity.
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Meeting:
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Arusha town at 1:30 PM
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Airport:
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Kilimajaro
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Transfer:
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Arusha
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
All land transfers from and to Arusha hotel, English speaking guide, meals and overnights in Serena Lodges
| A | 2009 | 4 day group safari (Mondays) at Serena Lodges | 4d / 3n | $1495 |
| Additional ful day in Ngorongoro pp (dbl) | $315 |
| Single supplement | $165 |
| B | 2009 | 4 day group safari (Mondays) at Serena Lodges | 4d / 3n | $1325 |
| Single supplement | $165 |
| Additional ful day in Ngorongoro pp (dbl) | $525 |
| C | 2009 | 4 day group safari (Mondays) at Serena Lodges | 4d / 3n | $1075 |
| Single supplement | $165 |
| Additional ful day in Ngorongoro pp (dbl) | $525 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Arusha town is included at 1 PM
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Tour Dates
Check here for more details.
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| A |
2009
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01/01
- 02/28
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4d / 3n
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4 day group safari (Mondays)...
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2
/6
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Expired
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| B |
2009
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03/01
- 03/31
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4d / 3n
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4 day group safari (Mondays)...
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2
/6
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Expired
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| C |
2009
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04/01
- 05/31
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4d / 3n
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4 day group safari (Mondays)...
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2
/6
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Expired
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| A |
2009
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06/01
- 10/31
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4d / 3n
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4 day group safari (Mondays)...
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2
/6
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Expired
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| B |
2009
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11/01
- 12/21
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4d / 3n
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4 day group safari (Mondays)...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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12/22
- 12/31
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4d / 3n
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4 day group safari (Mondays)...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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Weekly every Monday with a minimum of 2.
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Rates do not include:
Drinks and tips.
Weekly Departures (Monday to Thursday)
Day 1: Depart from Arusha at 1:30 PM. Drive to Ngorongoro. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge which is constructed of local stone and is exquisitely molded into the contours of its site. From the lodge one can experience breathtaking view of the 260 sq km crater beneath and of the wealth of the surrounding animal and bird life.
Day 2: Breakfast at the Lodge. Half-day crater tour by Land-Rover - Here you can see a spectacular concentration of wildlife, including the big five. Drive across the dense forest and near the soda lake and enjoy viewing a variety of bird-life. Ascend to the lodge from the 2000ft. deep crater.
Lunch at the Lodge. Depart for Serengeti. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge which affords endless views over the Serengeti plains, the design and construction merging into the surrounding landscape. It is built as a cluster of elegant thatched huts in a traditional African village fashion.
Day 3: After breakfast, game drive of Serengeti National Park; here can be found the largest concentration of plain animals: 4 million and 500 species of birds. Your chance to see predators chasing their prey and enjoying their kill.
Lunch at the Lodge (or picnic lunch on the way). Depart for Lake Manyara around 1:30 PM. Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge which has a dramatic setting overlooking, the Great Rift Valley and the beautiful Soda Lake of Manyara and the park. One can observe many large colorful birds flying in circles and spirals. The hotel's unique mix of geometric and traditional style was inspired by the abundant birdlife.
Day 4: After breakfast, game drive of Lake Manyara National Park which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Here you can see a variety of habitats and diverse animals and birds. Witness the large flock of flamingoes descending on Lake Manyara. Depart for Arusha around 10 AM with an arrival just in time for lunch around 12:30.
Private Departure Option (available any time):
Day One Arusha-Lake Manyara National Park (130 KM, 2 HRS 30
MIN)
Pick up from Arusha and transfer to Lake Manyara National Park. Located
beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, on the edge of the Rift Valley,
Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, incredible bird life, and
breathtaking views. Located on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti,
Lake Manyara National Park is well worth a stop in its own right. Its ground
water forests, bush plains, baobob strewn cliffs, and algae-streaked hot springs
offer incredible ecological variety in a small area, rich in wildlife and
incredible numbers of birds. Arrive in time for your hot lunch at Lake Manyara
Serena Lodge. Enjoy your evening game drive with your private guide and safari
jeep. Full board accommodation is included in the tour price. Dinner and
overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic
ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake
Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across
the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. Designed to reflect the
brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the Lodge draws on an
inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the
gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst
the vibrantly colored frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the
colorful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. The ambiance of the Lodge is a
fusion of lakeside tranquility, towering volcanic splendor and adventure-packed
sporting activity.
Day Two Lake Manyara-Serengeti (205 KM, 4 HOURS)
Enjoy your early morning game drive at Lake Manyara National Park. Depart
after your morning breakfast for Serengeti National Park which is easily
Tanzania’s most famous national park, and it’s also the largest, at 14,763
square kilometers of protected area that borders Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park.
Its far-reaching plains of endless grass, tinged with the twisted shadows of
acacia trees, have made it the quintessential image of a wild and untarnished
Africa. Its large stone kopjes are home to rich ecosystems, and the sheer
magnitude and scale of life that the plains support is staggering. Arrive in
time for your hot lunch at your Serengeti Lodge. En route game drive at
Serengeti. Full board accommodation is included in the tour price. Dinner and
overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge. Set high on the saddle of tree-clad ridge
commanding panoramic views over the endlessly rolling reaches and volcanic reefs
of the Serengeti, the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate fusion of
traditional African architecture and world-class style. Drawing its inspiration
from the circular ‘Rondavel’ dwellings and winding paths of a traditional Maasai
village, the Lodge features thickly-thatched, stone-built rooms, spaciously set
amongst groves of indigenous trees that are cooled by sparkling streams and
papyrus-fringed ponds.
The circular bar, its roof supported by massive carven figures of
warriors, maidens and elders, looks out over the sky-blue, ‘vanishing horizon’
swimming pool towards the miles of lion-gold savannah that lie below, wherein is
enacted the thunderous theatre of the million-strong wildebeest migration. As
for views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to diamond-domed night, the searingly
sensational Serengeti delivers a series of timeless volcanic vistas that are
second to none.
Day Three Serengeti-Ngorongoro (145 KM, 3 HRS 30 MIN)
Enjoy your early morning game drive at Serengeti National Park. Depart
after your morning breakfast for Ngorongoro Conservation Area via the olduvai
gorge. Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world
and has been instrumental in furthering understanding of early human evolution.
Excavation work there was pioneered by Louis and Mary Leakey in the 1950s. There
after you will be transferred to Ngorongoro. Ngorongoro Crater is often called
‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater
is a main draw card for tourists coming to Tanzania and a definite world-class
attraction. Within the crater rim, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze
nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino
returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden
grass in the morning mist. Just outside the crater’s ridge, tall Masaai herd
their cattle and goats over green pastures through the highland slopes, living
alongside the wildlife as they have for centuries. Full board accommodation is
included in the tour price. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged
in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari
Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Sensitively
constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording endless
vistas over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below, the clustered
boulder-built buildings of the Lodge hug the crater rim, linked by rope-lashed
timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees.
The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the
heart of the Lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game-viewing hide with the
ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming
wall-lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron
spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carven artefacts of the Maasai, the
Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendor and
ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to indigo
star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a
theatre of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.
Day Four Ngorongoro-Arusha (130 KM, 2 HRS 30 MIN)
Depart after your morning breakfast with picnic lunch boxes for your game.
Descend with your private land cruiser and guide to the rim of the crater for
your half day of game viewing. Transfer after your game and lunch back to Arusha.
Meeting:
Arusha town at 1:30 PM
Airport:
Kilimajaro
Transfer:
Arusha
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Level:
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(1
to
2
out of 5) Easy
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: 1. nationals of Cyprus and Malta for stays of. more
The Climate
Although the country is just south of the equator, it does not become very hot due to the high altitude in which you ride. Temperatures usually hover around the eighties, with the evenings cool. At night, when at the even higher altitudes, it could drop to 60° F. From mid April to the end of May is the main rainy season and a lesser-wet season is in November and December. During the rest of the year rain is very unusual.
Dress : In lodges and country hotels, emphasis is on informality and comfort.
Ladies : Light & easy to wash, drip-dry blouses, skirts, dresses, light khaki trousers, light touser suit.
Men : Drip-dry casual shirts, khaki trousers.
What to bring:
1. Bush hat or scarf for protection against the sun.
2. Camera with enough film.
3. Video camera for photographic enthusiasts.
4. Sunglasses.
5. Insect repellant
6. Suntan lotion
7. Torch (flash light)
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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alec olaveson
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1/15/2009
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..view other reports for different trips
Manyara Serena Lodge:
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge stands high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters. The Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the Lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst the vibrantly coloured frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. The ambiance of the Lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquillity, towering volcanic splendour and adventure-packed sporting activity.
Serengeti Serena Lodge:
Serengeti Serena Lodge is set on a hill with breathtaking vistas of a landscape teeming with game. The wildlife defines the Serengeti - countless zebra, buffalo, gazelle, wildebeest, and other species make it their home. Big game feed in full view of the lodge itself. The terrain is the main stage for the great wildebeest migrations, an awesome spectacle involving millions of these beasts. The lodge design is simple but stunning. Inspired by a traditional African village, separate rondavel "huts" house the luxury guest rooms. From the overall impression to the smallest detail, the lodge is rich in local atmosphere created by indigenous handicrafts and art.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge:
Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording endless vistas over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below, the clustered boulder-built buildings of the Lodge hug the crater rim, linked by rope-lashed timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees. The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the heart of the Lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game-viewing hide with the ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming wall-lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carven artefacts of the Maasai, the Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a theatre of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.
Camping Option:
Overnights will be at the Twiga campsite, Seronera Campsite, and Simba campsite.
We provide guide and cook, camping equipment (tents and matresses) except sleeping bag.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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--
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Pace:
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Level:
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(1
to
2
out of 5) Easy
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of Cyprus and Malta for stays of up to three months and issued with a visitor's pass on arrival, but may still need entry permit clearance. It is possible for British nationals to obtain a tourist visa for single entry at any one of the main port of entries to Tanzania, subject to the fulfillment of all immigration requirements. All other visitors must obtain visa prior to travelling to Tanzania.
Visa Note
(a) The high commission does not issue multiple entry visas for tourist or business purposes. All multiple entry visas should be applied for at the Immigration Head Office in Dar es Salaam through your host. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy or high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
£38 per single-entry (prices are for application at high commission in London). US visas: US$100 (single or double-entry, six months); US$120 (express service).
Validity
Tourist single-entry: three months from date of issue; Business single-entry: two months.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at high commission or embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Normally three. Up to 10 for postal applications. 24-hour service is available at an extra charge of £5.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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