AdventurAfrica, Tanzania Express, August-1 2015

TANZANIA EXPRESS

july 30-august 15

south Tanzania 2015

EXPERIENCE AFRICA

WHEN

july 30 to august 15, 2015 from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

TANZANIA EXPRESS south Tanzania

by AdventurAfrica 16 days of travel, safari, adventure and relax An unconventional and unique itinerary to discover a timeless Africa The Indian Ocean and the tropical shores of Dar es Salaam Mikumi National Park Ruaha National Park The Sanje Mangabeys walkabout in the deep forest of Udzungwa Mountains National Park

W

e will start off with a relaxing day on the white sand beaches and the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, in Dar Es Salaam, before taking off for one of the most unspoilt and adventurous circuits in the southern highlands of Tanzania.

Through the little town of Morogoro, we will continue for Mikumi National Park, where our first safari will take place. Mikumi NP is known for offering some of the easiest wildlife viewing opportunities in the region, and the park boasts plenty of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, gazelles, lions, leopards, baboons and more.

From Mikumi, we will continue for the cozy German town of Iringa, where we will stock up at the colorful local market before heading to the amazing Ruaha National Park, located 130km of unpaved road, west of Iringa.

The Ruaha National Park is a huge ecosystem, home to Tanzania’s largest population of elephants, about 12,000 individuals. The park wildlife is sustained by the Great Ruaha River, running along the eastern side of the park. We will camp along the river banks, and seeing lions crossing the river near the camp, or hearing their primordial roams at night, will offer an unforgettable and thrilling experience. Much of this park is so remote to be considered unexplored, and having the park all to ourselves will not be an unlikely possibility!

After extensive exploration of Ruaha NP, we will return to Mikumi and from there we will head to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, where lush forests await us and are home to about 10 species of primates, some endemic and found nowhere else but here. In the Udzungwa Mountains NP we will have the rare opportunity to enjoy walking safaris and to track a group of Sanje Mangabeys, an endemic species of primates discovered here in 1979. A network of spring water streams and waterfalls add to the beauty of this park.

From Udzungwa Mountains NP we will return to Dar es Salaam to enjoy a full day of relax on the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.

ACM80 4X4

african safari, italian style

AdventurAfrica Safari Truck

T

he vehicle used for AdventurAfrica trips and expeditions is an IVECO ACM80 4x4, a mid-size military truck that we retrofitted exclusively with the African safaris in mind.

Everything on board has been designed and hand-crafted to provide the passengers with comfort and amusement. Its height, significantly taller than the traditional safaris 4x4s, makes it an ideal vehicle for wildlife spotting and photography.

The truck is retrofitted with 12 independent, comfortable, bus-style seats. 90cm of rowspan between the seats ensure plenty of comfort and freedom of movements to the passengers.

Our truck is equipped with refrigerator, a fully equipped camp kitchen, three burners gas range, tents and thick, comfortable, sleeping pads, 12V DC and 110/220V AC plugs to recharge cellphone and camera batteries, a comfortable custom-made step ladder to access the passenger area, a huge cargo space, on-board communication and everything needed to make our safaris safe and fun.

the

T

Itinerary

T

he itinerary of this trip covers a he unpaved stretches can somedistance of about 2,000 km on, times feel bumpy, depending on mostly, paved roads, with the excep- the rain season and road maintetion of the tracks within the parks nance. and the road between Kidatu and the Udzungwa Mountains NP.

Weather

W

eather will be mostly dry and pleasantly sunny. High temperatures will reach 25-30 째C on the coast, while lows will be in the 10-15 째C range around Iringa, the highest region along our itinerary.

EXPERIENCE AFRICA TANZANIA EXPRESS - south Tanzania THE COST: 3,680 EURO per person (6 to 9 participants) 3,540 EURO per person (10 to 12 participants) 95 EURO insurance 380 EURO single room supplement

- Food and meals not part of the program, wine and alcoholic beverages, tips, laundry, phone, souvenirs and other personal expenses

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

- Return ticket from Milano Malpensa to Dar es Salaam, via Addis Abeba - Airport transfers to and from hotels - Professional photographer tour-leader and English speaking staff - All Game Park fees and safaris - Land transportation on our safari truck - Full board accommodation and non-alcoholic beverages - Services of guides and drivers - Wildilife photography and post-production tuition

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

- Airport taxes and fuel-surcharge* - Cost of tourist VISA 50 USD - Optional visits and trips, not part of the regular program

*airport taxes are subject to re-calculation at the time of booking

Giorgio Trucco AdventurAfrica - www.adventurafrica.com email: info@adventurafrica.com Tel: +39 366 1366714

TOUR OPERATOR AND BOOKING:

Chiara Valsecchi Earth - Cultura e Natura - www.earthviaggi.it Via Roma 45 - 23900 - Lecco email: info@earthviaggi.it Tel: +39 0341 286793

TRAVEL ITINERARY DAY 1: Departure for Dar es Salaam DAY 2: Dar es Salaam - Mjimwema

DAY 5: Mikumi National Park

Departure at sunrise for Mikumi National Park.

We will leave the main road and head to the Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by Adven- Mkata flood plains, in the north-west section of turAfrica staff and together we will transfer the park, where wildlife (buffaloes, wildebeest, to Mjimwema, just a few miles south of Dar es giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, leopards and Salaam, where we will spend the night by the more) is abundant and easy to enjoy. Another beach. A relaxing introduction to the slow and area of interest is the Hippo Pools area, where we will able to observe these huge animals at soul-nurturing rhythms of Africa. close range.

Overnight at Kijiji Beach Hotel, or similar Full day dedicated to the exploration of the park, wildlife viewing and photography.

DAY 3: Overnight at Tan-Swiss Lodge

Dar es Salaam - Mjimwema

Today we will go back to Dar es Salaam crossing the harbor channel on the Kigambony ferry and we will visit the busy and colorful fish market. We will return to Mjimwema for a free afternoon of relax, sunbathing and swimming on the shore of the Indian Ocean.

Overnight at Kijiji Beach Hotel, or similar

DAY 6: Mikumi NP - Iringa - Little Ruaha

Today we will transfer to Iringa following the windy road snaking at the base of the Rubeho Mountains.

We will cross an interesting area where giant baobabs are found, along the Little Ruaha river.

We will arrive in Iringa and we will visit the colorDAY 4: ful local market to buy our supplies for the next Dar es Salaam - Mikumi days.

Early wake up call and we will be on our way, on The city, capital of the region, is situated on a vast paved road, to our first safari destination, Miku- plateau (about 1,600 meters above sea level) mi National Park. We will stop for lunch in the where agriculture is widespread, especially the bustling town of Morogoro, at the base of the cultivation of corn.

Uluguru Mountains, and we will arrive in Mikumi Overnight at Riverside Camp, a beautiful camp in the afternoon. on the banks of Little Ruaha river Overnight at Tan-Swiss Lodge

DAY 7: Ruaha National Park

An impressive 130km of red dirt track, in the middle of nowhere, will lead us right into the marvels of Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second biggest park. This park is a vast unspoilt ecosystem that is home to the largest elephant population of the whole Tanzania (about 12,000). Large prides of wonderful lions also claim Ruaha as their home, and are normally observed with great ease. The park is also populated by large herds of buffalo, kudu, gazelles, antelopes, ostriches, cheetahs and many species of birds.

We will camp along the Great Ruaha river banks in an amazing location, totally undeveloped and surrounded by abundant wildlife. Given the location, fully open and immersed in the nature of the park, at night, many animals can wander undisturbed among our tents. Be ready for a thrilling and unforgettable experience!

Overnight inside the park (camping)

DAY 8: Ruaha National Park

Full day dedicated to the exploration of the park, wildlife viewing and photography. Morning game drive, return to camp for lunch and late afternoon game drive.

Overnight inside the park (camping)

DAY 9: Ruaha National Park

Full day dedicated to the exploration of the park, wildlife viewing and photography. The park is crossed by several sandy rivers, mostly dry during the dry season.

The river beds are used by animals as “roads” to reach the remaining water supplies. The little water available plays an important role in concentrating large numbers of animals such as buffaloes, zebras, elephants and, consequently, different species of predators: lions, leopards and hyenas. Morning game drive, return to camp for lunch and late afternoon game drive.

Overnight inside the park (camping)

DAY 10: Ruaha NP - Iringa

After the morning gamedrive, we will head back to Iringa. We will stop at the market to replenish our supplies and we will spend the afternoon in the quiet of Riversi-

de Camp.

Overnight at Riverside Camp

DAY 11: Udzungwa Mountains National Park

We will leave Iringa heading towards the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. From Kidatu on, the road becomes an ungraded, bumpy, gravel road that will force us to proceed in low gear and at low speed. A condition we can exploit to enjoy the beautiful panorama!

In the afternoon we will relax on the beautiful green of our camp.

Overnight at Hondo-Hondo Campsite

DAY 12: Udzungwa Mountains NP - Njokamoni Trail

The Sanje Mangabeys (an endemic group of primates) has lived in the shade of Udzungwa Mountians forest for centuries, before being discovered and identified in 1979.

Following the gorilla and chimpanzee tracking programs, starting in 2007, the park management has created a local tracking program and today visitors can approach a selected group of Mangabeys who have been partially habituated to tolerate the human presence.

We will spend the day tracking, observing and photographing the Sanje Mangabeys, along the Njokamoni trail, led and escorted by an experienced group of rangers and trackers.

Overnight at Hondo-Hondo Campsite

DAY 13: Udzungwa Mountains NP - Sanje Falls Trail

Today we explore the rest of the park following a trail that will lead us to numerous waterfalls of fresh spring water which sustain the abundant park wildlife and the agricultural activities of the region.

Overnight at Hondo-Hondo Campsite

DAY 14: Udzungwa Mountains NP - Dar es Salaam

Today we will head back to Dar es Salaam, crossing Mikumi National Park one last time. An enjoyable return to the resort where our journey began and a nice way to relax after the safari excitement.

Overnight at the Kijiji Beach Hotel, or similar

EXPERIENCE

AFRICA

TANZANIA EXPRESS - south Tanzania DAY 15: Dar es Salaam

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A full day of complete relax, sunbathing and Accommodations: Campsites (develswimming. It is possible to organize an optional boat trip to the islands in front of the coast and to do some interesting snorkeling on the coral reef.

Overnight at Kijiji Beach Hotel, or similar

DAY 16:

Breakfast and transfer to Dar es Salaam airport to catch your departure flight to home.

oped or undeveloped) inside and outside the parks. Mid-budget hotels.

Road Conditions: Mostly paved roads or

good grade gravel roads, with the exception of the tracks inside the parks.

Meals and Personal Care: Local res-

taurants and meals prepared by the AdventurAfrica staff, when out in the wilderness.

Showers will be available every day, but in dventurAfrica staff reserve the right to some campground cold water might be the modify the proposed itinerary, before or only option available. during the tour, due to unforeseeable conditions like weather change, time constrains, road blocks, safety concerns or logistic problems. Such decisions will be final and indisputable and will not entitle participants to any type of reimbursement.

A

TANZANIA EXPRESS south Tanzania july 30-august 15, 2015

+39 366.1366714 info@adventurafrica.com www.

adventurafrica

.com

adventure travels - photo safaris - responsible tourism - experiential education