B H AS I N SA FA R I S EP TEMBE R 2 0 1 9
RWAN DA & TAN Z AN IA 2 0 th - 3 0 th Se p te mbe r 2 0 1 9
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
BISHOP’S HOUSE - KIGALI SERENA - GREYSTOKE’S - CHADA CAMP V O L C A N O E S N P - K I G A L I - M A H A L E M O U N TA I N S - K A TA V I N P
2 0 t h S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9 : A R R I VA L
We are expecting you to all arrive into Rwanda’s capital - Kigali, on Qatar which lands midafternoon. Your guides will meet you here and you will be transferred directly up to the Volcanoes National Park which is about a 3hr drive.
20th & 21st September 2019: VOLCANOES NP
The focus here is the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla. You will trek twice starting early in the morning, Your base will be Bishop’s House located in Musanze where you will spend two nights.
22nd September 2019: KIGALI
After your second trek you will transfer back to Kigali and there should be a chance to visit the Genocide Memorial if you wish. You will have one night at the Kigali Serena.
2 3 r d - 2 5 t h S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9 : M A H A L E M O U N TA I N S N P
You will �ly by private charter south, clearing customs at Bungoma, and landing on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. You will meet James here and transfer by boat south to Greystokes - your base for the next three nights. Here the focus will be chimpanzees which live here in the forest behind the lodge.
2 6 t h - 2 9 t h S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9 : K A TA V I N P
A short �light from Mahale brings you to Katavi National Park in SW Tanzania. You will be based at Chada Camp for four nights. The focus will be wildlife which is here in abundance at this time of year when waterholes dry up and competition for the remaining resources is high.
3 0 t h S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9 : T R A V E L D AY
We will �ly you from Katavi to Dar es Salaam in time for your �light on Qatar which leaves late afternoon.
R W A N D A
Off the beaten path, Rwanda is the land of hills and lakes, serene scenery and placid people – an extraordinary destination waiting to be explored. small,
It is the most densely populated country on
2 of the largest river systems in Africa – the
festival or ceremonial context. To witness one
The
Republic
of
Rwanda
is
a
mountainous country surrounded on all sides
by land that encloses the watershed between
Nile and the Congo. The high elevation means the climate is temperate, with 2 rainy seasons and 2 dry seasons each year, allowing for an agricultural production that is the country’s
main economic resource. Often referred to as
“Pays des Milles Collines” – country of a thousand hills – Rwanda is a far cry from the common conception of the arid and �lat drylands of Africa.
Rwanda is a country in the ascendance and is now enjoying political and social stability, after brutally turbulent times in the 1980’s.
Kigali’s Genocide Museum, a memorial to the
people that were murdered in the infamous
100 days, permanently reminds the world of the devastating effect of division, tribal con�lict and hatred.
the Continent and the Rwandese are famed for their love of music and dance, especially in a
Uganda
of these performances is to really feel the beating pulse of Africa.
Nyungwe National Park in the west, boasts 13
species of primates and 280 recorded species of bird life, making it one of the most diverse forest ecosystems in Africa. It is, however, the
Kenya Lake Victoria
RWANDA Burundi
Tanzania
Zanzibar
critically endangerd mountain gorillas made
famous by the work of Dian Fossey and George Schaller, and depicted in the movie Gorillas In
The Mist that are the main tourist attraction.
These majestic and benevolent creatures are found in the forests �lanking the slopes of the
Virunga Mountains in the northwest of the country. Simply sharing the company of the mountain gorilla is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking experience that ranks on most bucket lists.
“Gorillas are almost
altruistic in nature...
the greatest of all the apes” D i a n e Fo s s e y
V I R U N G A
M O U N T A I N S
T h e Vo l c a n o e s N a t i o n a l P a r k i s t h e R w a n d a n s e c t i o n o f t h e g r e a t v o l c a n i c m a s s i f c a l l e d t h e V i r u n g a M o u n t a i n s . These lava mountains, reaching as high as 14,700 feet are covered by a patchwork of mountain habitats, ranging from dense evergreen rainforest to bamboo forest, from open grassland to swamp and heath. The slopes of these ancient volcanoes overlook the forest and terraced hillsides characteristic of the beautiful Rwandan landscape. In this wild area of 44,479 acres dwells a variety of wildlife, including black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena and bushbuck. Birdlife here is proli�ic with more than 170 species recorded, including 13 species and 16 sub-species that are endemic to the area. One of the highlights of the Volcanoes National Park is trekking to see the golden monkey, resident in the high altitude forests of the region. At the foot of Mount Sabyinyo are 2 habituated groups, one of which is comprised of near to 100 members. These chubby cheeked primates are fascinating to watch as they play with one another, weaving in and out of the bamboo canopy. Of course, the park is best known as a haven to the extremely rare mountain gorilla, only 750 of these gentle giants survive today and 8 families are known to inhabit the park. It was within these hills that Dian Fossey made a base to study her beloved mountain companions and it is in these same hills that she remains.
It is possible to visit her research station and to follow her footsteps through the forest in search of one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife interactions. The opportunity to face these massive creatures, to be with them and watch as they feed peacefully, to live with them for a mere moment and look into their deep brown eyes, is unimaginable and must be experienced �irst hand. Mhahinga N.P
Virunga N.P
VOLCANOES N.P Lake Kivu
Nyungwe Forest N.P
Kigali
Akagera N.P
G O R I L L A
T R E K K I N G
The world’s last remaining mountain gorillas of Central Africa are now thought to number just 750. They are distributed between the Virunga National Park complex at the intersection of Uganda, Rwa n d a a n d t h e D e m o c ra t i c Re p u b l i c o f C o n g o a n d Bw i n d i I m p e n e t ra b l e Fo re s t i n U ga n d a . These critically endangered animals continue to face many threats – habitat loss due to human encroachment, poaching, civil unrest and disease.
In a land where nothing comes easy, trekking in search of these majestic beings is not for the feint hearted. The rangers follow the habitual gorilla families every day and have a pretty good idea of where to locate them however it can still take 3 hours or more to reach a family group. Anticipation mounts as one transcends the steep-sided forested mountains and ravines. Despite the energy exerted in the climbing, one can still appreciate the pristine beauty of these aforementioned forests with the swirling mists, moss covered trees and swinging vines. Apart from the gorillas, the forests are home to an amazing array of �lora and fauna including 120 species of mammals including buffalo, elephant, leopard, bushbuck and others as well as over 400 species of birds, numerous species of butter�lies, making it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.
With one’s �irst glimpse of the gorillas, excitement overwhelms any feelings of fatigue. Watching these powerful yet peaceful giants as they interact, feed and go about their daily routine, often oblivious to your presence, is a rare privilege. Viewing is restricted to 1 hour and that will go by in a �lash; it is a humbling experience made even more poignant by the fact that you observe them at such close range. Each face is different portraying its personality; beautiful, expressive, bold, curious and noble. Mhahinga N.P
VIRUNGA N.P
VOLCANOES N.P
Lake Kivu
Nyungwe Forest N.P
Kigali
Akagera N.P
T HE
B ISHO P’S
H O U S E
T h e B i s h o p ’ s H o u s e i s a s m a l l l u x u r y l o d g e i n R w a n d a ' s Vo l c a n o e s N a t i o n a l P a r k ,
The Bishop’s House is located in Ruhengeri, now known as Musanze, one of the Rwanda’s most strategically important and visited cities, thanks to its proximity to the Volcanoes National Park home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas. The Bishop’s House is in the rich suburbs of Musanze, tucked away from the freezing weather of Virunga Mountains, only 17km drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.
This 9 roomed boutique hotel has been designed to give high end professional services blended with a local cultural experience, and its �lora and fauna. Each room is furnished with large antique four-poster beds, hard wood �inishings offset by modern and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, DSTV, Mini Bar, tea/coffee making facilities and high speed Wi-Fi. The interiors are opulent, with rich fabrics, antique furniture and Impressionist-style paintings on the walls. It is designed to capture the feeling of a colonial manor house.
home to the mountain gorillas.
Aside from gorillia trekking, other local attractions include the nearby Iby’wacu cultural village, the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, the lava tunnels of the Musanze Caves, Dian Fossey’s grave. Walks on the extensive property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme.
“Ideally located, a comfortable, perfect base
f o r a G o r i l l a s a f a r i .”
K I G A L I
T h e R w a n d a c a p i t a l p r o v i d e s a n i d e a l s p r i n g b o a r d f r o m w h i c h t o e x p l o r e t h i s m a g i c a l c o u n t r y. Kigali is the largest city in Rwanda and is situated near the geographic centre of the nation.
Built in hilly country and sprawling across about 4 ridges, Kigali is located on one ridge while the main Government area is on another. It’s fascinating history starts in 1885 when the city was ‘given’ to Germany but it was only in 1907 when an administrative residence was set up. In 1916 Belgian troops declared victory over the Germans and then continued to administrate Kigali. The city has been the economic, cultural and transport hub of Rwanda since it became the capital at Independence in 1962 and the country’s main port of entry, showing considerable economic progress in recent years. Characterising the city streets are new high rise buildings, hotels and restaurants offering cuisine peppered with Belgian �lavour – a gentle reminder of historical links. Named after the fertile sentinel rising to form the city’s iconic backdrop, Mount Kigali stands at an elevation of 6,070 feet. It is no surprise upon entering the garden city of Kigali, why Rwanda itself was named ‘Pays des Milles Collines’, the city is surrounded by hills clothed in lush rain forests.
Despite being situated so close to the Equator, the city’s high elevation lends it a tropical highland climate, which provides an unusually cooler temperature for this latitude.
Flowing through this haphazard suburban metropolis is the Ruranwa River, supporting both the wildlife and human inhabitants of the city and providing a laidback riverside atmosphere.
A variety of must-see destinations await, from bustling African markets, to the Muslim quarter and of course the Kigali Genocide Museum.
Volcanoes N.P Lake Kivu
Nyungwe Forest N.P
Akagera N.P
KIGALI
KIGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIAL
The Memorial Centre is the �inal resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and it honours the memory of the more than 1 million Rwandans killed in 1994 through education and peace-building. On April 6, 1994, an airplane carrying Habyarimana and Burundian president, Cyprien Ntaryamira, was shot down on its descent into Kigali, killing all on board. Genocidal killings began the following day; soldiers, police, and militia quickly executed key Tutsi and moderate Hutu leaders, then erected checkpoints and barricades and used Rwandans' national identity cards to systematically kill Tutsi. These forces recruited or pressured Hutu civilians to arm themselves with machetes, clubs, blunt objects, and other weapons to rape, maim, and kill their Tutsi neighbours and to destroy or steal their property. An estimated 500,000–1,000,000 Rwandans were killed during the 100-day period from April 7 to mid-July 1994, constituting as many as 70% of the Tutsi and 20% of Rwanda's total population. In April 2004, on the 10th anniversary of the genocide that split Rwanda apart, the Kigali Memorial Centre was inaugurated.
The Centre provided an opportunity to offer a place where the bereaved could bury their families and friends.
The Centre houses 3 permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the Genocide in 1994. There is also a children’s memorial and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Education Centre, Memorial Gardens and National Documentation Centre of the Genocide all contribute to a meaningful tribute to those who perished and form a powerful educational tool for the next generation.
“A m u s t s e e t o T R U LY
understand where Rwanda i s t o d a y.
A country that
overcame the death and destruction to become
a city of FORGIVENESS a n d r e d e v e l o p m e n t .”
K IGALI
SERENA
HOT E L
O f t e n s p o k e n o f a s K i g a l i ' s t o p s t a y, a n d l o c a t e d i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e c i t y ' s
economic and political centre, Kigali Serena is a large and beautifully run 5 star hotel. Located just 10 kilometers from Kigali airport, Kigali Serena enjoys a brilliant location in this busy city – and is a great option for travellers who need to overnight at either the beginning or end of their trip. The standard of this hotel has been raised by Serena, and it now has a very good status, and certainly comparable to any good city hotel in the western world.
The main areas give a very striking �irst impression. The polished granite atrium extends right up to the very top �loor, with a huge skylight �looding the room with light, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, it centres on the executive lounge and bar which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the swimming pool. The Milima restaurant also overlooks the pool and offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, whilst the more relaxed Sokoni Café has inside and outside seating. Accommodation comprises 148 rooms all presented in a pan African style
including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite tv and a mini bar.
The stunning Maisha Mind and Body Spirit Spa offers a full range of spa treatments, and has been styled on a Moorish theme and offers an ultra-modern gym, aerobics studio and landscaped outdoor pool area.
Explore the wonderful markets in Kigali where you can shop for woodcarvings, drums, baskets and ceramics.
“Clean, comfortable,
well located and with excellent services,
this is the LEADING option
in the city as you get ready to start your adventure, o r y o u r j o u r n e y h o m e .”
T A N Z A N I A
A l a n d o f t r u l y i c o n i c n a m e s , Ta n z a n i a i s s t e e p e d i n r o m a n c e ; S e r e n g e t i , K i l i m a n j a r o a n d Z a n z i b a r. The African experience on a truly grand scale.
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country of exceptional geographic diversity, from the lofty heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in the world, to the rolling plains of the Serengeti and the tropical beach paradise of Zanzibar, the spice island.
Two of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas – the Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti – are located within Northern Tanzania and boast some of the largest concentration of game on the continent. The latter acts as a stage for one of the world’s natural wonders as close to 2,000,000 wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate through the Serengeti ecosystem annually. Also located here are the famous soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley, notably Lake Natron and Lake Manyara, which attract a multitude of �lamingoes every year. The lesser known areas of the Selous, Katavi, Ruaha and Mahale �launt an abundance of animals in the wildest possible settings. These areas exude an aura of untrammelled wilderness, conserved by limited accessibility and truly belong to the animals.
Mahale is situated on the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyike, the second deepest lake in the world and offers an exceptional opportunity to trek with wild chimpanzees in a Robinson Crusoe setting.
Tanzania is also home to some of the earliest known human development, it was at Olduavi Gorge that the Leakey family made revelatory anthropological discoveries and at Gombe Stream that Jane Goodall began to unlock the secrets of our cousins and our evolution.
The population of Tanzania is about 37 million, united by a shared experience of nationhood and a common language. Culturally rich, the Tanzanians are famed for their warmth, dignity and hospitality, from the Maasai in the north to the distinctly middle-eastern inspired Swahili culture of coastal Zanzibar.
“For the serious wildlife enthusiast, Tanzania should feature high on their list. The great Serengti migration, walking safaris in the Selous Game Reserve and the best chimpanzee sightings in Africa.”
Uganda Kenya Lake Victoria Rwanda Burundi
TANZANIA
Zanzibar
“ Q u i t e s i m p l y, i n c o m p a r a b l e ”
M A H A L E
M O U N T A I N S
In the 408,000 acres of the Mahale Mountains, there are no roads. All you will �ind are forest paths and tracks made by animals over the years. This, and the fact that the only practical way of reaching camp is by boat, add to the sense of seclusion here. Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma Region. The lakeshore here is a beach of the �inest powder-white sand, behind which rises a range of imposing mountains, clad in verdant tropical vegetation. Big electric-blue butter�lies �lit above the streams and the forest is alive with sound. It's not only beautiful, but it also harbours Tanzania's densest population of primates: yellow baboon, red colobus, blue, red-tailed and vervet monkeys are never far away – and then, of course, there are the chimpanzees.
The chimpanzee population in Mahale Mountains National Park is the largest known and due to its size and remoteness, the chimpanzees �lourish. It is also the only place where chimpanzees and lions co-exist. Another unusual feature of the park is that it is one of the very few in Africa that must be experienced by foot. There are no roads or other infrastructure within the park boundaries, and the only way in and out of the park is via boat on the lake. The Mahale mountains were traditionally inhabited by the Batongwe and Holoholo people. When the Mahale Mountains Wildlife Research Center was established in 1979 these people were expelled from
the mountains to make way for the park, which opened in 1985. The people had been highly attuned to the natural environment, living with virtually no impact on the ecology. The lake, with 250 species of tropical �ish, is perfect for snorkelling and �ishing, as well as kayaking. Pristine Africa at its wild best. Lake Vict oria
Serenget i N.P Ngor o Ngor o
Lake Manyara N.P Lake Tang anyika
Kiliman jaro N.P Arusha Tarang ire N.P
MAHALE MOUNTAINS Kat avi N.P
Z anz i bar
Ruah a N.P
Selous G .R
Lake Nyasa
T A N Z A N I A
A l a n d o f t r u l y i c o n i c n a m e s , Ta n z a n i a i s s t e e p e d i n r o m a n c e ; S e r e n g e t i , K i l i m a n j a r o a n d Z a n z i b a r. The African experience on a truly grand scale.
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country of exceptional geographic diversity, from the lofty heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in the world, to the rolling plains of the Serengeti and the tropical beach paradise of Zanzibar, the spice island.
Two of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas – the Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti – are located within Northern Tanzania and boast some of the largest concentration of game on the continent. The latter acts as a stage for one of the world’s natural wonders as close to 2,000,000 wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate through the Serengeti ecosystem annually. Also located here are the famous soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley, notably Lake Natron and Lake Manyara, which attract a multitude of �lamingoes every year. The lesser known areas of the Selous, Katavi, Ruaha and Mahale �launt an abundance of animals in the wildest possible settings. These areas exude an aura of untrammelled wilderness, conserved by limited accessibility and truly belong to the animals.
Mahale is situated on the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyike, the second deepest lake in the world and offers an exceptional opportunity to trek with wild chimpanzees in a Robinson Crusoe setting.
Tanzania is also home to some of the earliest known human development, it was at Olduavi Gorge that the Leakey family made revelatory anthropological discoveries and at Gombe Stream that Jane Goodall began to unlock the secrets of our cousins and our evolution.
The population of Tanzania is about 37 million, united by a shared experience of nationhood and a common language. Culturally rich, the Tanzanians are famed for their warmth, dignity and hospitality, from the Maasai in the north to the distinctly middle-eastern inspired Swahili culture of coastal Zanzibar.
“For the serious wildlife enthusiast, Tanzania should feature high on their list. The great Serengti migration, walking safaris in the Selous Game Reserve and the best chimpanzee sightings in Africa.”
Uganda Kenya Lake Victoria Rwanda Burundi
TANZANIA
Zanzibar
“ Q u i t e s i m p l y, i n c o m p a r a b l e ”
G R EYSTO KE
M A HAL E
O n e o f t h e m o s t r e m o t e d e s t i n a t i o n s i n A f r i c a , i n t h e w e s t o f Ta n z a n i a , G r e y s t o k e M a h a l e i s
only reachable through tailor made travel and is a luxury retreat for those more adventurous souls. Greystoke is a very special place and there is nowhere else like it in East Africa. Subtly positioned on a beautiful remote beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, with thick jungle behind disappearing into the misty mountains - this place will blow you away.
This National Park has no roads so all game activities are by foot or boat, which makes this a very different safari experience. The main attraction of Mahale is to visit the chimpanzees, but Mahale has so much more to offer; trekking on jungle walks to remote waterfalls deep in the jungle, kayaking to see the hippos, swimming in the crystal fresh water or even taking a sunset cruise on a dhow.
Greystoke Mahale has long been revered for it’s unique style, comfort and location. Interiors are fashioned from old dhow timber and the 6 open fronted bandas are set along the forest line, overlooking the lake with its own chill out deck.
The forest is home to 9 different species of primate, making for unique and excellent wildlife viewing, all from the prime position
of the afore mentioned chill out deck. The double storey mess area stands proud on the beach, with perfect vantage points on which to sit and enjoy the view.
Head off into the jungle in pursuit of Greystoke Mahale’s habituated chimpanzee group, as well as seeing a number of bird species, butter�lies, leopard, bushbuck and over 250 species of cyclid in the lake – snorkeling here is excellent.
This park is very remote and only accessible by light aircraft.
“ D e s i g n e d w i t h � l a i r,
generosity and passion for even the most
d e m a n d i n g C A S TA WAY.”
CHIM P
T REKK I N G
Chimpanzees, our closest cousins, are extremely endangered.
Trekking in the Mahale Mountains brings you up close and personal with these enchanting primates. Time spent in the company of the Mahale chimps is unlike game viewing anywhere else. The steady climb through the quiet of the forest to �ind them leaves time for the mind to wander and idly contemplate the streams, waterfalls and massive forest trees. But there’s a persistent frisson of suspense, heightened by occasional chimp calls echoing through the tree tops ahead…are they getting closer?
Head off on daily treks to discover incredible primates. Guided by trackers and scouts you will be divided into groups of six and hike the narrow mountain trails to �ind them. Once they have been located cherish your hour with them as they play together, irritate each other, frolic, eat, and engage with each other. Housing Tanzania’s densest population of primates, including yellow baboon, red colobus, red-tailed, vervet monkeys and playful chimpanzees in leafy trees make sure to look out for the different colours and markings as you hike through tangled foliage.
Get close enough to learn how to identify them as indiviudals by their markings, scars and other unique features that make them stand apart from the rest. This lifetime experience will allow you within a few feet of these amusing and very social apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities.
Please note: tracking chimpanzees may be fairly strenuous as the chimpanzees are highly mobile during the day.
“ Ye a r s a g o , t h e r e w a s a 2 0 %
chance of seeing chimpanzees in the wild, today because of this process it has increased t o o v e r 9 5 % .”
T A N Z A N I A
A l a n d o f t r u l y i c o n i c n a m e s , Ta n z a n i a i s s t e e p e d i n r o m a n c e ; S e r e n g e t i , K i l i m a n j a r o a n d Z a n z i b a r. The African experience on a truly grand scale.
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country of exceptional geographic diversity, from the lofty heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in the world, to the rolling plains of the Serengeti and the tropical beach paradise of Zanzibar, the spice island.
Two of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas – the Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti – are located within Northern Tanzania and boast some of the largest concentration of game on the continent. The latter acts as a stage for one of the world’s natural wonders as close to 2,000,000 wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate through the Serengeti ecosystem annually. Also located here are the famous soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley, notably Lake Natron and Lake Manyara, which attract a multitude of �lamingoes every year. The lesser known areas of the Selous, Katavi, Ruaha and Mahale �launt an abundance of animals in the wildest possible settings. These areas exude an aura of untrammelled wilderness, conserved by limited accessibility and truly belong to the animals.
Mahale is situated on the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyike, the second deepest lake in the world and offers an exceptional opportunity to trek with wild chimpanzees in a Robinson Crusoe setting.
Tanzania is also home to some of the earliest known human development, it was at Olduavi Gorge that the Leakey family made revelatory anthropological discoveries and at Gombe Stream that Jane Goodall began to unlock the secrets of our cousins and our evolution.
The population of Tanzania is about 37 million, united by a shared experience of nationhood and a common language. Culturally rich, the Tanzanians are famed for their warmth, dignity and hospitality, from the Maasai in the north to the distinctly middle-eastern inspired Swahili culture of coastal Zanzibar.
“For the serious wildlife enthusiast, Tanzania should feature high on their list. The great Serengti migration, walking safaris in the Selous Game Reserve and the best chimpanzee sightings in Africa.”
Uganda Kenya Lake Victoria Rwanda Burundi
TANZANIA
Zanzibar
“ Q u i t e s i m p l y, i n c o m p a r a b l e ”
K A T A V I
T h e f a r w e s t o f Ta n z a n i a i s h o m e t o o n e o f Ta n z a n i a ’ s l e s s e r k n o w n n a t i o n a l p a r k s , K a t a v i .
This western circuit is extremely remote, as a result few people make the effort to come here and so it has remained an untouched, unique experience, and absolutely worth visiting.
Katavi National Park, Tanzania’s third largest national park at 1.1 million acres, is the heart of one of the biggest and richest wildlife areas in Tanzania. Located along the rift escarpment in Western Tanzania, it offers incredible scenery including immense wetlands, roaring waterfalls and original miombo woodlands, where the sable antelopes often hide. During the dry season, huge herds of buffalo, zebra and impala gather with elephant, waterbuck and duiker around the drying water reserves. It also happens to be the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed
You can also observe many animals along the remaining pools of the Katuma River which are bursting with hippo and crocodile. Here, at these remaining water sources, the lion, leopard and wild dog can be found searching for their prey, watched by patiently waiting vulture which share the trees with �ish eagle, stork and vervet monkey. As soon as the �irst rains start, Katavi transforms again into a �lowering paradise with enormous swamps, lakes,
rivers and waterfalls, attracting incredible diversity of bird life.
an
Whilst in the area you can seek out the legendary tamarind tree, which is said to house the spirit of a great huntsman named Katabi. Here, you can place an offering at the base of the tree in memory of this exceptional hunter.
Lake Victoria
Gr umet i
Sereng et i N.P Kiliman jaro N.P Ngoro Ngor o Lake Manyara Lake Tang an yika
Tarang ire
Ar usha
Mahale Moun t ains
K ATAVI N. P
Z anz i bar
Ruah a N.P
Selous G .R
Lake Nyasa
CHA DA
KATAVI
Nestled under the mottled shade of large acacia and tamarind trees, on the edge of the scenic Chada �loodplain is the beautiful Chada Katavi – a secluded classic safari-styled camp in what is reputed to be one of the wildest places on Earth. The park centers on a series of wide �lood plains, blond with waist high grass in the early dry season, green and �looded like a mini Okavango after the rains. Water rapidly becomes a limited resource in Katavi during the dry season so animals of all kinds are drawn to the Katuma, Kavu and Kapapa Rivers. 6 beautifully furnished tents boast �ine wooden furniture, very comfortable beds, and a lovely bush bathroom set behind the tent. From its elevated vantage point, Chada Katavi offers breathtaking panoramic views, which can be enjoyed from the privacy of the tents or from the beautifully appointed dining area. Katavi National Park is home to a plethora of wildlife. Vast herds of buffalo, elephant and an assortment of stealthy predators are seen. Adventures include twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, and bush walks with an armed guide which will take you to the heart of Katavi’s untamed wilderness.
There's walking and then there's real walking; bush walking in a good pair of boots where you want to keep going on and on. Katavi makes you feel like this, it might be something to do with the endless plains around you and vast open skies. Not to mention what you might see whilst you're out there. Walk out to your �lycamp where you can spend a night out under the stars. You'll sleep in a mosquito netted tent, small but with enough room for a bedroll kitted out with soft mattress, sheets and a feather pillow. You'll sit down to a 3 course candlelit meal and a glass of chilled wine. This small, remote camp is a beautiful example of how, when it comes to a genuinely �ine safari experience, the luxurious and the authentic are by no means exclusive terms.
“The promise of Katavi T O TA L A B S O R P T I O N i n t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d .”
J A M E S
R O B E R T S O N
T h i r t y - � i v e y e a r s a f t e r l e a d i n g h i s � i r s t e x p e d i t i o n , J a m e s i s c h a i r m a n o f t h e b o a r d a t K e r & D o w n e y, and an in�luential leader of the new movement in community-led conservation.
Like the safari industry itself, James Robertson was born and raised in Kenya, where his appetite for adventure has earned him a reputation as one of the modern pioneers of the global safari business.
James’ dependability for never following the same itinerary twice, and for continually searching out new experiences for his clients, has won him admirers across the industry, as well as an army of repeat guests (including two families who have each travelled with him 26 times!). Among his long-standing Kenyan crew, he’s known as “Ndorobo” after the fabled hunter-gathers of northern Kenya – a tribe renowned for their resourceful bushcraft, and their complete absence of fear for wild animals. Although James’ �irst love and main base is Kenya, he is an “all-Africa guide” and just as likely to be found travelling through the game-rich parks, reserves and conservancies of eastern and southern Africa. In recent years, he has been supporting a number of Maasai and Samburu communities that have turned part of their grazing lands over to conservation – giving guests a chance to see some rarer wildlife species, and to experience an absolutely authentic immersion in two of the world’s oldest tribal cultures. In 2001, James was a founder of The Mara Conservancy, a ground-breaking and widely-admired partnership between conservationists and the county government, which established a new public-private template to protect the critical wildlife dispersal areas north of the Maasai Mara Reserve. He sits on the board of the (removed the MMWCT) Kenya Wildlife Trust , and his unrivalled contacts enable his guests to meet some of the leading conservationists and wildlife researchers in the world.
Having been raised on the edge of Kenya's largest National Park, Tsavo is close to James’ heart. His most recent focus is on protecting the last remaining Great Tuskers of which there are around 10 bulls each carrying in excess of 100lbs of ivory per side. He is working closely with the Tsavo Trust to protect these valuable elephants.
James and Abigail live within a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, where they host most of their guests personally. They work together as much as possible out on safari where their shared passions are apparent to anyone travelling with them.
R O B
J A N I S C H
African born and bred, Rob began his love affair of 'all things wild' as a young boy a childhood much of which was spent in the African wilderness. To d a y, R o b o f f e r s e x c l u s i v e , s p e c i a l i s t g u i d e d s a f a r i s a c r o s s t h e c o n t i n e n t . Rob obtained two very different degrees at university, one in the Arts and one in Biokinetics. Consequently his studies covered a wide range of subjects from Philosophy, English Literature & History of Art to Human Physiology & Anatomy.
Rob signed up as a guide at the renowned Mala Mala Game Reserve in the late nineties. It was here that he truly found his passion that was to become his vocation for the next 18 years: beating about the bush, introducing guests to the wild wonders of Africa, and developing a deep understanding of the genius of the natural world. More than anything, through blithe days spent in the bush, Rob was able to satisfy his spiritual needs unlike anything else he had encountered.
Over the years, Rob has worked as a guide, tourism consultant, biomimicry specialist, lodge manager & camp owner, and most recently guide trainer in Southern & East Africa. He has also endured more than his fair share of unbeaten paths across the continent (much to his elation!) Through his distinctive specialist safaris, Rob aims to provide a more holistic insight to the natural world. He encourages his guests to re-connect with their true human nature. As Rob says: "Coming from, and being part of the natural world means we should have a much deeper connect with things wild than perhaps we do currently. We can learn a whole lot more from it all than perhaps we are doing at the moment; learnings that could help keep us on this planet for a little longer as a species…"
Rob's fascination with all things living has led him to be inspired by the emerging science of Biomimicry, a subject around which he has become an African �ield specialist and on which he consults & presents to large organizations & institutions across the region. Rob also hosts & facilitates specialist Genius of Nature expeditions in living laboratories around Africa. “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” ~ Albert Einstein
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J RS A FA R I S
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