P R A M O D BHAS I N & F R I E N DS SA FA R I I T I N E R A RY
TAN Z AN IA & ZAN Z IBAR 2 2 nd SEP TEMBER - 4 th OCTOBER 2 0 1 9
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
L E G E N DA RY C O F F E E L O D G E - G R E Y S TO K E ’ S M A H A L E - C H A DA C A M P - X A NA D U A R U S H A - M A H A L E - K A TA V I - Z A N Z I B A R
22nd September 2019: ARUSHA
On arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to Legendary Coffee Lodge for one night.
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 shared charter south, 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.
30th September - 3rd October 2019: ZANZIBAR
We will �ly you by private charter to the idyllic Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar for some relaxation at the end of your safari. You will be based at Xanadu for four nights, from where you can explore both land and ocean or just relax.
4 t h O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9 : T R A V E L D AY
We will transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport in time for your �light on Qatar which leaves late afternoon.
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 .”
Z A N Z I B A R
S o m e 8 0 k i l o m e t r e s o f f t h e Ta n z a n i a n c o a s t , a n d 6 ° s o u t h o f t h e e q u a t o r i n t h e I n d i a n O c e a n , l i e s t h e t r o p i c a l i d y l l o f Z a n z i b a r, t h e l a r g e s t a n d m o s t f a m o u s o f Ta n z a n i a ' s S p i c e I s l a n d s , with endless miles of white sand beaches. Aside the obvious attraction of blindingly white beaches and azure seas, the added attraction of Zanzibar is Stone Town, with its old world charm still very much intact. You’ll be transported through the centuries – to ancient Persia and tales of Shirazi merchants, to the courts of Swahili princes and Omani sultans, to the west coast of India, with its heavily laden scents. For over 2,000 years the monsoon winds have shaped the landscape and culture of these islands. Stone Town’s Indo-Arabian architecture provides an exotic urban backdrop for elderly men playing bao (a traditional board game) while women in their bui-bui (Islamic cover-alls) pause to chat.
The country is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, comprised of more than 50 small islands, the 2 large ones being the main island Unguja, and Pemba. These islands are colloquially known as the Spice Islands, a hub for spice merchants and intrepid explorers but a new wave of upscale luxury resorts has transformed Zanzibar into a destination for travellers seeking 5 star comforts, as well. The larger islands are lush and highly fertile and everywhere the air is suffused with the aroma of fruit and spices: it's an intoxicating, exotic atmosphere.
The beaches are stunning, with powdery white sand, shaded by palm trees. The clear turquoise sea is great for swimming at high tide, and venture further out into the sparkling water and you'll �ind coral reefs for great snorkelling and diving. Low tide beckons beach combers. Spend a day getting lost in the windy cobbled streets past old merchants houses, enjoying the street markets and mixing with the locals.
March through May is the monsoon season, the rest of the time it is an equatorial paradise. Lake Victoria
Gr umet i
Sereng et i N.P Kiliman jaro N.P Ngoro Ngor o Lake Manyara Lake Tang an yika
Ar usha
Tarangire
Mahale Moun t ains Kat avi N.P
Z ANZIB A R
Ruaha N.P
Selous G.R
Lake Nyasa
X A NA D U
There is simply nowhere like it, Xanadu lives up to it’s name and is a coastal eutopia. L u x u r y, e l e g a n c e , p r i v a c y a n d b e a u t y.
Xanadu Villas & Retreat is an experience, a lifestyle, an awakening of what life can be, what it should be. It exceeds tranquility, luxury and expectation. Six uncompromising villas surrounding a pool area so magical it excites images of African and Arabian folklore and a private beach with the warm Indian Ocean a few short steps from each villa.
At Xanadu Villas & Retreat our philosophy is simple and focused – celebrate life! Here guests enjoy All Inclusive exceptional cuisine prepared by our international chef and private butlers who will be there to assist throughout the duration of your stay. For the adventurous, Xanadu’s helpful staff can arrange a variety of excursions around the island. We �irmly believe that to truly settle into the pace of Zanzibar, one must �ind their own rhythm in time with the waves. Xanadu Villas and Retreat is devoted to providing a culinary safari for our guests. Your itinerary will be �illed with sightings of dishes native to the Swahili culture and familiar favorites that visit our shores for rare cameo appearances of unpretentious luxury.
Our produce is always fresh, sustainably sourced and expertly prepared with affection.
Our on-site activities manager can arrange a variety of watersport activities or excursions around the island. Guided activities including sea kayaking, snorkelling and Sup boarding from Xanadu’s beach are included. In our private Kiota Spa guests can indulge in various treatments to feel completely renewed and refreshed.
“ To t a l h e a v e n -
and the perfect end to a safari”
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
W W W. K E R D O W N E Y S A FA R I S . C O M