F O R D FA M I LY SA FA R I I T I N E R A RY
TAN Z AN IA 2 4 th D ECEMBER 2 0 1 7 to 1 s t JAN UARY 2 0 1 8
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
S I R I N G I T - N G O R N G O R O C R A T E R L O D G E - N YA R U S W I G A - S AYA R I - S I R I N G I T
A R U S H A - N G O R O N G O R O C R AT E R - C E N T R A L S E R E N G E T I - N O RT H E R N S E R E N G E T I - A R U S H A
24th December 2017: Arusha; Siringit On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to Siringit for one night.
25th December 2017: Ngorongoro; Ngorongoro Crater Lodge After breakfast you will �ly by private charter west, over the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment landing at Manyara. From here you will be drive up the crater to the rim where you will �ind Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. You will arrive in time for lunch. You will have an afternoon game drive in the crater with the golden light of the late afternoon. You will be based here for one night.
26th - 28th December 2017: Central Serengeti; Nyaruswiga You’ll have another game drive in the crater this time in the early morning light which lends a different atmosphere and during which the game behaves differently. You’ll meet Phil Mathews at the Ngorongoro air�ield and then by helicopter you will explore the Crater Highlands, the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and the �lamingo fringed Lake Natron. You will then head west, over the drammatic Gol Mountains and into the vastness of the Serengeti Plains. You’ll �ly over the wildebeest migration en route to the central Serengeti. Here you will be based the the beautiful Nyaruswiga camp for three nights. 29th - 31st December 2017: Northern Serengeti; Sayari After breakfast on 29th December we will �ly up to the northern Serengeti and up to the Mara River. Here the wildlife will be more diverse than in the centre and you’ll have fabulous carnivour viewing. You will be based at Sayari for three nights. 1st January 2018: Arusha; Siringit and travel home After a leisurely start you will return to Arusha by private charter and we have booked Siringit for you for the remainder of your last day. You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your �light home.
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 ”
SIRING IT
Siringit is the Maasai word for ‘endless plains’ or ‘the place where the land runs forever’ Nestled between the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, both of which are clearly visible from the property on a clear day, Siringit Kilimanjaro Golf and Safari Retreat is not far from Kilimanjaro Airport and therefore ideally located for your �irst or last night of safari. Siringit is a luxury 6 bedroom villa for exclusive use located on Kilimanjaro Golf Retreat. The spacious and elegant property, overlooking the greens, is meant to give friends or families that unique experience that can only be rivaled by the most secluded and high end tented camps.
The spacious and exquisitely decorated bedrooms, each with its own private ensuite bathroom, have been designed to meet the requirements of the most discerning of visitors. All rooms can be con�igured as either doubles, twins or even triples and include a tastefully decorated sitting area. 5 of the rooms have luxurious soaking tubs and all have walk-in ‘rain’ showers. As you would expect in a property of this standard,
‘his’ and ‘her’ wash-hand-basins, comfortable bathrobes, hairdryers and in-room safes are all included as part of the accommodation. The gorgeous living room, the �ine dining area, the breakfast room, the outside terraces, the lush gardens and the heated in�inity pool all combine to guarantee a highly enjoyable stay in Arusha. The estate is also home to a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife which can be enjoyed during leisurely walks from the villa. More adventurous guests can either take advantage of Siringit’s ‘mountain bikes’ to fully explore the estate and discover the beautiful landscapes that lie beyond the Golf course or even opt to do so on horse-back.
“ Ta s t e f u l l y a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l l y decorated to feel like
a s t y l i s h c o u n t r y e s t a t e .”
N G O R O N G O R O
C R A T E R
Stunning ethereal blue-green vistas are seen from above,
below grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodland and mountains – a haven for wildlife. The steep slopes of an ancient, extinct volcano in Northern Tanzania, covered with a tangle of wild plants betray little of what lies inside the crater walls. The silence of the thin air at about 5,400 feet above sea level is only broken by the rustle of leaves as a breeze through the warm air rises from the surrounding plains and over the edge into the watery blue African sky. On the crest of the crater the landscape changes dramatically. 1,800 feet below you can see the giant, pastel-colored, �lat bowl which forms the crater �loor. At �irst it is dif�icult to get used to the staggering dimensions of the crater. The only landmarks are the thin lines of the rivers that make their way to the crater Lake. The crater �loor is dotted dark, only when the spots in these ever changing formations begin to move, it is clear what they really are - thousands of grazing wildebeest and zebra. In the shallow crater lake you can see huge �locks of �lamingo.
This is the Ngorongoro crater.
Drive among an unparalleled concentration of wildlife, including one of the highest density of both lions and overall predators in Africa. This is one of Africa's premier attractions and this world-renowned natural wonder is deservedly a Unesco World Heritage Site. Lake Vict oria
Serenget i N.P
NGOR O NGOR O
Lake Manyara N.P Lake Tang anyika
Kilimanjaro N.P Arusha
Taran g ire N.P
Mahale Mount ains Kat avi N.P
Zanz i bar
Ruah a N.P
Selous G .R
Lake Nyasa
N GORONG O RO
C RATE R
LO DG E
O c c u p y i n g a s p e c t a c u l a r s p o t r i g h t o n t h e r i m o f t h e C r a t e r, N g o r o n g o r o C r a t e r L o d g e i s u n d o u b t e d l y one of the most opulent lodges in Africa, a game lodge at the top of the world.
Between the natural riches of the crater spread out at its feet and the amazing architecture, it’s easy to believe that you have entered a realm of pure fantasy. One can be forgiven for losing track of which era, or even continent, they are experiencing at Crater Lodge. Nowhere else on the Earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque chateau - brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and panelled walls - and be instantly transported into one of the most famous African landscapes with just one glance out the window. Stilted suites with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs provide an intimate and exclusive crater experience. There are 3 camps each with its own sitting and dining areas and private butlers who provide a warm, personal service.
An eclectic blend of elegant teak panelling, Victorian furnishings and whimsical African touches creates a sumptuous atmosphere
that is as elegant and unique as the crater itself. Leather chairs recline in front of a lit �ire place and raw silk curtains screen a private veranda. Even the gigantic bathtub is set under a hand-beaded chandelier. With ever-changing views as mists swirl and clouds scurry over the huge wildlife cauldron, Versailles meets Maasai and makes Crater Lodge a truly breathtaking safari experience.
“Everything is chosen to
D E L I G H T t h e I M A G I N AT I O N
and enhance the spectacular views of the magni�icent s u r r o u n d i n g s .”
H E L I C O P T E R
S A F A R I
There is simply no better way to explore, reach places otherwise completely inaccessible and see Africa from the air than with a helicopter!
Phil Mathews is one of our country’s most experienced helicopter pilots. Now hold on to your hats because the fun really starts now! The versatility of these extraordinary machines mean that we have access to areas unreachable by road, and of course an overview of the migration otherwise unappreciable from ground level. THE CRATER HIGHLANDS In stark contrast to the dry country in the �loor of the Rift Valley, the Crater Highlands are lush and forested. In the highest parts “cloud forest” is draped over the volcanic peaks and giant lichen or “Old Man’s Beard” hangs from the trees. Ten volcanoes make up the highlands, some have beautiful crater lakes.
LAKE NATRON One of the World’s largest soda lakes, this vast area of shallow water is constantly evaporating to produce a soda crust. The briny waters are home to thousands of �lamingos – indeed this is one of the few places where they nest – far out in the centre of the lake where predators cannot reach.
OLDOINYO LENGAI This sacred mountain is the only active volcano in the Eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. This extraordinary volcano is the World’s only active natrocarbonatite volcano, the highly �luid lavas chemically resembling washing soda. Phil can �ly you to the summit of the Maasai “Mountain of God” where you can look into the active crater.
SERENGETI PLAINS The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth. The essential features of climate, vegetation and fauna have barely changed in the past million years. Some patterns of life, death, adaptation and migration are as old as the hills themselves. It is the migration for which Serengeti is perhaps most famous. Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras �low south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains every October and November, and then swirl west and north after the long rains in April, May and June.
S E R E N G E T I
If there is such a thing as the ultimate safari destination, then it has to be the Serengeti National Park. T h e r e a r e b i g g e r, w i l d e r, m o r e r e m o t e a r e a s i n A f r i c a , b u t t h e S e r e n g e t i s p e a k s t o s o m e t h i n g i n t h e e v o l u t i o n a r y m e m o r y. There are other places in Africa that offer the far reaching plains that so many people associate with the classic African safari. The Serengeti has the endless plains, the great herds, the �lat-topped acacias, the gallery forest along the river, but for some reason here they all hark back to our hominid past and our hunting instincts. In this wild and open country you feel you could drive forever and never have enough of it.
Expect some wet weather in December, as the short rains begin to fall in the Central Serengeti, but you can still track herds of wildbeest. Having emerged from the northern woodlands, the herds will move quicker now, as far south as possible, towards the Southern Plains which they usually reach within a couple of days. The herds return past Seronera to mass on their calving grounds again, between January and March the calves are born and there is nowhere on Earth so vibrantly alive. Out on the plains the light is dazzling. Colossal thunderheads trail shawls of rain across horizons wider than the sea, and wherever you look there are animals. The wildebeest chase the rains in a race for life. Every year they journey many thousands of kilometres. From December through to the end of May they are generally in the Eastern and Southern Serengeti.
During June, July and August they move west and north ultimately crossing the border into Kenya where they feed on the lush grass of the Maasai Mara until November when they start to head south again. In the Serengeti from June through November, the plains are dry and the great herds gone. This is the time when the resident animals converge around waterholes and marshes elephants, giraffes, impalas, every kind of cat, a profusion of birds. Wet season or dry, there's lots to see, and you'll never feel just one of a herd. Lake Victoria
Gr umet i
S ER ENGET 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 anz i bar
Ruah a N.P
Selous G.R
Lake Nyasa
N YA RU S W I G A
CAM P
An ultra luxurious safari camp beautifully situated in the pristine woodlands of the Nyaruswiga, o v e r l o o k i n g t h e r o l l i n g g r a s s l a n d s o f C e n t r a l S e r e n g e t i i n Ta n z a n i a .
Uniquely located in the heart of the Serengeti and surrounded by breathtaking views of endless plains that are embraced by the Nyaruswiga Hills, this magical destination provides an almost surreal backdrop for the more than 1 million animals annually migrating through its valley. What better way to experience natures spectacle than from your bedroom deck in this intimate camp. This beautiful valley-like area is also blessed with a permanent source of drinking water, the Seronera River, which keeps this area incredibly rich in wildlife throughout the year. Propped up by poles made from solid African Eucalyptus wood, and capped with the most elegant brass crown be�itting royalty, the upscale canvas tents were designed to incorporate luxury into an exciting safari camping experience that takes you back to a bygone era, using only eco-friendly materials. Nyaruswiga has 13 tents, each out�itted with European oak �loors in the bedrooms and teak �loors in the bathroom. Additionally, the tents each
have a walk-in closest, handmade custom furnishings, emperor-sized beds, a pillow menu, wood burning �ire stove, handmade hammer copper bathtub, in-room brass and leather bar, indoor/outdoor shower, 24-hour power and hot water supplied by solar hybrid systems, toothbrushes made of bamboo, razors with wooden handles, recycled vanity bags, and a private veranda with a daybed. In between your exciting daily activities, relax in the lounge area, have a glass of the world’s �inest wine at the private bar, indulge yourself with a massage, cool off in the plunge pool in the heat of the day, and at night make use the of the jacuzzi. Nyaruswiga’s dining experience is creative and worthy of its setting, from mouth-watering meals to delicate desserts and delicious snacks. At last, stargaze the African skies using a Dobsonian telescope on the astral observation deck before being escorted to your lavish tent.
“It is everything it says it is, a n d m o r e . . .”
S AYA R I
Swahili for universe or planet,
Sayari Camp encapsulates the majesty of the Serengeti’s extensive plains in its name. Situated in Northern Serengeti within the heart of Northern Tanzania, the undulating terrain is marked by acacia woodlands, vast grass plains and the �lowing waters of the Mara River on its journey from the Kenyan Highlands.
There are 15 luxury tan-coloured canvas tents are dotted across the grassland, scattered with thorn trees providing dappled shade. Within the palatial tents, dark wooden decking, cream canvassed walls and woven grass baskets provide an atmosphere of base serenity. Incredible views of the plains and passing giraffe may be taken in from either the decadent �loating bath in the ensuite bathroom or from the private veranda. The main camp hosts a bar, library and vast lounge area with sleek �inishes, carved wood and rounded grass furniture, whilst the cool waters of the in�inity pool and the luxurious spa facility are available for revitalisation. Dining is an elegant affair, the excellent cuisine enjoyed indoors or alfresco to the cacophonous calls of hyena.
Whether by foot or open game vehicle, the land offers year round bird and animal viewing, including high predator activity with hyena, lion, cheetah and leopard as well as herds of buffalo, the lumbering forms of elephant, black rhino and various antelope. A highlight at Sayari includes partaking in a lavish bush breakfast whilst viewing the wonder of the Great Migration in season. Of the 1 million wildebeest, thousands may be viewed crossing the Mara River, each leaping to avoid the awaiting jaws of keen crocodiles – a true sight to behold.
“Surrounded by a
veritable vista of
Ta n z a n i a n M A J E S T Y, Sayari offers
the ultimate luxurious
t e n t e d c a m p e x p e r i e n c e .”
K E R
&
D O W N E Y
“ S o m e t h i n k t h e b e s t l a r g e - s c a l e o p e r a t i o n a f t e r t h e w a r…
was the one launched over a drink or two on the veranda of the Imperial Hotel in Addis Ababa” – Bartle Bull, Safari: A Chronicle of Adventure, 1
Like so many great ventures, Ker & Downey Safaris was born from a chance encounter. Donald Ker and Syd Downey, two big game hunters from Kenya, had been �ighting with the British in Ethiopia shortly before the fall of Addis Ababa in 1941. Syd had just been released by the Italians and was celebrating at a local hotel when he bumped into Donald Ker. With one car and a lot of bravura, the pair made a plan to establish “the best safari company the world has ever known”.
and 70’s, the company continued to grow – extending its reach across southern Africa, east to the jungles of Congo, and north into the deserts of Ethiopia and Sudan. By 1977, when hunting was of�icially banned in Kenya, K&D had transformed itself into the leading provider of customised mobile photographic safaris in Africa.
In 1962, shortly before Kenya’s Independence, Ker & Downey spread its wings to Botswana, with Harry Selby and a couple of other guides offering safaris in this ‘new’, uncharted corner of Africa. Through the 60’s
“Because we’ve been doing
It was not until January 1946 that Syd and Donald, newly discharged from the army, took out their �irst safari. They were hired to run a camp in the Maasai Mara for the production of “The Macomber Affair”, the United Artists blockbuster starring Gregory Peck and Joan Bennett. It was the beginning of a long love affair with Hollywood, which would see “K&D” out�it some of the biggest �ilms ever to come out of Africa.
Today, Ker & Downey is celebrated as the longest-existing safari out�itter in the world, and the standard-bearer for unsurpassed luxury in some of its last great wild places. So successful has the “K&D” name been that it has been brazenly borrowed by a number of copycat companies in Africa and the West. Yet to this day, no one has come close to emulating the luxurious standards, the rich experiences, or the peerless guiding of “The Original Ker & Downey Safaris”.
t h i s f o r 7 0 y e a r s . . .”
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.
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