SPE NCER & AN N E - MA R I E ’ S H O N E Y M O O N SA FA R I I T I N E R A RY 3
RWAN DA & TAN Z AN IA 2 1 s t D e c e mbe r 2 0 1 7 6 th Ja nu a r y 2 0 1 8
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
K I G A L I S E R E N A - S A B I N Y O - K I G A L I S E R E N A - T H E M A N O R - N YA R U S W I G A - N A M I R I P L A I N S - S AYA R I - Z A WA D I
KIGALI - VOLCANOES NP - KIGALI - NGORONGORO - SERENGETI - ZANZIBAR
D AY 1 : 2 1 s t D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 : K I G A L I
On arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be transferred to the Kigali Serena for one night.
D AY S 2 & 3 : 2 2 n d & 2 3 r d D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 : V O L C A N O E S N P
After breakfast you will be driven north to Volcanoes National Park. You will be based at Sabinyo Silverback Lodge and trek twice to see the magni�icent mountain gorillas.
D AY 4 : 2 4 t h D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 : K I G A L I
After your second trek you will return to Kigali, you’ll have time to visit the Genocide memorial if you wish, or shop and then will have one more night at Kigali Serena.
D AY 5 : 2 5 t h D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 : N G O R O N G O R O C R A T E R
This morning you will �ly very early from Kigali to Manyara and then drive up to Ngorongoro Crater. You’ll have one night at the Manor and will visit the crater twice.
D AY S 6 & 7 : 2 6 t h & 2 7 t h D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 : C E N T R A L S E R E N G E T I
You will drive down from the crater to the Central Serengeti game viewing all the way, you will have two nights at stunning Nyaruswiga Camp.
D AY S 8 & 9 : 2 8 t h & 2 9 t h D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 : E A S T E R N S E R E N G E T I
Today you drive across the plains to the Eastern Serengeti and you will have two nights at Namiri Plains camp where the big cat viewing is incredible.
D AY S 1 0 - 1 2 : 3 0 t h D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 - 1 s t J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 : N O R T H E R N SERENGETI Today we �ly you north up to where the Mara River �lows from Kenya into Tanzania, here the wildlife is as diverse as any you will see. You will have three nights at Sayari Camp.
D AY S 1 3 - 1 6 : 2 n d - 5 t h J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 : Z A N Z I B A R
We will �ly you down to the Indian Ocean and you will have a luxurious and well deserved four nights at Zawadi on Zanzibar.
D AY 1 7 : 6 t h J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 ; T R A V E L D AY
You will have most of the day still at Zawadi and will �ly out after lunch to Dar es Salaam where you wil connect onto your international �light home.
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
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
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 .”
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
SA BY INYO
The lodge, situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas
affords wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located on the northwest edge of Rwanda, bordering the Parc National des Volcans. The lodge is owned by a community trust and re-invests capital into further conservation and protection initiatives within the park. Only moments away from the trailheads, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provides the intrepid trekker with a prime location from which to start their gorilla journey – a rare and emotional experience shared with these magni�icent mountain creatures in their natural environment. While the gorillas are the main draw, this area offers other incredible experiences that revolve around trekking and primates – the golden monkey trek allows time spent with these playful and inquisitive subspecies as they frolic on the forest �loor and between the bamboo branches. For a more demanding trek, the Karisoke Research Centre, nestled between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke, is the world’s centerpiece for the study and protection of the mountain gorilla founded by Dian Fossey.
The lodge itself is surrounded by 27 acres of landscaped gardens, a setting guaranteed to keep avid bird enthusiast entertained with 650 bird species in the area. Constructed with stylish contemporary Rwandese �lavour, the main area is built from local stone and houses a bar, dining room and library leading out to extensive decking, ideal for relaxation after a hard day’s trekking. The 5 private cottages are folded into the hills and trees, each with a private veranda, ensuite bathroom and sitting room with a cosy �ireplace that wards off the evening chill. Elegant yet homely, Sabyinyo is designed to relax, refresh and rejuvenate amidst inescapable scenic beauty.
“Dramatic. Thrilling. Poignant.
The wildlife experience o f a L I F E T I M E .”
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 .”
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 ”
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
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
THE MANOR AT NGORONGORO
The Manor is reminiscent of a lavish up-country farm home in the Cape Dutch-style of architecture, a n e l e g a n t v e n u e f r o m w h i c h t o e x p l o r e t h e f a m e d N g o r o n g o r o C r a t e r.
The Manor at Ngorongoro, with its 9 luxurious cottages (18 Suites), family cottage, and magni�icent main Manor House, is one of the �irst safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor. Located adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro conservation area and within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate, you will be welcomed into an impressive entrance hall, utilizing period-style furnishing and �inishes to perpetuate the elevated colonial charm. An art gallery, game room and piano lounge rounds out the main building.
Each of 18 Manor Cottage Suites has its own private entrance and adjoining private sun terrace, surrounded by manicured gardens. A double open-fronted log-burning �ireplace divides a room interior that mirrors the traditional Cape Dutch architecture. At 7500 feet, at certain times of the year, this area can be very cloudy in the mornings, but this is no doubt one of the reasons the extensive gardens are so fertile and lush. The ensuite bath and shower room possesses a Victorian-style claw-footed bath
as well as twin vanity basins and large ‘rainfall’ shower.
Meals are taken in the formal dining room, the conservatory, or privately in the guest cottages, lunch can even be served under canopy at one of the picnic areas in the Crater. African-inspired fare is complemented by a selection of �ine wine from the manor’s own cellar.
The Manor has easy access to both the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its �lamingos. A luxurious safari base, with a full spa, swimming pool and stable of horses to explore the surrounding coffee plantations and countryside. The Manor also arranges special picnics and sun downers within the estate, and coffee tours for those interested in learning more about Tanzania’s famous coffee trade.
“Step back in time
t o a n a g e o f g r a n d e u r. . .”
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 . . .”
NA M IRI
PLAI NS
Fo r 2 0 ye a r s , t h e g ra s s l a n d s o f t h e E a s te r n S e re n g e t i we re c l o s e d to to u r i s t s to a l l ow t h e c h e e t a h p o p u l a t i o n t o r e p l e n i s h i t s e l f . To d a y, t h i s i s b i g - c a t t e r r i t o r y and undoubtedly offers East Africa’s best cheetah viewing opportunities. Namiri Plains is a relatively new property set in the remote eastern corner of the Serengeti where the southern short grass meets the acacia woodland. The Ngare Nanyuki underground river creates pockets of permanent water that support year-round game concentrations like big cats and accompanying carnivores. The plains are dotted with dramatic rocky outcrops and the sunrises over the magni�icent Barafu Kopjes to the east of the camp, never fail to impress. Namiri Plains camp was created for real safari enthusiasts wanting a high level of comfort in secluded surroundings and a deeper more intense wildlife experience. Tucked away in a corner of fever trees, this small and exclusive camp has terri�ic views over the endless sweeping plains that surround it. The standard of comfort you enjoy at Namiri Plains is nothing short of luxurious. The 8 traditional safari tents offer crisp linen, spacious verandas ensuite bathrooms
and super soaking bucket showers, snug beds and a well-stocked bar. All one could wish for.
You can expect the kind of cooking that when enjoyed under a glittering canopy of African stars, will remain with you forever. Explore the Namiri plains on daily game drives and enjoy alfresco breakfast picnics on top of Soil Le Motonyi rock or sundowners on top of a kopje.
“Expansive views, serious comfort,
exceptional privacy and U N R I VA L L E D s i g h t i n g s .”
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 .”
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
Z A W A D I
H O T E L
The small boutique hotel is located on the south east coast of the island with understated extravagance and tremendous views, enjoying stunning sunrises and dhows sailing past on the horizon.
Zawadi Hotel is part of The Zanzibar Collection of prestigious hotels and resorts, which all share a reputation for excellence in service and good food. The hotel is approximately an hour’s drive from the airport, and sits atop a cliff with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see. Its tropical gardens are �illed with coconut palms and lush vegetation, both of which create a relaxing environment to unwind in. This is a place with no dress code, a place with a relaxed atmosphere and understated elegant beach décor. The coral cliff recedes in the middle leaving a picturesque tranquil cove below, where, even during low tide, there is always water in the lagoon for swimming and snorkelling.
With only 9 villas, there is plenty of privacy and space. Entered through sliding glass doors, all rooms have double beds, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms featuring a rain shower and freestanding bathtub. The terrace is framed by palms and
bougainvillea and present an elegant design which embraces a light and airy beach theme and a neutral palette of pale creams and greys.
For the divers, this is paradise and can be easily arranged on site. Boat trips for snorkelling, sailing and kite sur�ing can all be organised through the sister hotel just 2 kilometres down the beach. For the explorers, a Mangrove Forest lies 10 minutes away and worth visiting to see some coastal wildlife.
The Drift Wood Dining Room serves only the freshest produce from the island, combining seafood with local herbs and spices to offer you an abundance of choice for your meals.
“Sspend your days strolling along luscious white sand
and snorkelling straight from t h e b e a c h .”
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