L I S A & DA I S Y, SHE I L A & N I AL L SA FA R I I T I N E R ARY
TAN Z AN IA & RWAN DA 1 5 th - 2 0 th JU N E 2 0 1 8
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
SIRINGIT - KIGALI SERENA - THE BISHOPS HOUSE - KIGALI SERENA - OWN PLANS - SIRINGIT A R U S H A - K I G A L I - V O L C A N O E S N A T I O N A L PA R K - K I G A L I - O W N P L A N S - A R U S H A
15th June 2018 - ARUSHA
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by your guide, Andreas Fox and transferred to Siringit for one night.
16th June 2018 - KIGALI
Today you will �ly NW across Lake Victoria and Uganda to Rwanda, home of the Mountain Gorillas. You will have tonight in Rwanda’s capital - Kigali, at the Serena Hotel. You will have time in the afternoon to visit the Genocide Memorial and local markets.
1 7 t h & 1 8 t h J u n e 2 0 1 8 - V O L C A N O E S N A T I O N A L PA R K
After breakfast you will drive north to Volcanoes National Park and stay at Bishop’s House for two nights. You will trek twice to see the Mountain Gorillas.
19th June 2018 - KIGALI
After your second trek you will return to Kigali by road and have one more night at the Serena Hotel.
2 0 t h J u n e 2 0 1 8 - T R A V E L D AY T O M WA N Z A
You will �ly early from Kigali to Mwanza, on the shores of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Here you will be met and continue with your own plans.
2 7 t h J u n e 2 0 1 8 - T R A V E L D AY T O A R U S H A
Today you will �ly back to Arusha from Mwanza and you’ll have the rest of the day to relax back at Siringit in comfort before 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 ”
A R U S H A
At an elevation of 1400m, at the foot of the Southern slopes of Mt. Meru, Arusha enjoys a mild climate, crowned by crisp, clear mornings
w h i c h o f f e r b r e a t h t a k i n g v i e w s o f t h e c r a g g y p e a k s f o r m i n g t h e c i t y ’ s l o f t y s e n t r y. As the largest city within Tanzania and the capital of the Arusha region, Arusha possesses over 20% of the region’s population.
Arusha’s favourable location on an edge of the eastern extension of the Great Rift Valley with close proximity to some of Africa’s greatest wildlife parks and acclaimed landscapes, has gained it a reputation as a central hub, both for safari connoisseurs and those new to Africa’s natural world and its enthralling experiences. The city also draws individuals of political signi�icance as it is presently regarded as the de-facto capital of the East African Community. A once garrison town in the early 1900’s, Arusha’s history of German colonialism and shortly after British in�iltration after the German East African expulsion, has �lavoured it with touches of European culture. From architectural structures including the Arusha Clock Tower to cuisine, Arusha houses an amalgamation of diverse nationalities with an African majority and signi�icant numbers of Arab, Indian, European and American citizens.
Known as the safari capital of Africa, Arusha is a launching point from which to explore the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Great Migration, the lush paradise of the Ngorongoro Crater, as well as Lake Manyara,
Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro. Arusha also possesses its own beauty; the Arusha National Park provides safari viewing with leopard, hyena, giraffe and buffalo, and hikes up Mt Meru offer viewing opportunities of over 380 bird species and 350 vascular plants. Fashioned by the hands of diverse cultures, Arusha provides a doorway to a bustling patchwork city and a panorama of iconic African destinations. Lake Vict oria
Seren g et i N.P
Ngor o Ngoro Lake Manyara Lake Tang an yika
Taran g ire
Kiliman jaro N.P
ARUSHA
Mahale Moun t ains
Kat avi N.P
Z anz i bar
Ruah a N.P
Selous G .R
Lake Nyasa
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 .”
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
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 .”
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 its plethora of inhabitants – Most notably, the endangered Mountain Gorillas. The Bishop’s House sits in the rich Suburbs of Musanze, tucked away from the freezing weather of Virunga Mountains, only 17 KMs and 25 Minutes drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters. The House boasts of its location; as the main access point for travelers wanting to explore Volcanoes National Park; yet with the ultimate comfort of high end and Modern Boutique facilities. sts of nearby Volcanoes National Park.
This 9 roomed boutique hotel is fashioned to give high end professional services and products with a blend of the local culture experience, �lora and fauna. Each room is furnished in classic style of Modern Boutique Hotel, with large antique four-poster beds, hard wood �inishing’s offset by modern and en-suite bathrooms
home to the mountain gorillas.
with hot showers, DSTV, Mini Bar, tea/coffee making facilities and high speed Wi-Fi on the entire property. The interiors are designed to feel quite grand and 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. Aside from tracking 1 of the 10 habituated gorilla groups, other attractions include Iby’wacu cultural village, the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, the lava tunnels of the Musanze Caves, Dian Fossey’s grave, and even seeing the endemic golden monkey.
“Ideally located, a comfortable, perfect base
f o r a G o r i l l a s a f a r i .”
A N D R E A S
F O X
Born and raised in Kenya, Andreas is a young and highly quali�ied guide
who has earned a reputation as one of the new generation of experts in his �ield. Andreas Fox has been organizing and guiding safaris since he was a teenager. Somehow, he ended up qualifying as a lawyer in the United Kingdom, but it was the bush and desire to get into formal conservation work that lured him back.
His career began on a research project in the Greater Kruger conservation area, studying big cats. In the years of tracking, monitoring and collecting data on cheetah, leopard and lion, Andreas went onto managing a variety of research sites across South Africa. All the while, he was privately self-studying the Southern African guiding quali�ications and would guide trips whenever he could. In his time off, Andreas would join guiding mentors on week-long wilderness trails in the famed Makuleke section of northern Kruger National Park. It was there and across the Limpopo River, in eastern Botswana, that he cut his teeth as a quali�ied walking ‘Trails’ guide, with a special af�inity for elephants. From initial invitations as a specialist guide and guest lecturer at �ield guiding schools, Andreas eventually moved into teaching full-time – speci�ically the Field Guide Association of South Africa curriculum and training prospective walking guides.
Ultimately, the desire to come home to Kenya got the better of him. In the years since, Andreas has been active in the merging of Kenyan and Southern African guiding principles. When not training, he began guiding more regularly and exploring conservation stories for his environmental writing hobby. In 2016, Andreas was invited to join Ker & Downey Safaris as an associate. Developing a reputation for conservation-themed safaris, he takes all his guests on holistic adventures, across sub-Saharan Africa. He will always try to get people out on foot too, be it to safely track and approach game, explore nuances of an ecosystem or immerse in the local culture.
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J R S 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