T H U K R AL SA FA R I I TI N E R ARY
TAN Z AN IA 2 2 nd MARCH 1 s t AP RIL 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 O N G O R O C R A T E R L O D G E - S E R E N G E T I S A FA R I C A M P - N YA R U S W I G A - S AYA R I
A R U S H A - N G O R O N G O R O C R AT E R - S O U T H E R N S E R E N G E T I - 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 22nd MARCH 2018: ARUSHA
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to Siringit, a beautiful boutique hotel between Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. You’ll be here for one night.
2 3 r d & 2 4 t h M A R C H 2 0 1 8 : N G O R O N G O R O C R AT E R
After breakfast you will drive to Ngorongoro which is a fascinating journey in itself. You cross the Great Rift Valley and climb up into the Crater Highlands. You’ll have a picnic lunch en route and arrive on the rim of the crater in time for a walk if you wish. Next day you will have in Ngorongoro Crater itself. You’ll be staying at the luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for two nights.
25th - 27th MARCH 2018: SOUTHERN SERENGETI
You’ll drive down from the Crater Highlands, past Olduvai Gorge to Lake Masek. You’ll be based at Serengeti Safari Camp for three nights - this is a traditional under canvas experience that is what a true safari is all about. The wildebeest migration should be on the southern plains as we build up to rain. This is an extraordinary sight and of course there will be predators too.
28th & 29th MARCH 2018: CENTRAL SERENGETI
Today you drive north into the Central Serengeti to Nyaruswiga Camp located in the Seronero area, this is also fabulous for wildlife and a really lovely romantic camp. This area is more wooded and you’ll see different wildlife here.
30th & 31st MARCH 2018: NORTHERN SERENGETI
Today you will drive through to the Northern Serengeti and up onto the Mara River. You’ll notice that the landscape here is very different from the southern Serengeti. Here are stunning kopjes and of course the drama that surrounds the Mara River, hippos and crocodiles, is always exciting. You’ll have two nights at Sayari Camp.
1 s t A P R I L 2 0 1 8 : T R A V E L D AY
You’ll �ly back to Kilimanjaro by scheduled �light around lunchtime in time to catch 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 .”
S E R E N G ET I
SO UTH+EAST
Here in the south of the Serengeti, wildebeest congregate to give birth to their young. The predator action d u r i n g t h i s s e a s o n i s i n e v i t a b l y s p e c t a c u l a r, w i t h a n a b u n d a n c e o f c h e e t a h , h y e n a a n d w i l d d o g t o b e s e e n .
The landscape, originally formed by volcanic activity, has been sculpted further by climatic elements and in the south-east rise the great volcanic craters of the Ngorongoro highlands. On the periphery protrudes the Mountain of God, known to the local Maasai as Ol doinyo Lengai, an impressive active volcano (last erupting in 2009) and Tanzania’s third highest peak.
The South-central region of the Serengeti, between Seronera and Ndutu, is epic from January to May. It is here that the wildebeest movement comes into being and where this annual circumambulation ultimately ends. It is the place of conception following frenzied bouts of territorial conquests and mating and on these same short grass plains some 8 months later, the place of replenishment - a brief population explosion that calves around 8,000 ungulates daily, before their quest begins again.
The Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game drives in Africa, even when the migration is quiet, great herds of elephant, buffalo, eland, topi, kongoni, impala, giraffe and gazelle tempt opportunistic lion prides, prowling cheetah, hyena, jackal and the more calculating solitary leopard. This liberating golden expanse stretches eastwards into the Loliondo concession transforming into belts of thick acacia woodland, rich riverine forest, granite kopjes and wooded hills, framed dramatically by the distant Gol Mountains.
Although safari activities, especially walks, remain excellent in this area, the focus shifts slightly towards cultural interaction and the 6 vibrant Maasai communities that inhabit the area, offering a chance for visitors to spend time with their Maasai counterparts and glimpse at how life is lived in Africa. Within the context of splendid sunsets and awe-inspiring landscapes, the Serengeti presents an explicit illustration of the instinctual cycle of life; where the spectacle of predator versus prey dominates. Lake Vict oria
S ER ENGET I N. P Ngor o Ngor o
Lake Manyara N.P Lake Tang anyika
Kiliman jaro 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
SE R E NG ET I
SA FARI
CAM P
Serengeti safari camp is about great company and relaxed comfort, not luxury for its own sake.
Though the Serengeti park boundaries of�icially de�ine the Serengeti, the ecosystem goes way beyond these limits; we call it the Greater Serengeti. It's a giant picture of wild Tanzania - masses of animals, contrasting landforms, and tribal peoples. The camp is mobile shadowing the migration, so you are as close to 1 million wildebeest as possible. In March it’ll be in the Southern Serengeti
The camp is excellently equipped, all you have to do is to return from game viewing at the end of every exciting day to hot showers and an ice cold gin and tonic with a roaring camp�ire.
Each luxury bed tent sits alone on a beautiful patch of Africa, a stroll away from a candlelit canvas mess for safari bonhomie. The bathrooms are ensuite, with traditional safari style bucket showers and short drop toilets, hot and cold water is available on demand.
“The focus is to deliver
Whilst you can head off from dawn to dusk on your own wandering migration expeditions, the small camp is exclusively yours - with just 12 guests staying in classic East African tented bush style.
Each day is totally up to you. Your specially adapted safari vehicles with roof hatches seat 4 people comfortably. Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowners – all are possible and can be arranged easily via your guide. There is no need to do anything, if you so wish to sit still for a bit, there will always be plenty going on within view of your tent.
a superlative experience o f t h e E X T R AO R D I NA RY
wildlife without damaging t h e e n v i r o n m e n t .”
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 E R E NG ET I
NO RT H +W E ST
I n t h e n o r t h e r n r e a c h e s o f Ta n z a n i a , r i g h t o n t h e b o r d e r w i t h K e n y a , l i e s o n e o f t h e w o r l d ’ s m o s t well-known conservation areas, the Serengeti National Park and ecosystem.
The Serengeti is a world heritage site and home to an unimaginable variety of �lora and fauna. It is deservedly one of the world’s great natural wonders. Here, endless grasslands stretch from horizon to horizon, interrupted in places by acacia woodlands, huge granite outcrops known as kopjes, tree-lined rivers, and in the very north, rolling hills and hidden valleys. In the west, where the Serengeti stretches towards Lake Victoria, lies Grumeti and in the very north, where Tanzania and Kenya meet, sits Lamai – both extraordinary parts of remarkable landscape that offer truly special sightings.
The great number of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, giraffe, eland, topi, kongoni and impala support large prides of lion, as well as hyena, cheetah and leopard not to mention the crocodiles that invest the rivers. Each year, during the dry season, these mighty herds exhaust the grazing in the southern areas of the ecosystem and migrate west and north in search of food. This leads them across the Grumeti River and if successful, across the Mara River in the Lamai area both of which are home to large numbers of crocodile. What greater experience for the wildlife enthusiast than to see literally thousands of animals braving a crossing where predators wait in anticipation.
It would be a mistake however, to think that the migration is the only attraction offered by the Serengeti, more than 500 bird species inhabit the area, while mighty predators go about their business regardless of the migration – an incredible spectacle whatever the season. Activities in this astounding wildlife paradise include guided walks, bush dining and game drives, all set against the backdrop of possibly the most classic of African portraits. Lake Vict oria
S ER ENGET I N. P Ngor o Ngor o
Lake Manyara N.P Lake Tang anyika
Kiliman jaro 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 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 .”
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