T I M A ND NAN M AR X SA FA RI I T I N E R A RY D E SI GN E D BY JA M E S RO BE RT S O N
TAN Z AN IA 6 th - 2 0 th MAY 2 0 1 9
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
L E G E N D A R Y L O D G E - L A K E M A N YA R A T R E E L O D G E - N G O R O N G O R O C R A T E R L O D G E - N A M I R I P L A I N S - D U N I A - S A B O R A
A R U S H A - L A K E M A N YA R A N P - N G O R O N G O R O C R A T E R - S E R E N G E T I N P - G R U M E T I R E S E R V E
6 t h M AY 2 0 1 9 : A R U S H A
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to Legendary Lodge on the outskirts of Arusha for one night.
7 t h & 8 t h M AY 2 0 1 9 : L A K E M A N YA R A N P
After breakfast you will drive into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara NP, you will stay at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge for two nights.
9 t h & 1 0 t h M AY 2 0 1 9 : N G O R O N G O R O C R A T E R
You will drive up the Western Escarpment through the Crater Highlands to Ngorongoro Crater. You will have two nights at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
1 1 t h - 1 3 t h M AY 2 0 1 9 : E A S T E R N S E R E N G E T I
You will drive to Manyara airstrip and �ly to Seronera, from here you will drive across the Eastern plains to Namiri Camp. You will be based here for three nights.
1 4 t h - 1 6 t h M AY 2 0 1 9 : C E N T R A L S E R E N G E T I
You will drive West to the Moru Kopjes in the Central Serengeti and be based at Dunia Camp for three nights.
1 7 t h - 1 9 t h M AY 2 0 1 9 : G R U M E T I R E S E R V E
Today you will �ly west to Grumeti Reserve - here you will spend three nights at Sabora Camp.
2 0 t h M AY 2 0 1 9 : T R A V E L D AY
We will �ly you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport around lunchtime and have booked Planet Lodge for you for the remainder of the day.
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 ”
LE G ENDA RY
LO DG E
Set on a fragrant working coffee farm among lush tropical gardens on the outskirts of Arusha, L e g e n d a r y L o d g e o f f e r s l u x u r i o u s a c c o m m o d a t i o n t h a t f e e l s l i k e a ‘ h o m e f r o m h o m e ’.
Legendary Lodge is located in the city of Arusha, the ‘safari capital’ of Tanzania, providing the perfect hub from which to explore the many outstanding destinations in close proximity, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. From its tranquil gardens, Mount Meru and its slopes covered by dense, fertile forest can be viewed in the distance. Set amidst manicured lawns and tropical garden foliage, the quaint and becoming wood and tiled A-frame lodge consists of 6 spacious split level cottages, each with a lounge and private veranda. In addition, there is a 2 bedroomed cottage with a lounge, kitchen and dining room and 2 further comfortable rooms in The Old Farmhouse. Each enjoys elegantly appointed ensuite bathrooms with both bath and shower and breathtaking garden or mountain views. The décor is warm yet elegant, from the chocolate brown leather, African masks and patterned lamps to the polished wood furniture, paneled ceilings and four-poster beds.
For additional indulgence, the Legendary Spa provides treatments in the privacy of your cottage, whilst the dining room serves excellent gourmet cuisine. Every meal is prepared to the guest’s satisfaction at �lexible times. The surrounding area offers various activities from a nearby gym to shopping in the city and of course coffee tours are available for the curious and those with a taste for the delectable hot beverage. Further a�ield, the opportunity for a day trip leads to the nearby Arusha National Park, where magni�icent wildlife may be witnessed from the back of an open air vehicle. Leopard, spotted hyena, herds of giraffe and buffalo, this is a unique highlight after a quiet suburban day.
“The perfect
A F R I C A N S A N C T UA RY
f r o m w h i c h t o v e n t u r e .”
L A K E
M A N YA R A
L a k e M a n y a r a , o n e o f Ta n z a n i a ’ s s m a l l e r w i l d e r n e s s a r e a s , i s a s p e c t a c u l a r r e s e r v e t h a t b o a s t s an incredible diversity of landscapes, plant, bird and animal species. I t w a s i n i t i a l l y e s t a b l i s h e d t o p r o t e c t t h e v a s t h e r d s o f e l e p h a n t t h a t t h i s a r e a b e c a m e w o r l d r e n o w n e d f o r. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, the thousands of �lamingo that inhabit the lakeshore and the highest concentration of baboon in Africa. Large herds of buffalo, cheetah, Maasai giraffe, hippo and impala can be encountered here.
The lake supports an incredible diversity of birds, particularly water fowl and migrants. It is commonly said that Lake Manyara is one of the best parks in Africa for birdwatchers. With over 300 species including migratory birds, even the most seasoned bird enthusiast will not be disappointed.
Lake Manyara National Park is roughly 80,300 acres but the shallow, alkaline lake consumes the majority of this area. The land portion of the park is tucked between the lake and the sheer rock walls of the rift valley escarpment that tower 2,000 feet above. The park is home to 3 distinct habitats including a lush groundwater forest, open �loodplains and acacia woodlands. The lush green forest of �ig trees and mahoganies is fed from underground springs that are constantly replenished from the crater highlands directly above the Manyara basin.
Contrasting with the intimacy of the forest is the peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppe landscape. Inland of the �loodplain, a narrow belt of acacia woodland is the favoured haunt of Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. Some time spent here will greatly diversify your safari experience as the lush green jungle habitat is of stark contrast to the other parks in the area. 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
L A KE
M A N YA R A
T R E E
LO DG E
Cradled in the boughs of an ancient mahogany forest,
the lodge blends into the natural beauty of its breathtaking surroundings..
Designed to exert minimal impact on the environment, &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers an exclusive interpretive safari in a remote, game-rich wilderness. Overlooking a forest boma, or outdoor dining area, lined with traditional dugout canoes, guest areas are characterised by soaring spaces that house local artworks and tactile fabrics.
- Incredible variety of habitats and wildlife - Soda lake with pink �lamingos - Maji Moto hot springs - Renowned for tree-climbing lions - An incredible 400 to 600 bird species - Wildlife visitors within the lodge
An interactive kitchen allows guests to observe the preparation of delicious dishes that are enjoyed in the theatrical boma or on the open dining decks, with spectacular forest views.
We love Lake Manyara Tree Lodge for: - Romantic treehouse suites - Situated in a remote and secluded area of the park - Spectacular Rift Valley scenery and dramatic escarpment views
Renowned for romantic
stilted treehouse suites,
shaded by a mahogany forest
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
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 .”
D UNIA
CA M P
Tucked between the prime wildlife areas of central and southern Serengeti,
Dunia Camp combines elements of style and luxury with an incredible wildlife experience. The Great Migration passes through this area that is especially known for its abundance of lion, leopard and cheetah and the rare chance it offers to see the illustrious black rhino. The secluded setting in the Moru Kopjes is a retreat of tranquillity in the most scenic part of the Serengeti.
Dunia is a small, semi-permanent camp nestled away in a private location amongst the Moru Kopjes. Strategically placed, it allows access to some of the best game viewing areas available in the Serengeti. Each of the 7 spacious tents features an ensuite bathroom and private veranda overlooking the kopjes. The Moru Kopjes are arguably the most breathtaking scenery the Serengeti has to offer. Surreal rock formations protrude out from the plains and provide cats with a perfect viewpoint to overlook their territories. The Southern Serengeti is most famous for the period between December and March as the migration heads into this fertile grassland to give birth to the next generation of wildebeest and zebra. During these months, vast herds of migratory animals descend upon the Southern Plains – followed intently
by a range of predators. When the migration departs, attention shifts back to the Seronera Valley which is well known for its high numbers of resident game and quality game viewing. The Seronera River provides a constant water source and creates a forest region which follows the course of the river creating good cover for the elusive leopard. Strategically placed with easy access to both these regions, Dunia Camp is capable of offering superb game viewing throughout the year.
Game drives from Dunia Camp offer an excellent variety of habitats and combine Migration viewing with the search for big cats as well as the rhino - Moru Kopjes currently being the only area in the Serengeti where the illustrious animal can be viewed.
“The moment you arrive,
you will realise that you are s o m e w h e r e V E R Y s p e c i a l .�
G R U M E T I
Grumeti Reserve offers an unparalleled eco-safari teeming with magni�icent wildlife encounters
on the western corridor of the Serengeti. If it is solitude you seek then Grumeti Reserve is the place to be! This vast private concession comprises an exclusive trio of luxury lodges positioned ideally on the epic migratory route traversed annually by more than a million wildebeest.
The successes of conservation as well as diverse habitats have ensured that, since its inception in 2003, Singita Grumeti Reserve has a well-established resident game population that inhabit the area throughout the year. The famous Great Migration, since time immemorial, has been the dramatic backbone of this enormous wilderness. The wildebeest follow the rains. Every year they journey many thousands of kilometres. From December through to the end of May they are generally in the Eastern Serengeti. They calve on the short grass plains in February. 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 addition to the annual wildebeest migration some notable highlights include large breeding herds of buffalo, up to 400 strong, and herds of elephants number up to 450 – cocentrations seldom seen elsewhere in Africa. Large carnivore regulars such as lion, hyena, cheetah and leopard top the predator pile while the smaller carnivores top a total of about 70 mammal species found in the area.
Extra special year round highlights on the Grumeti River include the beautiful black and white colobus monkey. Continuing the special primate theme there is a chance to spot the world’s fasted primate – the rare patas monkey, out in the open woodlands. A herd of roan antelope can be seen as well. For birders special endemic highlights include the grey crested helmet-shrike, Fischer’s Lovebird, rufus-tailed weaver, Karamoja apalis and the grey-breasted spurfowl. They head up an impressive bird list of 400 species on the concession. Lake Victoria
GR UMET I R
Sereng et i N.P Kilimanjaro N.P Ngoro Ngor o
Lake Tang an yika
Taran g ire
Ar usha
Mahale Moun t ains
Kat avi N.P
Z anz i bar
Ruah a N.P
Selous G .R
Lake Nyasa
SA B O RA
The intimate 1920s-style explorer’s camp is permeated by a sense of nostalgic adventure. S t e e p e d i n c h a r a c t e r, S i n g i t a S a b o r a Te n t e d C a m p s u r p r i s e s g u e s t s w i t h a n o p u l e n c e t h a t i s delightfully out-of-place with the rugged terrain of the surrounding savannah plains. In Northern Tanzania, where the unspoilt wilderness of Africa’s prime World Heritage site stretches far beyond the horizon, the Grumeti Private Concession lies. This vast reserve forms part of the mammoth Serengeti, contributing 350,000 acres to the massive plains overall size.
There are only 3 lodges within the Grumeti reserve, offering limited and exclusive accommodation and ensuring that the many wonders experienced here are not excessively impacted upon by human concentrations. Singita Sabora exhibits 9 luxurious canvas tents, reminiscent of the old-style explorers and out�itted to allow an amalgamation of the rugged African wild, melded with luxury, opulence and complete comfort. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom with bath and outdoor shower, a dressing area, reading area and viewing deck complete with star gazing telescope. The plush Persian carpets, four-poster bed and exquisite wooden furnishings, exude the romance of exploring the unknown whilst maintaining the warmest levels of engul�ing hospitality.
The main area houses the bar, lounge, library, elevated viewing deck, heated swimming pool and dining area where delicious feasts of fresh local ingredients will delight the palate. Unforgettable experiences include dining in a wilderness setting under the stars or beneath lamp lit trees whilst immersed in the sounds of the African night. Sabora is ideally located to witness the drama of the annual world renowned Great Migration passing through this reserve between June and August. However, the resident game outside these months is excellent , making the offered day and night game drives and walking safaris highly lucrative all year round. The incredible beauty and exclusivity of Sabora invites a full submersion into the natural world and the opportunity to partake in an amazing story as it unfolds before the astonished eyes.
“One of the
Serengeti's MOST unique a n d i n t r i g u i n g c a m p 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