Photo: Ruth Dyche The Best of Tanzania: Wildlife and Culture Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09530A Price: Deposit: $200 Capacity: 12 Leader: Ruth Dyche
The Trip  Photo: Ruth Dyche Tanzania is home to over forty species of mammals including elephant, zebra, wildebeest, antelope, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, hippo, rhino and a variety of antelope species. The Serengeti Plains teem with large herds of plains animals like wildebeest and zebra and their predators making this a prime destination for exciting game viewing and photography. This trip may occur during the peak calving season. If we are fortunate, we may be witness to this amazing spectacle. The Ngorongoro Crater, a large extinct caldera has the largest population of non-migrating wildlife in the world on its one hundred square mile floor. We will visit these parks, as well as Tarangire and Arusha, when the weather is pleasant, and the area is fresh and green after recent rains. Although large herds of animals have always been present in the parks during this season we should be aware that global warming does, at times, play havoc with the weather which may, in turn, change animal behavior and migrating patterns. Another feature of this trip is the opportunity to stay in a variety of different accommodations in order to enhance your African experience. We will stay in several small family owned lodges which are charming, unique and away from the crowds; two nights will be spent in a comfortable, but basic, tented camp where we will have opportunities to hike tribal lands, visit villages and meet casually with the local people who live there. Another type of tenting experience will be our stays at permanent tented camps which offer all of the amenities of a hotel room in a large room-sized tent . Although all of these places are different , what they do have in common is comfort, great ambience and good food. Our safari guiding company is small and family owned by Tanzanians. They are well known for their environmental and social advocacy in the country. Their goal, and ours, is to observe, enjoy, learn and leave as little an imprint as possible wherever we go.
 Photo: Ruth Dyche Day 1: After our arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport we will be met by our safari staff and transferred to a beautiful small private lodge situated in the foothills of Mount Meru where we will enjoy the spacious gardens and unique African architecture of the guest houses. On a clear day we will be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro as well as Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain. Day 2: We’ll spend the day in Arusha National Park, the smallest of Tanzania’s parks, but also one of its most beautiful. Those who wish can hike up the slopes of Mt. Meru through the cloud forest accompanied by a ranger. We will then meet our vehicles and drive to a lovely viewpoint for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll drive around the Momella Lakes enjoying the wildlife and birding along the way. In the evening we’ll return to our lodge where we can relax in the natural rock swimming pool or enjoy a long, cool drink on the lodge verandah as we take in the colors of an African sunset. Day 3: Depart this morning and travel to Tarangire National Park where we will stay in a permanent tented camp for two nights. We’ll arrive in time for lunch, relaxation and a late afternoon game drive. Tarangire has over 3,000 resident elephants in addition to numerous mammals. The park also has over 300 species of birds, the highest number of breeding bird species of any habitat in Africa. It is often called the “Baobab Capital of the World” after the ancient trees which dot much of its landscape. The permanent tented camp ,in itself, is a delightful experience as we sleep “under canvas” but have all the comforts of a room with a porch. Day 4: We will have an early morning game drive as well as an afternoon game drive. Mid day, when animals are also relaxing and hidden from view, will be free for swimming, relaxing, visiting the gift shop or exploring the grounds.
 Photo: Ruth Dyche Day 5: We leave Tarangire in the morning and drive on back roads to a Forest Reserve which lies approximately 6,000 feet on top of the Gregory rift, a section of the Great Rift. This is an important water catchment reserve surrounded by the Irawq tribe who moved to the area about one thousand years ago. They are highland agropastoralists who are known for their statuesque posture and their sharply defined features. During our time here we will have a chance to visit one of the villages and, perhaps, a primary school. There will be lovely hiking in the forest with great birding, and a chance to see blue duiker, suni and blue monkey. Other wildlife of the forest is more difficult to see because of the foliage. For the next two nights we will stay in a basic tented camp which will be specially set up for us and experience sleeping in a roomy, stand-up tent on cots as in old time Africa. This campsite will be totally away from crowds and our only visitors might be local native people passing by. The camping style will not be luxury, but it will be comfortable with camp showers, enclosed outdoor latrines, stand-up tents and cots with bedding as well as tables and chairs. Nourishing meals will be made from locally available food. There will be a covered dining/food area, but if weather is nice, tables will be set up under the stars where we will dine by candlelight and listen to the sounds of the African night. Day 6: This day will be spent hiking in the forest and nearby village and enjoying our camp. We’ll have an opportunity to observe details too often missed from a safari vehicle like animal tracks, insects, vegetation and birds. Day 7: Today we’ll travel across the highlands to the town of Karatu
near the Ngorongoro Gate Day 8: We depart early and drive into Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of
spectacular game viewing . Overnight will be at a larger, lodge situated on
the rim of the Crater. Day 9: This morning we’ll game view as we drive out of the Crater to the Ndutu area of the Serengeti ecosystem. We will stop on the way at the Olduvai Gorge Archeological Museum and gorge overlook which is the site of Louis and Mary Leakey’s archeological work. It was here that Mary Leakey discovered the earliest known human footprints, which were solidified in volcanic ash some 3.6 million years ago. We will then continue on to our old world lodge which is situated in the heart of the Serengeti Plain beside a small lake in an acacia woodland. The lodge was built in the 60’s and still has the informal, intimate feel of a bush camp although comfortable cottages have replaced the original tents. Day 10: We will game view in this rich Serengeti area throughout this day. We may go out for an entire day with a picnic lunch, or we may leave before sunrise for an early morning drive and return to the lodge for brunch and a rest before going out again in the later afternoon when the light is interesting and animals are more active. In any case, you will appreciate the skill and experience of our guides as they look for animal interactions and new sightings. Overnight at the lodge. Day 11: Today we travel to the Seronera in the center of the Serengeti National Park and enjoy game viewing along the way in this most famous game reserve. The park’s name is derived from the Masai language “Siringet” which means endless plains. Within an area of 5,700 square miles we’ll find a staggering animal population of about four million, including huge herds of zebra, wildebeest and other grazing animals. Over 350 species of birds and 35 larger mammals can be found here. Each game drive will feature different animals and surprises. During this time of year, between the months of January and March, wildebeest calving begins. More than 750,000 females will drop their calves within 24 hours. Although it is not possible to predict the exact time this will occur, we hope to witness a herd in this process. Many other animals give birth at this time of year. Predatory activity will be at it's peak, so you can be sure to see plenty of lion, cheetah, hyena, jackal and hopefully, the shy leopard looking for a feast. Our accommodations tonight will be at the Serengeti Savannah luxury camp which is set up seasonally in the most exciting wildlife areas of the Park. This is a fully equipped camp with excellent tents, great beds, good lighting and ensuite bathrooms with warm showers and eco-friendly toilets. The food is great, the drinks are cold and the welcome is warm . Day 12: This morning we will fly back to Arusha in time for lunch. Our flight
will be on a small commercial jet which seats approximately twenty people.
A dayroom will be provided. We will have some time for shopping before departing
to the airport in the late afternoon for our flight back to the U.S. or to
other destinations. Getting There Participants will need to book a flight from the U.S. to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. The flight will require a transfer in Amsterdam, Netherlands since KLM is the only airline that flies into Arusha at the present time.You can also fly into Nairobi, Kenya and then transfer to a short flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. This would require a Kenya visa and also a taxi transfer from the international airport in Nairobi to a local airport across town. Since there is only one airline that flies into Tanzania it is advisable to commit to this trip as soon as possible so that you can then purchase your airline tickets. Since this trip occurs during high season the limited cheaper seats will sell quickly. Airfares will increase as time progresses and one takes the chance of not being able to get a seat at all.
The more basic camp will be adequate and comfortable, but not luxurious and we will stay here for two nights. Stand up tents will accommodate two persons each and will be ten feet by ten feet in size with cots, mattresses and bedding. These will be set up by a crew before our arrival. A large canopy will be set up as the dining/food area. Showers and toilets are communal, and will be shared by four people. The toilets will be either chemical bucket toilets or a trench with a toilet seat over it. The proper procedure for using these facilities will be explained on site. The setting will be serene, quiet and private. Food is fresh, well-prepared, and tasty. Most of the dishes are western or
European style with some African meals included. Most meals will be served
at the table or will be buffet style. Basic vegetarian diets can be accommodated.
Please check with the leader regarding other dietary requirements.
No special conditioning is required for this safari. We will ride in vehicles with a maximum of five to seven persons in each vehicle; each person having access to a window and roof hatch. There will be the inevitable inconveniences and difficulties associated with travel in a developing country. It is important to accept Tanzania on its own terms, with a sense of adventure and good humor. On rare occasions the itinerary may need to change somewhat due to unforeseen circumstances.
Good binoculars are a necessity. It is best for each person in a couple or family group to have a pair of their own. A clothing/equipment list will be sent to participants by the trip leader.
Conservation Twenty-five percent of Tanzania’s land (over 95,000 square miles) has been set aside for wildlife parks, reserves and game areas. This is probably more than any other country on earth. This far-sighted policy is to Tanzania’s credit. As a result of this commitment to conservation, protected areas have more than doubled since the country gained independence in 1961. However, Tanzania’s economic resources for rangers, roads, research and administration of these lands is meager and illegal poaching and hunting still take their toll on wildlife. As the population has grown these activities have increased. The integrity of national parks and wildlife reserves are also being threatened as the need for land and food increases.There are many projects going on in Tanzania today to help solve these problems . Communities which border park lands are being taught to value wildlife and tourism as sources of revenue since money obtained from park fees and other concessions is shared with these communities allowing them to build better schools, clinics and other services. Ngorongoro Crater is part of the extensive Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a pioneering effort in multipurpose land use, allowing for the protection of animals and the continuation of tribal lifestyles at the same time. Also, there are several animal research projects in the field that will increase understanding of animal, as well as human, needs. One of our conservation objectives will be to try to understand the challenges that Tanzania faces in continuing to support such a large national park system. Tourist dollars are a major source of revenue so by coming to see these magnificent animals and their habitats we are helping to preserve them and are, therefore, a strong advocacy for conservation. That said, we will become aware of both the positive and negative consequences of tourism in a country like Tanzania.
This trip requires a $200 per-person deposit. An additional payment of $300 per person is due six months prior to trip departure. International trip prices are subject to change and are based on double-occupancy or group accommodations as described above. Single rooms may not be available or may cost more than the listed price. If you have any questions regarding double occupancy, please contact the trip leader. See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Ruth Dyche has been involved with Sierra Club Outings for more than 25 years in a variety of capacities. She has led a variety of trips in North America as well as in the South Pacific, Latin America, and China. However, it is Africa which has her heart and she returns as often as she is able. She has lead many trips to East and West Africa and has visited South and Central Africa on numerous occasions. Her personal involvement with Africa began years ago, when, as a young nurse, she worked at a remote mission hospital in Zambia for one adventure-filled year. Africa and its people have been an integral part of her life since that time.