Ornithologists will delight with this 11-day adventure that covers some of Tanzania’s best birding destinations. Beginning with an early morning game drive in Arusha National Park, guests on this trip will start their search for some of the country’s rare and unique species. As you move through Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, skilled guides will enlighten you with information about favourite species, including tips and tricks for identifying bird songs.

In these parks, it is likely you will have a chance to observe flamingos, storks, pelicans and the enormous Kori bustard, along with many endangered species. Game drives and walks around Lake Eyasi, into the Ngrongoro Crater and out across the Serengeti will provide further variety in the species observed, with highlights including African fish eagles, lilac breasted rollers and the massive secretary bird. All will be seen against the backdrop of sensational scenery and vibrant wildlife more broadly, making this a birding safari not to be forgotten.

What to Expect

This bird-focused safari provides ornithologists with numerous opportunities to observe the multitude of species that fly in Tanzania. Many of our guests have the opportunity to witness:

• Narina Trogon and the Bar-tailed Trogon,
• Rufous-tailed weaver, the Ashy starling and the Yellow-collared Lovebird
• Flamingos
• Storks and pelicans
• Kori bustard, secretary birds, ostrich
• White-eyed slaty flycatcher and the Livingstone turaco
• Grey-Backed Shrike, the Secretary Bird, the Great Crested Grebe, Darters, Night Herons and Ostrich
• Fish eagles

The birding is wonderfully complimented with numerous big game sightings as well. This may include:

• Africa’s “Big Five”: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros
• The Great Wildebeest Migration*
• Cheetah, hyena
• Hippopotamus, crocodile
• Zebra, giraffe, gazelle kudu, warthog
• Vervet monkeys
• Africa’s “Little Five”: Elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, leopard tortoise, lionant, rhino beetle
• Ostrich, secretary bird, lilac brested roller, fish eagles, vultures

*The Great Migration occurs seasonally in Tanzania. If this is an event you hope to see, please consult with us regarding ideal times to visit.

This package also travels through a variety of landscapes, including:

• Savannah and rolling plains
• Jungles and ancient volcanoes
• Flood plains and plateaus
• Alkaline Lakes
• Baobab trees
• Rivers and ravines

Tour Program

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

Today your plane will descend between the mountains of Meru and Kilimanjaro, signifying the beginning of a sensational bird-watching tour of Tanzania. We will meet you at the arrivals hall of the airport, and together we will drive to one of three properties located on the lush perimeter of the city.

Day 2: Arusha National Park

This morning, we will rise early and drive towards the slopes of Mount Meru where we will enter Arusha National Park for the day. This park is coveted by ornithologists because it contains numerous species not seen elsewhere in Tanzanian national parks. We will spend much of your time exploring the perimeter of the colourful Momella Lakes in the northeast that support a rich population of wading birds. However, it will also be worth driving into the forest where birdlife is again vibrant and varied. Highlights include sightings of the Narina Trogon and the Bar-tailed Trogon, that fly between large populations of starlings. In the late afternoon, after a picnic in the park, we will return back to the same lodge as the previous night.

Day 3: Drive to Tarangire National Park

This morning, we will drive away from Arusha and into the bush, arriving at Tarangire midday. This will leave enough time to freshen up and enjoy lunch in the bush before embarking on another game drive. This park is known for its countless baobab trees, minimal crowds and phenomenal wildlife and birdlife. During Tanzania’s dry season, this park sustains much of the regional wildlife through the Tarangire River, which generally retains water year round. In addition to searching for members of the Big Five, we will also have opportunities to search for a few species unique to the region, including the gerenuk, the oryx and the massive Kori bustard. We will return to your selected safari lodge in the late afternoon, in time for sundowners and a starlit dinner.

Day 4: Full Day Safari in Tarangire

Early this morning, we will rise before the sun to catch the bush while it is at its most active. Driving along the dusty tracks as the sun begins to emerge over the horizon, we are sure to hear a multitude of bird songs singing from the trees. Work with your local guide to identify the distinct calls, as he or she teaches you about the habits and tendencies of the resident birdlife. Throughout the day, you will want to keep an eye out for the park’s rare species, including the Rufous-tailed weaver, the Ashy starling and the Yellow-collared Lovebird. Stopping perhaps for a cup of coffee and a snack, you will be able to take further time to relax in the solitude of the bush, listening to all the activity around you. In all likeliness, we will return to your lodge for lunch and a midday break, before setting back out into the bush for sunset. On this afternoon drive, we will continue to search for unique African bird species as you also drive between baobab trees in search of elephant, zebra, impala and many other mammals.

Day 5: Drive to Lake Manyara

This morning, we will move on to your next national park as you drive towards Lake Manyara. This next park is one of the lesser-visited gems concealed within this northern safari circuit. It is formed around the perimeter of a massive alkaline lake, a classic characteristic of a visit to the Great Rift Valley. As we circle the perimeter of the lake, it is likely we will see large flocks of pink flamingos, feasting on the algae that thrives in these unique waters. The shoreline too is often stippled with wildlife, with zebra, baboons, buffalo and impala being common throughout. Rare tree climbing lions are one of the park’s most remarkable sights – witnessed by a handful of lucky guests annually. Set against the dramatic backdrop of a golden escarpment, this landscape will sit in dramatic contrast to the day before, only further enriching the safari and wilderness experience. It will be the perfect place for another late afternoon game drive, and a candlelit meal at your lodging of choice.

Day 6: Drive to Lake Eyasi

This morning, we will move further into the bush as we drive away from Lake Manyara and towards Lake Eyasi. The lake is surrounded by mountains and escarpments, and is most famous for being a region home to the Hadzabe people. These people have lived in the region for over 10, 000 years, and are closely affiliated with the primary lodge operating in the region: the Tindiga Tented Camp. Here, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in local culture by learning about the local way of life, and sampling some classic Tanzanian dishes. Arriving in the afternoon, you will have some time to explore the local birdlife, including pelicans, flamingos and storks, under the guidance of a local Hadzabe person.

Day 7: Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This morning, we will move away from the lake and towards the lush slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region is formed around the world’s largest unfilled caldera – it is essentially a volcano that collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. Today, it acts as a natural enclosure for spectacular wildlife and is a stunning backdrop for further exploration. The lush slopes, the floodplain floor and the surrounding plateaus will again sit in marked contrast to the regions explored previously.

Day 8: Full Day Safaris in Ngoronogoro

Early this morning, we will wake up to begin your descent into the crater. This unique safari weaves down the jungled slopes, as you keep an eye out for leopards, monkeys and baboons playing and hunting in the trees as you listen to a new set of birdcalls. With over 500 species recorded in this park – much of which is located in the highland forest – the day is sure to be both interesting and captivating. Famed species include the white-eyed slaty flycatcher and the Livingstone turaco. The track will eventually lead out onto the crater floor and its central flamingo-fringed lake. Traversing round the floodplains will provide you with countless opportunities to observe one of the planet’s densest lion populations, and to search for a protected population of rhinoceros. The morning concludes with a return to the surrounding plateaus, where you we receive breathtaking views of the entire crater, and the mountains behind it. We will return to the same lodge as last night for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation.

Day 9: Drive to the Serengeti

This morning, after a final breakfast overlooking the crater, we will return to the vehicle and begin driving towards the epic and unimaginable Serengeti. The landscape will begin to flatten as you enter into these famed golden plains that, for so many, are the quintessential African experience. Scan the acacia trees for the beautiful lilac breasted roller, and try to pick out the tiny oxpeckers that are often seen perched on the face of a buffalo. Slowly, we will make our way to your chosen lodge where you will spend the remainder of the day relaxing and unwinding at yet another beautiful property. Enjoy a candlelit dinner and a few moments looking up at the starry night sky, before retiring to your bed in the bush for the night.

Day 10: Full Day in the Serengeti

Today we will have a spectacular opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most famed landscapes: the Serengeti. You will have the option to spend either the entire day in the bush, or to break up your journey with a return to your lodge during the peak hours. No matter what your schedule, today we will embark on a phenomenal and quintessential search for lions, leopards, elephant, giraffe, zebra and much more. Birdlife too will be hugely varied and again, markedly different from previous destinations. Highlights include the Grey-Backed Shrike, the Secretary Bird, the Great Crested Grebe, Darters, Night Herons and Ostrich. A skilled ranger will aid you in in seeking out and identifying these species, while educating you about countless others. Tonight’s accommodation will be the same as the previous night.

Day 11: Fly back to Arusha (or Dar es Salaam)

This morning, we will fly back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, depending on your particular onwards flight path. As signs of the city become apparent once more, you will know that this spectacular adventure is drawing to a close. We will leave you either at the airport or at a hotel for the day, depending on your travel plans.

Kwaheri na Safari Njema!

Kindly consult our team if you’d like to incorporate this Safari with any other of our packages.

Includes

• All accommodation, on a full board basis
• Airport welcome
• All domestic transfers (air and road)
• Some activities, as indicated in your tour package
• Soft drinks, house wine, local spirits, local beers, tea and coffee
• Laundry, communication and internet access are included at some destinations, as noted in your tour package

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Premium brand wine, beer and spirits
• Additional activities
• Gratuities
• Costs associated with obtaining visas or passports
• Airport departure taxes and excess baggage charges

CONTENTS

1. Tours with Aventura
2. Visiting Tanzania
3. Travel Logistics
4. Price, Payment and Cash
5. Communication
6. Health and Safety

TOUR WITH AVENTURA

• How far in advance should I book my tour?

Aventura will work to accommodate you whenever you make your booking with us. Provided there is space at our partnering lodges, we can work on very short notice. However, ideally our guests will book roughly 6 months – 1 year in advance of their vacation.

• Do you allow children on Aventura tours?

Definitely! Many of our partnering lodges have accommodation and child friendly options that we will gladly connect you with – just let us know you want to bring children ahead of time. Some of our partnering lodges do have policies that prohibit children on particular activities/locations so we will be sure to work around that.

• Who guides the tours?

Aventura will fully organize your entire tour with various local lodges, and your guides will be provided from these particular lodges. If your tour is to various national parks and lodges, your guide and vehicles will change from location to location, and Aventura will ensure that these transitions are flawless. We have worked thoroughly with each of our partners to ensure every guide and driver is of top quality and able to reflect the values of Aventura.

• Do you provide references from people who have been on tours with you?

Absolutely! You can see some guest testimonials on our website and we are building a profile on Your African Safari, a website devoted to independently reviewing operators across Africa. If you would like to speak directly with past guests, we will also happily make that connection for you.

• Is there electricity? Will I be able to recharge cameras/phones?

Yes, there is electricity though it may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of our partnering lodges run off solar energy or generators, which means they have to conserve usage during certain hours of the day. You will however always have at least a few hours a day where you are able to re-charge camera and cell phone batteries.

• Are there opportunities to meet with local people?

Definitely! Most of our tour packages incorporate at least one visit to a local village, where you can meet with and learn about various Tanzanian tribes and individuals. If you are very interested in a cultural tour of Tanzania, are also able to build you a customized tour that exposes you to the various facets of the population. Check out our Bespoke options for more information!

• Is there laundry?

The majority – though not all – of our partnering lodges do offer a laundry service. The availability and cost differs between locations, and we will provide specifics about access in your particular tour package.

VISITING TANXANIA

• What visa do I need for Tanzania?

The visa required for entry into Tanzania depends on what country you are traveling from. Since immigration policies change frequently, we recommend that you contact the Tanzanian embassy in your home country at least 2 months prior to departure to confirm the most recent requirements.

• When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hikers climb Kilimanjaro year round, but many prefer to climb it during the driest and warmest months (January – February, July – September). These months do however mean that there are high crowds – if you prefer a quieter hike, June, October and December have moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation. March – May and November are among the coolest and wettest months in the country and consequently the quietest on the mountain.

• How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is the highest ‘walkable’ mountain, meaning that no technical hiking experience is required. In spite of its incredible height, guides recommend only a basic level of fitness and strong motivation. Many say the greatest challenge of the hike is adjusting to the altitude. Depending on your fitness level, we offer four possible trails that vary in difficulty for you to choose between.

• When is the best time to view wildlife in Tanzania?

The dry season in Tanzania (June – October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, since animals concentrate around limited waterholes and there is less vegetation obstructing views. Birding however is better during the northern winter (November – March) when rainfall is high and over 160 species of birds migrate south.

• When is the best time to view the wildebeest migration?

The wildebeest migration follows annual rain patterns that push wildlife to search for greener pastures. This means that specific predictions about when and where the migration will be are difficult. However, in a typical year, guests have the best chance of viewing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti in June and July. If you are interested in seeing the wildebeest calving, the best time to visit is late January – February.

• When is the best time to visit the islands?

The archipelago is popular year round, with August – October being among the most popular months. There are long rains between March and May that may make the coast somewhat less idyllic.

• Is Zanzibar in the same country as Tanzania?

Yes, they have been part of the same country since 1963, though the region is semi-autonomous.

• What kind of plug is used in Tanzania?

Tanzania uses the same outlets as are found in the United Kingdom – A Type G 3 pronged flat pin plug (see Figure 1). Occasionally Tanzanians also use the Old British plug – A Type D 3 pronged circular pin (see Figure 2). The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. We recommend purchasing at least one travel adaptor prior to departing for Tanzania.

TRAVEL LOGISTIC

• Do you handle airline tickets?

Airline tickets are not included in the packages we offer, but we can offer support in booking tickets for our guests. Please let us know if you would like assistance here.

• Do you handle travel insurance?

We do not book insurance for our clients; however, we will help you find a provider that suits your particular needs. We recommend all guests read the following document published by ABTA on selecting an insurance provider, and if you would like additional guidance please reach out to us.

• How do we get around once in Tanzania?

Aventura will organize all local transport associated with your tour, beginning with an airport pickup minute you land on Tanzanian soil. All transport costs are included in your package. Depending on your particular package, transport may involve domestic flights, road transfers and boats. Particular details of your transport will be included in your package details upon booking.

• Is there a suggested packing list?

Of course! Once you have selected a package with us, we will email you a packing list that is tailored perfectly to your particular activities. However, in general we recommend the following items:

• • Long loose light coloured clothing, offering protection from insects and sun
  • A fleece sweater for chilly evenings
  • Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses
  • Bathing suit and sarong
  • Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots if climbing Kilimanjaro
  • Thermal underwear, if climbing Kilimanjaro

• Are there luggage limits?

International airlines will independently set baggage restrictions and it is important you check with your airline prior to departing. Once in Tanzania, baggage restrictions will depend on your particular tour package. We will include customized baggage restrictions with your customized packing list upon booking your flight.

PRICE, PAYMENT & CASH

• What if I have to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the lodges in which you are booked and specifics will be provided upon booking.

• What is included in the tour price?

Your tour price includes the following:

• • Meet and greet service upon arrival
  • Transfers as shown
  • Exclusive use of 4×4 safari vehicles with photo roof during the safari portion
  • Services of English speaking drivers and guides
  • Meals and accommodation as specified (varies between packages)
  • All park fees and government taxes
  • One bottle of water per day on game drives

• What is not included in the tour price?

Your tour price does not include the following items:

• • International flights
  • Airport taxes on any flights not booked through Aventura
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Gratuities
  • Activities not included on the itinerary
  • Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
  • Laundry (varies between packages, as some lodges build this into their cost)
  • Telephone bills and items of a personal nature
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal shopping
  • Select alcoholic beverages
  • Gear (walking stick, flashlight, hat, sunglasses, bed mats etc.)

• Can’t we save money by booking with the lodges directly?

No. The benefit to booking through Aventura is that we are able to use our industry connections to secure discounted rates with various lodges, hotels and transport providers within the country. While you will pay a small service fee to our company, this fee will save you the headache and complications of organizing a trip on your own. This fee also ensure that your entire trip will run smoothly, and that no minute of your vacation is wasted with negotiations, disappointments or frustrations.

• Do you accept credit cards?

Absolutely! We are fully equipped to accept payments online from all major credit cards.

• Do I need to bring cash with me? Which currency should I bring?

Yes, you should bring additional cash for personal purchases. We recommend bringing US Dollars (issued after 2003) and converting them into Tanzanian Shillings upon arrival. It is possible to convert Travellers Cheques in major cities as well, but these are often more hassle than they are worth. You are also able to use local ATMs to make withdrawals off your credit card in our local currency. Be sure you alert your bank if you plan to use your credit card abroad, and that you confirm charges for international transactions and withdrawals.

COMMUNICATION

• What language is spoken in Tanzania?

English and Swahili are the national languages. All tourism operators, and most Tanzanians, will speak English.

• Is there cell phone reception?

Most of our lodges are located in regions of Tanzania that have reception (though of course, not all of them). Lodge staff will always have a means of communicating with our head office.

• Is there internet available?

Internet is available at some of our partnering lodges, though not many. Details regarding internet accessibility will be included in your particular package details. Should you require constant access, we recommend researching data roaming packages with your local cell phone provider.

• What if there is an emergency at home?

We will provide you with an emergency number that you can pass on to friends and family at home. Should there be an in emergency at home, they can contact the Aventura Head Office and we will connect to you – wherever you are – as quickly as possible. Depending on the nature of the emergency, we will take steps to connect you to friends and family at home.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Is it safe to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is safe to visit, however there are always risks taken when traveling. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is of paramount importance when designing a tour and we will be sure to have you stay only in reputable locations and provide transport only from trusted sources. We brief every guest on safety policies and procedures, in addition to risk mitigation strategies.

• What vaccinations do I need?

We recommend that all guests visit a local travel clinic prior to departure, where a medical professional can review your medical history and explain the vaccination options. Visitors to Tanzania must be able to show a Yellow Fever vaccination card upon arrival, otherwise you will likely be vaccinated at the airport.

• Is malaria a concern?

Tanzania does have malaria and we strongly recommend guests take appropriate prophylaxis, which can be prescribed by a local travel doctor.

• Where does drinking water come from?

Guests will always have access to ample amounts of treated bottled water.

• Is the food safe to eat?

Yes. We work with lodges that we know intimately, and have reviewed not only for comfort but also for their quality of food. Partnering lodges will serve delicious balanced meals prepared by expert chefs using fresh and safe ingredients.

• I have special dietary needs – will I be accommodated?

Definitely – but please make us aware of any dietary needs as far in advance as possible so that we can work with you and our partnering lodges to develop a tour that accommodates your needs.

Reviews

How to book a safari with us:

You can Email us on: info@aventurasafaris.com, or contact us via phone on: +255 (0)762 493 434 | +44 (0) 800 7561 114 or reach us via our website enquiry form. Giving us as much detail and information as possible about what you are looking for and any extra add-ons you might require.

Let us know the following:

• The month you are interested experiencing the dream come true
• The length of time you will want to enjoy your safari
• Number of people who will share this life experience with you
• Style of lodging you would like to use during your trip – you just mention what and we will arrange it for you
• Extra activities besides wildlife viewing. For example: go up in a balloon, take a walk in the bush, a canoe ride, or night game drives
• Any special requests you have for your wildlife safari

Create you safari plan, then book:

Together we will create your safari as you want it to be. The safari plan will accommodate your interests
and time schedule. We enjoy talking to you about your trip, so please provide us with your phone number.

Once you have agreed to our safari proposal:

By signing our invoice sent to you and accepting the terms and conditions of Aventura Safaris Ltd.

Get your travel dates fixed:

This will give us chance to start checking the availability of the accommodations of your choice. Traveling from/to the Americas and Asia takes about 2 days; from most of Europe, one day.

Confirm your Safari with us:

We will start booking the lodges and camps of choice for your safari. Once we have all the lodges confirmed then you can pay the deposit.

Place a deposit with us:

Once we have confirmed the lodges and activities of your choice, a deposit of 30% is required. The deposit can be made by wire transfer to our bank, by certified check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal. Your other payments will be specified in the safari plan we will send you – generally at 90 and 45 days before the start of your safari.

Once we have a confirmed itinerary for you and us to work from, you should make your international travel reservations. We also strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance to protect you against any unforeseen problems.

Following the receipt of your deposit, we will send you a package containing: your confirmed itinerary, acknowledgement of your deposit, and information about safaris and how to prepare for your adventure. We will also provide contact telephone numbers for you to leave with family or friends to use should they need to reach you while on safari.