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Contact us to personalise a private luxury safari to suit your schedule.
This multi country, all inclusive luxury safari is a fine example of a complex itinerary superbly pieced together leaving all the hassle behind. You will be met at every turn by a Sanctuary representative and escorted from the moment you arrive at each port until you depart onto the next leg.
After many years experience we’ve put this itinerary together based on some Africa’s most requested ‘bucket list’ experiences. From the equatorial Bwindi Impenetrable Forest trekking with Gorilla’s in Uganda, discover the great Elephant herds of Tarangire NP, the natural wonder of Ngorongoro Crater home to the biggest congregation of large mammals on earth and the Serengeti’s Great Migration. With over one million Wilderbeest and Zebra making the journey they are not the only animals on the move with high concentrations of predators following close behind.
Finally, follow in the footsteps of Dr David Livingston, stand on the same island he first witness the magnificent Victoria Falls. While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls is classified as the largest, based on its combined width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft) and height of 108 metres (354 ft). This place is full of surprises and may end the highlight of your safari.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Sanctuary representative and transferred by private vehicle to your Sanctuary partner hotel. The remainder of your day/night is at leisure in preparation for the official start to your Safari the next day.
This morning after breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to Entebbe airport for your scheduled flight to Kihihi airstrip where a Sanctuary representative will meet and transfer you to the camp. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Gorilla Forest Camp is located within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the perfect base for a tracking experience as it offers luxury in the heart of the rainforest. Lunch is served at camp. In the afternoon you can just relax and take in the fresh air or take a forest walk, which is a nice way to warm up before the Gorilla tracking. Birders come thousands of miles to see the more than 350 species that live within the area. There are also rare forest elephant, giant forest hog and eleven kinds of primates, such as red tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboons and chimpanzee.
Early breakfast this morning before a briefing from your guide. Tracking commences every morning from the park headquarters at 8.30 am. The gorillas we track belong to one of the ‘habituated’ family groups in Northern Bwindi. For several years each group has undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually made them used to the presence of humans. Experienced guides will accompany the tracking, many of who have been involved in the habituation process themselves. Once the gorillas are located, the group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Return to camp for dinner.
Today relax at camp or visit a local village and meet the villagers to learn about their day to day lives. On this walk you can visit a honey production site, a traditional medicine man, a traditional blacksmith, a local school when in term and even attend a Batwa dance performance. The walk is organised with the local community as part of our community support. Or you could take a bird walk. Bwindi boast over 300 bird species, including 24 that are endemic to these highlands straddling Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo – the “Albertine Rift Endemics”. There are also over 200 species of butterflies found in the park. A local expert will guide you on this fascinating walk. Lunch and dinner at the lodge. After dinner simply relax and sip a drink as you listen to folk tunes played on the traditional Bakiga guitar.
Transfer by road and air to Entebbe before flying to Kilimanjaro airport, Tanzania.
Awaken this morning to a warm cup of tea or coffee served on the veranda of your tent. After a hearty breakfast your return transfer begins by road to Kihihi airstrip for your shared scheduled flight back to Entebbe for onward flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Greeted by Sanctuary representative and a private transfer to overnight Arusha Coffee Lodge on bed and breakfast.
0930hrs – Depart Arusha on scenic Safari flight to Kuro airstrip deep in the heart of Tarangire National Park.
1030hrs – Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to Sanctuary Swala in our customised open safari vehicle. Driving time is approximately 1 hour with game viewing en route. Each of the twelve tents at Sanctuary Swala is shaded by tall acacia trees and ancient baobabs within sight of the well-frequented waterhole. The canvas pavilions at Sanctuary Swala are unashamedly luxurious but still close enough to nature to permit an exciting night under canvas. In the afternoon there is time to relax before embarking on your first game drive.
Awake to the sounds of the bush as a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee is served on your tent’s deck. This morning you may like to sleep in and enjoy your surrounds, or explore the park on an early morning game drive before returning to camp for a refreshing drink and lunch. This afternoon you have time to take a refreshing swim in the pool or relax on your private deck with a cool drink and gaze out to the waterhole and watch as the game lazily congregates in the shade to escape the heat.
As the afternoon progresses you may like to explore the Tarangire on an afternoon game drive. The beauty of Tarangire unfolds as you venture out into the baobab scattered landscape. During the dry season the concentration of wildlife in the Tarangire is second only to the Serengeti ecosystem. Return to camp to freshen up before meeting around the camp fire for a pre-dinner drink as you discuss the day’s adventures.
0930hrs –Depart Tarangire on a light aircraft to Manyara airstrip.
1000hrs – Arrive Manyara airstrip
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Manyara. Our Sanctuary Retreats guide will meet you at the airstrip and proceed to Manyara National Park for a half day game viewing. If you are lucky you may spot the parks famous tree climbing Lions. Arrive at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp for sundowners and dinner after climbing the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. This camp is located in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation area, on the crater rim. There are 10 luxury safari tents. Each custom-made walk in tent is spacious and complete with en-suite bathroom, flush toilet, shower and hot water available throughout the day. Each tent provides a room safe, hairdryer and mosquito nets. There are three main area tents: a dining tent, lounge, and bar and lounge tent.
The climate at 2200 meters is a lot cooler on the Crater rim up than on the plains. Prepare for an early start as the best game viewing and the least amount of crowds are at first light. The Crater access road that drops you 600m down to the Crater floor opens at 6am.
Request a 5:30am hearty breakfast, hot water bottles and blankets for the morning Game drive. Enjoy game viewing with a spectacular backdrop of the crater wall at every turn. This great caldera is home to around 30,000 animals with a high concentration of predators. Zebra and Wildebeast account for almost half the animals with plenty of Gazelle, Cape Buffalo, Hartebeest, Warthog and big bull Elephants. On the lake in the middle of the crater, you may see thousands of flamingos fluttering and shimmering like a pink heat haze. Return to camp this afternoon with time for a hot shower before pre dinner drinks by the camp fire as you discuss the day’s adventures.
1000hrs –Depart Manyara on a light aircraft to Serengeti
1130hrs –Arrive Serengeti.
Early this morning you will depart Manyara on a light aircraft 1.5 hour flight to northern Serengeti. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to camp in our customised open safari vehicle. With game viewing en route. In the afternoon there is time to relax before embarking on your first game drive.
Kichakani is semi permanent luxury mobile camp that moves with the seasons following the Great Migration; so no matter what time of year you visit you are guaranteed a wildlife spectacular.
Enjoy an morning wake up by your softly spoken tent attendant carrying a tray of hot filtered coffee, tea or beverage of your choice as planned the night before. Take breakfast in the privacy of your luxurious tent at the dining area or on the go.
Head out on a morning or full day game drive in the heart of the Great Migration this time of year along the infamous Mara River.
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp’s three set locations throughout the year are based on the natural migration path offering wildlife viewing from open plains, sweeping grasslands and rocky kopjes. The stars of this seasonal path are wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelles, and the predators that this migratory journey attracts. The Serengeti is known for having the Big Five; cheetahs are a highlight, along with wild dog, giraffe, waterbuck and impala.
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp’s three set locations throughout the year are based on the natural migration path offering wildlife viewing from open plains, sweeping grasslands and rocky kopjes. The stars of this seasonal path are wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelles, and the predators that this migratory journey attracts. The Serengeti is known for having the Big Five; cheetahs are a highlight, along with wild dog, giraffe, waterbuck and impala.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
1030hrs –Depart Serengeti on a light aircraft to Kilimanjaro
1200hrs –Arrive Kilimanjaro. Meet and assist onto outbound flight to Johannesburg.
Enjoy a leisurely morning game drive en route to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kilimanjaro. Meet and assist by Sanctuary representative upon arrival at Kilimanjaro to connect with your outbound flight to Johannesburg. Over night at Protea Hotel by Marriott or similar. *Hotel representative meet and assist. Meals included in room rate only.
1040hrs –Depart Johannesburg to Livingstone *flight not included in itinerary rate.
1400hrs –Arrive Livingstone. Meet and assist, transfer to Sussi & Chuma Lodge.
Morning transfer back to Johannesburg International for you flight to Livingston, Zambia where you will be met your Sanctuary guide. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is just a short drive from Livingstone airport and a step away from the world-famous Victoria Falls. The lodge itself is an exclusive haven in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which, in addition to the mighty roar of the Victoria Falls, also boasts a wide variety of game as well as countless opportunities for adventure. Built on two levels on a dramatic bend in the Zambezi, the main lodge is perched in giant ebony trees. Guests can relax in the swimming pool, or enjoy a drink in the elevated bar. The twelve air-conditioned tree houses are connected by wooden walkways and all enjoy superb views over the river. In addition, there are two private houses available. Each has two bedrooms, a dining area and deck with plunge pools, as well as a private chef and house staff.
The day is at leisure to enjoy some of the many activities on offer, these include a Tour of the Falls, sundowner cruise on the Zambezi, walking safaris, game drives in the National Park and a Village Tour. Livingstone is also known as the adventure capital of Africa offering a variety of adrenalin activities. Imagine taking on the mighty Zambezi River on a white water rafting trip. Did you know the rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as “Grade 5. The Flight of Angels offers an amazing opportunity to experience a flight in a helicopter and an unrivalled and superior view of the majestic Victoria Falls. Other adventure activities include bungee jumping, micro lighting over the Victoria Falls and swimming at the Devil’s Pool. These activities are an optional extra and can be booked at the lodge.
Awake to the sounds of the bush as a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee is served on your tent’s deck. This morning you may like to sleep in and enjoy your surrounds, or explore the park on an early morning game drive or river cruise before returning to camp for a refreshing drink and breakfast on the edge of the river. This afternoon you have time to take a refreshing swim in the pool or relax on your private deck with a cool drink and gaze out across the Zambezi and watch as the game lazily congregates in the shade, Elephants may even take a bath in the river right in front of your treehouse to escape the heat.
You could opt to explore the region and tick off some more activities.
The morning is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer and afterwards please meet the lodge representative in the reception area of the lodge for your transfer to Livingstone Airport or on to your next destination. Your transfer times will be advised to you by the lodge managers.
Zambia, officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west. The capital city is Lusaka, in the south-central part of Zambia. The population is concentrated mainly around Lusaka in the south and the Copperbelt Province to the northwest, the core economic hubs of the country.
This is a great country to go on Safari, Victoria Falls is not the only attraction here with some fantastic remote National Parks less frequented by the first time Safari traveller. Here you can find peace and quiet away from the crowds, animals also seem to enjoy the tranquility in these area’s, roaming freely in the remote savannah.
The Zambezi falls about 100 metres over the 1.6 km wide Victoria Falls, located in the south-west corner of the country, subsequently flowing into Lake Kariba. The Zambezi valley, running along the southern border, is both deep and wide. From Lake Kariba going east it is formed by grabens and like the Luangwa, Mweru-Luapula, Mweru-wa-Ntipa and Lake Tanganyika valleys, is a rift valley.
The undiscovered pearl of Africa, Uganda is a landscape of deep lakes, towering mountains and thick rainforests. Boasting wildlife not found anywhere else, Uganda is also home to the world’s greatest concentration of primates.
Exclusive Luxury Camps and Lodges across Tanzania, Zambia & Uganda
Sanctuary Swala is located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park, one of the most exciting and least visited parks in the country.
In the heart of Maasai country and a remote corner of the Tarangire, in total seclusion amongst giant acacia trees and looking out beyond the flat savannah, Sanctuary Swala offers a very exclusive safari experience. The picturesque landscape is filled with ancient baobab trees, ambling elephants and birds in flight. Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, this camp has a particularly low-carbon footprint.
The Park’s name originates from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park. The landscape and vegetation are incredibly diverse and the hilly landscape is dotted with many Baobab trees, high grasses and dense bush. Huge herds of up to 300 elephants roam the national park while migratory wildebeest, zebra, impala, buffalo and eland crowd the lagoon and waterholes. The Tarangire is also home to the more unusual species of fringe-eared Oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – situated in the Ngorongoro Crater rim valley, close to the access road into the crater, giving guests unrivaled access to the crater floor.
Ngorongoro is home to a large assortment of animals including zebra, buffalo, warthog, wildebeest, hippo and elephants; and an amazing population of predators – lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the elusive leopard.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 180 km west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. The main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano ex-ploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 610 metres deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometres. A large diversity of animals reside in the Crater, including an extraordinary population of predators, such as lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the elusive leopard; as well as hippo, wildebeest, warthog, zebra, eland, buffalo, gazelles and waterbuck.
Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp will move between three different locations, literally following the migration as it travels across the Serengeti, offering guests year round access to this incredible spectacle.
Depending on exact migration movement, the camp will be in the Western Serengeti from June to July, the Northern Serengeti from August to November and the Southern Serengeti from December to March.
The beautiful Serengeti National Park is renowned for the famous annual wildebeest migration, with over one and a half million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and covers around 5,700 square miles of grassland plains, savannah as well as forest and woodlands. The park contains a variety of wild-life, including the “Big Five.” There are also many cheetah to be seen, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, hyena, impala and even the elusive African wild dog.
The undiscovered pearl of Africa, Uganda is a landscape of deep lakes, towering mountains and thick rainforests. Boasting wildlife not found anywhere else, Uganda is also home to the world’s greatest concentration of primates.
The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback. This is an opportunity afforded only to a select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group every day. Tracking through dense forest with steep slopes means that participants do need to be physically fit to enjoy the track. Once the gorillas are located, spend a maximum of one hour with them before returning back to camp. Please note only children aged 15 and above can track gorilla.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is built on a dramatic bend of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, twelve kilometres upstream from the world-famous Victoria Falls. Inside the park resident Bushbuck find safety around the lodge, while the resident Hippo’s snort and grunt in front of the infinite pool overlooking the Zambezi. Elephants also frequent the grounds and rivers edge inside the camp. Magic spot.
Named after Dr. David Livingstone’s faithful friends Sussi and Chuma, the lodge is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the Zambezi amidst Jackalberry trees and Phoenix palms, providing unrivalled views and exclusivity. Accommodation is in twelve Sussi tree-houses, connected by wooden walkways. There are also two private Chuma houses, each with two bedrooms.
On this Zambia side of the Zambezi River, with Zimbabwe on the other, you have direct access to amazing river cruises, fishing trips and Livingstone Island with the famed ‘Devils Pool’, a daring and incredible plunge in a pool at the edge of the biggest waterfall in the world.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your stay – and dining is a mix of silver service, multi course and buffet style depending on the camp. On early morning game drives, indulge in a packed breakfast enjoyed in the middle of the bush and head back to the lodge for a late lunch; or leave after an early breakfast and indulge in a scrumptious packed lunch enjoyed whilst on a full day game drive. For a more intimate experience you can choose to dine on individual tables set in special spots around the camps.
Afternoon tea is served just before the afternoon game activity and offers a selection of cake, tea, coffee and fresh fruit juices. Sundowners and snacks offer the perfect way to end the day as the sun sets over the savannah. Pre-dinner drinks can be enjoyed around the fire before dinner.
At Swala camp you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner over looking the only permanent water hole in the area where all the animals come to quench their thirst. From small antelope like Impala who seek ‘sanctuary’ around the camp to Waterbuck, Buffalo and Lions as well as the resident herd of bull Elephants who don’t like sharing.
Getting to East Africa is relatively easy with two main hubs on the continent form where you can get to where ever you need to go.
Flying from Australia QANTAS has regular and direct flights from Sydney – Johannesburg while South African Airways fly directs to Johannesburg ex Perth to meet connections onto Nairobi and Kilimanjaro.
If you prefer to to fly with Emirates or QATAR they have regular flights ex Melbourne and Sydney via Dubai and Doha.
Departing from Europe you will find many direct flights into Nairobi, the main East African hub. Flying from the United States you will find direct flights to Johannesburg from New York and Atlanta, getting to Nairobi will generally take you through Europe.
Ask a Moon Tours specialist if you’d like us to book your required flights.
Tanzania’s currency is the shilling. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 shillings, although the first two are seldom used. The local currency you may need during your stay in Tanzania should be obtained at authorised facilities such as banks and foreign exchange bureaus. US Dollars and British Pounds can also be exchanged at the airport on arrival. It is very difficult to exchange the shilling outside of Tanzania so we recommend that you change only as much as you will need. Major credit cards are accepted at most outlets in Tanzania. At some of our Sanctuary Retreats camps in Tanzania, we accept Visa, MasterCard or Amex, as well as cash.
If you enjoyed your stay with us the guidelines below can be used as a reference. Tipping is a very personal matter and it is not included for staff at our lodges and camps.
Tanzania has a tropical climate which is mainly characterised by warm days and cool evenings. December to March are usually the warmest months of the year, while June to August are the coolest. April and May often see intermittent rains, and from September to November the days are warm with short scattered rains falling in November.
GMT + 3 hours.
Tanzania’s official language is Swahili.
Travellers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements vary between countries. All travellers, however, must be in possession of a passport with at least six months of validity left beyond the intended departure date from Tanzania.
For more information on Tanzania travel please visit http://tanzaniatourism.go.tz/en
TSA Bans Powerless Devices From Flights
According to recent rules issued by the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), passengers travelling from Europe, the Middle East and Africa to the US must be able to turn on their electronic devices to prove they are genuine, “Powerless devices” – cellphones and computers that cannot be turned on will not be permitted on board the aircraft.
This was followed by an announcement by the UK Department for Transport regarding stepping up some aviation security measures. “In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.” According to Reuters, TSA officials singled out smartphones, including the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, for extra security checks on U.S.-bound flights from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Source: http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2014/07/06/enhanced-security-measures-certain-airports-overseas
Tipping is not compulsory, nor are there any fixed amounts.
Driver-Guide in Bwindi: a tip of about US$10 per transfer is appropriate for your transfer driver.
On a Gorilla Track: If you choose to take a porter (highly recommended), the minimum recommended tip is US$15 per traveller per track.
A recommended tip of about US$20 per day of tracking per traveller may be placed in the appropriate tip box for your gorilla group (found at Park Headquarters) for distribution amongst the staff.
WE ALSO SUGGEST $15 PER GUEST PER DAY FOR THE REST OF THE STAFF.
Each traveller must be in possession of a passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond the completion of his/her trip. Travellers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements vary.
Please note: TSA Bans Powerless Devices From Flights
According to recent rules issued by the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), passengers travelling from Europe, the Middle East and Africa to the US must be able to turn on their electronic devices to prove they are genuine, “Powerless devices” – cellphones and computers that cannot be turned on will not be permitted on board the aircraft.
This was followed by an announcement by the UK Department for Transport regarding stepping up some aviation security measures. “In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.” According to Reuters, TSA officials singled out smartphones, including the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, for extra security checks on U.S.-bound flights from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Source: http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2014/07/06/enhanced-security-measures-certain-airports-overseas
GMT + 3 hours
English is the official national language. Luganda, the most common of the many indigenous languages, is also widely spoken.
In Uganda days are warm, but it almost invariably rains, except in the very driest months of January and February. It can get very cool at night. The year-round weather stays within this range.
For more information on Uganda travel please visit http://www.visituganda.com/index.php
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
For most passports, a visa is required. Please check with local authorities for details. Two blank passport pages are required when travelling to Southern Africa. Check the number of days given on arrival at the immigration desk as there are steep fines for overstaying the number of days given. Departure tax is dependent upon which airline you are travelling with.
This information serves as a guide only. Travellers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements can vary.
Visas Not Required:
Foreigners from some Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas for entering Zambia except in cases where Zambia government has directed otherwise.
Visas Required:
Foreigners from most Commonwealth and European Union countries, as well as the United States, are required to obtain visas for entering Zambia. Please visit http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm for a full list of nationalities which require visas for entry.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
Below are the new South African immigration regulations concerning travelling with children:
TIME ZONE
GMT + 2 hours.
LANGUAGE
The official language is English, but there are over 70 recognised regional languages including Nyanja and Bemba.
WEATHER
Zambia has three distinct seasons: the dry season (May to August), when temperatures drop at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to November), the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and the wet season (December to April) which is ideal for bird-watching. October is the hottest month, temperatures can reach over 40°C.
For more information on Zambia travel please visit http://www.zambiatourism.com/
Contact us for a bespoke luxury wildlife Safari.
Rates are per person twin or double share and include scenic Safari flights and road transfers.
*International airfares not included.
April – May Camps closed for maintenance and upgrades
1 June – 31 October; $19,140USD
1 November – 20 December; $17,350USD
21 December – 6 January 2020; $23,975USD
7 January – 31 March 2020; $14,900USD
Have a question? Call our friendly team today on 0439044327.
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Moon Tours
Unit 13/1140 Nepean Hwy,
Mornington VIC 3931
