Monday, 28 December 2015

Gorillas Through the Mist

3 Days / 2 Nights:

Visiting: Volcanoes National Park, Kigali.
Our shortest programme including gorilla tracking, Gorillas Through the Mist is a great extension to travel in Kenya and Tanzania. The safari can operate in reverse to simplify connections as needed. This safari also makes up part of our “Wings over East Africa” found on page 121 where we have packaged it along with Kenya and Tanzania. We have four options taking advantage of a variety of accommodation styles.

Itinerary:

Day  1

Upon arrival into Kigali, you are met and transferred to Virunga Conservation area (approximately 2.5 hours drive).If time permits, visit the markets, villages and local communities (at an extra cost) or an optional visit to the little known by compellingly beautiful twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo (payable directly).

Day 2

Morning transfer to the Volcanoes National Park offices. Briefing by the park’sguides on how to behave in the forest and in the presence of mountain gorillas. You then transfer over mildly bumpy roads to the trail head to start the trek. From the trail head, there is a 10-20 minute walk through fields (cultivated land) to edge of forest.  Here you enter the park for a gorilla trek which will take you until around midday depending on where you find them. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. It is important to take plenty of water. Good cameras and plenty of fastspeed film or memory cards are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. After the trek, lunch will be at your hotel.  After lunch you will return to Kigali for overnight.

Day 3

After breakfast, you are transferred to Kigali Airport to connect for your onward flight. End of our services
Additional Days
Should you wish to add an additional day with second additional gorilla trek, the additional day will be as follows and start as Day 2:
Morning briefing by the Volcanoes National Park’s guides on how to behave in the forest and in the presence of mountain gorillas. You then enter the park for a gorilla trek which will take Mountain Gorillas you until around midday depending on where you find them. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. It is important to take plenty of water. Good cameras and plenty of fast speed film or memory cards are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. After the trek, lunch will be at your hotel followed by time at leisure.  Dinner and overnight at the lodge as per the programme.
The last day of trekking will then be as per day 2 of the original itinerary with travel to Kigali
Safari Note
In order to control the number of people trekking in Rwanda and Uganda to view the gorillas, the governments use a strictly followed permit system and only a limited number of permits are made available for each family of gorillas each day. With such high demand, they attract a high price and are sold on a first come, first served basis. They are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Saturday, 26 December 2015

Mount Kilimanjaro - Mount Meru Climb

Those that have climbed both Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s second highest peak, Mount Meru often say that the latter is a more difficult climb. Trails are steeper and the ascent to the summit is faster but the rewards of spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha as well as the abundance of small mammals and bird life found during the climb make this experience well worth the effort.

Itinerary:

Day  1

Transfer to hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.

Day 2

Drive to the Momella Gate and start trekking with spectacular views. 4-5 hours walking.

Day 3

Ascend to Little Meru. Backtrack to Saddle Hut. 5-6 hours walking.

Day 4

Ascend to Rhino Point, continue to Cobra Point and finally reach the summit. Return to Miriakamba Hut. 7-8 hours walking.

Day 5

Return to the park gate and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 6

Transfer to Arusha for your onward arrangements.
Safari Note
Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain. At 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya has second place. Mount Stanley, shared by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo holds the number three spot at 5,119 meters.

Tuesday, 22 December 2015

Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route Climb

Considered the easiest of the Mount Kilimanjaro climb routes, this climb is still both challenging and rewarding. With accommodation in Alpine huts, the number of climbers is regulated by the park authority. This has the advantage of reduced crowds on the trails. You travel with your guide, porters and cook throughout the trek and meals are prepared at each hut by your climb staff. Each shared hut accommodates up to twelve climbers and provides basic dormitory style shelter.

Itinerary:

Day  1

Collection from Kilimanjaro airport, and transfer to Springlands Hotel located in Moshi Town close to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Here you will have a climb briefing and time to prepare and overnight.

Day 2

The National Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through an attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.), a group of comfortable ‘A’ frame wooden huts. The largest cabin has a downstairs dining area and an upstairs dormitory and mattresses. Smaller huts sleep eight persons. The total capacity is sixty persons. Water is piped onto site from a spring above and there are flush toilets behind the main cabin. The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. (3-5 hours walking)

Day 3

The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heathers and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach the hut complex at Horombo (3,720 m.). The buildings here are similar to Mandara Hut, but total capacity is one hundred and twenty persons. Water is piped from the stream behind the huts. There are platform toilets south east of the main hut, about eighty metres down the slope and flush toilets have been built within the complex of small huts. Sunrises and sunsets here are often spectacular and the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo. There is a real sense of being above the clouds here. (4-6 hours walking)

Day 4

We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday. Kibo is a stone-built block house with a small dining area and a number of dormitory rooms leading off a main corridor. There are bunk beds and mattresses for about sixty people . There is no water here so one has to bring an ample supply from the ‘last water’ supply above Horombo Hut. Platform toilets are behind the hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! (4-5 hours walking)

Day 5

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 0100 hours, aiming to be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. For those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo for the night. (11-15 hours walking)

Day 6

We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day and it really makes you realise how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. (5-6 hours walking).  When you finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you back to Springlands Hotel for overnight.

Day 7

After breakfast you are transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight and end of our services.

Accommodation

DestinationAccommodation
MoshiSpringlands Hotel
Ascend to 2,765 mMandara Hut Δ
Ascend to 3,790 mMandara Hut Δ
Ascend to 4,750 mKibo Hut Δ
Summit 5,895 m,
descend to 3,790 m
Horombo Hut Δ
MoshiSpringlands Hotel

Monday, 21 December 2015

Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Climb

Machame Route climb is our most popular. Treks each day are well paced and offer time to enjoy the surroundings and views. Changes in elevation are gradual and climbers can build their way to the more difficult days at the end. An additional day staying at Karanga Valley Camp is always recommended to increase the chance of success in reaching the summit.

Itinerary:

Day  1

Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi. Evening briefing and equipment check.

Day 2

Drive to the mountain. Trek through banana and coffee farms, before crossing the beautiful rainforest and heathland. The second night is spent at camp at an altitude of 3000m. The day’s hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Day 3

Steep morning climb, with some of the most magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and Kibo Peak. The third night is spent at camp at an altitude of 3720m. The day’s hike takes approximately 4-6 hours walking.

Day 4

Trek across the lava ridges of the glaciers. The fourth night is spent at camp at an altitude of 3900m. The day’s hike takes approximately 5-7 hours walking.

Day 5

Steep morning climb on the south eastern flank of Kibo. The fifth night is spent at camp at an altitude of 4600m. The day’s hike takes approximately 6-8 hours walking.

Day 6

Depart during the early hours for Stella Point, before the final trek to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak at an altitude of Summit 5,895m.  After your celebration of a successful trek to the summit, you descend to Mweka Forest Camp where you will spend the night. The day’s hike takes approximately 11-15 hours walking.

Day 7

Easy-paced trek down to the gate. Takes approximately 4-6 hours walking. Transfer  and over night.

Day 8

Morning transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward arrangements.

Accommodation

DestinationAccommodation
MoshiSpringlands Hotel
Ascend to 3,000 mMachame Camp
Ascend to 3,720 mShira Camp
Ascend to 3,900 mBarranco Camp
Ascend to 4,600 mBarafu Camp
Summit 5,895 m,
descend to 3,100 m
Mweka Camp
MoshiSpringlands Hotel

Saturday, 19 December 2015

Mount Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route Climb

This climb option offers a well balanced itinerary with reasonably paced treks each day. An additional night stopping at Karanga Valley can extend the climb to the most time we offer on the mountain. This longer, slower paced climb means that there is a better chance of reaching the summit.


Itinerary:

Day  1

You are met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the Springlands Hotel in Moshi.  Those arriving by 1900 will meet for an equipment check and climb briefing.  If arrival is late evening, the briefing is held the next morning.

Day 2

Drive to Londorossi Park Gate. Walk through plantations, farmlands and plains, with the chance to see buffalo, Roan and other antelope. (6-8 hours walking).

Day 3

Trek across heathland, grassy moorland and the plateau’s rock formations with acclimatisation walks as well. (4-6 hours walking).

Day 4

An easy day to help acclimatisation, and to explore the volcanic rock formations of  Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock flanked by steep pinnacles, before reaching the next camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m.). This campsite has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, close to the glaciated dome of  Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. (4-8 hours walking)

Day 5

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

Day 6

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley. After lunch, the terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m.) by mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. There are often spectacular views to the plains far below from Barafu. [6-8 hours walking]

Day 7

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. (11-15 hours walking).

Day 8

A gentle descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m.) (4-6 hours walking) When we finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you back to Moshi.

Day 9

After breakfast you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or connect for onward arrangements.

Accommodation

DestinationAccommodation
MoshiSpringlands Hotel
Ascend to 2,680 mMti Mkubwa Camp
Ascend to 3,300 mShira Camp 1
Ascend to 3,700 mShira Camp 2
Ascend to 3,900 mBarranco Camp
Ascend to 4,600 mBarafu Camp
Summit 5,895 m,
descend to 3,250 m
Mweka Camp
MoshiSpringlands Hotel

Tuesday, 15 December 2015

Zanzibar Excursions - Prime Safaris

Sandbank Picnic

FULL DAY – INCLUDES LUNCH, DEPARTS STONE TOWN 0900

Come on board our traditionally crafted dhows, put your feet up and allow our staff to pamper you as the Sultans of Zanzibar were once upon a time. Enjoy a guided tour of Stone Town by sea, being shown the famous historical sites of this enchanting town. Snorkel with our guide around the reef and discover a whole new underwater world filled with marine life and coral of brilliant colours Tables are set on the golden sand where a five star lunch, prepared by talented chefs will await you.
After lunch relax on the sandbank listening to the hush of waves lapping against the shore or discover more underwater life around it and listen to stories from our crew about sailing the seven seas. Hop back on board and sail to Prison Island to see the remains of the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to isolation and watch the giant tortoises shuffle through the trees, with the patience that old age brings. Returns to Stone Town by 1600.

Prison Island Tour

3 HOURS DEPARTING MORNING AND AFTERNOON – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS 0900 AND 1430 FROM STONE TOWN

The island was formerly owned by an Arab and used for confinement of refractory slaves. It was bought by General Mathews and the jail (gaol) which still stands was constructed in 1893 and hence the name “PRISON ISLAND”. While on the island you will be able to see massive land tortoises, swim, sunbathe and snorkel.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

3 HOURS DEPARTING LATE AFTERNOON – EXCLUDES MEALS, DEPARTS STONE TOWN 1600

The sounds of the bustle of busy people in Stone Town grow faint in the distance until they seem only a memory. Music takes over, the sounds of taarab, songs of love and loss, on violin and oud, as your guide serves canapés and keeps your glass topped up with your choice of beers, wine, cocktails or sodas, encouraging you to sink back into the cushions and enjoy the romance of Africa while watching the scenery drift by.
On board our dhow you are provided a personal guide who will accompany you on your cruise and give you a tour of Stone Town from the water as well as be able to answer any questions that you may have for him. Then, as the sun sinks into the horizon of the Indian Ocean, gentle breezes guide the dhow back to shore.

Stone Town Tours

3 HOURS DEPARTING MORNINGS (RECOMMENDED) AND AFTERNOONS
EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0830 AND 1430

Departing your Stone Town hotel, this excursion combines road travel and walking. A driver and guide accompany participants and visit The House of Wonders, Arab Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, Anglican Cathedral, Slave Market, City Market, Old Dispensary, and National Museum. This fascinating trip provides a true insight into the history and culture of this magical island.

EVENING STONE TOWN WALK, 2 HOURS DEPARTING EVENINGS – EXCLUDES MEALS
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 1830

In the company of a guide, with the sounds of the evening call to prayer echoing through the narrow streets, this 2 hour walk includes many interesting shops and Forodhani Gardens where street vendors sell a variety of goods including fresh sea food and kebabs cooked on open grills.

Zanzibar Dining Experiences

MERCURY RESTAURANT, STONE TOWN
2 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Departing your Stone Town hotel, you first pass the house where famed musician Freddy Mercury was born. You then continue to the restaurant for a lunch with views of the Indian Ocean. You then transfer to your hotel or the airport.

6 DEGREES SOUTH, STONE TOWN
2 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Offering idyllic views of the Indian Ocean at the edge of the historic Stone Town, this restaurant provides fresh seafood and good service. Includes return transfers from your Stone Town hotel or on to Zanzibar’s airport.

Archipelago Restaurant, STONE TOWN
2 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Located in the heart of historic Stone Town, Archipelago Restaurant has become one of Zanzibar’s most popular meeting and dining points. A perfect way to immerse yourself into the Swahili culture. Includes return transfers from your Stone Town hotel or on to Zanzibar’s airport.

MTONI MARINE, NEAR STONE TOWN
2.5 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN HOTELS*

Departing your Stone Town hotel drive to this oceanfront restaurant and sports bar. Mtoni Marine is a popular gathering place for locals, residents and visitors. You then transfer to your hotel or the airport.

SERENA MANGAPWANI BEACH RESTAURANT
4 HOURS DEPARTING STONE TOWN, NORTH OR NORTH EAST HOTELS

You depart your hotel and drive to the Mangapwani Slave Caves. After a tour of the caves you continue to the beach where Serena offers an active buffet featuring grilled seafood. There are facilities to change into swim wear and you can follow your meal with an afternoon of relaxation on the beach. You then transfer back to your hotel.

THE ROCK 4 HOURS DEPARTING STONE
TOWN, SOUTH OR SOUTH EAST HOTELS*

You transfer to the south east coast of the island where you then make your way to this small island restaurant located just off the coast. You have your meal with spectacular ocean views and then transfer back to your hotel.

Spectacular Spices

3 HOURS DEPARTING MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0830 AND 1430

A look at small farms in the rural area that grow cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and many other spices, medicinal and ornamental plants, and tropical fruits. This tour provides a rare experience to prove why Zanzibar is referred to as the “Spice Island”. It also includes a visit to the Persian Baths built in 1850 by Seyyid Said bin Sultan.

Journey Through Time

RUINS AND SLAVE SITES
HALF DAY – INCLUDES LUNCH DEPARTS MORNINGS
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0800

The history of Zanzibar is interwoven with both the slave trade and the great palaces of the sultans, built by those slaves and now in ruins. Our journey starts with a visit to Mbweni Ruins. From there, we go to the Anglican Cathedral, built at the location of a slave market and see the monument in memory
of slavery that is built there. Then proceed through Bububu to the Mangapwani Slave Caves. After exploring the caves, you travel to the Maruhubi Palace Ruins and Mtoni Palace Ruins ending with lunch at Mtoni Marine Restaurant before you transfer back to your hotel. (Trips departing coastal resorts may operate in a different order.)

Mystical Forest

JOZANI FOREST TOUR
HALF DAY – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN AT 0830 AND 1430

You will walk through the nature trail of the forest, which is a habitat for many species of animals, and birds. It is famous for its Red Colobus Monkey, the rare species that is only found in a few places including Zanzibar. You then cross into the mangroves where you find some fascinating creatures.

Dolphin Adventure/Safari Blue

DOLPHIN ADVENTURE, HALF DAY – EXCLUDES LUNCH
DEPARTS 0700 FROM STONE TOWN

You transfer to the village of Kizimkazi where traces of an Old Shirazi settlement may be seen. Near the walled enclosure is an ancient mosque where an inscription records that it was built in A. H. 500 (A. D. 1107) by Sheikh Seyyid Abi Amran, who appears to have been a local ruler. Outside the mosque is a well and graves of Sheriffs (descendants of the Prophet). You will then proceed to a small fishing village where you will be taken for a boat ride (in a motorized local boat) in search of dolphins (85% chance). You transfer back to your hotel in time for lunch.

Zanzibar Pure Passion

ZANZIBAR PURE PASSION AND BUTTERFLY ADVENTURE
FULL DAY – INCLUDES PICNIC LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN 0900

You travel to the southern part of the island and visit the village of Muyuni A. This traditional village is a great opportunity to mingle with Zanzibaris as they go about their daily routines. You tour the Ngonga Sacred Caves with a maze of chambers and tunnels. After a picnic lunch, you continue to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre. This interactive enclosure is one of Africa’s largest butterfly exhibits. Late afternoon return to your hotel.

Uzi Heritage

UZI HERITAGE (WITH JOZANI FOREST AND BUTTERFLY CENTRE)
FULL DAY – INCLUDES PICNIC LUNCH
DEPARTS STONE TOWN 0900

You travel to the southern part of the island and at low tide, travel across a coral stone causeway that connects the village with the main island. After a chance to interact with the villagers, you visit the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre and Jozani Forest. Aside from observation of the red Colobus monkeys that reside in the forest, you also explore the mangroves. A picnic lunch is provided. The order of activities is dictated by the tides as Uzi Island can only be reached at low tide. Includes return transfers from your hotel.

Monday, 14 December 2015

Kenya & Tanzania Overnight Excursions - by Prime Safaris

Overnight at Shimba Hills Green Safari CampOvernight at Shimba Hills Green Safari Camp

OVERNIGHT, DEPARTS MOMBASA IN THE MORNING, INCLUDES LUNCH, DINNER, ACCOMMODATION & BREAKFAST

About an hour’s drive from Mombasa, Shimba is covered by beautiful forest foliage and feels cooler than the coast. You depart your resort in the morning and arrive at the camp for lunch. Your afternoon game drive may include sighting of elephant, buffalo and giraffe and if you’re lucky, the rare Sable antelope. Afterwards, spend the evening relaxing in the tranquility of the camp. Depart next day after breakfast and return to your hotel or resort.

Overnight on Mount KilimanjaroOvernight on Mount Kilimanjaro

TWO FULL DAYS DEPARTING ARUSHA OR MOSHI IN THE MORNING
MEALS AND OVERNIGHT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Depart your Arusha or Moshi area hotel and transfer to the park gate. Spend about 2 hours hiking on the mountain until you reach a viewpoint. After a break and picnic lunch. You then continue to the Mandara Hut. You have the afternoon for relaxation on the mountain or extended hikes. Dinner and overnight is at the Mandara Hut. Your descent takes you to a different viewpoint on the mountain with a variety of flora and fauna as you descend back to the park gate. A picnic lunch is provided and you should reach the park gate by mid afternoon. Transfer back to your Moshi or Arusha area hotel or lodge.

Overnight at Sarova Taita Hills Game LodgeOvernight at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge

SAROVA TAITA HILLS GAME LODGE
OVERNIGHT, DEPARTS MOMBASA IN THE MORNING
INCLUDES LUNCH, DINNER, ACCOMMODATION & BREAKFAST

You depart your resort after breakfast and travel to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. You game drive en route to the lodge. After lunch, there is an afternoon game drive returning for dinner and overnight. You have an early morning game drive returning to the lodge for breakfast. Then return to your hotel arriving for lunch. You may optionally upgrade to have dinner and overnight at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge.

Overnight in Selous Game ReserveOvernight in Selous Game Reserve

SELOUS RIVERSIDE CAMP
OVERNIGHT, DEPARTS ZANZIBAR IN THE MORNING
INCLUDES LUNCH, DINNER, ACCOMMODATION & BREAKFAST

Morning transfer from your resort to Zanzibar Airport. Fly by scheduled flight to Selous Game Reserve. Transfer to the camp. Choice of shared escorted bush walk or boat excursion on the Rufiji River. After lunch, shared game drive in the reserve. The next morning there is a choice of shared activities. After lunch you transfer back to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Zanzibar Airport. Return transfer to your resort. May also operate from Dar es Salaam.

Sunday, 13 December 2015

Dar es Salaam Excursions with Prime Safaris

Dar es Salaam City Tour

dar_es_salam_city_tourHALF DAY TOUR
3 HOURS DEPARTING 0830 AND 1430 – EXCLUDES LUNCH

We start at the National Museum for a look into the history of Tanzania and the influence of the Portuguese, Germans, Arabs and British. We continue to the University of Dar es Salaam for a brief glimpse at a keystone of the country’s development. We proceed to the Mwenge Carvers’ Market where a variety of craftsmen work on the spectacular ebony carvings. Tinga Tinga is a form of art unique to East Africa. Bright contrasting colours make for bright and interesting wall art. Return transfer to your hotel.

FULL DAY TOUR
7 HOURS DEPARTING 0830 – INCLUDES LUNCH

As above but then travel to Slipway for lunch. After lunch, drive along the beach with views of the Indian Ocean. Visit Mnazi Moja Park and pass the ferry landing. Return transfer to your hotel.

Dar es Salaam Shopping Expedition

dar_es_salam_shopping3 HOURS DEPARTING ON REQUEST – EXCLUDES LUNCH

The artwork, carvings and jewellery of Africa finds a special meaning on the Swahili coast. Dar es Salaam’s shops have an exquisite selection of brightly coloured Tinga Tinga paintings and batiks. The Mwenge wood carvers offer an amazing array of intricately carved sculptures in ebony and other woods. Gemstones and jewellery can be found at great values. Your driver will plan out a shopping spree to help find the perfect gifts for loved ones and yourself.

Dar es Salaam Layover Packages

For travellers arriving at Dar es Salaam’s JKN International Airport from Zanzibar or southern Tanzania to connect with an international departure, there is often some extra time to fill. Also, domestic flights generally arrive at Terminal 1 and international flights depart from Terminal 2. A road transfer is required between the two terminals. We offer a number of options that vary depending on the amount of time the travellers have.

BRIEF TOUR INCLUDING LUNCH OR DINNERnorthern_tanzania_excursion_rif_valley
4 HOURS DEPARTING ON REQUEST

Meet at the airport / seaport and transfer with a drive through city tour of Dar es Salaam before lunch or dinner at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel. After your meal, return transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

AIRPORT ASSISTANCE INCLUDING LUNCH OR DINNER*
3 HOURS DEPARTING ON REQUEST

Meet at the airport and transferred to nearby Quality Centre where you have a selection of restaurants to choose from with your meal paid directly. Transfer and assistance to check-in for your international departure.

AIRPORT ASSISTANCE EXCLUDING LUNCH OR DINNER
30 MINUTES DEPARTING ON REQUEST

Meet at the airport and assisted to the transfer vehicle. Transfer and assistance to check-in for your international departure.

Dar es Salaam Dinner and Day Use

dar_es_salam_dinnerDAY USE WITH CITY TOUR AND DINNER
DEPARTING ON REQUEST

Meet and greet service at the airport / seaport and transfer via drive through city tour of Dar es Salaam to your hotel where a day room will be provided (Check-in after 1130, check-out by 1800). Dinner at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Option 01: Day room using Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam Hotel – The Kilimanjaro
Option 02: Day room using Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel
Option 01: Day room using New Africa Hotel & Casino

Dar es Salaam Water Park

HALF DAY DEPARTING ON REQUEST
4 HOURS – EXCLUDES LUNCH

You depart your Dar es Salaam hotel and transfer to the Kunduchi Water Park. Prepare to get wet as you enjoy water slides and massive swimming pool. There are also go kart tracks (available at a cost paid directly at the park). Return transfer to your Dar es Salaam area hotel.

Day Trip to Bagamoyo

FULL DAY DEPARTING 0700, INCLUDES LUNCHdar_es_salam_bagamoyo_church

You depart your Dar es Salaam hotel by 0700 and drive to historic Bagamoyo. This town was once the staging point for historic explorers such as Stanley, Speke and Burton. The trip includes entry fees to the attractions and lunch. Return to Dar es Salaam by 1800 and drop off at your hotel or the airport for your departure flight.

Bongoyo Island

FULL DAY DEPARTING 0930 – INCLUDES LUNCH

Meet at Dar es Salaam’s airport, seaport or your hotel and transfer to Slipway where you board a small boat for your 30 minute cruise to the island located off the coast of Dar es Salaam. You have use of the island’s facilities and sandy beach for a chance to swim, snorkel and relax. Lunch is served on the island. Afternoon return by boat and transfer to connect with your onward travel arrangements.