Wednesday, September 24, 2008

8 Days Tanzania Serengeti wildlife migration safari package

Annual Wildebeest Migration cycle in Serengeti

The endless plains of east Africa are the setting for the world's greatest wildlife spectacle - the 1.5 million animal ungulate (wildebeest) migration. From the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne colored hills of Kenya's Masai Mara over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa's great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.
There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March in Tanzania Hence the best period to take a wildlife Migration safari in Tanzania is in the months of December through to March.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.The Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the months December through March the seemingly unending plains of the southern Serengeti and the Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. The great herds graze on rain ripened grass. In the calving season (late January through mid March) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena
.

8 Days Tanzania Serengeti wildlife migration safari package

Day 1: Nairobi - Arusha
Board a shuttle bus to Arusha from Nairobi via Namanga boarder to arrive Arusha by 1400 hrs. Drop off at Kibo Palace Hotel for Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Arusha - Lake Manyara
Leave Arusha at 0800 hrs and proceed to Lake Manyara national park for afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight Lake Manyara Serena lodge
Located beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, on the edge of the Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, incredible bird life, and breathtaking views. Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions are another reason to pay this park a visit. The only kind of their species in the world, they make the ancient mahogany and elegant acacias their home during the rainy season, and are a well-known but rather rare feature of the northern park. In addition to the lions, the national park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world -- a fact that makes for interesting game viewing of large families of the primates.

Day 3 – Lake Manyara – Serengeti
After breakfast depart for Serengeti passing through Olduvai Gorge, the archeological site of the Leakey family. Meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.

Day 4: Serengeti
A full day with morning and afternoon game drives to explore the plains, Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge

Serengeti is easily Tanzania’s most famous national park, and it’s also the largest, at 14,763 square kilometres of protected area that borders Kenya’s Masai Mara Game ParkIt is the Migration for which Serengeti is perhaps most famous. Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras flow south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains every October and November, and then swirl west and north after the long rains in April, May and June. So strong is the ancient instinct to move that no drought, gorge or crocodile infested river can hold them back. The Wildebeest travel through a variety of parks, reserves and protected areas and through a variety of habitat. Join us to explore the different forms of vegetation and landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem and meet some of their most fascinating inhabitants

Day 5: Ngorongoro
After breakfast depart for Ngorongoro, one of the natural wonders of the world. Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Day 6: Ngorongoro crater

After early morning breakfast leave with picnic lunch for a full day crater tour. You will be taken 2000ft down the crater by a 4wheel drive vehicle, explore the crater before ascending back to the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight.

The Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main drawcard for tourists coming to Tanzania and a definite world-class attraction. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is home of Ngorongoro Crater. It was formed some 2.5 million years ago from a volcanic mountain sinking due to inactivity, and was initially thought to be higher than Tanzania’s famous Kilimanjaro. The crater has evolved into a unique and integral part of Tanzania’s eco-system. The crater is actually a caldera, measures 22.5 km’s across and the rim walls stand 600m high. Views from within and from the rim are breathtaking (as can be seen from the picture). The crater houses 30,000 animals and a large variety of birds, which rarely move from the area due to the availability of water through wet and dry seasons

Day 7 Ngorongoro - Tarangire
After breakfast drive to Tarangire. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Safari Lodge./Sopa Lodge

Tarangire National Park, one of the hidden jewels of Tanzania. This park measures 2,600 sq km’s and boasts a concentration of wildlife second only to Ngorongoro Crater. It features an impressive amount and array of bird life and plant life. Situated only 160km’s from Arusha, the park is nestled to the south of the large open grass plains of southern Maasailand. It is named after the Tarangire River, which runs directly through the center of the park and is the only permanent water source for the animals. Along the banks of this river you will find herds of wildebeest (or gnu) and zebra, followed by Grant’s Gazelle, Thomson ’s gazelle and many others. Lurking in the background lion and leopard keep a watchful eye on a possible meal. The park offers views of grass and floodplains with impressive baobab and flat topped acacia trees scattered throughout. During the dry season the park may look quite ordinary, but activities continue even more earnestly due to the now increased competition.

Day 8: Tarangire - Arusha
Early morning game drives, and then return to the lodge for breakfast .Drive to Arusha to arrive by lunch time. Board an after noon shuttle bus to Nairobi to arrive by 1800 hrs.

11 Days Kenya Family wildlife safari and beach holidays

Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell's Gate National Park, Crescent Island, Maasai Mara Game Reserve Family tour and Mombasa Beach Holidays.

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up from the airport on arrival and transfer to Nairobi Safari Club for Dinner and Overnight stay

Day 2: Nairobi- Sweet waters
Pick up from your hotel at 0830 hrs and drive towards the slopes of Africa's second largest mountain at 5199m - Mt Kenya .Lunch at Mt.Kenya safari Club followed by afternoon game drive at Sweetwater’s game ranch to see the wildlife including rehabilitated chimpanzees. We spend the night at the Sweetwater’s Tented Camp. The private ranch at Sweetwater’s is the o¬nly sanctuary for rehabilitation in Kenya of these widely abused chimpanzees with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The site is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area.

Day 3: Aberdares – Lake Nakuru
Depart the lodge soon after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National park. Lunch at a lodge followed by a full afternoon gamedrives at the Kenyas Park famed by its numerous species of birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge or Similar.
Lake Nakuru's claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo's and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here.

Day 4 Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha
Breakfast at leisure before driving to Lake Naivasha. A visit to the hells gate national park this park can be explored on foot or you could also cycle around the park. Afternoon boat ride to Crescent Island can be arranged .Dinner and overnight at Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Day 5 : Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara
Drive to via the Great Rift Valley to arrive at Maasai Mara in time for lunch at a Lodge. Full afternoon game drive till dusk when we return to Mara Sarova camp for dinner and overnight stay.
The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.

Day 6/7: Maasai Mara
Full days spent exploring the park in search of the big 5- Optional balloon safari can be arranged at an extra cost. Visit to the Maasai villages for children to learn their culture and their ways of life.
The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.

Day 8 : Maasai Mara -Nairobi - Mombasa
Breakfast then transfer to the airstrip to board a Mara – Nairobi flight departing at 1100 to arrive at approx 1230 hrs . On arrival our guide will meet you and take you to the Carnivore restaurant for Lunch. After Lunch we will transfer you to the airport to catch flight to Mombasa to start the beach holiday. Overnight at Sarova White Sands Hotel

Day 9/10 Mombasa
Days spent sunbathing at the beach hotel


Day 11 – Mombasa – Nairobi
Full morning spent on your own then transfer to Moi international airport after lunch to catch your flight back to Nairobi arriving in good time to connect you’re your homebound flight.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Family holiday wildlife safaris in Kenya with children activities,Balloon safaris, culture,gamedrives and beach holiday relazation

Africa Family safaris comprises og gamedrives, Balloon air safaris, nature walks, cultural exchanges, swimming and the itinereries are well selected with minimal driving distances so that the children do not get bored . An African family safari through the most spectacular game parks of Kenya into the immense remote wild lands of the Maasai Mara. Follow the seasonal migration of wildebeest, beautiful landscapes and thousands on birds in Rift Valley Lakes .Accommodation is offered in well selected lodges and our programs covers the most scenic national parks where you will witness the most extraordinary dramas of the African wilderness.
For Families planning and adventurous holiday safaris, then Kenya is the place to visit. With its friendly people ,rich culture, abundant wildlife, breath taking sceneries not forgetting the annual wildebeest migration that that takes place in Maasai Mara starting from July through to September .. This is one country one must visit in a lifetime. Kenya has good weather all year round which is an added bonus to Kenya holidays hence you can plan your vacation any time of the year.

On this tour, you will explore Kenya’s most popular national parks /Game reserves - Samburu Game Reserve has spectacular scenic beauty, rivers and forests. It is an area where the local people have a rich and colorful heritage. The reserve has numerous permanent springs and a wealth of wildlife which includes leopard, hippo, elephant, lion, reticulated giraffe, gravy’s zebra and crocodile in the Ewaso Nyiro River. Over 365 species of birds have been identified in the sanctuaries. Then proceed to Lake Nakuru National park claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo's and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here. The climax of this tour will be in Maasai Mara national park; Maasai Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.


14 Days Kenya family wildlife Kenya grand tour

Areas of Interest: Amboseli National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Aberdare Ranges, Samburu National Reserve, Mount Kenya, Nyahururu Falls / Thomson Falls, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Nakuru National Park, The Great Rift Valley, Mau Escarpment, Masai Mara National Reserve
Activities : Cultural interaction for the family with Maasai and Samburu people ,Cultural lectures for the Children, fire lighting, Optional balloon safaris , Traditional dances /Scenery, Game Watching, Ethnic, Culture, Traditional Dances (Optional), Photography among others

Day 1:
Arrival

Meet you at Jommo Kenyatta international airport and transfer you to The Nairobi Safari Club Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2– Amboseli National Park

Pick up from the Hilton hotel soon after break fast and drive south through Maasai country to the plains below Mt. Kilimanjaro where Amboseli is situated. After a stopover lunch at the lodge we proceed into the scenic Amboseli National Park for a game drive returning by sundowner.

Day 3 – Amboseli National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, we explore the park through morning and afternoon game drives. We have sufficient time for relaxation at the lodge, complete with the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.
Amboseli means ‘the place of water’ in Maasai language. The park has an endless supply of water which is filtered through thousands of meters of volcanic rock from Mount Kilimanjaro. Animal species seen include elephant, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard. The birdlife seen here includes pelican, bee eater, kingfisher, African fish eagle and pygmy falcon. Amboseli is one of the most popular parks and offers excellent accommodation facilities.

Day 4 – Aberdare Ranges
We leave Amboseli, viewing game as we drive via Nairobi to the Aberdares to enjoy the experience of staying in a Tree Hotel or lodge overlooking floodlit waterholes where wildlife and birds regularly visit. Dinner and a well deserved sleep thereafter.
Over 40 species of wildlife inhabit the Aberdare mountain ranges, hiding in the heavily forested slopes and in the upper moor lands. The Aberdares is noted as a rhino sanctuary but keep an eye out for the elusive rare bongo, which is best, spotted in the upper bamboo zone and hypericum scrub.

Day 5 – Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast we proceed further north across the Equator to the edge of the Northern Frontier. Arrival will be in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive returning in time for a sun downer and dinner at the lodge. Samburu is part of a lava plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, broken volcanic rock, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings. This reserve is becoming one of Kenya's most admired stops after the Mara. Sights of the peculiarly branched doum palms and thorn trees give an unusual look to the region.

Day 6 – Samburu National Reserve
The whole day will be spent relaxing and leisurely exploring the Samburu National Reserve through morning and afternoon game drives. You may opt to do some of the activities offered at the lodges and a visit to Samburu Villages at an extra cost.
The light and vast openness creates a lonesome panoramic beauty and the permanent water supply acts like a lure for the abundant species found here. The region is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra with huge fury ears, gerenuk antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with distinct blue legs and the shy Oryx. Elephant and crocodile are guaranteed sightings, excellent bird watching with numerous varieties of weaverbirds and the martial eagle. Leopard sighting is also a special feature here.

Day 7- Mount Kenya/Sweet waters.
We enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Samburu reserve then depart for the Mt. Kenya region. Arrival at the lodge in time for you to enjoy the facilities of the lodge, explore the Mount Kenya National Park or take an optional tour to the nearby

Sweetwaters Reserve which is home to Chimpanzees. Mount Kenya was shaped by volcanic action linked with the creation of the Rift Valley and is thought to be older than Mount Kilimanjaro; geologists believe it previously stretched at least 1500m above its present height of 5199m (17,057ft). The Kikuyu people settled in the central highlands some 300 years ago called the mountain “Ngai” (God) who they believed lived on the top of Mount Kenya.
Sweetwater’s is the o¬nly sanctuary for rehabilitation in Kenya of these widely abused chimpanzees with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The site is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area.

Day 8 – Lake Baringo via Lake Bogoria
Morning drive via the Nyahururu Falls down to the shallow soda Lake Bogoria and later to the beautiful lake Baringo where you may enjoy the pleasure of an evening bird walk. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. The Nyahururu Falls also known as Thomson Falls was named after Joseph Thomson who walked from Mombasa to Lake Victoria in the early 1880s; these falls are shaped by the waters of the Ewaso Narok River and plunge over 72m into a rift, spraying the dark forest below. In the spectacular Lake Bogoria; hot springs and geysers are the main attractions. The lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingo’ with a nomad population of up to two million birds. For the bird enthusiasts, Kesubo swamp located north of the park is home to more than 200 species of birds.
Lake Baringo is the most Northerly of Kenya’s small Rift Valley lakes; creased with papyrus and well developed acacia forest. Hippos, crocodiles and monitor lizards are effortlessly seen from the shore, as is a magnificent display of water birds. This is Kenya's bird watching centre with over 1200 different species native to the country and more than 450 sighted here. A bird watcher's haven but beware, this is malaria land so it is best to come prepared with plenty of mosquito repellent.

Day 9 – Nakuru National Park
We enjoy a morning boat ride in search of hippo, crocodile, and fish eagle. After a sumptuous lunch, we then proceed to Lake Nakuru and the Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive. The park covers 180 sq km and is home to warthogs, waterbuck, buffaloes, reedbucks, and the occasional leopard. White and black rhinos were introduced to the park some years ago and you will find white rhino at the southern end.

The park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologists’ delight with more than 400 species of bird found here. We spend the night at Kembu campsite just outside of town.

Day 10 – Masai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, we depart for Masai Mara National Reserve via the Great Rift Valley arriving in time for lunch at the lodge. We then proceed on an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge for a delicious sundowner, and dinner at the lodge or luxury tented camp. The Mara reserve is 1510 sq km of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland and one glimpse is enough to explain its appeal; it is typical savannah, with a mass of amazing wildlife. Wherever you go in the Mara you will see a frequent amount of wildlife such as Masai giraffe, baboons, warthogs, bat eared foxes, grey jackals, spotted hyena, topis, impala, hartebeests, wildebeest. Elephants, buffaloes, zebras and hippos also exist in great numbers. It is also common to see lions either basking after a heavy meal, or surveying the plains for their next meal. Cheetahs and leopards are harder to spot but are still reasonably common.

Day 11 & 12 – Masai Mara National Reserve

The next two days shall be spent viewing game, in the early morning hours and in the evenings as this is when we have the best chances of seeing wildlife. The ultimate action here is without doubt the annual wildebeest exodus in July and August when millions of these grass eaters move north from the Serengeti in search of lusher grass before turning south again in October. Hot air balloon safari can be arranged and a cultural visit to Maasai villages for the children to the Maasai culture and for a traditional dances.
You may also opt to do some of the activities offered by the lodge. On clear days, the Masai Mara offers fantastic orange tinted sunsets and you will definitely want to capture this moment while sipping on a sun downer back at the lodge. Balloon trips are an entirely outstanding way of seeing the savannah plains and the wildlife after which you come back down for a beautiful champagne breakfast. These trips can be arranged at our office upon booking.

Day 13 - Nairobi
After a final early morning game drive we depart for Nairobi arriving in the afternoon hours. Drop off at Nairobi Safari Club to freshen up before going to the Carnivore Restaurant for dinner at 1900 hrs. Overnight stay at the Nairobi safaris Hotel

Day 14: Departure
Transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. End of a Memorable African family safari


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Wildebeest Migration cycle in Serengeti

The endless plains of east Africa are the setting for the world's greatest wildlife spectacle - the 1.5 million animal ungulate (wildebeest) migration. From the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne colored hills of Kenya's Masai Mara over 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa's great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.

There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March in Tanzania Hence the best period to take a wildlife Migration safari in Tanzania is in the months of December through to March.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.The Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the months December through March the seemingly unending plains of the southern Serengeti and the Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. The great herds graze on rain ripened grass. In the calving season (late January through mid March) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena.

www.asiliadventuresafaris.com/migrationsafaris2008scheduledsafaris