The African Dream

Beschreibung

Program

Day 1:
Arrival in the capital of Kenya, where your RATPANAT guide and the truck crew will meet you to begin your safari.
We'll depart from Nairobi and head towards the Great Rift Valley, where we'll venture deep into the heart of the valley and arrive at the shores of LAKE NAIVASHA. Nestled amidst a captivating forest of yellow acacia trees, we'll spend the night in this unique location.
In the afternoon, we'll embark on a boat trip on the lake, home to several hippopotamus families and countless bird species. On the shore, you may spot giraffes, antelopes, or even buffalo. The farm where we're staying offers the opportunity for walking safaris or horseback riding (optional), which we highly recommend: you'll only hear the sounds of the animals and be surrounded by nothing but nature, a unique experience to get up close to zebras or giraffes in a way that's simply not possible otherwise.

NAIVASHA SIMBA LODGE or similar

Day 2:
After a good night's rest, we'll head towards the land of the Maasai. This ancient pastoralist tribe has inhabited this part of Africa since time immemorial and continues to hold onto their traditions and way of life well into the 21st century.
Our first encounter with the Maasai people will be at the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy, one of several conservation areas on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Spanning over 2,000 hectares, it is a vital part of the Mara ecosystem, forming a crucial link in the vast migratory corridor that stretches from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the northern reaches of the Mara. This makes it a significant wildlife refuge alongside other contiguous conservation areas.
Nashulai is one of the few community-owned and operated conservancies in Kenya, a pioneering model of conservation in a 21st century facing significant challenges such as species loss, cultural extinction, and global climate change. It demonstrates that humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously, benefiting the land, wildlife, and people alike.

OLENGOTI ECO SAFARI CAMP & COTTAGES

Day 3:
Full-Day Maasai Mara National Reserve Adventure: Hot Air Balloon Safari & 4x4 Game Drive
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as you soar above the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon at sunrise. Witness the Great Migration from a breathtaking bird's-eye view.
After this spectacular experience, we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast in the heart of the savannah and toast to our safari before continuing our exploration of the over 1,500 square kilometers of the Maasai Mara in our 4x4 vehicles. Named after the Mara River and the Maasai tribe that inhabits the area, the reserve is renowned for its diverse wildlife. With a little luck, we'll spot the Big Five in a day, but the real magic lies in witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, surrounded by hundreds of other mammal, bird, and reptile species.
We'll spend the entire day exploring the park. Upon returning to our lodge, we invite you to leave your mark on the Mara by planting a tree as part of our reforestation initiative.

OLENGOTI ECO SAFARI CAMP & COTTAGES

Day 4:
No trip to Kenya would be complete without dedicating three nights to the Maasai Mara, and tonight's adventure promises to be truly unforgettable.
We'll depart from Olengoti and journey across the eastern section of the reserve – known as the Greater Mara – to the Mara River. Here, we'll leave our 4x4 vehicles and embark on a guided walking safari along the riverbank, following the footsteps of the Great Migration.
It's in this spectacular setting that RATPANAT has set up our renowned Fly Camp, right on the banks of the Mara River on its eastern side, within the less-visited Mara Triangle.
Arriving at our camp in time for lunch, we'll later head out on an afternoon game drive in the Mara Triangle, where rolling hills and diverse wildlife await. With luck, we'll spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, wildebeest, and zebras, all against the backdrop of the vast African savannah.
As night falls, we'll gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars, recounting the day's adventures and enjoying a delicious meal. Our comfortable tents, complete with beds, bedding, and hot water, ensure a cozy night's sleep.
Thousands of travelers consider this experience the most authentic of their lives. Camping in the heart of the reserve, just meters from the hippos and a short distance from one of the Great Migration crossing points, is an unforgettable adventure.
This is the essence of the luxury and adventure that defines us: EXCLUSIVITY AND PRIVILEGE, where no hotel can compare.

Day 5:
As the sun rises, we'll depart from our camp overlooking the Mara River and embark on one final safari in the reserve. The Mara Triangle, while less visited than other parts of the park, is renowned for its abundance of wildlife. Vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope roam the expansive savannahs and rolling hills, alongside giraffes, rhinos, and a healthy population of big cats.
This route positions us just a short two-hour drive from the Kenya-Tanzania border, the most direct route between the Mara and the Serengeti. Once in Tanzania, we'll descend in just three hours to LAKE VICTORIA, passing through landscapes dotted with kopjes – unique granite rock formations – and numerous traditional villages.
Tonight, we'll be staying at the exclusive SERENITY ON THE LAKE, located on the Tanzanian shores of Lake Victoria, also known as Ukerewe: the largest tropical lake in the world, nestled in a depression between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys.

SERENITY ON THE LAKE o similar.

Day 6:
After a hearty breakfast, we'll depart from our lodge and embark on a boat trip on the lake, following its shoreline to the fishing village of Mwabulugu. This village is off the beaten path, offering a unique opportunity to experience local life. During our boat trip, we may spot monitors, cormorants, fish eagles, and even hippos. Once in the village, we'll explore the bustling market where women sell the fish caught by their husbands during the night, wander through the local shops, and visit the mills where corn flour is ground. It's a chance to immerse ourselves in the daily lives of Tanzanian villagers.
Just a half-hour drive from our lodge is the entrance to SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. This legendary park is a natural extension of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Each year, nearly 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of antelopes embark on the Great Migration, searching for fresh grazing and calving grounds. They are closely followed by predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
We'll spend the next two nights at PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP, nestled in the heart of the park, in the exclusive Nyabogati area, east of Seronera, and directly in the path of the Great Migration. The sense of being both central and remote is what makes our camp so special. Imagine elephants and buffalo wandering through the camp at night, or hyenas lurking in the shadows. Our spacious tents, each with private bathrooms, offer the ultimate in comfort and privacy, evoking the Africa of classic films.
After a day of game drives, relax with a hot shower and join us for sundowners around the campfire. As night falls, we'll gather under the starlit sky to share stories and enjoy the sounds of the African wilderness.

PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP

Day 7:
Dawn breaks at PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP, marking the start of your second day of safari in the Serengeti National Park.
For the ultimate adventure, consider an early morning hot air balloon safari, soaring silently above the waking savannah as the sun rises. Imagine enjoying a champagne breakfast amidst the vast plains, a truly unforgettable experience.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a game drive in search of the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffalo. These majestic creatures roam freely across the park, and with a bit of luck, we'll encounter them in their natural habitat. But the Serengeti offers so much more than just the Big Five. From herds of wildebeest and zebra to a variety of antelope species, there's always something new to discover.
We'll spend another night at our luxurious tented camp, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Serengeti. As day turns to night, gather around the campfire and share stories under a sky filled with stars.

PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP

Day 8:
We'll start our day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti National Park. We may even hear the sounds of the night's activities as we search for wildlife. Today, we'll explore the unique rock formations known as kopjes, which are popular resting spots for lions and leopards.
After a delicious lunch at Naabi Hill, we'll continue our journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, we'll encounter Maasai herders and their colorful shukas grazing their livestock near Olduvai Gorge, a renowned paleoanthropological site.
We'll spend the next two nights at the exclusive PAKULALA SAFARI CAMP, nestled on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Our spacious tents, equipped with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms, offer the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Enjoy a hot shower and a delicious meal as you recount the day's adventures.
In the evenings, gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars. Listen to the sounds of the African night, share stories, and enjoy a refreshing drink.

PAKULALA SAFARI CAMP

Day 9:
As the first rays of dawn illuminate the crater, we'll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. This natural amphitheater, with its towering walls and vast expanse, is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. With a depth of 600 meters and a diameter of over 20 kilometers, the crater is one of the world's largest intact caldera and boasts the densest population of large mammals in Africa.
he Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a spectacular landscape, inhabited by thousands of Maasai pastoralists, dominated by the Great Rift Valley and the nine volcanoes that emerged over four million years ago. The only one currently active is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred mountain of the Maasai god. The Ngorongoro Crater, a giant volcano that may once have been taller than Kilimanjaro, is home to thousands of wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, gazelles, lions, rhinos, and more. Unlike the Serengeti, these animals don't migrate as much due to the constant presence of water, ensuring their survival.
After our unique and exclusive experience within the crater, known as the Garden of Eden, we'll head to the charming village of Mto wa Mbu, located on the northern shore of Lake Manyara. This community of humble homes scattered among banana plantations offers a fascinating local market. After browsing the market, we'll wander through the plantations and be welcomed into the home of a local family. Among the banana trees, we'll be treated to a traditional African meal.

AFRICA SAFARI LAKE MANYARA / TARANGUIRE or similar

Day 10:
For the early risers among us, we offer an optional bike safari! The route may vary depending on the water level of Lake Manyara, which can fluctuate significantly throughout the year due to rainfall. Typically, we'll cycle through the streets of Mto wa Mbu as the village slowly awakens, passing through acacia woodlands before reaching the open grasslands near the lake. Here, we may encounter a variety of wildlife, including antelopes, wildebeest, vervet monkeys, baboons, and even giraffes or hyenas. Near the lake's edge, we'll admire the stunning scenery, with flamingos, pelicans, and local fishermen adding to the picturesque backdrop against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.
After a hearty breakfast, we'll depart for Arusha airport and catch a flight to the Spice Islands: Zanzibar.
Arrival in Zanzibar and transfer to our beachfront hotel:
Capping off our Kenyan and Tanzanian safari in style, we'll arrive at the exceptional Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa. This 5-star, all-inclusive resort boasts a prime location on a stunning beach on Zanzibar's east coast, offering an unbeatable value and a perfect way to unwind after your adventure.

KARAFUU BEACH RESORT & Spa

Day 11:
True to our commitment to providing our travelers with an authentic Zanzibar experience, we've chosen a location on the island's east coast that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Here, you can stroll through nearby villages and experience the warm hospitality of the local people, whose lifestyle is free from the stresses of modern life. This is also the perfect place to swim with dolphins, explore the Jozani Forest, a sanctuary for the unique red colobus monkey, or simply relax on pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters.
Claro, aquí tienes la traducción al inglés de ese fragmento:
You'll be able to leisurely stroll through nearby villages, observing the friendly nature of the locals where stress has no place in their lifestyle. It's also the perfect place to enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins; to visit Jozani Forest, a sanctuary for the unique and endemic red colobus monkey; to go snorkeling or simply relax on the pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with coral life, and to witness sunsets you'll never forget.
All Inclusive Free Day.

KARAFUU BEACH RESORT & SPA 5*. All Inclusive.

Day 12:
Scuba diving, snorkeling, leisurely strolls, or simply complete relaxation: enjoy a day of all-inclusive bliss. Alternatively, you can explore the historic heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings adorned with intricately carved wooden doors, a fort, and a vibrant waterfront.

KARAFUU BEACH RESORT & SPA 5*. All Inclusive.

Day 13:
After a delicious breakfast and one last soak up the Indian Ocean, we'll say goodbye to this magical island and head to the airport to conclude our journey.

Price includes

- Detailed and accurate travel documentation and information.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Spanish-speaking guide or bilingual English-Spanish or Italian-Spanish speaking guide, depending by the group composition
- Transport by truck specially prepared for safari.
- Driver-mechanic, cook and safari assistant during the whole trip by truck.
- Balloon safari over the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Luxury accommodation without losing the spirit of your adventure.
- Hotel Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa 5* in Zanzibar Beach, All Inclusive.
- Air transfer from Arusha to Zanzibar.
- Transfers in Zanzibar.
- 4x4 vehicles for safaris in Maasai Mara and Ngo-rongoro Caldera.
- Fly Camp infrastructure or exclusive wilderness camping on the banks of the Mara River, in double tents 2.5 metres wide by 1.9 metres high, and camping equipment, including down duvets, sheets, pillows etc.
- Accommodation at Maasai Mara, Seren-geti, Ngorongoro and Lake Victoria - Extra AMREF Flying Doctors medical aircraft rescue insurance.
- 4x4 rescue truck at PUMZIKALUXURY SAFARI CAMP in Serengeti.
- Boat trip on Lake Naivasha.
- Visit to a Maasai village.
- Activities on Lake Victoria as described in the itinerary.
- Walking tour in Mto wa Mbu and dinner at an African mama's house.
- Full board for the entire trip - Fresh food products.
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari.
- Some accommodation during the tour, outside the national parks.
- Entrance fees to some of the National Parks and Reserves.
- Camping fees.
- All safaris and activities described in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees, permits and fees to national parks and reserves, as described in the itinerary.

Price does not include

- The mandatory Payment at destination fee of 1500 US Dollares + 1350 Euro, to be paid on site at arrival.
- Airport taxes.
- Local taxes.
- Kenyan visas (50 USD) and Tanzanian visas (50 USD).
- Drinks.
- Optional activities, approximate price per person:
. Horseback riding at Lake Naivasha, 20-40 USD approx.
. Bicycle safari at Lake Manyara, 20 USD approx.
- TIPS. Tipping is an integral part of African culture and workers will always expect a gratuity in recognition of their work well done.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is part of African culture - especially in the tourism, catering, and service sectors - and if we appreciate the service of the teams, it is normal and highly recommended to express our gratitude through a tip, as a token of appreciation for the good work done and the quality of assistance provided during the trip.
The guide will be able to advise you on tipping, but as a reference, between all the teams - the truck and 4x4 car crews, the camps and hotels, the boatmen, the rangers... - the tips can range from 90-100 USD per person in total for the entire trip.
OTHER EXPENSES
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The group usually puts together a common fund to buy alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snacks, etc. during the truck trip. In general, the amount is usually around 20-30 USD per person for the entire safari. Provider and the guide are completely out of the management of this common fund, being totally voluntary by the traveler and the sole responsibility of the group to manage it.
- Gifts and personal expenses.

IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION: PAYMENT ON SITE REQUIRED !