Exodus Travels

Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE

Sales & Reservations: 0845 863 9626 E-mail: sales@exodus.co.uk

SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI

HIGHLIGHTS

• Extensive wildlife viewing from our specially designed

safari vehicle

• Further game-viewing on foot and from a boat

• Some of the largest populations of elephant, lion and

Wild dog

• Enjoying great wildlife with very few other visitors

• Stunning scenery as a backdrop to an exciting safari.

SUMMARY

Southern Tanzania's parks have been largely overlooked by safari

goers, yet it boasts some of Africa's largest populations of lions,

elephants and Wild dogs as well as other classic African game such

as rhinos, zebras and leopards making it the ideal destination for

anyone wanting a fantastic wildlife experience away from the busier,

better known, parks in the north.

Our journey starts in Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean before

we head into the vast wilderness areas of southern Tanzania. Our

destination is Selous Game Reserve. The reserve is 45,000 sqkm,

or 5% of Tanzania's territory making it larger than Switzerland or

Denmark. We spend the next couple days exploring the park's prolific

wildlife from our specially designed game-viewing 4WD and by boat

on the Rufiji River.

We continue towards Ruaha, via the Uluguru Mountains, making a

stop in Mikumi. Ruaha is Tanzania's second largest park and much of

its wildlife are centred around the Great Ruaha River. This is the only

protected area where flora and fauna of eastern and southern Africa

meet. We spend our time in the park on game drives as well as a game

walk to spot wildlife on foot.

We return to Mikumi National Park situated along floodplains between

the Uluguru and Ruhebo Mountains. We enjoy a final game drive

inside the park before finally heading back to Dar es Salaam for the

end of our trip.

It is possible to extend your stay in Tanzania by visiting the Spice

Island of Zanzibar which is only a short flight or ferry ride from Dar

es Salaam.

Trip Code: WYS (AYS)

Country: Tanzania

Amended: October 2013

Edition No: TH 1 2014

Valid from: 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2014

TRIP NOTES

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IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

Due to the remote nature of the areas we visit there are some long

drives, these, however, are tempered by the magnificent scenery we

travel through. It should also be noted that much of the driving, both

inside the parks and to some extent between them, is on gravel or

dirt roads. In order to optimise days spent on game drives we head

out early and spend most of the day out looking for wildlife having

picnics for lunch.

Although you can expect warm temperatures during the day it can

get cool at night in the early morning so make sure to bring some

warm clothes.

LAND ONLY ITINERARY

The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).

Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Start Dar-es-Salaam

Those on the group flights will be met upon arrival and transferred to

our hotel located in an upmarket neighbourhood of Dar es Salaam on

the Indian Ocean. The rest of the day is free to relax after the flight

or explore the city.

Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Selous Game Reserve

We depart after a leisurely breakfast for a 6-7hr drive to Selous Game

Reserve stopping for a packed lunch en route. We drive for about

150kms on tarmac roads to the village of Kibiti before turning off

onto a gravel road and for the remaining 100kms as we head deeper

into the African wilderness. With a bit of luck we will see our first

animals on the drive to the reserve.

After settling into our permanent tented camp situated on the banks

of the Rufiji River we embark on a boat-safari in the late afternoon.

We normally see plenty of hippos and crocodiles as well as fantastic

birdlife. (B,L,D)

Days 3/4 (Days 4/5 Ex London) Selous Game Reserve

We now have two full days in Selous. Each day after breakfast, we will

depart for a full day game drive with a packed lunch. We will get to see

a variety of game and drive through different terrain, bush, savannah

and miombo woodland. Selous, Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary with

an area of 54,600 sq.km, is bigger than the Netherlands and 4 times

the size of the Serengeti. It has the world's largest number of big

game - elephant, buffalo, rhino and Sable antelope. Selous is also

home to wildebeest, eland, giraffe, waterbuck, zebra, impala, hippo,

leopard, lion and Wild dog. There are also about 350 species of birds.

We will return to our camp in the evening for a hot dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Mikumi National Park

After breakfast we head on an 'expedition' through the Uluguru

Mountains towards Morogoro and Mikumi National Park. This is a

beautiful drive past small villages, across rivers, over small bridges,

and through tropical forests. Much of our journey today is on dirt and

gravel roads and will take between 8 and 9 hours depending on the

river conditions. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, we depart for Ruaha with our packed lunch. The

drive should take us 5-6 hrs. Arriving this afternoon we have some

well-deserved time to relax. Ruaha, with an area of 10,300sq.km, is

the second largest park, and second largest elephant sanctuary in

Tanzania. The great Ruaha River, which flows along its entire eastern

border, creating spectacular gorges and scenery, features a large

number of hippos and crocodiles. The wide variety of animals in this

park includes Greater and Lesser Kudu, and Roan and Sable antelope.

Birdlife is also rich, with over 370 species recorded. (B,L,D)

Days 7/8 (Days 8/9 Ex London) Ruaha National Park

We spend the next two days exploring the diversity of Ruaha National

Park and searching for its wonderful wildlife. The first day starts with a

game drive in the morning whilst, in the afternoon, we leave our 4WD

behind and head out on foot to search for local game. The second day

is another exciting full-day game-drive in the park. (B,L,D)

Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Mikumi National Park

Leaving the Ruaha area, we head east again back into Mikumi National

Park. The drive takes another 6hrs but we will arrive in time for an

afternoon game drive inside the park. (B,L,D)

Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) To Dar-es-Salaam

We enjoy our final game drive this morning before heading back to

Dar es Salaam. The drive takes about 5hrs and the trip ends upon

arrival in Dar es Salaam. Those on group flights will be transferred to

the airport for the overnight flight back to London.

Dar es Salaam is the main gateway to Zanzibar and an extension to

the Spice Island can easily be organised. (B,L)

For those on group flights, these depart in the evening and will arrive

in the UK the following day.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Our hotel in Dar es Salaam is located in an upmarket neighbourhood

right on the Indian Ocean. The lodges we use in Selous, Ruaha

and Mikumi are classified as standard accommodation. The

accommodation is a mix of permanent tents, bungalows, huts and

rooms in a guest house. All rooms are en suite and the lodges have

been selected for their locations. It not uncommon to see wildlife

right from the lodges.

In the itinerary we state which meals are included on each day.

Breakfast is normally continentatl style with coffee or tea and bread

and butter. Other meals are normally western style food, often with

soup, main, salad and dessert.

Single Accommodation:

Single supplement is available, ask our sales team for details

Extra Accommodation:

Extra accommodation can be booked in Dar es Salaam, please contact

our sales team for prices and availability.

TRANSPORT

Transport is via specially designed 4WD game-viewing vehicles ideal

for this kind of safari. Depending on group size we travel in one or

two vehicles, each with an opening hatch on the roof.

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WEATHER AND SEASONALITY

Being so close to the equator, temperatures in Tanzania are fairly

constant throughout the year, although April and May is best avoided

due to this being the rainy season.

The snow covered mountains of Kilimanjaro are an exception but

the remainder of the country is home to a tropical climate with high

temperatures and increasing humidity especially on the coastal areas

until the heavy rains come in April.

Tanzania also has a light rain season that takes place through

November. This is known as the 'short rains', which are often little

more than a fresh downpour for a short period each day, followed by

clear sunshine.

From December to March the weather becomes increasingly hot and

humid before the rains return in April to replenish the lands once

more.

Apart from the rainy season in April and May, the southern parks are

good the remaining 10 months, although especially in the dry months

from July to October which in our view is the best time to visit the

country. The climate is hot and dry with very low humidity.

JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK

12 days, normally depart London Wed, return Sun

Itinerary Start

The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day

before Day 1 of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of Kenya Airways (depending

on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we

recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to

confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later

date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before

departure.

UK Regional Flights

The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we

are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit

www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the

options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a

minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in

time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer

than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be

subject to delays.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please

note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other

flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on

non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for

information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus

office.

JOINING THE TRIP IN DAR-ES-SALAAM

10 days, normally start Dar-es-Salaam Thu, end Dar-es-Salaam

Sat

Itinerary Start

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Dar-es-Salaam in the afternoon

of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are

provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two

weeks before departure.

Airport Transfers

If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only)

be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide

with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight

details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or

miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own

expense.

If you would like us to organise a private transfer, the cost is available

from one of our sales consultants and is payable before departure.

Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at

least 2 weeks before departure.

The cost of a taxi is likely to be about US$35 per saloon car should

you decide to make your way independently.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be

sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not

receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier

please contact our office or your travel agent.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income,

positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect

their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible

tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our

trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

We use local guides on this trip and stay in accommodation which

employs local staff.

In Tanzania, we have worked alongside Plan UK to provide smokeless

stoves to households across the Geita District. Local villagers were

trained into building these stoves which have both health and

environmental benefits. We also sponsor schools where Porters who

work on Mt Kilimanjaro can go to learn English as well as providing

a scholarship to some of our Mt. Kilimanjaro guides to undertake a

course during the rainy season in tourism administration.

For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:

www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Passports and Visas

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the

intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct

personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary,

in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit.

The information offered below is to help you with that process. We

are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs

officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent

effects.

Most nationalities require a tourist visa for Tanzania, including British

nationals, most EC nationals, Australians, New Zealanders, Americans

and Canadians. The visa is available at the border and the cost for

British and most other European Nationals is US$50 cash, whilst for

US citizens it is US$100 cash.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current

regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccinations and Health

Travel health can often be something people forget about before

going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way

to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip.

Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid,

Hepatitis A.

Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you

seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria

tablets to take.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a

tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There

is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and

therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We

recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Please note that although Tanzania does not officially require proof

of Yellow Fever vaccination, at most airports and other points of

entry you may be required to show a certificate of vaccination. This

includes coming from Europe via, or transiting through an endemic

country including the airports of Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa

(Ethiopia). Travellers from non-endemic countries travelling through

endemic countries are subject to yellow fever vaccination only if

they stay outside the airport or have a long connection up to twelve

hours. If visiting Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania border officials

have been known to demand proof of Yellow Fever vaccination or an

exemption certificate.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not

qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly

recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health

Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip

which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up

to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we

strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically

designed to cover all activities on your trip.

If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This

gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not

be considered a substitute for adequate insurance.

Local Time

is GMT +2hrs

Electricity

Note that whilst on safari there is limited opportunity to recharge

batteries, we recommend you bring spare batteries for your cameras.

Group, Staff and Support

The group will generally be between 4 and 10 people. There will be a

local leader and drivers and local guides where needed.

The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note

that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share

accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

MONEY MATTERS

Currency Information

The national currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS),

with an exchange rate of 2598 to the UK£ and 1618 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

We recommend that you take most of your money in US dollars (notes

should not be older than 2004 edition).

ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques

There are ATM machines in Dar es Salaam. Traveller's Cheques can

be quite longwinded and can be difficult to change, we therefore do

not recommend you bring traveller's cheques. Bring a sensible mix

of denominations, and it is useful to bring a small amount in cash

US dollars.

Extra Expenses and Spending Money

Whilst on safari there will be little to spend your money on. You should

allow between US$5 and US$15 a day for incidentals, alcoholic and

soft drinks and postcards. There may be opportunities for souvenir

shopping in which case you should allow some money for this.

Tipping (leader and local staff)

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.

However if you feel you would like to tip the staff we recommend

about US$20 per person for the driver/guide. There are also hotel

porters whom you can tip $1 and the captain of the boat on the Rufiji

river whom you can tip $1. This is of course only a recommendation

and totally at your own discretion.

WHAT TO TAKE

Essential Equipment and Clothing

A torch

Sunhat

Sun cream

Soft holdall

Sunglasses

Hat

5

Daypack

Camera

plenty of camera memory and a spare battery

Liightweight walking shoes

Fleece for early mornings and evenings

Very light wet weather top.

Optional items:

Telephoto lens

Binoculars

Baggage and Baggage Allowance

At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on

the recommended international carrier for this trip is 23kg. We

recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.

As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage

is subject to change, we suggest you check www.baa.com and/or the

airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure.

Reading List:

East Africa - a Travel Survival Kit

G. Crowther (Lonely Planet Publications)

Guide to the National Parks of East Africa , Collins,

Field guide to the Birds of East Africa , J.G. Williams (Collins,

1980),

Field guide to the Mammals of East Africa , Hatlenorth and Diller

(Collins),

The Tree Where Man Was Born , Peter Matthiessen (The Harvill

Press 1994),

Maps:

There are numerous road maps, none 100% accurate. Perhaps the

best at present is the 1:1 100 000 from the Nelles Maps series.

Another good map is the 1/4000000 scale Michelin map number

955 (about £4.55), which covers all of Southern Africa.

If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them

from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials',

JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY

Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view

the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which

have featured in the national media and take advantage of some

special deals on travel gear and equipment.

In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you

can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When

you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to

the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see

what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically

into our monthly photo competition.

To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus.

It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?

http://www.exodus.co.uk/community

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS

Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be

contacted on 0044 (0) 1582 644 100.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read

the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www.

exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information?

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and

details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately

2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least

a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our

office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where

differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure,

the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to

unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared

to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure,

it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may

be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other.

In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative

arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines

manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever

to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to

keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that

our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we

recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel

Agent.

Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The

most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website.

© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO

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HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP

1. Check availability

Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.

2. Secure your place

You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for

between three and seven days.

3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online

booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking

form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all

major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as

a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL)

number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority

(CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport

Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour

Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means

you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies

paid to us for your trip are fully protected.