Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Why Zanzibar?

                         USEFUL INFORMATION ON ZANZIBAR
FACTS
Zanzibar is an exotic island with centuries of history, culture and trade. Today the island maintains its old world charm while embracing modernity, culminating in a vacation paradise.
 Zanzibar is an island partner within the United Republic of Tanzania, located in the Indian Ocean about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania at six degrees south of the Equator. Zanzibar is made up of many islands, the main two being Unguja (sometimes called Zanzibar) and Pemba. The highest point is 390 feet above sea level.

HISTORY

Zanzibar has lured traders, adventurers, plunderers and explorers to its shores for centuries. The Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and English have all been here at one time or another. Some, particularly the Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs, stayed to settle and rule. With this influence, Zanzibar has become predominantly Islamic (97%) - the remaining 3% is made up of Christians, Hindus and Sikhs. The earliest visitors to Zanzibar were Arab traders who are said to have arrived in the 8th century. The earliest building that remains on Zanzibar is the mosque at Kizimkazi which dates from 1107, and is a present-day tourist attraction.

For centuries the Arabs sailed with the monsoon winds from Oman to trade primarily in ivory, slaves and spices. The two main islands, Unguja (normally known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, provided an ideal base for the Omani Arabs, being relatively small, and therefore fairly easy to defend. Indeed, in 1832, Sultan Seyyid Said, of the Busaid dynasty that had emerged in Oman, moved his Sultanate from Muscat to Zanzibar, perhaps making it easier to protect, where he and his descendants ruled for over 130 years. Most of the wealth lay in the hands of the Arab community, who were the main landowners at that time.
Goods from Britain docked here before they moved on to other parts of Africa. No longer very prosperous in the fiscal sense, the island has a wealth of historical monuments to visit which commemorate the African, British and particularly Arab influences- sultan's palaces, cathedrals, mosques, fortresses and old colonial houses. "Spice Tours" are the ideal way to see the island's historic sites and spice plantations. There is also a sanctuary for the rare Zanzibar duiker and the red Colobus monkey in the protected Jozani Forest, just twenty-five kilometres from the town.

LANGUAGE
The main language is Kiswahili. Even if you only use a few words whilst you are in Zanzibar you will make many friends. English is widely spoken and many people also speak Arabic. Other European languages such as French and Italian are known by some local people, especially around the tourist areas.

RELIGION
About 95% of the local population is Muslim. The remainders are Hindu or Christian and some with traditional beliefs. As well as many mosques, Stone Town hosts an Anglican and a Catholic Cathedral and a Hindu Temple.

COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRICITY
There is one land line telephone company, the Tanzania Telecommunications Company (TTCL). There are four mobile telephone companies in operation: MOBITEL (0741 100), TRITEL (0742 700200) and ZANTEL (0747 400100) and VODACOM (0744). There are now many local internet cafés offering the use of international telephone, fax and internet services. For international calls prefix the country code with 00. Zanzibar is 3 hours ahead of GMT. The power system is 220-240 volts ac, plugs 13amp usually square pin.

CLIMATE
Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May, which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains can occur in November but are characterized by short showers, which do not last long. The cool dry season is from June to October. The heat of summer is seasonally often calmed by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coast. Being near the equator, the islands are warm all year round but officially summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily.
Season Summary
SUMMER - November to May Hot, some humidity with rains in November, May and June. 
WINTER - June to October Warm with rains in June, otherwise sunny. 
BEST - December to March and July to October

MONEY MATTERS
The unit of local currency is the Tanzania Shilling (T Sh). American dollars in cash or travellers' cheques are acceptable in many places around town. There are many Bureaux de Change offices around Stone Town, which offer reasonable rates and are usually faster than banks. Recommended bureaux for changing money are located in Malindi, Shangani, or ask Festival Staff for help and directions. The exchange rate is more favourable for cash and for larger denomination notes, and at April 2003 the rate is just above1000/- T Shs for one US dollar or 1,600/- for £1 Sterling. Credit cards are still almost unknown in Zanzibar, and if you do manage to find a place to use them there will usually be a surcharge of at least 10%. Bartering about prices is common in Zanzibar marketplaces. Hotel, restaurant and tour operator prices are generally non-negotiable.
 
ISLAND EXCURSION & ACTIVITIES
Stone Town
Stone Town holds magic and mystery. Shafts of bright light joust with deep shadows creating a fascinating world within its narrow streets, built for pedestrian traffic. The streets wind between tall buildings, opening unexpectedly into ornamental squares that endow the town with gathering points for local people as well as atmosphere of Arabian Nights charm.
Stone Town was declared a Conservation area in 1988, although several individual buildings had already been declared national monuments well before then. These sights included the Turkish Bath (Hamamni) built by Persians in the 1870s and the Omani Fort (Ngome Kongwe), where the Festival Office is housed, which was built on the site of a Portuguese Fort destroyed in 1753. Other national monuments include the House of Wonders and the Cathedrals as mentioned above. 
The old town of Stone Town is roughly the shape of a triangle, bordered on two sides by the Indian Ocean and the eastern side by Creek Road. Walking from one side of the old city to the other takes about 15 minutes, unless you are a beginner in which case it could easily take several hours. Maps are available at any tourist shop.
Main Festival venues are centred around The Old Fort, House of Wonders and Forodhani Gardens, whose waterfront make a pleasant place to spend hours of an evening at any time of year, with the local traders selling freshly cooked kebabs, seafood, breads, chai and sugar cane juice.

Places to visit in and around Stone Town
Beit el Ajaib (House of Wonders)
Formerly the Sultan’s Palace, built in the nineteenth century by Sultan Barghash, the Festival is proud to be using this venue for exhibitions, film screenings, seminars and workshops. 
 
People's Palace Museum
Located adjacent to the House of Wonders is another fine building, which served as the residence of the Al Busaid Sultans of Zanzibar until the Revolution in 1964. It now serves as a museum, where for a few shillings you can hire a guide to show you round and talk you through local history.

Livingstone House
David Livingstone, the famous explorer (we presume), stayed in this house before sailing to the mainland in a dhow to begin his last expedition in 1866. The building is now the main office of the Zanzibar Tourist Corporation (ZTC). Located in the north east side of town on the Malawi Road, leading to Bububu.
 
Prison Island
One of the three small islands visible from the seafront, the island used to house a prison which was actually used for quarantine. There is a small fee payable to ZTC on landing at the island, which hosts a sandy beach, coral reef with good snorkelling, peacocks and the famous giant tortoises.

Spice Tour
A visit to Zanzibar would not be complete without a Spice Tour, which will take you through much of the countryside and if you have an ‘official tour’ you can get good information about a whole heap of spices, tropical fruits and rare plants - see how they grow and get some good cookery tips. Learn about the fruits and spices from the moment they are planted until they are dried and turned into powders or dried candies. If you are interested in this please let us know. While there you can sample a multitude of unusual fruits and spices. Zanzibar is the world’s foremost exporter of black cloves.

Shopping
A variety of locally produced crafts can be found in the shops and bazaars of Stone Town. Buying such goods benefits the local community so we encourage you to look out for such goodies as:
• Wood carved doors and chests
• Embroidered kofia, hats as worn traditionally by Muslim men
• Kanga cloths (women) and kikoi (men) worn as a skirt or wrap
• Tie and dye and batik materials and tablecloths
•‘Tinga tinga’ paintings
•‘Mkeka’ woven mats
• Incense (‘udi’) and candle pottery
• Zanzibar spice baskets
• Soaps, scented oils
• Women’s henna body painting - available in boutiques around Stone Town
• Woven baskets (‘mkoba’)
• Recordings of local music, e.g. taarab

HEALTH
Vaccination certificates must be produced on arrival in Zanzibar.  Without a certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever you may be refused entry. Visitors should take precautions with regard to malaria, a blood-borne parasite which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are more prevalent at dusk and during the evening. Preventative tactics include using anti-malarial prophylactics as recommended by your doctor. Cover your arms; wear light coloured clothing and use insect repellent, e.g. Lemongrass oil or citronella. Most hotels in Zanzibar offer mosquito nets in their rooms. Early diagnosis assists in more effective treatment. If treated early malaria is not dangerous, but left untreated malaria kills. If you have any suspicious symptoms, e.g. fever, vomiting, diarrhea, aching joints and headache, we urge you to get your blood checked or seek medical advice.

Hospitals and Pharmacies:
DR MEHTA’S HOSPITAL: TEL ZNZ 230194 or 0741 612889, Vuga St., opp High Court
DR MARIO’S CLINIC, TEL ZNZ 233113 or 0742 750040 Tiger House, Vuga St., behind Majestic

Cinema
MNAZI MOJA GENERAL HOSPITAL, TEL ZNZ 231072
Shamsu & Sons Pharmacy, TEL 232641 Darajani, near to the fruit and vegetable market.

SAFETY
Crime of any sort is rare in Zanzibar, but unfortunately alongside the recent growth of  tourism, local people have noticed proportionate rises in criminal activity, including theft and drug use. As in any part of the world, take care when walking, especially at night and please be careful with expensive items such as handbags and cameras. Theft from hotel rooms is unusual. Most hotels have a safe, where valuables can be stored.
When walking in Stone Town please be aware of traffic. Even some of the narrowest streets are in fact public roads. There are no cars but motorbikes and bicycles move fast so keep close to the side of the street and be ready to make way for local traffic. Possession and use of illegal drugs is not tolerated in Zanzibar. Legal penalties, even for cannabis, include lengthy prison sentences and fines. In spite of international media reports about political occurrences, the day to day social atmosphere in Zanzibar is calm.

Do's and Don’ts in Zanzibar
The population of Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim with a rich Swahili culture. Because of religious and cultural traditions dress code is important, and men and women should dress appropriately when away from the beach, i.e. covering shoulders and legs to below the knees. Beachwear on the beach is fine, although nude or topless bathing is not tolerated. When in villages or in Stone Town wearing beach wear may cause offence to local people. Try to wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing when in public.
Zanzibar people are generally very warm, open and hospitable, and your respect for permission before taking photographs or filming local people is appreciated. Do not take photos or film at sensitive government sites including the State House, seaport, airport or military sites. If uncertain, it is always better to ask.
Public consumption of alcohol is not permissible, except in hotels and tourist areas, bars and some restaurants, where it is no problem. Public displays of affection such as kissing are not customary and generally considered offensive, unless behind closed doors. 
Local customs should be respected. Mosques are sacred places and there is generally no entry to non-Muslims, unless accompanied by a person of the faith who can show you around except during the times for congregational prayer, which are five times daily.
When offering or accepting things, try and remember to offer and receive with your right hand. This is the hand which should also be used for eating.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
All visitors must have a valid passport and visa to enter Tanzania. Visa fees vary according to the country you originate from. Visas can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Representatives abroad.
Airport departure tax on international flights is to be paid in Cash Only. In some cases some airlines include the departure Tax in their ticket price. Please check with your travel agent.

Karibu Zanzibar – Welcome to Zanzibar

Why Zanzibar?

Friday, March 4, 2016

Overland Tours in Africa with Superb Africa Safaris



Start city: Nairobi
End city: Victoria Falls
Length: 21 days
Countries Visited: Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe



Day 01    Nairobi - Arusha
Today we depart the bustling capital of Kenya and cross the border into Tanzania. We will stop in Arusha to visit the local Masai Mara Museum and the snake park. This afternoon we make our preparations for the optional excursion to the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Crater.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Room: Ndoro Lodge: www.ndorolodge.com
Facilities: En-suites, hot showers, bar
Route: Nairobi to Arusha. ±306 km
Travel time: ±4-5 hrs and a border crossing
Activity Package: Masai Museum and Snake park *Please note that this activity could either take place on this day or after the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion.
Border posts: Kenya: Namanga, Tel: +254 455 132002, Open: 24 hrs.
Tanzania: Namanga, No telephone number, Open: 24 hrs.

Arusha
Arusha is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Beautifully situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, the city has a temperate climate due to its position on the slopes of Mount Meru. It is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.

The primary industry of the region is agriculture, with large vegetable and flower producers sending high-quality produce to Europe. Small-scale agriculture was badly affected by the coffee crisis of recent years and is now largely subsistence farming. Arusha has several factories including a brewery, tyre and fibreboard plant, and a large pharmaceuticals maker.

Day 2/3/4 Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
These 4 days are set aside for the 3-night camping excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. On the first day from Karatu to Ngorongoro, there will be time for visiting the Oldupai gorge and museum.

The Serengeti excursion is in open topped 4x4 safari vehicles in order to tackle the challenging side roads in the parks. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture.  

Optional Activities for those not doing the Serengeti Excursion: Various Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion packages, Lake Manyara game drives, day hiking & village tours and many more various day trips.

Day 2/3/4 - for those going on the Serengeti NP/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation:

Day 2: Camp: Seronera Campsite http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/serengeti

Day 3: Camp: Seronera Campsite http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/serengeti

Day 4: Camp: Simba Campsite http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/Serengeti or return to Karatu (Kudu Camp)

Facilities: Water not drinkable, shared ablutions, cold showers.

Route: Arusha to Serengeti ± 260 km

Travel time: ± 3-4 hours

What you should take along:

• Daypack with one change of clothes
• Binoculars, cameras & film
• Some warm clothes, as it is always cold on the rim of the crater
• Lots of insect repellent
• A few dollars (small notes) for tips, curios etc
• Snacks, cold drinks, cigarettes etc. for the excursion
• Sleeping bag

For those not going on the excursion:

Optional Activities: Day walk inside Ngorongoro Forest, Mountain biking around the villages, various day safaris options (Kudu Lodge to Karatu)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kudu Camp: www.kuducamp.com

Facilities: Restaurant, Bar, Swimming pool, hot showers, en-suite, gift shop & internet cafe

Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is most famous for the largest and longest overland migration in the world. This migration is one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world. Around October, nearly 2 million herbivores travel from the northern hills toward the southern plains, crossing the Mara River, in pursuit of the rains. In April, they then return to the north through the west, once again crossing the Mara River.

This phenomenon is sometimes called the Circular Migration. Over 250 000 wildebeest alone will die along the journey from Tanzania to Masai Mara Reserve in upper Kenya, a total of 800 km. Death is often caused by injury, exhaustion, or predation.

Approximately 70 larger mammals and some 500 avifauna species are found there. This high diversity in terms of species is a function of diverse habitats ranging from riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands and woodlands. Blue Wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and buffalos are some of the commonly found large mammals in the region.

The Ngorongoro area is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and to the north-west it adjoins the Serengeti NP and is contiguous with the southern Serengeti plains. These plains also extend to the north into the unprotected Loliondo division and are kept open to wildlife through transhuman pastoralism practiced by Masai. The south and west of the area are volcanic highlands and the southern and eastern boundaries are approximately defined by the rim of the Great Rift Valley wall, which also prevents animal migration in these directions.

Day 05 Kenya – Tanzania, Karatu
Today those that went into the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro will meet up with the truck in Karatu, where there will be time to share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Two per room: Kudu Camp: www.kuducamp.com
Facilities: Bar, Swimming pool, hot showers, en-suite, gift shop & internet cafe.
Route: Serengeti to Karatu ± 100 km
Travel time: ± 2 hours

Day 06 Lushoto
Lushoto is the major town and district centre, albeit small, in the Usambara Mountains, halfway between the coast and the parks. The popular pot plant Saintpaulia has its only wild occurrences in Tanzania, and particularly in the Usambara Mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per room: The Lawns Hotel: www.lawnshotel.com
Facilities: En-suite, hot showers
Route: Karatu to Lushoto ±480 km
Travel time: ± 7-8 hours

Day 7/8/9 Zanzibar
After an early wake up, we leave Lushoto and head for Dar es Salaam, where a local ferry will take us from Dar es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets to be explored. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach. Optional Activities: Lunch and Dinner, Motorbike hire, Spice tour, walking city tour, swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling etc.

Please note: If you have not purchased the Activity Package you will stay at the accommodation in Dar es Salaam for the following 3 nights.

Day 7
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two per room: Abuso inn: www.abuso-inn-zanzibar-town-hotel.com
Facilities: En-Suites, hot showers, laundry services, wireless internet
Route: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by Ferry
Travel time: ±2-3 hrs

Day 8/9
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two per room: Nungwi Inn: www.nungwiinnhotel.co.tz
Facilities: En-Suites, hot showers, coffee shop, laundry services, bar
Route: Stone town to Nungwi Beach ± 60-70 km
Travel time: ±2 hrs

Zanzibar
You do not need to take your whole backpack; you can leave this locked in the truck in Dar es Salaam as one of the guides normally remain behind. A day pack is enough. Once on the island you will be met by a local tour operator who will make your other arrangements for spice tours, snorkeling and other optional activities.

Appropriate Clothing
Islam is Zanzibar’s dominant religion and appropriate clothing should be worn in Stone Town. Beachwear should only be worn on the beach and women are advised to wear a t-shirt and knee-length shorts or a skirt in the town. It is not appropriate to show the arms above the elbow or legs above the knee. Shoulders should remain covered and revealing necklines are not acceptable. Men’s clothing is less restrictive and a t-shirt and pair of shorts are fine. On the beach or in the resort there are no dress restrictions other than the normal ones in pool/public areas.

Religious Holidays
If you are visiting Zanzibar in the month of fasting (Ramadan) please speak to your local guide about the customs during this time. Normally eating during the sunlight hours is not allowed and some locals will make sure that you are aware of this (sometimes very loudly if you are seen). Most shops and restaurants are closed during this period, but it is acceptable (as a foreigner) to eat at the hotel or resort. The guide will tell you what is appropriate and when.

Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania. It comprises the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometers off the coast of the mainland and consists of a number of small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba. Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world; it united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964 and still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union. The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City and its historic centre, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site.
Zanzibar’s main industries are spices, raffia and tourism. Zanzibar is also the home of the extremely endangered Red Colobus Monkey.

The word “Zanzibar” probably derives from the Persian, Zangi-bar (“coast of the blacks”). However, the name could also have been derived from the Arabic Zayn Z’al Barr (“fair is this land”). “Zanzibar” often refers especially to Unguja Island and is sometimes referred to as the “Spice Islands,” though this term is more commonly associated with the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.

Some trivia: Zanzibar was the first region in Africa to introduce colour television, in 1973. The current TV-station is called TvZ. The first television service in mainland Tanzania was not introduced until some twenty years later.

The musician Farrokh Bulsara (aka Freddie Mercury) of Queen was born in Unguja, Zanzibar on September 5, 1946 to Indian-Parsi parents, who were employed by the British colonial administration. There is a restaurant named ‘Mercury’s’ on the beachfront of Stone Town. In September 2006, a radical Islamic group on the archipelago, Uamsho, forced organizers to abandon plans to mark his 60th birthday, saying he violated Islam with his openly gay lifestyle. Zanzibar criminalized homosexuality in 2004 but despite this it remains a popular resort destination for the South African gay community.

Day 10 Dar es Salaam
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar es Salaam and return to our truck and campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per room: Kipepeo Camp www.kipepeocamp.com
Facilities: Water not drinkable, en-suites, hot showers, bar
Route: Nungwi Beach to Stone town: ± 60-70 km; Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry
Travel time: ± 2 hour to Stone town, ± 2 hour ferry ride to Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam (Arabic translation: “house of peace”), formerly Mzizima, is the largest city in Tanzania. With a population estimated around 2 500 000, it is also the country’s richest city and an important economic centre. Though Dar es Salaam lost its official status as capital city to Dodoma in the mid-1970s, it remains the centre of the permanent central government and continues to serve as the capital for the surrounding Dar es Salaam Region.

In 1859, Albert Roscher of Hamburg became the first European to land in Mzizima (“healthy town”). In 1866 Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar gave it its present name. Dar es Salaam fell into decline after Majid’s death in 1870 but was revived in 1887, when the German East Africa Company established a station there. The town’s growth was facilitated by its role as the administrative and commercial centre of German East Africa and industrial expansion resulting from the construction of the Central Railway Line in the early 1900s.
Being situated so close to the equator and the warm Indian Ocean, the city experiences generally tropical climatic conditions, typified by hot and humid weather throughout much of the year. Annual rainfall is approximately 1 100 mm and in a normal year there are two distinct rainy seasons: "the long rains", which fall during April and May and "the short rains", which fall during October and November.

Day 11 Mikumi
Today we leave the humid Indian Ocean coastline and our journey leads us to Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo and elephant. Today we have the opportunity to enjoy an optional afternoon game drive through the park. Optional Activity: Afternoon game drive in Mikumi NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per room: Tan-Swiss Lodge www.tan-swiss.com/
Facilities: Bar, restaurant, hot showers, en suites.
Route: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi, ± 260 km
Travel time: ± 4-5 hours

Day 12 Iringa
Today we travel further inland and up to Iringa in the highland tea growing area. This evening our dinner is in a local Masai restaurant where we enjoy a traditional Tanzanian evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per stable: Kisolanza Farm www.kisolanza.com
Facilities: Shared ablutions, hot showers, bar.
Route: Mikumi to Kisolanza ± 280 km
Travel time: ± 5-6 hours
Included Highlight: Dinner in a Masai Restaurant

Tanzania is mountainous in the northeast where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest freestanding mountain, is situated. To the north and west are the Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa's deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish). Central Tanzania comprises a large plateau with plains and arable land. The eastern shore is hot and humid with the island of Zanzibar lying just offshore.

Tanzania has a tropical type of climate. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10˚C and 20˚C during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20˚C. The hottest period extends between November and February (25˚C - 31˚C) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15˚C - 20˚C).

Day 13 Malawi – Northern Lake Malawi
Leaving Tanzania we descend through scenic mountain passes to our lakeshore camp at Chitimba. Set on a golden sandy beach amongst banana palms and papaya trees, our accommodation for the night is surrounded by the famous Livingstonia and Nyika mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Room: Chitimba www.chitimba.com
Facilities: Shared ablutions, hot showers, bar.
Route: Iringa to Chitimba Beach ±640 km
Travel time: ±10-11 hrs plus border crossing
Border posts: Tanzania: Chi’zumulu, Tel: +265 15 357 207, Open: 06h00-18h00
Malawi: Songwe (no telephone), Open: 06h00-18h00.

Day 14/15 Kande Beach
After arrival at Kande Beach, we will spend the next 2 days enjoying the many optional activities available, such as horse riding and different water sports. We will go on a guided village walk in order to meet the local people and learn more about Malawian life. Optional Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling etc.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Room: Kande Beach www.kandebeach.com
Facilities: Shared ablutions, hot showers, bar, craft market.
Route: Chitimba Beach to Kande Beach ± 250 km
Travel time: ± 4-5 hrs
Activity package: Guided village tour

The Republic of Malawi (formerly Nyasaland) is a democratic, densely populated country. A large part of Malawi's culture is its dances and the National Dance Troupe (formerly the Kwacha Cultural Troupe) was formed in November 1987 by the government. Traditional music and dances can be seen at most ceremonies and celebrations.

Soccer is the most common sport in Malawi, introduced during British colonial rule. Basketball is also growing in popularity. The native tribes of Malawi have a rich tradition of basketry and mask carving and some of these goods are used in traditional ceremonies still performed by native peoples. Wood carving and oil painting are also popular in more urban centers, with many of the items produced being sold to tourists. There are several internationally recognized literary figures from Malawi, including poet Jack Mapanje, history and fiction writer Paul Zeleza and authors Legson Kayira, Felix Mnthali, Frank Chipasula and David Rubadiri.

Lake Malawi
The lake, third largest in Africa and eighth largest in the world, is situated between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The lake's tropical waters teem with more fish species than any other lake on earth and offers wonderful snorkeling and diving experiences. The fish also support the local people, who depend on the lake for survival, using dug-out canoes to set out long nets. There are many different ethnic groups living in the vicinity and many different dialects are spoken. Many are Christians, as a result of the numerous missionaries that passed through the area, while many have retained their traditional belief systems.

In 1859 David Livingstone reached Lake Malawi when he was trying to put an end to the slave trade. He then returned in 1861 accompanied by seven missionaries. They opened a mission station in the south lake area but suffered from malaria illness and conflict with slavers. In 1864 the surviving missionaries withdrew to Zanzibar. Livingstone then returned to the region in 1866 as part of an expedition to find the source of the Nile. In 1869 he pushed north and was out of contact for two years. He was found by journalist Henry Stanley on the banks of Lake Tanganyika in 1871 and Stanley uttered the famous words “Dr Livingstone I presume”.

Livingstone continued on his mission and died at a village called Chitombo in Zambia in 1873. His death rekindled a desire in missionaries to come to Malawi and eventually, after setting up missions in various bad malaria areas, they set up a mission called Livingstonia in the highlands of the eastern escarpment (with no malaria). It is still in operation today and visitors can hike to the mission. The walk is quite strenuous and you should be reasonably fit especially if it’s hot. It’s about a 6 to 8-hour round trip.

Day 16 Lilongwe
Today we visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only sanctuary for rescued, orphaned and injured wild animals. The Centre is set in 180 hectares of beautiful woodland, Lilongwe’s only protected wilderness. Optional Activities: City Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per room: Barefoot Lodge:  www.barefoot-safaris.com
Facilities: En suite, bar
Route: Kande Beach to Lilongwe ± 380 km
Travel time: ± 6-7 hours
Included Highlight: Visit Lilongwe Wildlife Center

Early in the morning we drive from Malawi and cross in to Zambia and continue to the South Luangwa National Park where we spend the next two nights right on the banks of the Luangwa River. You can often see hippos and other animals from the camp bar. This afternoon we enjoy an included sunset game drive in the South Luangwa NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Tent: Wildlife Camp www.wildlifecamp-zambia.com

Facilities: En-suite, hot showers, bar, swimming pool
Route: Lilongwe to South Luangwa National Park ±330km
Travel time: ±10-11hrs
Activity package: Afternoon sunset game drive in the South Luangwa NP
Border posts: Malawi: Mchinji, Tel: +265 124 2217, Open: 06h00-18h00.
Zambia: Chipata / Nwami, Tel: + 265 622 1652, Open: 06h00-18h00.

Day 18 South Luangwa National Park
In the morning you have the opportunity to take another game drive. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. After lunch we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Game Walk inside park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Tent: Wildlife Camp www.wildlifecamp-zambia.com
Facilities: En-suite, hot showers, bar, swimming pool
Activity package: Village and textile visit

South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia is a world-renowned wildlife haven and famous for walking safaris. It supports large populations of Thorneycroft's Giraffe and herds of elephant and buffalo often several hundred strong, while the Luangwa River supports abundant crocodiles and hippopotamus. Founded as a game reserve in 1938, it became a national park in 1972 and now covers 9 050 square km.

Hippos thrive here due to the patches of flooded grassland habitats (floodplains) that are found close to the river, on which they graze at night. It is possible to see pods of up to 500 hippos in the dry season as the river shrinks and they are confined to areas of deep pools. On average there are probably 35 – 42 hippos per km! They are integral to the ecosystem here, their dung released into the river fertilizes its waters and sustains the fish population which in turn sustains the crocodiles. The park is also reputed to have the highest concentration of leopard in Africa. It is estimated that there is one leopard for every km of river in the Luangwa Valley, so your chances of seeing this elusive nocturnal cat are very high.

Day 19 Chipata
We leave South Luangwa and drive through to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon. Zambia is truly Africa, with its lush, sub-tropical vegetation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Room: Mama Rulas www.mamarulas.com
Facilities: En-suites, hot showers, bar
Route: South Luangwa NP to Chipata ±120 km
Travel time: ±6-8 hrs (bad road conditions)

Chipata
Chipata has a population of around 75 000 and is the capital of the Eastern Province of Zambia. Formerly known as Fort Jameson, the city is located near the border of Malawi on the highway connecting the capitals Lilongwe (130 km) and Lusaka (550 km). As we drive from Lilongwe to Chipita in Malawi there is a steady stream of people and transport bringing in supplies that are not always readily available elsewhere in Africa. You will also find colourful fruit and vegetable markets and an unexpected amount of ornate mosques due to its large Islamic Indian community.

Day 20 Lusaka
The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. On week days there may be the opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of the Zambian capital city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per room: Pioneers www.pioneercampzambia.com
Facilities: En-suite, hot showers, swimming pool, bar, water not drinkable
Route: Chipata to Lusaka ±567 km
Travel time: ±10-14 hrs (bad roads conditions) 9

Lusaka
Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. The two main languages spoken in Lusaka are English and Nyanja. It is located in the southern part of the central plateau of the country at an elevation of 1300 m and has a population of 3 100 000 (2007 estimate). With one of the fastest growing city centers in Africa, Lusaka is located in a productive farm area and is the administrative, financial and commercial center of Zambia. It is thought that with proper and effective economic reforms, Lusaka as well as Zambia as a whole will develop considerably. Lusaka is home to a diverse community of foreigners, many of whom work in the aid industry as well as diplomats, representatives of religious organizations and some business people.

According to history, Lusaka was once the site of a village named after its headman Lusaka which was located at Manda Hill, near where the National Assembly building now stands. In the local Nyanja language, manda means graveyard. The area was expanded by European (mainly British) settlers in 1905 with the building of the railway. In 1935, due to its fairly central location on the railway and at the crossroads of the Great North Road and Great East Road, it was chosen to replace Livingstone as the capital of the British colony of Northern Rhodesia. After the federation of Northern and Southern Rhodesia in 1953, it was a centre of the independence movement which led to the creation the Republic of Zambia. In 1964 Zambia became the ninth African state to gain independence from the British crown and President Kaunda took power, with Lusaka as its capital.

Day 21 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
On the last day of the journey we drive from Lusaka, across the Zimbabwean border into Victoria Falls. Although your tour ends here we do recommend that you spend another 1 to 2 nights in this area to experience Victoria Falls and many exciting adrenaline activities here, such as white water rafting or walking with lions.

Optional Activities: Dinner out in Victoria Falls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post Tour accommodation can be booked through Nomad
Route: Lusaka to Victoria Falls ±500 km
Travel time: ±7-8 hrs and a border crossing
Border posts: Zambia: Vic Falls Bridge, no telephone number, Open: 06h00-20h00.
Zimbabwe: Vic Falls Bridge, no telephone number, Open: 06h00-20h00.

Victoria Falls, 1 700 m wide and 108 m high – is said to be the largest falls in the world. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, is believed to have been the first European to view the Victoria Falls and wrote: "It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight". The older, indigenous name of Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘the Smoke that Thunders’) is the name in official use in Zambia. Due to its immense power and size, the waterfall is surrounded by a rich mythology. The local Tonga people of the Zambezi believe that a river god, Nyaminyami, resides in the water in the form of an immense snake.

When the Kariba Dam was built in the 1950s, the Zambezi River flooded three times, causing many deaths and much destruction. The local people believe Nyaminyami caused the terrible floods in his anger at the construction.
The unusual form of Victoria Falls enables virtually the whole width of the falls to be viewed face-on, at the same level as the top, from as close as 60 metres, because the whole Zambezi River drops into a deep, narrow slot like chasm, connected to a long series of gorges. Few other waterfalls allow such a close approach on foot.

The falls are formed as the full width of the river plummets in a single vertical drop into a chasm 60–120 m wide, carved by its waters along a fracture zone in the basalt plateau. The depth of the chasm, called the First Gorge, varies from 80 m at its western end to 108 m in the centre. The only outlet to the First Gorge is a 110 m-wide gap about two-thirds of the way across the width of the falls from the western end, through which the whole volume of the river pours into the Victoria Falls gorges.

There are two islands on the crest of the falls that are large enough to divide the curtain of water even at full flood: Boaruka Island (or Cataract Island) near the western bank, and Livingstone Island near the middle. At less than full flood, additional islets divide the curtain of water into separate parallel streams. The main streams are named, in order from Zimbabwe (west) to Zambia (east): Leaping Water (called Devil's Cataract by some), Main Falls, Rainbow Falls (the highest) and the Eastern Cataract.

Tour Ends
Your tour will end at the Elephant Hills Resort www.africansunhotels.com. Should you wish to extend your tour for another night, kindly pre book this accommodation through us.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Arrival
Please be sure to arrive 01 day before your tour is due to depart. This will avoid any problems such as forgotten luggage, misplaced bags or any unpredictable problems such as airline strikes or delayed flight arrival.

Departure
Please book your onward travels to depart the day after the tour officially ends. This is to account for any delays that we may experience due to unpredictable road conditions.

Note: All information is subject to change without prior notice. Travel times and campsites can change depending on road or weather conditions, etc. These are used as a guideline only. On our longer tours it is possible that your crew, truck and fellow travelers will change due to our unique tour linking system. On this tour, camping and accommodated clients will be travelling together with a maximum number of participants of 18.

Accommodation providers are subject to change without notice, the accommodation listed in this dossier is our preferred supplier, but sometimes due to availability, we are unable to make use of the property listed in this dossier. If we cannot use the accommodation provider as listed we will substitute another property of similar standards, however, en-suite facilities are not always guaranteed.

Activity Package
This is an optional additional payment that covers what we consider to be ‘essential activities’ on our tours and therefore this itinerary has been written with these items included in the day-by-day itinerary.  Ideally we would include all of these, but not everyone can afford this.

MEALS ON TOUR
Breakfast: As breakfast is served very early in the morning (if there is driving or activities to be done) it is a simple but filling breakfast: Tea and coffee, breads and spreads, cereals, yoghurts, fruits and on occasion, when there is time for a later breakfast, guides will serve a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs, porridge, bacon or beans.

Lunch: Lunch is generally served at a picnic spot next to the road en route to a destination. As the guides only have approximately 45 minutes to get everyone off the truck, prepare lunch and then get everyone back on the truck again, lunches consist of sandwiches and salads (rice salad, pasta salad, tuna salad and green salad) which are quick and easy to prepare but which are quite filling. They do have meal plans which they should stick to, to ensure that there is variety on a day to day basis.

Dinner: This is when the guides get time to prepare a delicious meal and they focus on a substantial protein, vegetable and carbohydrate dinner. We serve traditional cuisine consisting of braais (BBQ), potjie (stew), bobotie (mince), spaghetti and fish and chicken dishes.

All meals (on both accommodated and camping tours) that are included as per the dossier are prepared at the full service adventure truck. This is a unique adventure in itself where you get to dine under the stars with your new found friends and experience the real sights and sounds of Africa!

LUGGAGE
Only pack as much as you can comfortably carry, not pull. The more you pack, the more uncomfortable you will be; this is definitely a game of less is more. When you arrive at a campsite or at your accommodation, you will need to take your bag out of the truck and carry it to where you will be sleeping and this may be more than a hundred meters away.

As the wheelie / trolley bags have a solid frame, they don’t squeeze into spaces the same way a backpack or duffel bag does, some of the lockers are as narrow as 38cms and some of the shelves as narrow as 20cms. If the frame does not fit these diameters, there aren’t many other places to put your bag and it will inconvenience everyone else on tour. They aren’t as comfortable to carry as a duffel bag and as you know you don’t have to carry it, you end up packing a lot more than you normally would.

TIPPING ON TOUR

Southern / East Africa: In general tipping in restaurants is expected and is around 10% for good service, more if you have received exceptional service and, feel free not to tip at all if you received poor service. Tipping taxi drivers etc is really at your own discretion and not always expected. If in doubt please ask your guides. It is expected to tip Porters and Car-guards etc. Ask your guides how much is appropriate in local currency.
Our guides do work hard but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for this work. Our Crew can be tipped if you feel that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty. The recommended amount is between USD1-2 per person, per day, per crew member.

The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money. So if you have 3-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 3 envelopes are used and each crew member’s name written on one. Place what you feel is fair in to each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserves a tip, please, do not tip them.


Contact Email address: info@superbafricasafaris.com

THANK YOU FOR TRAVELING WITH US