TANZANIA and ZANZIBAR ISLAND FIELD COURSE

LENGTH: 18 Days/17 Nights

FIXED DEPARTURE DATES: Jul 16-Aug 2.
*Other dates for individuals, families and groups, including WINTER INTERIM BREAK and SPRING BREAK, available upon request.

*Our standard TANZANIA and ZANZIBAR ISLAND FIELD COURSE itinerary can be modified in content and length for SPECIAL INTERESTS and NEEDS.

*For Individuals or Groups that would like to do ONLY the TANZANIA SAFARI PORTION of this Field Course (DAYS 1-13), prices are included below.

*Affordable 5 Day/4 Night and 4 Day/3 Night extensions to KENYA’S MASAI MARA RESERVE are available upon request. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

*FIELD COURSES for those with SPECIAL INTERESTS, such as BIRDING and GARDEN GROUPS are available upon request. Sample itineraries
can be seen at http://www.birdingtours.org (being updated), http://www.gardentours.org (being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

FIELD COURSE COST:

Apr and May departures (low season) 2675.00USD per person.

Jun-Nov and Jan-Mar (high season) departures 3185.00USD per person. Based on a minimum of 15 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our TANZANIA and ZANZIBAR ISLAND FIELD COURSE with 15 full-paying participants. Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double and single occupancy available upon request, usually at an extra cost.

For Groups that would like to do ONLY the TANZANIA SAFARI PORTION of this Field Course (DAYS 1-13):

Apr and May departures (low season) 1995.00USD per person.

Jun-Nov and Jan-Mar (high season) departures 2505.00USD per person. Based on a minimum of 15 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our TANZANIA FIELD COURSE with 15 full-paying participants. Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double and single occupancy available upon request, usually at an extra cost.

Notes:

FREE Group Leader must pay for ROUND-TRIP DOMESTIC AIRFARE Arusha, Tanzania-Zanzibar Island-Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on DAYS 13 and 17 (252.00USD).

Group Leaders, please contact Rainforest and Reef for details about STIPENDS for bringing 15 or more full-paying participants.

Supplements are applicable from during December.

For individuals, families or groups of less than 15 full-paying participants, please contact Rainforest and Reef for pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

Includes: All INSTRUCTION and GUIDE SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in the itinerary; all GROUND and WATER TRANSPORTATION within Tanzania and on Zanzibar Island; ROUND-TRIP DOMESTIC AIRFARE Arusha, Tanzania-Zanzibar Island-Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on DAYS 13 and 17; all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS and OTHER SITES.

Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE to Tanzania; REQUIRED VACCINATIONS; Zanzibar Island airport departure tax (25.00USD per person); INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX (30.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL ITEMS.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: Rainforest and Reef uses consolidators/wholesalers for all of our GROUP and INDIVIDUAL airfares. We are therefore able to offer the LOWEST RATES available. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

ITINERARY:

MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Note: On the MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM that you will be receiving shortly after registration, please make us aware of any special meal requests and/or dietary restrictions….vegan, vegetarian, etc., that you or members of your group may have. We will be pleased to fulfill your requests/needs.

DAY 1 NEW YORK/NEWARK. After arriving in New York or Newark your group will depart for Arusha, Tanzania via Amsterdam. D

DAY 2 ARRIVAL ARUSHA-FIELD COURSE ORIENTATION. Following your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport outside of Arusha, Tanzania you will be met by our Tanzania Field Course Staff and transferred to your hotel. After dinner there will be an orientation session to our Tanzania Field Course. Overnight Arusha. B

Note: You will be met outside of Immigration and Customs by Rainforest and Reef Staff. They will be holding a sign that says:

DAY 3 ARUSHA. Following breakfast today, our group will have the day to recuperate from their long flight and spend the day at leisure in Arusha. Located in the lush countryside, Arusha is located at the base of nearby 15,000 foot Mount Meru. The climate is temperate here throughout the year and the surrounding landscape is dominated by farms that grow coffee, wheat and corn. Arusha is the gateway to Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks. It also makes an ideal base-camp for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. The headquarters for all National Parks in Tanzania are located here. Dinner and overnight Arusha. B D

DAY 4 LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK. Early this morning, we will depart for serene and beautiful Lake Manyara. Aside from its peaceful setting, Manyara’s main attractions are a wide variety of bird life, tree-climbing Lions and Hippos that can often be seen at very close range. There is also a sizable Elephant population found here. At certain times of the year Lake Manyara is home to thousands of Flamingos. Although one of the smaller National Parks in Tanzania, its vegetation is quite diverse, ranging from savanna to marshes and acacia forests, in combination, giving rise to a wide variety of wildlife habitats. Late this afternoon, participants will return Kirurumu Tented Lodge for dinner and overnight. B L D

Note: If the Kirurumu Tented Lodge is not available, overnight will be at Lake Manyara Lodge.

DAY 5 LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK. Following breakfast, we will continue with DAY 4 wildlife observations at Lake Manyara National Park. Dinner and overnight at Kirurumu Tented Lodge. B L D

Note: If the Kirurumu Tented Lodge is not available, overnight will be at Lake Manyara Lodge.

DAY 6 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. After an early breakfast, our group will depart for Serengeti National Park. The Park covers 9153 squares miles and is contiguous with the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It is Tanzania’s largest and most famous National Park. Its vast, treeless plains are home to several million hoofed animals, which are constantly on the move searching for fresh grassland to feed on. The Wildebeest is the most numerous herbivore present, where there are thought to be two million or more. They are also the major food source for large carnivores found here, including Lions and Hyenas. One of the Serengeti’s biggest attractions is its annual migration of the Wildebeest. During the rainy season, March-May herds of Wildebeest are spread out over the southern sections of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas. Following the rains, these areas dry out quickly and the herds move north and west in search of food, where they spend the dry season. The Serengeti is also well known for its large numbers of Cheetah and Giraffe. Late this afternoon, we will travel to the Serengeti SOPA Lodge for dinner and overnight. B L D

Note: During June, all 4 nights on DAYS 6-9 will be spent at the Serengeti SOPA Lodge, as most of the migratory animals are in the central part of the Park heading west. During July and August Lobo Wildlife Lodge, which is located north of the Serengeti, is preferred because these same animals are headed north to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

DAY 7 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. Early this morning we will continue with DAY 6 activities and wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight Serengeti SOPA Lodge. B L D

DAY 8 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. Continued activities and wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight Serengeti SOPA Lodge. B L D

DAY 9 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. Continued activities and wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight Serengeti SOPA Lodge. B L D

DAY 10 NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA. Early this morning, participants will travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). This region is composed of Ngorongoro Crater and a number of interrelated ecosystems, including the Crater Highlands and vast stretches of plains, bush and woodland. The entire NCA covers approximately 5150 square miles. Near its center is the Olduvai Gorge, where many famous fossils have been unearthed. To the west are the alkaline Ndutu and Masek Lakes. Ndutu is actually just inside Serengeti National Park. Both lakes are particularly good for wildlife viewing, especially during the rainy season. In the eastern NCA there are a string of volcanoes and calderas. Most, but not all are inactive at this time. Further east, just outside the NCA’s boundaries, is the archaeologically significant Engaruka. Along the NCA’s southern border is Lake Eyasi, a salt-lake around which the Hadzabe people live. They are believed to be descendants of one of Tanzania’s original ethnic groups. To the northeast of the NCA, on the Kenyan border, is beautiful Lake Natron. The Ngorongoro Crater Highlands consist of an elevated range of volcanoes and calderas that rise from the side of the Great Rift Valley and run along the eastern edge of the NCA. The area offers some of Tanzania’s most rugged and unusual scenery. Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s best know wildlife viewing areas. It is more than 12 miles wide and one of the largest calderas in the world. The Crater is home to a variety of animals and vegetation types, including grasslands, swamps, forests, salt marshes and a freshwater lake. Here we are likely to see Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, Wildebeest, Thomson’s Gazelle and Zebras. Lake Magadi, located at the base of the crater is home to thousands of Flamingos. Despite its steep walls, there is considerable animal movement between the Crater and the Serengeti. Permanent water and grassland habitat on the Crater floor make it a favored spot for wildlife. Local Maasai tribes have grazing rights for their cattle in and around the crater and most likely will also be seen. Late in the afternoon, our group will travel to the Ngorongoro SOPA Lodge for dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 11 NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA. Following breakfast, participants will continue with DAY 10 activities and wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dinner and overnight at the Ngorongoro SOPA lodge. B L D

DAY 12 NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA-ARUSHA. After an early breakfast, we will have one last chance for wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Following lunch, our group will transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight. B D

DAY 13 ARUSHA-ZANZIBAR ISLAND. This morning will be spent at leisure in Arusha. Following lunch, we will fly to Zanzibar Island and transfer to the Mtoni Marine Center, located about 2 miles north of Zanzibar Town and settle-in. Zanzibar Island is part of the legendary “spice islands”. From exotic Stone Town, with its fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets, to palm fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs, the archipelago is a complete change of pace from the mainland, which it is linked to as part of the United Republic of Tanzania. While Zanzibar gets most of the attention, the archipelago is also made up of Pemba to the north, along with numerous islands and islets offshore. Each of the main islands has its own distinct character. Zanzibar’s main attraction is Stone Town, with its white-washed, coral rag houses, quaint shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards and squares. Another draw here is the spectacular surrounding turquoise sea, abounding with marine life and beautiful coral formations, all edged with fine white-sand beaches. Snorkeling and diving here is excellent. Zanzibar is a conservative, Muslim society. Dressing modestly is essential. Dinner and overnight Mtoni Marine Center. B L D

Note: Groups also have the option of staying at the more upscale Zanzibar Breezes Safari Resort. Additional cost is ~85.00USD per person for four nights lodging and meals Apr-Jun (low season) and ~285.00USD per person Jul-Mar (high season).

DAY 14 ZANZIBAR ISLAND-SNORKELING. Snorkeling and marine studies off Zanzibar. Dinner and overnight Mtoni Marine Center. B L D

DAY 15 ZANZIBAR ISLAND-SNORKELING. Snorkeling and marine studies off Zanzibar. Dinner and overnight Mtoni Marine Center. B L D

DAY 16 ZANZIBAR ISLAND-SNORKELING-STONE TOWN-FAREWELL DINNER. After breakfast, we will again have the opportunity to snorkel off Zanzibar. Following lunch, our group will visit Stone Town. Some of the highlights to be seen here include, the House of Wonders, Palace Museum, Old Fort, Anglican Cathedral and Old Slave Market, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, numerous Muslim Mosques, Hamamni Persian Baths and Peace Memorial Museum. A large part of the attraction of Stone Town is just walking around and letting its architecture and history unfold before you. In the afternoon, we will return to Mtoni Marine Center for our Farewell Dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 17 DEPARTURE. Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the Zanzibar Island airport for your return flight to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, you will connect with your flight home and return on DAY 18.

Note: Due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond the control of Field Course Staff, certain activities may be changed or done on different days in the best interest of the group.