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THE
SPLENDOURS OF DUBAI, SERENGETI, VICTORIA FALLS & MAURITIUS
Countries
visited: UAE, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe & Mauritius |
 |
This is a specially tailored
20day journey that gives a unique and contrasting panoramas
starting first
with the lifestyle at the desert sheikhdom of Dubai. From
the desert to Africa’s prime game parks in Northern
Tanzania to the wonders of Victoria Falls. The experiences
culminate with a 4-day stay at the enchanting Indian Ocean
Island of Mauritius.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Depart North America |
|
02
|
Arrive Dubai (UAE) |
| 03 |
Dubai |
|
04
|
Dubai |
|
05
|
Dubai / Arusha (Tanzania) |
|
06
|
Arusha / Tarangarie / Manyara |
|
07
|
Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro |
|
08
|
Ngorongoro |
|
09
|
Ngorongoro / Olduvai Gorge / Serengeti National Park |
|
10
|
Serengeti National Park |
|
11
|
Serengeti / Arusha |
|
12
|
Arusha / Johannesburg (South Africa) |
|
13
|
Johannesburg / Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) |
| 14 |
Victoria Falls |
| 15 |
Victoria Falls / Johannesburg |
| 16 |
Johannesburg / Mauritius |
| 17 |
Mauritius |
| 18 |
Mauritius |
| 19 |
Mauritius / North America |
| 20 |
North America |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in: Tanzania, South Africa & Zimbabwe covered
in this tour |
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1979)
 |
A large permanent concentration of wild animals
can be found in the huge and perfect crater of Ngorongoro.
Nearby, the crater of Empakaai, filled by a deep lake, and
the active volcano of Oldonyo Lenga can be seen. Excavations
carried out in the Olduvai Gorge, not far from there, have
resulted in the discovery of one of our more distant ancestors,
Homo habilis. Laitoli Site, which also lies within the area,
is one of the main localities of early hominid footprints,
dating back 3.6 million years. |
Serengeti
National Park (1981)
 |
The vast plains of the Serengeti comprise 1.5 million ha
of savannah. The annual migration to permanent water holes
of vast herds of herbivores (wildebeest, gazelles and zebras),
followed by their predators, is one of the most impressive
natural events in the world. |
Victoria Falls (1989)
 |
These are among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
The Zambezi River, which is more than 2 km wide at this point,
plunges noisily down a series of basalt gorges and raises an
iridescent mist that can be seen more than 20 km away. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Depart
North America
Our artistically tailored journey starts today as we board
for our flight to the Persian Gulf’s most well known
city-state – Dubai.
Day 02: Arrive Dubai (UAE)
Upon arrival at Dubai, the Mecca of the Middle East, we are
warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the
day is free to rest before we take upon Dubai and see what
is happening in this state of art, Sheikhdom.
Overnight: Ascott Hotel (3 nights)
Day 03: Dubai
Our morning city tour of Dubai includes the Jumeirah Mosque,
the Museum, as well as the Spice and Gold Souqs. Our next stop
is the Emirate of Sharjah, including a visit to the Natural
History Museum, the Discovery Center, the Aviation Museum and
the Cultural Center. We then take a short drive to the Emirate
of Ajman, where we will visit the Ajman Museum, the Dhow building
yard, the Pearl Monument, the King Faizal Mosque, the Bird & Animal
Market, the Al Arsah Souq, Al Hisn Fort, Bait Al Naboodah and
the Islamic & Art Museum. Early evening we are transferred
to the desert for an exciting desert safari. We go over and
down the sand dunes, with laughter, viewing the desert and
it’s life style – what a contrast to the fast developing
Dubai! This is followed by an entertainment of belly dancing
and BBQ over camel and other meats and enjoying the traditional
hubbly bubbly. Late evening, over starlight desert sky, we
are transferred back to our hotel in Dubai. (B)
Day 04: Dubai
Dubai, in the heart of the Middle East offers a lot from both
the traditional as well as the modern. It is also a haven for
shoppers. This day has been kept free for individual activities.
Amongst the activities we recommend include day trips to the
other Emirates like Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, etc. dhow cruise – all
of these can also be pre arranged. (B)
Day 05: Dubai / Arusha (Tanzania)
After our stay in the Emirates, we are transferred to the airport
for our flight to Arusha in Tanzania,, where upon arrival,
we are met and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day is
free to prepare for the next exciting segment of our tour – the
safari. Arusha offers a world that is very different from what
we have left behind in Dubai.
Overnight: Impala Hotel, Arusha (1 night) (B)
Day 06: Arusha / Tarangarie / Manyara
Our safari begins with a short drive to Tarangire National
Park which offers wide panoramas of open acacia woodland and
grass savanna, where herds (often two hundred strong) of elephants
and other unique residents like fringe-eared oryx, kuduroam,
run free. Seeing the game in their natural setting helps us
understand their unique characters. Late evening we drive to
Lake Manyara
Overnight: Manyara Serena lodge, Manyara (1 night)
(B, L, D)
Day 07: Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro
Today we discover the game at Lake Manyara National Park – one
of the most popular parks in Northern Tanzania. Though relatively
small in comparison to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara
is famous for the tree-climbing lions and numerous migratory
birds making viewing here an all round exercise. Afternoon
we drive to Ngorongoro where we have our afternoon game. The
oval shaped Ngorongoro Crater is 300 sqkm/116 sq miles in area
and 610m/2001ft deep crater and is a repository of Africa's
finest wildlife. All of the “Big Five” are present
living a privileged existence on the crater floor, so placid
you could (almost) move quietly amongst them
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 08: Ngorongoro
We descend into the crater for half day game safari with picnic
lunch. This gives us yet another opportunity to see the wildlife
at it’s best. Afternoon we return to our game lodge where
we have time to enjoy the surroundings and walk around and
enjoy the many facilities that the lodge offers.
(B, L, D)
Day 09: Ngorongoro / Olduvai Gorge / Serengeti National Park
Our safari heads off to the Olduvai Gorge. This desert like
gorge lies at the foot of the Ngorongoro highlands and is a
world-renowned repository for the remains of vast numbers of
animals that roamed these plains eons ago. We visit the museum
featuring the famous Zinj skull, the Zinjanthorpus man of 1.8
million years ago, whose remains were found here by Dr. Leakey.
We then proceed to Serengeti National Park via the Nabi gate
and enjoy our first of three game drives at the Serengeti.
Picnic lunch at the gorge.
Overnight: Serengeti or Lobo Wildlife Lodge (2 nights) (B,
L, D)
Day 10: Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is a huge national park, as big as Northern Ireland.
As the largest sanctuary in the world, Serengeti offers breathtaking
natural beauty and is unequaled in scientific value. Serengeti
is home to about 4 million different types of animals including
the big five: rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion and the elephant.
We enjoy a full day game experiences at the Serengeti with
picnic. At the end of this day, we will all wish that “Serengeti
shall not die!” (B, L, D)
Day 11: Serengeti / Arusha
After an incredible game safari and experience of African culture
in the world’s most famous national parks, we drive back
to Arusha where upon arrival we are met and transferred to
our hotel.
Overnight: Impala Hotel, Arusha (1 night) (B, L)
Day 12: Arusha / Johannesburg (South Africa)
Today we take our flight from Arusha to the commercial capital
of South Africa. At Johannesburg Airport we are met and transferred
to our hotel.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Johannesburg (1 night) (B)
Day 13: Johannesburg / Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
After a good rest we are transferred to the airport for our
flight to Victoria Falls where upon arrival we are met and
transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free to enjoy
the many activities like viewing tribal dancing, etc.
Overnight: A'Zambezi Hotel, Victoria Falls (2 nights) (B)
Day 14: Victoria Falls
After breakfast, a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the
seven natural wonders of the world. This walking safari takes
one through the magnificent rain forest to view the Cataracts,
Livingstone’s statue and a wide variety of birds and
pants. Afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. (B)
Day 15: Victoria Falls / Johannesburg
After breakfast transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for return
to Johannesburg International Airport. Balance of the day is
free at Johannesburg.
Overnight: Mercure hotel, Johannesburg (1 night) (B)
Day 16: Johannesburg / Mauritius
After our exciting experience at Victoria Falls, we bid farewell
to mainland African continent and take a flight to the enchanting
Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Upon arrival at the Mauritius
we are warmly received and transferred to our resort hotel.
Overnight: Palmeraie Hotel – Sea View Room (3
nights) (D)
Day 17: Mauritius
The next two days is free to enjoy the beautiful silver sand
beach of this island which also offers a rich culture from
their French, India and British past. (B, D)
Day 18: Mauritius
Another day at Mauritius to relax and explore the island.
(B, D)
Day 19: Mauritius / North America
Our journey of three continents comes to an end as we are transferred
to the airport for our flight back home. (B)
Day 20: North America
Arrival home. |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
|
2008
Feb 03, Apr 06, May 18, Jul 27*, Oct 05, Nov
30 & Dec
21**
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2008 |
5580 |
785 |
| **High
Season Surcharge add $400 (Dec
21, 2008) |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Hotel
accommodation as per itinerary (or similar category)
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner)
- All game drives with English speaking guide/driver
- Road taxes, park fees, drivers overnight wages
- Services of English speaking local guide / driver throughout
the tour
|
- International
airfares (see Note
below)
- Visa
fees & Insurance
- Tips
/ Gratuities
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
NOTE:
International airfares
range from ex Coast to UAE, Tanzania, VFA & Mauritius
at $ 2000 plus taxes (approx $ 350) |
| Estimated
International Airfare(
not included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| West
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 06
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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