Capron Park Zoo

Invites You on a Classic Safari,

Escorted by Jean Benchimol to

Tanzania

 

Join your zoo escort, Jean Benchimol, and fellow friends of the Capron Park Zoo on an once-in-a-lifetime safari to discover the beauty of Tanzania. Descend 2,000 feet into the Ngorongoro Crater to see elephant lumbering through a primeval forest, lion lazing in the shade, and a plethora of colorful birds.  Bird watchers will be in paradise at Lake Manyara with its over 350 bird species. Experience the endless plains of the Serengeti – home to the annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores.  The spectacular wildlife viewing is only enhanced by a visit to Olduvai Gorge where Mary Leakey discovered one of the earliest fossils of man.  Acclaimed East African naturalist guide, Augustine Minja, will accompany us throughout this exciting adventure. You will stay at some of Africa’s premier tented camps and lodges, be pampered by modern amenities, and enjoy wonderful food and outstanding service.  An optional extension is available to the exotic spice island of Zanzibar.

Your zoo escort, Jean Benchimol:

Jean Benchimol has spent over 25 years in the zoo field with the last six years as Director of the Capron Park Zoo.  An avid birder, Jean has traveled to many wildlife destinations, including Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands and South America.  Her most frequented continent is Africa, with over 22 journeys to its beautiful landscapes and historic cultures.  Jean’s favorite part of the safari experience is sharing with people their first exciting view of wildlife in their natural setting.

Your naturalist guide, Augustine Minja:

Augustine, a native Tanzanian, is a superb ambassador for Africa. His flexibility and knowledge of wildlife and native culture combine to create the ultimate safari experience. He attended the Mweka College of Wildlife where he earned a Certificate in Wildlife Management, Tour Guiding and Visitor Services. Other interests include ornithology, botany and range ecology. Augustine speaks Kiswahili, English, French, Chagga and Iraqw. He has led numerous zoological, museum and university groups through his beloved Tanzania since 1997.

Days 1/2 - November 2/3 - Boston/Amsterdam/

Arusha

Board your overnight flight.  The next morning connect in Amsterdam with your flight to Tanzania.  Upon arrival in Arusha in the evening, you are escorted by your professional naturalist, Augustine Minja, to your beautiful lodge.  SERENA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE. (Meals Aloft)

Day 3 - November 4 - Lake Manyara National Park

Visit Mto Wa Mbu, a modern village made up of people from several tribal areas.  A true ecotourism project, a portion of your fee for the visit goes towards supporting projects for the village.  Following a lunch of traditional Tanzanian dishes served under banana trees in the heart of the village, explore the area with your village guides. Return to your charming lodge and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool that seems to meld with the horizon overlooking the Great Rift Valley or take a guided bird walk through the lodge’s extensive grounds led by a resident naturalist. LAKE MANYARA SERENA LODGE. (B,L,D)

Days 4/5 - November 5/6 - Lake Manyara National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Explore Lake Manyara National Park, an ornithological paradise with over 350 species of birds.  You may see Verreaux’s Eagle, a variety of vultures, storks, swifts and swallows winging their way atop the spectacular cliffs overlooking the lake which often has a pinkish hue due to the flamingos, pelicans and storks shimmering in the distance.  During your wildlife drive, look for buffalo, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, zebra and the elusive tree-climbing lion.  After lunch continue to Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage site where the next day you will descend 2,000 feet into seemingly the land that time forgot.  The mist which often obscures the crater floor of this extinct volcano from the surface only adds to the sense of wonder when the floor reveals elephant lumbering through the primeval forest, lion resting in the tall grass, black rhino grazing and the distinctive grunt of the hippo.  Marvel at the colorful flamingos wading in the soda lake while looking for the more than 100 bird species not found anywhere else. Your lodge is built into the rim of the crater with magical views.  NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 6/7 - November 7/8 - Olduvai Gorge/Serengeti National Park

En route to Olduvai Gorge this morning, visit a nearby Maasai Village where you will experience this nomadic tribe’s way of life and colorful culture.  Olduvai Gorge is one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites.  It was here in 1959 that Mary and Louis Leakey found 1.7-million-year-old Zinjanthropus and Homo Habilis (Handyman).  A Tanzanian guide will explain the geological features of the gorge and the work of the Leakey’s.  Continue to Serengeti National Park, what the Maasai refer to as Siringitu – ‘the place where the land moves on forever.’  Here, life’s possibilities seem as infinite as the endless variety of wildlife you will see, such as lion, leopard and cheetah, and their prey – giraffe, topi, buffalo and impala.  The kopjes (prehistoric rock outcroppings) host hyrax, dwarf mongoose, red-headed agama and often a sleepy black-maned lion.  The open grassland is home to large groups of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, spotted hyena and jackal.  Each year, more than a million wildebeest, accompanied by thousands of zebra and other herbivores cross the Serengeti in search of fertile grasslands.  Visit the Serengeti Research Station and go on a guided nature walk at the Serengeti Nature Trail onto a granite kopje to learn about the grasses, bushes and trees that create the Serengeti habitat and the research projects that attract scientists from all over the world.  Take to the skies on an optional early morning balloon safari for uninterrupted views of wildlife from the air!  Upon landing, enjoy a champagne brunch set especially for you in the middle of the plains.  Zebra and wildebeest may be your dining companions and Africa’s colorful birds may vie for your crumbs!  The architecture of your stunning lodge is inspired by a traditional African village.  SERENGETI SERENA SAFARI LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 8/9 - November 9/10 - Serengeti National Park

Continue your exploration of the Serengeti in the Grumeti River area of the Western Corridor, famous for the huge crocodiles and hippo pools.  Enjoy the Victorian elegance and romance of ‘camping’ the way it was meant to be – four-poster beds, private bathrooms, hand-carved wooden furniture and tea or coffee brought to the porch of your tent each morning.  Enjoy delicious cuisine in the dining tent served on fine china and after dinner drinks before retiring to your tent.  KIRAWIRA CAMP. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 10/11 - November 11/12 - Arusha/Amsterdam/

Boston

Transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha.  Shop or relax in your dayroom at SERENA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE.  After your farewell dinner, transfer to the airport for your flights home. (B,L,D, Meals Aloft)

Optional Post-Extension to Zanzibar

*A minimum of 5 passengers is required

Bid farewell to the rest of your group and extend your East African adventure with three magical days in Zanzibar, the best kept secret in the Indian Ocean, with its fascinating history and magnificent beaches.  Life along the Indian Ocean coast can be as relaxing or active as you choose. Sleep in and lounge pool side. Explore the mix of Swahili, Arab and Indian influences in Stonetown – a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and unique brass-studded, carved, wooden doors. Dazzle your senses at a spice plantation and watch as the rare, red colobus monkey frolics overhead in Jozani Forest. Stay at the Zanzibar Serena Inn, which has joined the ranks of the world's finest resorts as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.  This stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been masterfully restored to their previous grandeur, when Zanzibar was a crossroads visited by travelers and merchants from all corners of the globe. Dine at the fine restaurant or swim in the outdoor pool, each overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. 

 

Your Safari Includes:

• Roundtrip air transportation between Boston and Arusha (return from Dar Es Salaam on extension).
• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• Farewell dinner at Serena Mountain Village (in local restaurant on extension).
• All wildlife viewing by private land rover, driven by professional driver/guide.  A window seat is guaranteed. Complimentary bottled water in vehicles.
• Visit to a Maasai village.
• Visit to Serengeti Research Station in Serengeti.
• Capron Park Zoo escort Jean Benchimol will accompany the group with a minimum of 6 travelers.
• Professional naturalist Augustine Minja will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers.
• All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• All park entry fees.
• Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.

*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.

For reservations or more information, please contact:

Jean Benchimol & Joan Robinson at Capron Park Zoo at (508) 222-3314 or email: jean@capronparkzoo.com or

Lori Charles at Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244 or

email: loric@classicescapes.com