AFRICAN SAFARI WITH MUSCAT & DUBAI
A Cultural tour of Kenya, Tanzania, Oman & UAE

A rare and contrasting combination that has been artistically tailored to offer the best of the world’s wildlife and game in the natural habitats of, amongst others, Masai Mara, Sergenti and Ngorongoro with the Middle East’s most interesting cultures at Muscat & Dubai. Exploring the wildlife in the green, green pastures followed by the striking desert scenery and culture, this 20 day journey aspires a wonderful experience in small group journeys – one that will never be forgotten.

Day 1: Depart New York for Nairobi
Today, we start off with our Afro – Middle Eastern safari-journey.

Day 2: Arrive Nairobi
Karibu! We are warmly received in Africa’s most well known capital – Nairobi. The Kiswahili language here is often easily understood as many people mix in English words, in fact more people in Kenya speak English than in any other African country.
Overnight: Pan Africa Hotel (1 night) (D)

Day 3: Nairobi / Lake Nakuru
We start with an interesting countryside drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, best known for its flamingos and home to many animals including waterbuck, leopards, Rothschild giraffe and the endangered black rhino. After a filling lunch at our lodge, we head out for the first of the many exciting game drives in our East African Safari.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Lion Hill Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 4: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara
After breakfast we traverse the Great Rift Valley and ascend its western rim into the Maasai land. Red-clad Masai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. Here we also find the Masai giraffe. After lunch at our lodge, we embark on one of the most exciting game drive Africa has to offer.
Overnight: Mara Simba Lodge / Mara Serena Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 5: Masai Mara
Morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains game. The "big five" - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino are quite common. Today we may opt for an early morning optional balloon excursion to experience a birds-eye view of the vast Masai Mara. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Masai Mara / Serengeti
Today we depart for Tanzania home to the best game in the world. We cross the Isebania Border to Tanzania –the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Game Parks as well as the spice island of Zanzibar. Our destination is Seregngeti which literally means “endless plains”
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 7: Serengeti
We begin our Tanzanian adventure at the world famous wildlife sanctuary - the Serengeti National Park which at 14,763 sq kms is the largest National Park in Tanzania. Summed up as 'one of the most unique areas in the world', Serengeti contains the largest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa, on a scale, which has no parallel any where in the world. The abundance of herbivores includes wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Topi, Buffalo, and Hartebeest, to name but a few. Serengeti is also famous for predators e.g. Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and Hyena and also contains a wide variety of birdlife, believed to be in the region of 500 species. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Serengeti / Ngorongoro
Another day of game drive in Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch. We explore various areas like Moro kopjes and Gol kopjes. The extensive grasslands are interspersed with Kopjes rocky outcrops like islands in the flat plain, each with their own wildlife communities. Discover the Seronera River which flows through the park, providing habitats for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Afternoon we proceed to Nabi Hill gate where we enjoy our picnic lunch before proceeding to Malanja depression entering Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 9: Ngorongoro Cater / Lake Manyara
We descend the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a day of superb game viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most magnificent wildlife arenas, is approximately 19 km/12 miles across and its prairies are a haven for an estimated 30,000 large mammals, including Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Hyena, Hippo, Wildebeest, Baboon, Gazelle and the endangered black Rhino. At a depth of 610 meters/2,000 feet, this crater, created by the collapse of an extinct volcano, contains a "Lost World" of wildlife. It is our exciting crater safari today before we drive to Lake Manyara in the later afternoon.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Lake Manyara
After breakfast, we drive down to Lake Manyara National Park which is one of the finest parks in Tanzania. You will enjoy your morning and afternoon game drive followed by lunch. After lunch, we will drive towards the village of Mto Wa Mbu and the Great Rift Valley then proceed to your unique safari lodge which offers a spectacular view of the Lake Manyara National Park. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Lake Manyara / Arusha / Amboseli National Park
After our Northern Tanzania game experience, we take another scenic drive crossing the beautiful Great Rift Valley to the colorful villages of Mto wa Mbu and Makayuni. At Arusha, which is the exact center between Cape Town and Cairo, we stop for lunch. We then cross the Namanaga border between Tanzania and Kenya and then drive to the Amboseli National Park that is situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (5922 meters/19,430 ft). Amboseli is also famous for its vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro. We take the opportunity of another game drive before checking into our lodge for the night.
Overnight: Amboseli Serena Lodge / Oltukai Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Amboseli
After breakfast, we drive to Amboseli which is situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,430 ft). Amboseli is famous for its vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. Be sure to have your camera ready. Lunch at the lodge and afternoon game drive en route to your lodge in search of Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo and much more. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Amboseli / Nairobi / Muscat (Oman)
Our last day is comprised of two game drives. We start with an early morning safari providing majestic views of Kilimanjaro. After breakfast at our lodge we again take on the wildlife against the backdrop of the highest peak in Africa. With lunch we bid farewell as we drive to Nairobi airport for our departure flight to Muscat. (B, L)

Day 14: Arrive Muscat
As we arrive in Muscat, the pearl of the Gulf region, we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Evening is free to enjoy the beach area.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza (3 nights) (B)

Day 15: Muscat
The Sultanate of Oman has a history that dates back to almost 3000 BC, in an era known as Magan. The Samaritans inhabited the country around 4000 BC followed by the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Sabians and finally the Persians. At this time, Oman became famous for its trade of copper and frankincense throughout the Arabian world. By the year 630 AD, Islam was established in Oman and the religion quickly spread. We start the day with a Muscat Discovery tour, which includes the Oman Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Ministry Area in Al Khuwair, the Aalam Palace, the Corniche and a unique traditional fish market. Afternoon is free to enjoy the bazaars of Muscat and the beach. (B)

Day 16: Muscat
Today we enjoy a day excursion to Nizwa, built by the great Imam Sultan Bin Seif. In the
17th Century, Nizwa was chosen as the capital, due to its well-protected position and construction. Even today it remains one of Oman’s most impressive towns. We begin our tour with a visit to the massive circular fort, surrounded by vast mud walls. We explore Jabrin Castle and the World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort. The ruins of the immense fort, with walls and towers of earthen brick and foundations of stone, provide a remarkable example of this type of fortification. Jabrin Castle, built by Imam Bilarab in 1675 AD, is an edifice surpassing all other forts in Oman, both in size and magnificience. One cannot help but admire the extraordinary carved wood paneling and friezes painted on the walls. Verses from the Koran and poems engraved in the walls celebrate the beauty of this grand castle. Moving on, we arrive at the Nizwa Souq where a unique goat and cattle auction is held. On our return to Muscat, we enjoy a visit to the aromatic Amouage perfume factory. (B)

Day 17: Muscat / Dubai (UAE)
In the morning we drive (approx. 5 hrs) to Dubai – the capital of the world. This sheikhdom is the fastest growing city-state in the world and offers the most unique attractions that makes one blow apart, coupled with the fact that it is also the most popular duty free town. Evening is free to loiter and shop and take advantage of bargains.
Overnight: Ascot Hotel (3 nights) (B)

Day 18: 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 drive towards 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 a camel ride, 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 19: Dubai
Day free to enjoy the many other attractions that Dubai has to offer. (B)

Day 20: Dubai / New York
After experiencing the best of East African safaris and the cultures of Oman and Dubai, we are transferred, with lots of memories, to the airport for our return flight back home. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Jan 13 & 27, Feb 10 & 25, Mar 09 & 23, Apr 06 & 20, May 04 & 21, Sep 22, Oct 05 & 19, Nov 08 & 13

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes International air (see Note below) Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner) Insurance & Visas Game park fees Tips & gratuities All sightseeing and transfers   Services of local English speaking guide   Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 US $ 5485 • CA $ 5485 US $ 750 • CA $ 750 * Easter and Christmas high season surcharge at US/CA $45 per night.

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is not included in this tour

NOTE: International airfares range from ex East Coast to Dubai and Nairobi combined at $1300 plus taxes (approx $300). West Coast supplement is $250.

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 06 participants.

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.