DUMA - SOPA LODGES

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

Today is your arrival day. It does not matter what airline or destination you arrive from, nor the time of arrival – simply let us know your accurate arrival information to enable us to arrange your arrival transfer appropriately for you

PASSPORT – you must make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6-months after your intended return date back home E.G. if your intended return date home is September 01, 2010, your passport must be valid up until and including March 01, 2011

VISITOR’S VISA – you will require a visitor’s visa to enter the country. It is not necessary to apply for your visitor’s visa ahead of your arrival. It will be issued on arrival at your point of entry into the country. Please make sure that you have two consecutive blank pages in your passport for local Immigration to issue your visitor’s visa. We provide you with a PDF downloadable visitor’s visa application form with your final travel documentation to complete ahead of arrival. You will not require passport photographs when obtaining your visitor’s visa upon arrival. To be financially prepared, be aware that the only form of payment accepted for your visitor’s visa will be US Dollar cash. No local currency, Travelers Checks, credit cards or any other forms of payment will be accepted under any circumstances (the cost of your visitor’s visa is not included in this safari price)

TRAVEL MEDICATIONS / INOCULATIONS – you are required to produce a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate upon arrival and prevention against Malaria is recommended! For all other matters, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

ELEVATE YOUR COMFORT – review A Safe Trip Abroad presented by the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

PROTECT YOUR TRIP - we understands the importance of protecting your 'Travel Investment'! That is why we have partnered with Travel Guard Travel Insurance Services, as they provide comprehensive travel protection plans, combining travel insurance with extensive services. Contact Travel Guard Travel Insurance Services Toll-Free on 1-800-826-1300 and refer to Location Number 205419

Located in the northern highlands of Tanzania, beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania. Travelers embarking on the popular northern safari circuit all stop in the 'Geneva of Africa' to prepare for their safari into the African bush. From its two-lane streets, the dramatic crater of Mt. Meru stands over the town like a majestic sentinel, its crater strewn with thick clouds, its slopes dark with verdant forest. Arusha’s ideal location near the major national parks and its highland setting make it a peaceful idyll of relaxation before the start of an exciting safari

Built by the Germans as a centre of colonial administration in the early 20th century, Arusha was a sleepy town with a garrison stationed at the old boma and a few shops around a grassy roundabout. From its backwater status amidst the farmlands and plantations of northern Tanzania, today Arusha is one of the country’s most prosperous towns

Located in the depths of a tree-shaded coffee plantation, wreathed in multi-colored tresses of tumbling bougainvillea, cooled by mountain streams, and strung like a necklace around the shores of an idyllic wooded lake, Serena Mountain Village offers a haven of calm and serenity just outside the hustle and bustle of Arusha, Tanzania’s premier 'Safari Town'

Nestling in the heart of a coffee plantation on the shores of Lake Duluti, Serena Mountain Village is the perfect place to relax before or after experiencing the adventure of a Tanzanian Safari

The main building, designed as a country manor house offers a colonial theme and houses the reception, a lounge, library, restaurant, shop, and business centre. Exquisite pieces of furniture and artwork adorn the property to ensure true authenticity to the colonial theme

The stone-built rooms are traditional 'rondavel' circular dwellings with views over a bougainvillea-cloaked slope descending to the shores of Lake Duluti. Each 'rondavel', neatly thatched in 'Makuti' stems and lined with close-weave basketwork, has been arranged to cluster in a village-style grouping around the shade of an ancient forest tree whilst the lavishly 'Makonde' carved doors radiate off the cool of a central flowered courtyard

Charmingly appointed with spacious bathrooms, individual verandas and curved French windows giving views onto the tranquil lakeside beauty, room decorations are traditional safari style featuring net-draped beds, soft lamps, intricately carved furniture, and pastel-patterned drapes.

At leisure, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the flowered gardens, watch flights of snow-white egret returning to their forest roosts, explore the lake by canoe or follow the nature trail that loops around the lake and into the groves of neighboring coffee estates

You’ll enjoy overland transfers and safari game viewing drives in the comfort and luxury of 4X4 Land Cruisers. Each 4X4 Land Cruiser occupies a maximum of 7 passengers affording everyone a window seat as well as access to the pop-top 'roof hatch' when you are on a safari game viewing drive in the National Parks. For additional comfort, we request that you travel with soft-sided luggage on safari, as it is easier to pack in to the safari vehicle

You enjoy a morning nature walk around Lake Duluti with Serena Active followed by lunch

This afternoon, you depart from Arusha and pass through the Maasai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee, and banana plantations as you head toward Lake Manyara National Park. At the town of Makayuni, you turn North West and continue the journey up through the scenic Baobab tree strewn escarpment that brings you to your safari lodge perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara

At only 127 square miles, much of which is the lake, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the northern circuit’s smallest parks. Despite its size, Lake Manyara National Park boasts a fascinating ecosystem and an abundance of both wildlife and bird life

The lake is home to several groups of hippopotamus and species of birds including pelicans and storks. The number of trees in the park’s forest area, fed by underground springs, is home to a variety of monkeys and large troupes of baboons

Larger mammals including elephants, Cape buffalo, and giraffe roam the park. Lake Manyara National Park also has a reputation for tree climbing lions whilst in reality, all lions climb trees and there is a chance to spot them in any of the parks

Located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the cliff wall forms a dramatic backdrop and borderline to the park

Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta-streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley

Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the safari lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai 'Bomas' (encampments) whilst the vibrantly colored frescoes lining the walls depict the intricacy of bird migratory patterns

The ambiance of the safari lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquility, towering volcanic splendor, and adventure-packed sporting activity

Each circular, closely-thatched guest room with its private bathroom, echo the traditional Maasai 'Boma' style of construction whilst featuring a vibrant interior design concept that reflects the Maasai people's abiding love of brilliant scarlet-and-indigo checked 'Shukas' (cloaks) and bright yellow, white, blue and orange beadwork.

Each guest room has a private veranda that boasts breathtaking views of the shimmering reaches of the flamingo-frosted lake way below at the foot of the escarpment

With Lake Manyara in your wake, your journey continues North West across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands filled with wheat and coffee plantations into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you enjoy your first glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater

Beyond the crater lies the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world

The road is long with many a winding turn – but the reward is immeasurable!

Perhaps the best-known name in wildlife parks, the Serengeti National Park is located along Tanzania’s northeastern border with Kenya. At 5,700 square miles, it is currently the largest national park in Tanzania and along with Kenya’s Maasai Mara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area comprises one of the largest wildlife ecosystems in Africa

The Great Migration of more than 1.6 million wildebeest is perhaps the most dramatic feature of this park. The herds enter at the park’s eastern edge around mid-January and begin calving in the south of the park in mid-February. In April and May, they begin moving northward and large groups split off heading to the west whilst others continue to move north. June and July find the herds spread along the centre of the Serengeti from Seronera westward into Grumeti. In late July and through August the herds begin to accumulate. Crossing the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, the migration will move to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve by September

But the Serengeti National Park is much more than just the migration. Resident non-migratory game is extensive with a variety ranging from hyrax to elephant. There are more than 3,000 lions in Serengeti as well as leopards, cheetah and some of the other smaller cats. The Grumeti River is famous for its giant crocodiles that are believed to date back to the age of the dinosaurs

Birders are always thrilled at the site of more than 500 species of birds, which range from majestic eagles to tiny bee-eaters

Nestled in the acacia woodland on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of the southwestern Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous national parks in the world, and host to the largest and most spectacular annual great migration of wildebeest, you’ll find the Serengeti Sopa Safari Lodge

Set in the Nyarboro Hills overlooking the Serengeti plains the lodge is airy and spacious and painted with rich earth colors reflecting the tones of the surrounding area. The lobby features large comfortable chairs made of driftwood, huge cushions, and colorful throw pillows. A low wooden beam ceiling spans pillars shaped as huge pots stacked together. Beautiful metallic wall lamps with soft lighting complete the overall, warm, and intimate effect

The guest rooms each with its private bathroom all feature two queen size beds and are tastefully furnished using local fabrics and pictures. Entering the guest room, you will find a lounge area with a mini bar whilst in the front is a verandah with 2 comfortable chairs and coffee table facing glass windows which unashamedly expose the vast Serengeti plains that extend as far as the naked eye can see

The open dining area is spacious and airy with natural light emanating from the floor to ceiling windows. This artistically decorated area boasts magnificent views of the Serengeti plains offset with the nuances of wrought iron chairs and wooden tabletops. The interior is rich mud red in color with grottoes featuring local artifacts found in the region. Behind the buffet area is a shimmering blue placement, like a glass mosaic, adding to the blending theme

After breakfast today, you depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains and stopping off at the Olduvai Gorge en route. The Olduvai Gorge acquired its name from the Sansevieria bush that grows profusely in the area, named Olduvai by the Maasai

The Gorge is about 31 miles long and in some places about 295 feet deep, and is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area between the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. The Gorge was discovered by a German entomologist, Prof. Kattwinkel who instigated an expedition prior to World War 1! The exploration continued by Dr. Louis Leakey and his wife, who, in 1959 found humanoid remains of Zinjanthropus, later renamed Australopithecus Boisei, an early form of man

You will have time to walk through the small simple Museum at the Olduvai Gorge, where you can view copy displays of some of the finds as well as pictures of what life was like for the gorge’s earliest inhabitants

After a picnic lunch you continue to your safari lodge set high atop the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the Natural World'. The area formed over centuries of volcanic activity dating back more than twenty-five million years. This activity developed after shifts in tectonic plates created a rupture and split in the land that is now the Great Rift Valley

There are several extinct volcanoes in the Conservation Area, but perhaps the best known of them is the Ngorongoro Crater. At 102 square miles on the floor, it is the world’s largest intact and unflooded caldera. The view from the 8,000 feet rim is breathtaking. At the crater’s floor, some 2,000 feet below, more than 30,000 resident animals carry on the daily struggle of survival. Here, the 'Big 5' are easily spotted with leopards protecting their kills in trees and massive rhinoceroses in search of fresh grass. Cape buffalo with oxpeckers perched on their backs are seen in large herds

Lake Magadi, the Swahili word for 'Soda Lake', is at the centre of the crater. It often provides home to thousands of lesser flamingos as well as a variety of other waterfowl. Hippo pools, where the massive hippopotami spend their time relaxing, and keeping cool dot the crater floor! Huge bull elephants come to the crater’s floor in search of minerals from the soda lake whilst the females and young remain behind on the rim

The management plan for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area allows for the use of the land by both the wildlife and the indigenous Maasai and other tribesmen that have resided in the area for generations. Visitors often awake to the sound of cattle bells as Maasai warriors lead their cattle down the wall of the crater to the floor below

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also home to Olduvai Gorge. Known as "The Cradle of Mankind," the gorge is the site of the famous archaeological work of the Leakey family including the discovery of Zinjanthropus Bosei or "Nutcracker Man"

Travelers that are more adventurous can trek to smaller craters such as Olmoti and Empakai. Some also choose to descend to Lake Natron, passing the still active Ol Donyo L’Engai. In the northern area of the Conservation Area along the border with the Serengeti is Lake Ndutu. This popular soda lake is home to a number of waterfowl including flamingos and is along the wildebeest migration route

The Ngorongoro Sopa Safari Lodge is located on Lemala Hill on the uppermost eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, making this the only tourist development on the eastern rim of the crater. The views into the crater floor from here are spectacular and the sunsets magnificent. A major advantage of staying at the Ngorongoro Sopa Safari Lodge is that you'll commence your Ngorongoro Crater Safari within 5-minutes of leaving the lodge arriving into the Crater well before other visitors as the park gate is very close to the lodge

The lodge is tastefully decorated, spacious and all of the guest rooms are modern, comfortable and equipped with everything one would expect from a safari lodge of this class. All of the guest rooms are very spacious and each has two queen sized beds and a separate dressing area. Additionally, each room has a glass-fronted verandah from where you'll enjoy a private uninterrupted view of the Ngorongoro Crater

At an altitude of 7,792 feet, the lodge experiences cool and even cold weather, especially during the winter months of June and July when temperatures can get as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you will enjoy sunshine during most of the year and should take care when sunbathing by the pool due to the altitude

The cuisine and service here is stylish with meals being a massif collection of delicious international and local Tanzanian dishes

After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, you head south east toward Lake Manyara, Mto wa Mbu village and further beyond to the Tarangire National Park

Through the highlands of the Karatu District you’ll view scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations before journeying down the spectacular escarpment from where you turn south on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road and into Tarangire National Park

At 1,004 square miles, Tarangire National Park provides variety and excitement. The landscape is dotted with unique baobab trees which have the appearance that they were planted with the roots on top. The trunks of these massive trees often show the scars of damage done by elephants that dig into them with their tusks for the minerals inside. Some of the resulting holes can become large enough for a man to step inside

Tarangire is a dry weather park, best visited between June and February. However, game viewing is good throughout the year. The most prominent animal in Tarangire is the elephant. Large herds roam the park in search of fresh grass. As there is such an abundance of grass, the herds are confident of finding food even in the driest months

The Tarangire River dissects the park and along it, a variety of animals can be found searching for fresh water. Of particular interest are the rock pythons that can be found lazing in the sun, digesting a recent kill. These large, non-venomous constrictors are among the largest snakes in Africa but the least threatening to man

A number of the smaller and less common antelopes can be found in this park along with the usual selection of gazelles and impala. These include the fringe-eared Oryx and unusual long-necked gerenuk

Tarangire National Park is popular with birders and features more than 550 species. Visitors spend days observing hundreds of birds including the spectacular Bateleur eagle or the red-and-yellow Barbet

Hidden from view between the kopjes lies the Tarangire Sopa Safari Lodge, surrounded by ancient eerie-looking baobab trees!  The area is the home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa, and other game including the elusive leopard. Over 400 bird species can be spotted here as well. With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt red colored earth

The welcoming area at the lodge is and airy with marble floors from which sliding glass doors open out to a verandah where you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view. The ceiling has a wooden finishing, and the décor with plants in strategic places, gives the lobby a feeling of total relaxation, much needed after the long and dusty drive to the lodge

Spacious guest rooms, all with a private lounge area featuring a well stocked mini bar are fully carpeted and each has 2 queen-size beds covered by mosquito netting. Ceiling fans keep the rooms cool and sliding glass doors open out onto a balcony which afford guests a magnificent view of the rolling landscape teaming with free roaming wildlife

Located between the lobby and the dining room, comfortable seating is available for guests relaxation and a large spacious light and airy dining room offers outside seating ideal for BBQ’s and 'Theme Dinners'

You depart from Tarangire National Park after breakfast this morning and return to Arusha where you arrive in time for lunch

Reenergized once more, you are transferred back to Kilimanjaro International for your homeward bound flight filled with intoxicating memories and experiences that are guaranteed to remain with you for a lifetime

2AFRIKA makes every effort to operate every African safari, tour, resort, spa, and relaxing beach vacation as described on our website. However, we reserve the right to alter or curtail any itinerary, substitute sightseeing, safari lodges, hotels, spas and resorts, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Whilst not anticipated, prices on our website are subject to change without notice until full payment is received, as all prices are based on the availability of services when you make your safari reservation

2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'