PACING: 12 nights in 6 destinations, all two-night stays in hotels and safari lodges with choice of a tented camp stay in Kirawira. All transportation is by motorcoach and 6-passenger safari vehicles, each providing guaranteed window seating with pop-up roofs for photo-taking. Vantage will provide safari bags for this journey, as there are weight and size restrictions on luggage in the vehicles.

Also, there is one charter flight from Serengeti Air Strip to Arusha and then on to Nairobi where you will transfer by motorcoach to Mt. Kenya.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Travellers will use many kinds of transportation, including planes, motorcoaches, and 6-passenger 4x4 safari vehicles. There is easy to moderate walking. Surfaces encountered will include dirt roads, paths, paving stones, and tile. Road conditions in East Africa are in many cases very poor, making for a bumpy ride. Three airports are used on this trip and transiting in Nairobi is a requirement on 3 occasions including the return journey to the USA. This airport can be tiring, especially with security lines, check-ins, and the prevalence of marble floors. Other airports in the Serengeti and Arusha are quite small and manageable.

The Zanzibar extension features moderate to heavy walking, and includes one two-story hotel without an elevator.

CULTURAL FOCUS: East Africa’s local people are generally friendly and particularly welcoming to any visitor who can command a couple of worlds in Swahili. For the more adventurous traveller, there are many rituals, cermonies and festivals of traditional music, which are well worth experiencing. There are large numbers of Muslims, Christians and Hindus as well as a strong following of traditional African beliefs in country areas. It is customary, however, to ask permission before taking a photo of a local person, and from time to time locals will request a fee to take their photo. (whether you do or not is your discretion) There are many shop outlets geared to tourists which sell a wide range of curios, clothing, wood carvings and Masaai handmade jewelleries. However, as with any city/town, please be VERY careful when shopping, do not wander around at night in towns (use taxis), and do not leave valuables in hotel rooms etc.

In Zanzibar, 99 percent of the island’s 500,000 residents adhere to traditional Islam, so make every effort to show respect in speech, action, and dress. In the densely populated Stone Town, you will hear the Muslim call to prayer five times a day over centrally placed loudspeakers. Modesty in dress is crucial when among local people, which includes knee-length shorts for men and women, longer dresses / skirts for women, and shirts and blouses that cover the shoulders. In resort areas along the coast, dress is more relaxed, and beach wear of all kinds is acceptable. During Ramadan (in 2009, August 21-Sept 19), it may be difficult to find food during the day in heavily populated areas, and alcoholic beverages will be limited all year around in public places.