LEGENDARY SERENGETI CAMP Brochure 2015

Legendary Serengeti Camp
“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy…..”
Ernest Hemingway
Table of Contents
Welcome
Page 3
Our Company & The Mobile Camp
Page 4
The Serengeti & The Wildebeest Migration
Page 5
Maswa Mbono Game Reserve
Page 6
The History & People of Tanzania
Page 7
Camp and Your Tent
Page 8
Activities
Page 10
Safari Ethics
Page 11
Safari Njema
Page 12
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Welcome
Over the next few days, the tents of our Legendary Serengeti Camp will become your home, and the vast plains of the Serengeti, your back yard. Please
read through the following pages at your leisure. They have been designed to help you settle into your new surroundings with ease and comfort, and
should help to answer questions you will undoubtedly have.
The team at our mobile camp will graciously guide you through your stay, from morning tea and coffee, to cocktails around the campfire, to warming your
bed with hot water bottles before you retire at night.
Your days will be spent with knowledgeable and experienced guides, viewing wildlife in their natural habitat, perhaps even lucky enough to see the great
wildebeest migration, or a pride of lions who often allow you to view them closer than you may even desire. This is the traditional African way of safari –
rustic, romantic and intimate. So karibu, as we say in Kiswahili. A world of adventure awaits you…
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Our Company
Our Company & The Mobile Camp
“No one can return from the Serengeti unchanged, for
tawny lions will forever prowl our memory and great
herds throng our imagination.”
George Schaller
Legendary Expeditions has been leading safaris in East Africa for over 28
years. Our portfolio consists of several permanent camps located
throughout Tanzania, mobile camps located within the Serengeti
National Park and Maswa Wildlife Reserve, and Mwiba Lodge, a
sophisticated haven, set amongst coral trees and acacias, overlooking the
Arugusinyai River. Depending upon which one of our properties you
visit, guests of Legendary Expeditions are able to experience thousands
of acres of private wildlife reserves and thus view the abundant game
without a car or camp in sight, and also witness the company’s
preservation of the habitats in which we safari.
The survival of wildlife is of the utmost importance to our company and
the Friedkin family, whose love of this land is the driving force behind its
conservation. With preservation in mind, ethics and sustainability are the
foundation of our safaris. As you read through these pages, you will see
information on conduct and etiquette while in the parks and wildlife
reserves. The land and wildlife are more fragile than the strength of a
lions jaw, or girth of a buffalo may lead you to believe, thus we ask that
you read these few points carefully.
The Mobile Camp
Our two mobile camps travel through the Serengeti Ecosystem each
year from June until April, with sites in the northern, western, and
southern corners of the park. The camp’s location is dictated by the
hoofs of the wildebeest and by the weather patterns. Because of this,
you are more than likely to experience the unforgettable phenomena of
the migration right outside of your “front door.” We are one of the
longest standing operators of the Serengeti campsite, and thus enjoy
some of the most sought after viewing platforms the park has to offer.
Legendary Expeditions guides are extremely knowledgeable on the land,
its wildlife, and its people, so please ask them as many questions as you
like. Information on the habitats and traits of the various species and
tribes will only enhance your safari experience.
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"We walked for miles over burnt out country... Then I
saw the green trees of the river, walked two miles
more and found myself in paradise….."
The Serengeti & the Wildebeest Migration
These were the words of Stewart Edward White, spoken in 1913 when
he first reached the Serengeti. The Masai, who have walked the plains
for millennia, referred to the Serengeti as Siringitu, which translates into,
the place where the land moves on forever. The vast plains comprise
1.5 million hectare of savannah and are home to at least four globally
threatened animal species- the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and
cheetah.
But it is the migration for which the Serengeti is perhaps most famous.
Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras flow south from
the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains in October
and November, and then swirl west and north after the long rains in
April, May and June. Though the above is the general pattern, the
migration is impossible to accurately predict, as it is driven by rains and
grazing, not time of year.
The Wildebeest will travel through a variety of parks, reserves and
protected areas, as well as through an array of habitat. They are one of
the most important pieces in the Serengeti Ecosystem puzzle and their
migration is as old as the history of mankind.
Every one who has had a chance to see nearly two million animals on
the move has been touched by the magic of this place. There is an old
African legend, telling of how God put the Wildebeest together using
left over spare parts, because of their less than elegant composition. But
nevertheless, the animal is superbly fit for its migratory lifestyle and
creates one of the most impressive natural events to be seen in the
world.
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Maswa Mbono Game Reserve
Maswa Game Reserve is located along the southwestern boundary of the Serengeti National Park and occupies over 800 square miles of land. It serves as
a refuge for many species in the dry seasons, as the areas sand rivers provide for springs and pools from which the animals drink. The Migration will usually
pass through Maswa in January, February, March and April, feeding on the new growths of grass, which spring up after the short rains of November.
The Wasukuma are the principle tribe of Maswa, referring to themselves as the Sukumu, meaning north. They represent the largest of the 126 tribes in
Tanzania. They are mainly cattle, goat and sheep herders, but also grow maize and sweet potatoes for their daily diet and peanuts (oil), rice, and cotton as
cash crops. Details of the Wasukuma origins are few, but evidence suggests that the tribe, as it exists today, is a conglomeration of indigenous Bantuspeaking clans and immigrant Hima (Nilo -Hamitic people). The migrants made their way around the west side of Lake Victoria from Uganda and farther
north between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.
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The History & People of Tanzania
The word “safari” means “journey” in Swahili - a word that describes Tanzania’s history perfectly. Traders and settlers, pirates and explorers, missionaries
and adventurers, nomads and scientists, Arabs, Asians, Europeans and tribes from all over Africa, including the Masai, have journeyed to what is now
Tanzania.
In the late 1800s, after an epic journey on foot across half the continent, the explorer Henry Morton Stanley reached the shores of Lake Tanganyika on
the western border of modern day Tanzania. His finding of the explorer and missionary Dr. David Livingstone was one of the greatest news events of the
age.
But although Stanley and Livingstone’s meeting made history, our own history really began here in East Africa millions of years ago when mankind’s
ancestors made their first tenuous steps along our long evolutionary journey. At Olduvai Gorge signs of humans, millions of years of age, have been found,
deeming Tanzania the, “Cradle of Mankind”. Tanzania’s approximately 120 different ethnic groups originate from both indigenous and immigrant peoples
who slowly moved into the region from west and north Africa over thousands of years. Contact with the world beyond came from Indian Ocean traders,
from Arabia, Europe, the East Indies, India and China.
Vasco da Gama was the first European to arrive on the East African coast in 1498, heralding two centuries of Portuguese rule that was only overthrown by
Omani Arabs at the end of the 17th century. The Sultan of Oman then controlled most of the East African coast until the suppression of the slave trade
and the European powers’ “Scramble for Africa” brought the mainland under German control in 1885 and Zanzibar under British rule in 1890.
German rule was harsh, but they built railways and towns, brought efficient administration and established the cash crops that are still an important source
of income for Tanzania today. Following Germany’s defeat in the First World War. German East Africa was renamed Tanganyika and administered by
Great Britain. Following the Second World War, the “Winds of Change” began to bring self-rule to Europe’s African colonies. Tanganyika became
independent in 1961 and Zanzibar in 1963. In 1964, the two countries, including the islands of Pemba and Mafia, joined together to become the United
Republic of Tanzania.
Today Tanzania is a peaceful and thriving multi-party democracy. Tanzanians are very proud of the nation that they have created and welcome, as guests,
the many overseas visitors who come here to witness the vast natural wealth they have inherited. Tanzania is the largest and most varied country in East
Africa. From the snow capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, from the Garden of Eden of the
Ngorongoro Crater to the historic Spice Island of Zanzibar. There is nowhere else in Africa that offers such a huge variety of landscapes, history, peoples
and wildlife. Almost a quarter of the country is given over to national parks and game reserves.
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Camp & Your Tent
Communication
The camps are equipped with radios for communication with our base in Arusha. Communication can be established with our Arusha office, as well as with
other camps and aircraft. The cellular service is spotty, but present. There is no internet at Camp.
Camp Managers & Guides
Your Camp Manager is here to make sure that both you and the camp are looked after during your stay with us. If you have any questions or requests,
please do not hesitate to ask him or your Guide.
Tent Service
Hot water for showers is available whenever you wish - just inform your Guide or Camp Manager well in advance, as the water has to be heated in barrels
over an open fire. If you would like a hot shower in the morning, it is best to let your Guide or Camp Manager know the night before in order to arrange
for the water to be delivered with your wake-up call. If you need any additional towels, please let your Tent Attendant know.
Laundry
If the weather permits, your Tent Attendant will wash and iron your clothes as you wish. Please put the clothing, which you would like washed, into the
laundry bin. Items will be washed by hand and a traditional coal iron is used for pressing. Although our tent staff is very experienced and takes great care of
your items, there is a possibility that laundry may be damaged. If any of your laundry should not be ironed or should be treated in a special way, please let
your Guide or Camp Manager know. Please be advised that on account of certain religious and cultural affiliations of Legendary Expeditions staff, laundry
soap will be provided in your tent so ladies may hand-wash their own undergarments.
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Drinking Water
Please rest assured that all water for consumption, ice cubes included, comes from bottled water. You will find glass decanters on your bedside table as
well as in the bathroom, on the vanity. Please use water from the decanters when brushing your teeth. These have been filled with bottled water from the
water dispenser in the mess tent. Water in the brass pitcher is best suited for washing your hands and face. Small plastic bottles of water have also been
placed in your tent. You will find these in a straw basket near the bedside.
Morning Wake-up
If you would like a wake-up call for the morning’s activities, please let your Camp Manager or Guide know the desired time the night before. One of the
Camp Attendants will arrive at your tent with tea or coffee to wake you up and the pitcher by the washing basin will be filled with fresh water. Please do
not be alarmed if you hear the unzipping of your tent in the bathroom. This is just your Camp Attendant replacing your washing water. If you would like a
hot shower in the morning, please advise the Camp Manager or your Guide the night before.
Power Supply – Charging Your Belongings
Your camp is equipped with transformers, thus your belongings are safe to charge. You will find a strip plug charging station provided in the dining and
lounge area. The station will accommodate both two and three pronged plugs.
Personal Belongings
Legendary Expeditions is not responsible for your personal belongings (including cash) while on safari. If you have any valuables with you in camp, we
strongly advise you to carry them with you at all times, or please speak with your Guide about safe storage in camp.
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Game Drives and Picnics
Activities
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to drive over
the plains and view the abundant wildlife. Picnic breakfasts and
lunches are easily organized and can be enjoyed under the shade of
an acacia tree, while out on a game drive. The vehicle is at your
disposal and to be used as you wish, as long as the requests are in
line with the rules of the national park! Speak with your Guide
about planning the day’s drives and adventures and he will make
the arrangements.
Hot Air Ballooning
Balloon safaris are available when the camp is located in the
northern and western Serengeti. As availability is limited, it is best to
pre arrange your excursion, but last minute bookings can
sometimes be accommodated. Your Balloon Safari adventure starts
early morning when it is still dark and the journey to the launch pad
serves as a morning game drive. When you arrive, you will meet
your pilot and witness your balloon being inflated and prepared for
launch. Rising as the sun rises, your balloon floats in whatever
direction the winds of the day are heading.
Bush walks and Sundowners in Maswa Mbono
When the camp is in Maswa Game Reserve, activities such as bush
walks, sundowners, night drives, and dinners under the stars, are
available for your enjoyment. The reserve has many exceptional
viewing points, offering idyllic environments for refreshing cocktails
and views of the setting sun. Let your Guide know what activities
are of interest and he will plan everything for you.
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Safari Ethics
Legendary Expeditions is committed to providing a superlative safari experience. We believe it is important that both our guests and our Guides be proud
of the way in which safaris are conducted. We have made a strong commitment to operate with a high level of respect for the natural resources entrusted
to us. To play our part, we focus on utilizing precious resources in a manner that does not negatively impact the sustainability and natural replenishment of
animals and habitat.
Water is one of the most valuable natural resources, especially here in the African plains. Because of this we ask that you are tolerant of the bucket
showers. You may find that these do not last as long as you would like, but they are designed with conservation in mind.
Consumption of plastic goods is something we do our best to keep at a minimum. Small plastic bottles of waters have been placed in your room, but we
ask that you utilize the refillable glass decanters provided on your bedside and vanity. These have all been filled with bottled spring water from the
dispenser in the mess tent. For anyone who has seen a cheetah carrying a plastic water bottle in her mouth, you can appreciate our efforts to keep the
use of such products to a minimum.
The bush can become quite dry, depending upon the season, thus we ask that you are considerate when disposing of matches and other items, which
could unintentionally ignite a fire.
As guides, exercising judgment in the field, and as clients, interested in meaningful field experiences, everyone must collectively share the responsibility of
being custodians of nature's gift to mankind. In the end, that is what we are all here for, to witness these wild, unadulterated plains and to taste a different
kind of freedom.
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Safari Njema…
Legendary Expeditions
Telephone: +255 (0) 27 250 8917 Mobile: +255 (0) 787 993077 Email: safaris@legendaryexpeditions.com Arusha Tanzania
Copyright 2014 Ker & Downey Safaris (Tanzania) Limited +/a Legendary Expeditions. All Rights Reserved.
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