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Great
Flying Safaris in Tanzania
by
Jerry Bird. Photos by Muguette
Goufrani
 Our
Air Safari, which took place during the 10
days of Christmas 2003, began with a
seafood dinner on the patio at one of my
favorite places, "The
Slipway"
on Dar es Salaam's rapidly-changing
waterfront. At this unique shopping mall,
now in its third or fourth stage of
development, we were introduced to the
owner Nicola
Colangelo, an exceptional person and
gracious
host.
Having just completed two weeks of dawn to
dusk sessions at conferences in Zanzibar
and at Dar es Salaam's Golden Tulip Hotel,
the idea of flying on the Coastal Air
Safari circuit had a special appeal.
Another good omen that same day was our
reunion, after five years, with popular
entertainer
King
Kiki,
the Swahili Coast's Louis Armstrong - his
musical beat goes on forever. The Slipway
is a magnet for creative people of all
types, as some of the top local artists
create and display their works on the
broad square facing the
harbor.
Photo-above:
Muguette Goufrani (left) with Mangers Sean
and Fiona Torrie, and Mr. and Mrs.
Zannuchi (right), owners of Adventure
Camps at Selous. We enjoyed Christmas
dinner with this wonderful
group.
  Slipway
is one of several thriving enterprises
developed by
Mr.
Colangelo
of Coastal Aviation , which among other
activities, provides tours and air safaris
to the Swahili Coast, National Parks and
Game Reserves. By the time a week had
passed, Africa Travel
Magazine's Editor Jerry Bird and myself
were familiar faces around the Dar es
Salaam Regional Airport and the Coastal
Air office in particular. Before
describing our back to back adventures,
that involved flights on Coastal Airlines'
Cessnas to Mafia Island, and later to two
tented camps - - the new Impala Camp at
Selous and Old River Camp at Ruaha, here
is some basic information provided by our
hosts.
Photo
Sequence (top): Christmas Dinner with Mr.
and Mrs.Zanacchi, owners of Imapa Camp,
Selous, their management teram and holiday
visitors. Above: On the deck of our
attractive tented unit at Impala
Camp.
Agenda:
Flights start daily from Dar es Salaam and
Zanzibar to the Selous; then to Ruaha and
finally to Zanzibar - to shake of the dust
on the pristine palm fringed white
beaches. Coastal
Aviation Tanzania and Coastal Travel
Services are "connecting the dots" of the
diverse Tanzania tourism product. Now
travelers can more easily combine the
Southern and Northern circuits explore the
Spice Islands and Swahili culture of
Zanzibar or snorkel and dive in the
coral-studded Marine National Park in
Mafia Island, all on the same Safari.
Coastal
Aviation, developed by Dar es Salaam-based
Coastal Travel Ltd., pioneered scheduled
flying safaris in Tanzania. Coastal
Director Nicola Colangelo, said that the
company has invested USD 10.5 million in
new aircraft alone. "Our flying safaris
are so successful because they offer the
opportunity for small parties and single
persons to join an adventure which
otherwise would have been an prohibitive
cost." As Tanzania tourism is expanding,
Coastal Aviation created new safari
combinations that were never possible
before. In the next two years, Coastal
will invest an additional USD3 million in
aircraft and USD million in camps and
lodges.
About
Selous Impala
A truly
beautiful camp located on the banks of the
Rufiji River, in Selous Game
Reserve.
There are
just 6 beautifully furnished en-suite
tents at Selous Impala built on platforms,
giving superb views of the Rufiji River
and its wildlife. Set amidst Borassa Palms
and Tamarind Trees. The camp provides
superb comfort and wonderful
wildlife.
Hosted by
the widely experienced Sean and Fiona
Torrie they will ensure warmÊ
hospitality and good food; dining under
the stars.
Selous
Impala has skilled and knowledgeable
guides who will lead the game drives, boat
trips, walking excursions and fly camping,
and ensure the best possible game viewing
experience.
Opening
officially for the 2004 season on 4th
June, the Rate will be just $350 gross per
person per night sharing, inclusive of
park fees, full board accommodation and
two activities.
Coastal
Aviation's flight plans feature some
first-time scheduled combinations
including: Arusha in the Northern Circuit
with Ruaha and the Selous in the South;
Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale; Rubondo Island
and the Serengeti; the Selous and Mafia
Island. At the World Travel Market in
London this November, Coastal Aviation
launched an "Agent Friendly" online
booking system. Coastal Account Holding
Travel Agents will be able to plan and
book the entire safari itinerary, as well
as confirm and issue travel documents.
Other agents and clients will have access
to the information but will not be able to
book online.
Flying
Safari Specialist http://www.coastal.cc/
More
links: Observe
Wildlife from a boat http://www.selous.com/
Explore Ruaha National Park
http://www.ruaha.org/
In Zanzibar the most beautiful small
hotel
http://www.mbweni.com/
Coastal
Travels Ltd
Tel:
+255-22-2117 959 or 2117 960
Fax: +255-22-2118 647 or 2117 985
Email: mailto:safari@coastal.cc
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