Tanzania Safari in the Footsteps of the Maasai
Highlights
- Experience the sights & sounds of wildlife in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & a 12,000-acre private nature refuge
- Enjoy authentic cultural interactions with local Maasai through specially arranged meetings
- Delight in the thrill and adventure of world-class wildlife viewing
Includes
- Comfortable, eco-friendly private safari camps & lodges
- Meals, guides, gratuities & park fees
- On-trip transportation including airport pick-up and drop-off (on scheduled arrival & departure dates) & one in-country flight
Details
| Dates | Aug 20–30, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Price | $6,595 (12–15) $6,895 (or fewer) |
| Deposit | $200 |
| Capacity | 15 |
| Staff | Rochelle Gerratt |
Trip Overview
The Trip
Of all the African wildlife areas, none surpasses Tanzania for spectacular scenery and quantity of animals. Our safari takes us from the green foothills of snow-mantled Mount Kilimanjaro to the limitless expanse of the Serengeti Plain. If these natural wonders aren’t enough, the trip will also visit historic places that recall the very dawn of human existence.
Tanzania is Africa’s land of superlatives. It contains Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent’s highest mountain at 19,341 feet; Olduvai Gorge, the site of Leakey’s discovery of the oldest human bones; the Serengeti, site of one of the world’s greatest spectacles, the Great Migration; the Great Rift Valley, the continent’s most impressive escarpment; and Ngorongoro Crater, which measures 12 miles across. These wonders are just some of what you will see on this safari.
Diversity is Tanzania’s strong point. This trip presents the possibility of seeing 40 or more species of wild mammals: elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, rhinoceros, hyena, topi, konguni, hartebeest, wildebeest or gnu, jackals, fox, eland, oryx, waterbuck, warthog, impala, gerenuk, gazelle, genet, giant eland, kudu, monkey, and baboon. The prolific bird life is also quite varied. Who can say which is more spectacular: the greater flamingo, secretary bird, bateleur, crowned crane, lilac-breasted roller, kori bustard, lily trotter, spoonbill stork, the bee-eaters, or any of a dozen others? You’ll see more animals than you could ever imagine—and in their natural habitats.
In addition to wildlife observation, this outing also offers opportunities to learn about Tanzania’s ethnic groups through unscripted encounters and to see a vast cross-section of the country—the most diverse in East Africa and one of the continent’s most politically stable.
We will be accompanied at all times by accomplished Tanzanian guides who will be able to identify and tell us about all the wildlife we encounter. We will listen to the sounds of the bush as we enjoy comfortable camps and lodges, in settings of incomparable beauty and grandeur, bookended by the African dawn and sunset.
Itinerary
Day 1: Upon arrival in Arusha, we will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Rivertrees Country Inn. Set beside the rushing waters of the Usa River on the outskirts of Arusha, this Inn has colonial charm with simple but elegant style along with modern day amenities and fantastic cuisine. We will have pool access and internet services. Rivertrees also supports its nearby community, including groups for women and vulnerable children. This Inn will make a fine storybook beginning and ending to your adventure.
Day 2: This morning we will take a brief scenic flight to the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem, a whole new world of cultural interest and natural beauty. While in flight, there are breathtaking views of Lake Natron and the Maasai "mountain of god," Ol Doinyo Lengai, which is an active volcano. We will be welcomed by our guides upon arrival at the airstrip. They will accompany us throughout our safari, offering cultural insights, wildlife spotting expertise, and in-depth knowledge of wildlife behavior. Our guides will give us a brief tour and history of the 12,000-acre refuge as we make our way to camp. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way, one of the tangible results of conservation efforts in the area. Giraffe, eland, dik dik, ostrich, leopard and even wild dog can be seen in this unique wildlife haven, dubbed "Giraffic Park" by one enthusiastic guest. This morning we visit a school in a Maasai village beside the Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge. As we meet with teachers and students and tour the school grounds, we learn more about the role of education in Maasai culture. We will then relax at our tented camp and enjoy a tasty lunch. We’ll enjoy wildlife viewing this afternoon in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem. Be on the lookout for rarer species, such as the bat-eared fox and the smaller animals that are sometimes overlooked, such as the mongoose, hyrax, dik dik, and klipspringer. In the evening we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and the full hospitality that comes with it.
Day 3: The morning hours offer ideal moments for wildlife viewing in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem. Perhaps we will spot a silver-backed jackal or even a big cat on the prowl. Zebra and antelope graze over the plains. Search for primates, such as baboons and vervet monkeys in the wooded savannah. We then visit the Enjipai Women’s Group, a small group of Maasai women with a great entrepreneurial spirit. Now numbering over 100 members, the collaborative already has several successful projects under way. A maize grinding machine is now providing a much-needed service to women who previously had to walk great distances to have their grains milled. The women of the collaborative are also enjoying brisk sales of their intricately beaded crafts to visitors. While each member makes an individual profit, a portion of all sales also goes into a community fund, which was established for education and healthcare initiatives. After lunch at our camp we visit Maasai elder Nekaaki Kioki, a feisty grandmother and fantastic storyteller. She knows hundreds of Maasai folktales and tells them in a truly dramatic fashion. Travelers usually gather around the campfire to listen to her tell folktales, which are translated into English. We'll have the option to take to the plains and wilds after dark for a night drive in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem. Night drives offer thrills and possible sightings of nocturnal creatures, such as spring hares, aardvarks, and porcupines. More than anything, the night drive offers an adventure few travelers in Tanzania have the chance to experience.
Day 4: There are always wildlife viewing opportunities on the way to our next camp in Serengeti National Park, so sit back and enjoy the ride. We have three full days to explore the nearly 6,000 square miles of grassland, plains, savannah, kopjes, hills, woodlands, and riverine forests. Beyond the heralded migration of wildebeest and zebra, the Serengeti is best known for its big predators, including cheetah and leopard, as well as large prides of lions and clans of hyenas. Take in the scenery, feel the breeze in your hair, and keep a watchful eye on the landscape for the wildlife you'll encounter along the way. After dinner sit by the fire, with millions of stars overhead and a gentle evening breeze, and enjoy the pristine surroundings.
Day 5: There is nothing as marvelous as traversing the plains of the Serengeti just after dawn and through the morning hours. We’ll look for herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, impala, eland, topi, and more out on the savanna. Then what better way to enjoy a view of the Serengeti plains than over a satisfying, relaxing lunch at our camp. We spend the afternoon wildlife viewing in the Serengeti. The big cats often spend these hours lying drowsily about the plains and up in the trees while many antelope and other animals continue to graze. Then we’ll head back to camp to just relax and have dinner.
Day 6: Explore the pristine landscapes of the Serengeti with our guide's uncanny wildlife spotting instincts leading the way. Expansive plains, rolling hills, dramatic granite outcrops, and riverine valleys are home to an endless variety of fascinating creatures, from the lowly dung beetle to the impressive elephant. We spend the whole day on safari and have our picnic lunch at a rest stop. Upon returning from wildlife viewing, we’ll have time to sit by the fire and relax, exchange stories of the day, write in our journals, or simply enjoy the fresh evening breeze.
Day 7: We learn how to identify animal footprints and bird calls with our guide at camp. And then enjoy our view of the Serengeti plains over a satisfying, relaxing lunch at our camp. In the afternoon we visit the village of Robanda, home to the Ikoma people who are renowned for their drumming and storytelling. Among other possibilities, we may visit the village’s markets, a small clinic, or a school. We spend time with a women’s weaving co-op that sells excellent sisal baskets and crafts. Weaving skills are passed down through the generations, and the quality of even the most humble objects, such as bowls or brooms, is remarkable.
Day 8: As we follow the meandering path out of Serengeti National Park, we take in the gorgeous scenery and more wildlife viewing before moving on to the next part of your adventure. We make a short stop at Olduvai Gorge, a deep ravine where Mary and Louis Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of animals and hominids that date as far back as two million years. After a museum tour and brief talk, we will enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where Maasai are allowed to live in boma settlements; they can be seen herding their cattle. This evening, we will enjoy a traditional Tanzanian dinner, rich with spices and fresh local vegetables. This is a chance to sample the best of local cuisine. (Please note that this does not include game meat.)
Day 9: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, with its abundance of wildlife. We will see why Ngorongoro is considered to be among the world’s great wonders. Over a full day of wildlife viewing, you might even see the elusive rhinoceros. The diversity of species often inspires awe. To maximize our wildlife viewing time on the crater floor, we have our picnic lunch near a hippo pool. Enjoy the eco-friendly comforts at our camp this evening. After dinner, enjoy a warm fire as well as the company of our guide and fellow travelers as you gaze up at the stars.
Day 10: Making our way out of Ngorongoro, we drive to Gibb’s Farm, an award-winning eco-friendly farm. More than 220 species of birds have been identified there, with more added to the list each year. Join a naturalist for a birding walk through the farm and gardens and spot a stunning array of avian species, from crowned hawk-eagles to Fischer’s lovebird, from golden winged sunbird to Abyssinian nightjar. Savor lunch at Gibb's Farm, where nearly every ingredient comes fresh from the estate's organic farm. With delicacies to suit every palate, this is sure to be a memorable meal. You may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing on the verandah with tea or taking advantage of innumerable optional activities: a farm or garden tour, bird watching, coffee roasting, and more. This evening, relax at the Tembo Fire, an open-air sitting area nestled at the foot of the organic gardens. The tradition of the nightly campfire began as a purely practical measure to ensure that elephants -- or "tembo" in Swahili -- are not tempted to feast in the organic gardens at night. It soon became a popular place to sit and relax at the end of the day. Now, with a comfortable seating area and full bar, it makes a wonderful place for conversation, storytelling, or star-gazing. Enjoy our farewell dinner in Tanzania, giving us time to reflect on the many sights, adventures, and experiences to remember for years and years to come.
Day 11: We will depart the highlands for Arusha where our adventure began. Along the way, we will stop at Cultural Heritage Center, where you can shop for gifts or memorable artifacts. The center has an abundance of wooden carvings, apparel, crafts, and tanzanite. In a separate wing, they have one of the finest displays of African Art in Tanzania, if you aren’t interested in shopping. We will have one last farewell lunch at the River House, where we can say goodbye to our safari companions and prepare for our departure flights. After lunch, you may wish to visit the property's Shanga workshop, which employs disabled artisans to create necklaces and other items from fabric and recycled materials. Enjoy a day room and a snack in Arusha at Rivertrees Country Inn, resting up and readying yourself for your departure. In the early evening we transfer as a group to the airport for our journey home.
Photos
Details
Getting There
There are several options to reach the trip starting point. Participants will need to book a flight from the U.S. to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. The flight will require a transfer in Amsterdam, since KLM is the only airline that currently flies into Arusha. Since there is only one airline that flies directly from Europe to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, it is advisable to commit to this trip as soon as possible so that you can purchase your airline tickets. The limited, less expensive seats sell quickly. Airfares will increase as time progresses and one takes the chance of not being able to get a seat at all.
You can also fly into Nairobi, Kenya and then transfer to a short flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. This flight will require a visa for Kenya and a taxi transfer from the international airport in Nairobi to a local airport across town.
Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
Accommodations will include eight nights in luxury tented camps and two nights in comfortable lodges. The lodges are among the finest that Tanzania has to offer. The tented camps have proper beds with fine linens and private en-suite bathrooms with a hot safari shower and self-contained pump-flush toilet. The tents are spacious and have solar lighting. The exceptional camp crew will make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable. A dining tent will be set up, where you will enjoy deliciously prepared meals using the best local ingredients. You will dine on fresh breads, homemade soups, healthy salads, a variety of delicious entrees and delectable desserts. A variety of dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Please check with the leader regarding other dietary requirements. Drinks for purchase and snacks will also be offered around a roaring campfire and lounge tents in camp.
Trip Difficulty
No special conditioning is required for this safari. We will ride in vehicles with a maximum of five to six guests in each vehicle, each person having access to a window. There will be the inevitable inconveniences and difficulties associated with travel in a developing country. It is important to accept Tanzania on its own terms, with a sense of adventure and good humor. Every effort will be made to adhere to this itinerary. Some conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary.
Equipment and Clothing
Good binoculars are a necessity and a camera with a zoom lens is recommended. Dress is always informal. The trip leader will send approved trip applicants detailed apparel and equipment recommendations.
References
There are many good general guidebooks to Tanzania and East Africa. For example, Passport’s Regional Guides of Africa:Tanzania, by Lisa Asch and Peter Blackwell, gives a very readable overview of this fascinating country. For more in-depth material and a better understanding of the safari experience, here are a few of the leader’s recommendations:
- Moss, Cynthia, Portraits in the Wild.
- Bonner, Raymond, At the Hand of Man.
- Smith, Anthony, The Great Rift: Africa’s Challenging Valley.
- Saitoti, Tepilit Ole, and Carol Beckwith, Maasai.
- Grzimek, Bernard and Michael, Serengeti Shall Not Die.
- Hatch, John, Serengeti: A Profile.
- Iwago, Mitsuaki, Serengeti: The Natural Order.
- Matthiessen, Peter, The Tree Where Man Was Born.
- Fitzpatrick, Mary, Lonely Planet Tanzania.
- Stevenson and Fanshawe, Birds of East Africa.
Conservation
The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, and encourages grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward environmentally understanding parallel concerns at home and abroad. Twenty-five percent of Tanzania’s land (over 95,000 square miles) has been set aside for wildlife parks, reserves, and game areas. This is probably more than any other country on earth. However, Tanzania’s economic resources for rangers, roads, research, and administration of these lands is threatened as the need for land and food increases.
There are many projects going on in Tanzania today to help solve these problems. Ngorongoro Crater is part of the extensive Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a pioneering effort in multi-purpose land, allowing for the protection of animals and the continuation of tribal lifestyles at the same time. Also, there are several animal research projects in the field, including the world’s longest-running research project, the Serengeti Lion Project, which began in the 1960s.
One of our conservation objectives will be to try to understand the challenges that Tanzania faces in continuing to support such a large national park system. Tourist dollars are a major source of revenue, so by coming to see these magnificent animals and their habitats, we are helping to ensure their future. That said, we will become aware of both the positive and negative consequences of tourism in a country like Tanzania.
Notes for Sierra Club Outings
Staff
