Mt Meru and the Maasai

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Arrive Tanzania

   Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to our campsite just outside Arusha. We have time to freshen up before the briefing with our guide and crew.

2. 3

   Day 3

   Tawiri – Wildlife Research Institute

   After our first camp cooked breakfast we will transfer by private vehicle to Tawiri. This is a very important wildlife research institute in Tanzania, where vital research takes place to preserve local wildlife populations and investigate sustainable ways to protect the country’s ecosystems. After an orientation we will be accompanied by a specialist lecturer who will educate us on the work that goes on here as well as focusing on specific subjects of interest. Tonight we camp on the outskirts of Tarangire National Park.

3. 4

   Day 4

   Tarangire National Park

   Leaving early today we head to Tarangire National Park, where we spend the rest of the day in the park game viewing. This area has the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania, with approximately 2000 sighted along the river at certain times of the year. The lush green shores of the Tarangire River are a big attraction to many varieties of wildlife and offer fantastic game viewing.

4. 5–6

   Days 5–6

   Day walks in the Rift Valley and surrounding area

   We trek to the three hills, known because of the three outcrops overlooking Lake Burungi, and along the Rift Valley floor through flood plains and bush around Lake Manyara. Each trek is about 3- 4 hours and gives us the chance to stretch our legs, help with acclimatisation and appreciate great views of the surrounding areas. Along the way we pass a mixed tribal area and will hopefully meet the Datonga Pastorialists, often mistakenly thought of as Maasai as they dress similarly. Keep an eye out for the many birds that call the bush home as well as the rich flora and fauna.

5. 7

   Day 7

   Walk to project

   This morning we walk to a local school – the home of our development and building project for the coming six days. Today’s surroundings are very different as we walk through farming and fishing villages, getting a taste of rural Africa, exactly as the locals see it. We arrive at our camp near the school in the afternoon before discussing the project ahead with the project manager and local staff.

6. 8–13

   Days 8–13

   Community Project

   For the next six days we will work on a pre-discussed community project that will benefit the local community in the short term as well as being sustainable in the long term. The project will be managed by a project manager and each day clear instructions and safety briefings will take place. Depending on the work required at the time of our visit, we may be split into smaller groups to carry out specific jobs. Work starts early in the morning and, with breaks during the day for lunch and snacks, continues until around 2pm, depending on the project. Also there may be seasonal work where some local farmers might need help with bringing in the crops or planting seeds in the afternoon, which students can volunteer to help with.

7. 14

   Day 14

   Escarpment walk (600mt) / Ngorongoro Crater

   After saying farewell to our new friends we will walk up the escarpment nearby, which is 600 metres high. From here we see stunning views back over Magara and the surrounding Rift Valley. The next day we drive down by 4x4 into the Ngorongoro Crater, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a special day of game viewing. At nearly 2300m, the mornings are brisk and warm clothing is required. The Crater is one of the last refuges for the endangered black rhino in northern Tanzania. With over 30,000 animals across all species, the Ngorongoro Crater is regarded as a “Garden of Eden”. In the afternoon we leave the park and drive to our camp at Mto wa Mbu for the evening.

8. 15

   Day 15

   Mto wa Mbu

   Mto Wa Mbu is home to over 18,000 people made up of 120 tribes, with Maasai being one of the main ones. The village is one of the most active in Tanzania and is a cultural boiling pot where we can observe and learn about life in Tanzania. The village is surrounded by various natural resources. It is home to the Wildlife migratory corridors such as Janwani Wildlife corridor and Selela Wildlife corridor. Don’t be surprised to see animals such as baboons, elephants, monkeys, gazelles, hippos, giraffe, wildebeests and zebras grazing.

9. 16–19

   Days 16–19

   Mt Meru trek

   We start our Mt Meru trek at Momella Gate (1500m) in the late morning, accompanied by our armed guides. The track soon passes some open grassland, with a good chance of seeing buffaloes and warthogs, and then continues as a steady climb through montane forest. The route continues through less dense forest, where there is an abundance of birds and monkeys. By mid- afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. From our mountain hut we enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and the beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. The next day takes us to Saddle Hut at 3,570m, walking through attractive, open and lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. This has excellent views of the summit ridge and across most of the crater floor. After reaching the hut, the more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3820m) for superb views just before sunset. On summit day we depart early at around 2am to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3800m), and then continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4350m) arriving at around sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4566m) is another hour on a superb but often steep path. On a clear day, the views are absolutely rewarding. Elated, we return to our hut. On day 20 we should reach Momella Gate by late morning. Once back at Arusha we will check into our hotel and have the afternoon free to relax by the pool. Tonight we will have a celebration dinner.

10. 20–21

    Days 20–21

    Depart Tanzania / arrive UK

    We have free time until we are transferred to the airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving back on the morning on day 21.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.