Massai Culture & Wildlife Safari

  Tanzania

Arusha

Dates: Private Departures only

Description: Experience one of Africa's most fascinating cultures, the Massai with a short stay at Longido. Meet the people and interact as much as you dare, you could sleep over in a traditional mud hut for example (don't worry - there is a guest house with basic facilities or you can camp). Ngorongoro Crater is a World Heritage Site and probably one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

However, the crater itself is only 3% of the total area of the conservation area, which covers 8,280 square km. This vast area is littered with recently active volcanoes, towering mountains, undulating plains, rolling sand dunes, forests, rivers, lakes and of course, the world famous Olduvai Gorge archeological site. The actual spelling locally is Oldupai, but the foreigner who made the area known to the world got it wrong.

Highlights: If you are active spend some time walking around the plains beneath Longido Mountain or walk to the summit, learning from your Massai guide as you go. Ngorongoro crater is one of the most spectacular places you could ever wish to go to see wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Europe to Nairobi, Kenya.

Day 2: Arrive at Nairobi Airport and transfer to Longido to discover the Massai Culture. Meet some of the local elders and the warriors on a brief tour of the village. Settle into your room. Accommodation in a basic guest house in the village. 2-3 hours of driving. D.

Days 3 - 5: Longido ' learn about the Massai Culture. Walk on the slopes of Longido Mountain with a Maasai warrior to guide and protect you, whilst you learn about the area's wildlife and the ways of a warrior. Guest House. No Driving. B, L, D.

Day 6: From Longido drive to Lake Manyara NP. Overnight at Lake Manyara NP. Accommodation in the Manyara Hotel. 6 - 7 hours drive. B, L, D.

Day 7: Lake Manyara NP. Relax and enjoy the lakeside and forest. Wildlife watching in the cooler parts of the day. Accommodation in the Manyara Hotel. B, L, D.

Day 8: From Lake Manyara drive to Ngorongoro Crater and spend the afternoon on safari. Overnight - camping. About 3 hours driving to move areas. B, L, D.

Days 9 - 12: Ngorongoro Crater. 3 days on safari or if you wish, some gentle trekking along the rim of this ancient volcano. Overnight - camp on the rim. B, L, D.

Day 13: After breakfast return to Arusha for the afternoon coach to Nairobi. Mid price hotel. B.

Day 14: Fly to the UK, subject to flight schedule.

Cost in US$: From 2050

Participants Travel to Tanzania Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999