Tanzania - Highland Walking Safari

  Tanzania

• Other Cities in Tanzania: 
Arusha

Dates: Private Departures only

Description: Walking in the Ngorongoro wilderness is a new and very exciting way to experience East Africa.

First see the wildlife in Lake Manyara NP and Ngorongoro Crater after experiencing these spectacular parks get out the vehicle and using the Massai donkeys as porters along with Massai Warrior's as Guides, and an armed ranger walk across Ngorongoro Conservation area - the Northern Highlands - to experience Africa at its most spectacular and rewarding. The route takes us from Olmoti Crater to Empakaai Highlands and after summiting Ol Doinyo Lengai, down to the Great Rift Valley.

Highlights:
Day 1   Arrive in Arusha and overnight in a hotel of your choice (not included in the price - we make the arrangements after telling you about the options).

Day 2   Drive to Lake Manyara National Park - Your first view as you approach Lake Manyara National Park is spectacular, regardless of direction. When you approach it from the east the Rift Valley escarpment looms on the horizon forming an impressive backdrop to the lake. If you come from the west and pause at the top of the escarpment, the Park lies in a green strip below you, the lake glistening in the sunlight.

You can easily pick out the mosaic of the Park's different habitats. In the tall trees of the ground water forest monkeys leap from branch to branch, on the slope of the escarpment elephant's stand in the shade of a baobab.   In the acacia woodland lions lie draped along the branches of umbrella trees, in the pools along the lakeshore the hippos wallow, and in the lake itself wade colorful flamingos.

The large variety of mammals, reptiles and birds in the Park and the different types of vegetation, all within a small area make Lake Manyara a diverse and particularly memorable place to visit. Enjoy an afternoon animal viewing drive of the park with Dinner and overnight at the a campsite near the park. B,L,D.

Day 3   Drive to Ngorongoro for a half-day animal viewing drive of the crater. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro crater, which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater (610 meters deep and 260 km squared) is a microcosm of East African scenery and game.

There are 25,000 larger animals within the crater itself, mostly Zebra and wildebeest. However, this is undoubtedly the best place to see black rhino in Tanzania as well as prides of lion that include the magnificent black-manned males. There are lots of colorful flamingos and a variety of other water birds around the soda lake on the crater floor.

More than a 100 species of bird not found in the Serengeti have been found in the crater. Other game: leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephants, warthog, impala, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and lots of other members of the antelope family and smaller mammals of sorts. Dinner and overnight at the Nainokanoka Camp. B,L,D.

Day 4   Take an Early breakfast 07h00 with the help of donkeys carrying the luggage we head for Bulati Village visiting Olmoti Crater and waterfalls passing the Embulmbul Impression. The Olmoti Crater ' this shallow grassy crater is the source of the Munge river, which pours through a notch in the rim in a spectacular waterfall on its way to Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight at Bulati Campsite. B,L,D.

Day 5   After early breakfast hike to Empakaai Crater (4 Hours). Descend into the crater to watch the flamingos and other animals ' this beautiful little crater contains forests and a deep lake. At Empakaai, the scenery is spectacular at every point. From the northern and eastern side you can look out to the dramatic cone of Oldonyo Lengai, the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron. Dinner and overnight on the Empakai Crater. B,L,D.

Day 6   Empakaai to Acacia ' After breakfast visit the Maasai villages. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight Acacia Campsite (village campsite) which is close to Ol Doinyo Lengai an active volcano. B, L, D.

Day 7   07h00 hike through Emouro Engoilil (Pembe ya Swala) to the bottom of Ol Doinyo Lengai where you are met by a vehicle for transport to Kamakia or Sengo Campsite. B, L, D.

Day 8 An early morning drive to Lake Natron to view the sunrise and the flamingos and then after lunch visit Engaresero Falls. Overnight Kamakia or Sengo Campsite. B, L, D.

Day 9 At about 2 am you are transferred by car to the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai and we start trekking to the top arriving at 7am. The summit is absolutely amazing and unique for the type of lava, the subject of many scientific research projects. Small eruptions occur regularly and can be witnessed with relative safety. Return to camp and relax. The afternoon is spent walking to the waterfalls. Dinner and overnight at Engaresero River Camp. B,L,D.

Day 10 After breakfast we drive to Arusha via Engaruka ruin, a city that was established in 750 AD. B,L.

Day 11 Transfer to airport for flight home ' or your next Muir's Tour. Today's services are not included, but can be for additional cost, once we know your flight details.

Cost in US$: From USD 1380

Participants Travel to Tanzania Independently

Post-Program 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