Meeting with the Maasai: trekking and safari

Landing at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon your arrival, the team welcomes you and then escorts you for a transfer to your hotel located in the city of Arusha. You spend the night there on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

You leave the city of Arusha in the morning heading towards the Tarangire National Park, a first stop ideal for discovering wildlife on a photo safari. Early on, you enter Tarangire National Park, which extends on either side of the river of the same name. In the hills dotted with umbrella acacias and baobabs, you observe large African mammals such as elephants, wildebeest and buffalo. The safari continues near the marshes and water points, where many migratory animals and birds come to drink.

Evening in Karatu. You then head towards Karatu, where you enjoy dinner and a restful night at EILEEN'S TREE.

You set out to discover the Ngorongoro Crater. Located at approximately 2,200 m altitude, this vast caldera extends over nearly 20 km in diameter and reaches approximately 600 m in depth. During this exploration, you take out your cameras to observe and photograph the wildlife that inhabits this natural environment. Hippopotamuses, elephants, rhinoceroses, lions are among the animals you can spot in the crater. Zebras, hyenas and pink flamingos also frequent the area.

Without leaving the Ngorongoro district, you head towards the Maasai village of Nainokanoka. Upon arrival, you meet your Maasai guide, who accompanies you and guides you during the afternoon hike.

After lunch, you set off for approximately two hours of hiking (round trip) to reach the Olmoti Crater. This walk takes you to its summit located at approximately 3,000 meters altitude, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and observe the waterfall flowing into the crater.

You are making a vehicle transfer to Bulati. This journey allows you to reach this stage of your trip while driving through the landscapes of the region.

Today, you set off for a day of trekking with approximately six hours of walking towards the Empakaai crater, located near the Ngorongoro highlands. Upon your arrival, you begin the hike that takes you to the crater.
At the junction of the road, a vehicle picks you up to take you to your campsite. You then descend into this vast basin to explore its surroundings. From this site, you enjoy a view of the pink flamingos around the alkaline lake, as well as the mountain of God for the Maasai ethnic group (the Ol Doinyo Lengaï volcano), and sometimes the snow-capped ridge of Kilimanjaro.
Around 4 p.m., a wildlife and local flora observation session is scheduled.

Night camping at the top of the crater.

You continue your trekking adventure by leaving vehicles behind. For this stage, you walk for approximately six hours accompanied by pack donkeys that carry the luggage.
With your small travel bags, you follow a trail that leads to the village of Naiyobi. There, you meet a pastoral community of Masaï, with whom you share a moment of exchange. This stop is also an opportunity to discover the "Be The Rain Trust" water reservoir construction project.
Throughout the journey, you enjoy open views over the Rift Valley and the still active stratovolcano Ol Doinyo Lengaï.
Night camping at Acacia Camp.

From your camp, you begin a descent of approximately three hours towards the peaceful Lake Natron. The salty and alkaline waters of this lake have the particularity of petrifying organisms that venture into it. Only certain species live there, such as the little flamingo, a few fish and algae that sometimes give the water a red tint. Upon your arrival, a vehicle picks you up to take you to your camp, located near the village of Engare Sero. Lunch on site.

In the afternoon, you set out for a walk along the Engare Sero river until you reach the waterfall of the same name. This hike takes you to the pool located below, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Return and overnight at the camp.

At sunrise, you enjoy the first light of the sun illuminating the landscapes around the Lake Natron. The morning colors offer a perfect moment to observe the environment and appreciate the atmosphere of the lake.
A short walk around the area allows you to discover the landscapes bordering the lake.
Then, return to camp for lunch.

You take a track heading towards the village of Mtowambu. The journey crosses bush landscapes where banana plantations and rice paddies succeed one another along the road.
Upon your arrival, you have the choice between a night in camping or a stay in bandas (bungalow) at Njake Jambo Lodge & Camp, located in the heart of the town of Mtowembu.

You head toward the Parc national du lac Manyara for another day of safari. Crossing the tropical forest and then the grasslands, you reach the shores of the lake, marked by its marshes and the Rift cliffs in the background.
You observe the primates present in the reserve, notably vervet monkeys and baboons, which are very numerous in the park. You can also spot elephants and giraffes. With a bit of luck, you witness the sight of lions perched in the trees, a characteristic scene of the park.
As for birdlife, you can admire different bird species, including flamingos, rollers and pelicans.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight.