Safari and Maasai Experience

An adventure travel column by Joyce Hill,
Travel Manager, Macleod Trail Centre

Trek Holidays/Imaginative Traveller

Destination

The Maasai people of Tanzania live in a stunning wilderness which encompasses the vast grassy plains of the Serengeti, renowned as one of the world's greatest wildlife habitats, and the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater. Until the 20th century this region was largely untouched by the western world but today the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai is fading. Imaginative Volunteers will take part in the day to day activities of a Maasai village, allowing you to experience and help preserve the Maasai culture first hand. You will also enjoy a fantastic safari with the chance to see a huge array of game including migratory herds of wildebeest, lion and cheetah, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.

Tour Highlights

Day 1, NAIROBI
Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. Free day.

Day 2, NAIROBI - ARUSHA
Depart early by shuttle bus and make our way from Nairobi across the border into Tanzania, heading for Arusha, nestled in the shadow of Mt Meru.

Day 3, TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Drive to Tarangire NP, which has the highest concentration of game outside of the Serengeti ecosystem. We enjoy game drives in the park. (BLD)

Days 4-5, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Take a game drive en-route to the Serengeti, one of the best known wildlife areas in the world. We enjoy further game drives in this park. (BLD)

Days 6-7, NGORONGORO CRATER
Drive to Ngorongoro Crater via the Olduvai Gorge, where fossil remains dating back 1.75 million years were found. The crater is teeming with wildlife and birdlife. We descend into the crater on Day 7 for game viewing. (BLD)

Days 8-13 MONDULI JUU
From Ngorongoro we drive to Monduli Juu and transfer to the Maasai Village of Eluai where we settle in, ready to begin our volunteer programme. (BLD)

Day 14, ARUSHA
Leaving our project we drive to Arusha where the rest of the day is free. (B)

Day 15, ARUSHA - NAIROBI
Arrive in Nairobi around lunchtime. Tour ends. (B)

Accommodation

3 nights hotel, 5 nights camping on twin share basis, 6 nights camping or homestay in Eluai Village.

Meals as per itinerary

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Staffing & Participation

Escorted by driver / guide, services of cook and volunteer programme co-ordinator.

Activities

Game drives, volunteering, Maasai home stay, Maa language lessons, hiking.

Maximum Group Size

12

Transport

4WD land cruiser, public shuttle bus.

Cost

From 1790.00 CAD - Rate does not include local payment of 400.00US, international air, mandatory insurance or service fee.