AASTW: 21Days Walking Safari in untouched landscapes
Day 1: Arusha
After meet and greet at Kilimanjaro Airport at Arusha, transfer to the
Oasis Lodge, where you have the day for leisure. We'll meet for an
introductory briefing to clear last details of your Safari starting
tomorrow.
Day 2: Tarangire
After breakfast we head to Tarangire National Park, where we reach
around noon. We pitch our tents at a campsite in a remote area of the
park. First impressions of an African landscape we get on an afternoon
walk close to the park border.
Tarangire
Day 3 & 4: Tarangire
Half day and full day Walking Safaris guided by an armed ranger or game
drives in the park. The park owns a rich bird life, depending on season
you can see elephants, zebras, wildebeest and even lions. A visit to
Tarangire, whatever the season, is full of experience.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
today we leave for Ngorongoro Crater, where we reach for lunch time.
After a pic nic lunch we descend to the crater floor by car, for an
afternoon game drive. A game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater is one the
most impressing Safari tours you can do in Africa. At evening we camp at
a campsite at the crater rim. Elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 6: Nogongoro Crater
Early morning departure to Olmoti Crater for a half day walk. Often we
meet Maasai herders on our trek to the water falls of the crater.
At afternoon we proceed to our base camp at Empakaai Crater (special
campsite).
View in the Empakaai Crater, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 7 Lake Empakaai
The views along the trail downwards to the crater soda lake of Empakaai
are spectacular at every point. You are guided by an armed ranger.
You might see buffaloes or bushbucks, blue monkeys and many birds. It is
a joy to walk around the lake shore, experiencing the serenity and quiet
beauty of this wild spot. Surrounding the lake you will reach springs,
where you often see lots of wildlife. In the lake there are many
flamingoes. Overnight at the special campsite, Empakaai. 4-5 hrs,
depending on how far you want to go.
Day 8 Lake Natron
From Empakaai we are starting the Walking Safari to Lake Natron. We
descend the outer hills of the Great Rift Valley; walk through the open
plains of the Embulbul depression, passing the village Naiobi, where you
have the great opportunity to meet the local Maasais. Then we head to
our campsite at Acacia. Oldonyo Lengai and Mount Meru are seen along the
way. Donkeys carry our luggage. Overnight at the campsite Acacia (simple
campsite without facilities). 6-7-hours walking, 15kms.
Day 9: Oldonyo Lengai
We proceed to Oldonyo Lengai the sole active volcano of Tanzania, the
"holy mountain" of the Maasai. The trail leads down the Rift Valley
escarpment, and it quite steep. After 5-6 hours of walking we reach the
foot of the impressive mountain. Here you can decide if you want to camp
at the Chini Ya Mlima campsite, or want to proceed to the Engaresero
campsite, which is much more comfortable (showers!) and less hot. We can
also pick you up by our car at the mountain, and drive you to the
Engaresero campsite. (10-12 hrs walking, 20 kms for the whole walk)
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater
Around midnight we start to climb the mountain (to avoid the heat of the
sun). After the steep climb we reach the top at sunrise at 2450 m
height. From here we have great views of the surrounding landscape, Lake
Natron, Mount Meru and even Mount Kilimanjaro.
The crater itself offers an unique spectacle. You can descend in the
crater floor, everywhere it is bubbling and steaming, small volcano
inside the crater produce streams of molten lava. It takes 5-6hrs to
reach the top, for the sunrise. Another 3-4hrs to descend. It is very
steep, so it is quite a tough climb! After the climb we will pick you up
and bring you to the Engaresero campsite.
Day 11: Ngare Sero River
Trek to the Ngare Sero River, which flows in the Lake Natron. In
contrast to the surrounding dry landscape, here you can find a small
paradise. After a strenuous walk up the stream, we reach the source of
the river, in cascading waterfalls the river gushes out of the mountain.
Overnight at the Engaresero campsite. .
Day 12: Lake Natron
This day you'll experience the culture and traditions of the local
Masaai at Lake Natron. Your local guide will show you a Masai Boma and
explain you the way the Masaai live, later on a traditional meal will be
prepared. A goat will be slaughtered and roasted!
In the evening we will bring you to Lake Natron, to see nestling
flamingoes. Overnight at the Engaresero campsite.
Day 13: Arusha
Drive back to Arusha, where we arrive in the afternoon. Meals and
overnight and relaxation at the Oasis Lodge
Day 14: Arusha-Zanzibar
In the morning departure to your flight to Zanzibar. On Zanzibar
transfer to the Matemwe Beach Village. Transfer and overnight at the
hotel. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 – 18: Zanzibar
Relax and enjoy the endless beaches of Zanzibar while staying at your
beach hotel. There is a wide range of water sport activities you can do,
like snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips and more. Breakfast and Dinner
beach on Zanzibar
Day 19: Zanzibar/Stone Town
After breakfast transfer to the Dhow Palace in Stone town. On the way we
will do the famous Spice Tour: We have developed a special Spice Tour
with in depth information not only about spices, but also organically
grown herbs and a detailed description about their traditional uses in
medicine cosmetics and cooking. After the tour we invite for an opulent
lunch at our guides' home, where you can taste the spices and fruits.
Dinner in the Dhow Palace.
Day 20: Zanzibar
Today we will show you Stone Town on our Historical Stone Town Tour.
This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to
stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum
(People's Palace), Dr Livingston's House and the Arab Fort amongst
others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will
see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and
studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! Overnight Dhow
Palace, breakfast and dinner.
Day 21: Departure
Depart to airport for your flight back home.
