Description

If you have ever wanted to experience the “real” Africa then this trek is for you. Enjoy bush walking at a relaxed pace through terrain ranging from rainforests to volcanic craters and wide open savannah plains. Each area has its own unique fauna and flora. The highlight of the trip is the three days spent in the wilderness with the local Maasai as your guides. With excellent game viewing and the opportunity to learn about the local Maasai culture the trek will give you a wonderful insight into Africa’s wilds.

The Gol Mountains are a small range on the edge of the famous Serengeti short grass plains. The area is situated between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. From December until March the wildebeest migration move through and settle in the area. You’ll walk with the help of Maasai warriors and their donkeys. The donkeys are used as pack animals to move camp: being without vehicle back-up means we can be much more flexible in terms of the direction and length of your walk. The open grassy plains and deep, sandy forest beds of the Gol Mountains are filled with zebras, plains’ game, green grass and beautiful acacia trees, underneath which we set up camp. It is immensely scenic and a wonderful place to spend time with and develop an understanding of the Maasai tribe.

Highlights

• Hiking the Meru forests and crater highlands
• Canoeing on Momela Lake in Arusha park
• True wilderness trekking and cultural interaction
• Donkey Trekking with the Maasai in the Gol Mountains
• Game viewing in Ngorongoro Crater

Sample Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Tanzania, landing at Kilimanjaro International airport. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to Arusha National Park where you’ll be staying overnight. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2:
After breakfast you will be taken on a short guided walk through the Meru forest. There’s a chance to see the black and white Colobus monkeys and a large variety of bird species. This is followed by a picnic lunch in the forest. Hiking in Arusha National Park is a unique experience, very different from any of the other areas that you’ll visit whilst on safari. In the afternoon you enjoy a leisurely paddle on Momela Lake in canoes. Return to the camp to enjoy dinner under the African stars.

Day 3:
Enjoy breakfast whilst the camp staff pack up and prepare to get on the road. The drive takes you through Manyara where you can stop at one of the local villages for lunch. It’s a wonderful way to interacting with the people and learn a bit about their lifestyle. Following lunch you continue along the very dusty road to the area near Old Lengai. Camp will be set up near Lake Natron, famous for its large population of pink flamingoes.

Day 4:
The morning has two optional activities: You can choose to relax at camp and enjoy the beautiful surrounding or take a 3-4 hour walk along hiking trails in the area. The crater highlands are well known for their beautiful vistas and you’ll have an opportunity to swim in the refreshing mountain streams. After lunch you once again board the vehicles and drive towards Loiondo to the wilderness camp site in the Gol mountain area.

Day 5-7:
In the morning you meet up with the Maasai. Known throughout history to be highly skilled huntsmen and warriors, the Maasai have lived in the area for generations. Before setting out all camp gear is transferred onto pack donkeys and the vehicles leave the group. For the next two days you hike up in to the Gol Mountains together with local Maasai. Remote and undeveloped you will be able to experience a true African wilderness trekking experience. The great migrations pass through the area in season and cheetah are often sighted on the hill tops. Game viewing takes on a new meaning as you explore the area on foot. Camp is set up wherever the group decides to stop for the evening.

Day 8:
The morning’s walk takes you to rendezvous with the vehicles. After bidding farewell to the Maasai, you drive south to the Ngorongoro Crater. A superb way to end of the tour, descend into the crater and have a full afternoon of game viewing in the vehicle. A packed lunch will be provided for enjoyment in the vehicles. Following the game drive you will transfer back to Arusha where you will overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 9:
Depending on your departure time, you may have some time to explore and bargain at the local markets for souvenirs before transferring to the airport for your flight home. End of itinerary.

Out of season, Day 5-7 can be substituted with a similar trek walking with the Maasai in the Loiondo Reserve. This alternate itinerary option also offers excellent game viewing opportunities and can be operated year round.