Tanzania Safari & Usumbara Mountain Trek

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Arusha

Arrive in Arusha at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12:00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the late afternoon (approx 17:00) meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip; this is also when your leader will collect your local payment. Check the notice board or ask reception to see the exact time and location of this group meeting. After the meeting head out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant (optional). If you arrive late, no worries, the leader will leave you a message at the front desk.Arusha, also known as Tanzania’s “safari capital”, is undoubtedly the most important center in northen Tanzania. With many protected national parks, reserves, and mountains nearby (on a clear day, it may be possible to see Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance), Arusha is a modern town, and with its markets, services, and fine location, it is a great base for your safari trip. Arusha officially became a city on the 1st of July 2006. The primary industry of the region is agriculture with large vegetable producers sending high-quality produce to Europe. The city and its environs are also spotted with large coffee plantations, adding to the area’s charm. Though in recent years, due to the coffee crisis, many local farmers have been badly hit, and now subsistence farming is the most common source of livelihood. Arusha owes its name from the local Wa-arusha people who resided here for hundreds of years, and is historically and politically significant city within East Africa. In 1961 the official documents ceding independence to Tanzania were signed by the United Kingdom in Arusha. Six years later the Arusha Declaration of Self Reliance in Tanzania was signed. On the 4th of August 1993 the Arusha Accords were signed by representatives of competing factions in the civil war in neighbouring Rwanda. After the Rwandan genocide, the UN Security Council decided by its Resolution 955 of 8 November 1994 that Arusha should host the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The establishment of the tribunal with its employees has influenced the local economy of Arusha. The tribunal is expected to end its mandate in 2008.

Day 2 Lake Manyara (B,L,D)

Approximate Distance: 130 kmEstimated Travel Time: 2-3 hrsWe make our way to Lake Manyara National Park, and spend the afternoon touring and viewing wildlife in the park. This area is truly stunning, as the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment provides a backdrop for your search of the park's phenomenal birdlife, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. The afternoon is spent game viewing along the main road that winds for several kilometers through a cool, lush, mature groundwater forest dominated by large fichus trees and a tangle of green epiphytes. The name Manyara is derived from the Masai word “Emanyara”, which is a Euphorbia species of plant that is found around a family homestead in the area. The lake itself is a shallow, alkaline lake stretching 50km at the base of the sheer 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment. This forms part of the national park that covers an area of roughly 330km sq.Lake Manyara National Park is home to the giant fig trees, acacia woodlands, mahogany trees and grassy flood plains. The contrasts of this area are simply breathtaking, with the open plains, huge escarpment, central soda lake, dense woodlands, and distance volcanic peaks coming together in an area best described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. Animals such as blue monkeys, hippo, impala, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, warthog, and giraffe all roam the park’s territory. The park is also home to legendary tree-climbing lions, and has small populations of leopard. Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s bird life, with over 400 species having been recorded within the parks boundaries. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks.

Day 3 Ngorongoro Conservation Area (B,L,D)

Approximate Distance: 190 kmEstimated Travel Time: 4 hrsAfter breakfast we embark on a full-day crater tour. The rich pasture and permanent water of the Crater floor supports a resident population of more than 20,000 to 25,000 large mammals. They are not confined by the crater walls, and can leave freely; they stay because conditions are favourable. Since most of the crater floor is grassland, grazing animals predominate: zebra, gazelles, buffalo, eland, and warthogs. The swamp and forest provide additional resources for hippos, some of Tanzania's last remaining black rhinos, giant-tusked elephants, waterbucks, reedbucks and bushbucks, baboons and vervet monkeys. All these animals in turn support large predators such as lion and leopard, and scavengers such as hyena and jackals.The 8,300 km² Ngorongoro Conservation Area is named after its central feature, the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, and arguably its most spectacular natural arena. Ngorongoro Crater has often been described as one of the wonders of the world, not only because of its inherent geological significance, but also because it serves a quite extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s most dense population of large mammals. The Ngorongoro was part of the original Serengeti National Park proclaimed in 1951, but it was made a separate conservation area in 1956 so that the Masai could graze their cattle there. The Ngorongoro Crater became a World Heritage Site in 1978. Land in the conservation area is unique to Tanzania as it provides protection for the wildlife whilst allowing human habitation. The landscape is made up of a blend of volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests, where the wildlife is extensive. The southern and eastern boundaries are approximately defined by the rim of the Great Rift Valley, which also prevents animal migration in these directions. The annual ungulate migration passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with wildebeest and zebra moving south into the area in December and moving north in June. The area has healthy resident populations of most species of wildlife.After this fabulous experience within the crater, we have to leave the wildlife behind us and head back to our Lake Manyara campsite, where you can enjoy the last safari evening with your travel companions.

Day 4 Arusha (B,L)

Approximate Distance: 200 kmEstimated Travel Time: 3-4 hrsWake early this morning to make your way back to Arusha. En route you will stop at the Mto wa Mbu cultural village, whose name translates to "River of Mosquitoes." Luckily, the name does not prove to be particularly accurate. A walk in the village offers an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and compliment your journey with a cultural safari. Here you will see a mixture of different Tanzanian cultures and have the chance to experience the everyday life of the many tribes living at the foot of the Rift Valley. You will learn about the various development projects, which strive to improve income-generating activities for local farmers. You will also have the opportunity to see and taste numerous tropical fruits and vegetables and perhaps even sample the famous local brew – Banana beer!Before reaching Arusha in the afternoon, you will make a stop at the Meserani Snake Park. The park is "home" to a variety of snakes common in Eastern and Southern Africa, from the Black Mamba to the black and red spitting cobras and the African Python. Other reptiles include monitor lizards, chameleons and crocodiles. There are also a few species of birds that were orphaned or injured for whom a temporary home is provided at the park.Many of the snakes in the park were brought in by the Masai living in the neighboring area. Instead of killing snakes that may harm livestock, the locals inform the park about snakes seen in the neighborhood which are then captured and taken to the park. Meserani also provides life saving antidote treatments for snake-bites and other basic health services to the Masai and other local communities free of charge.

Day 5 Lushoto

Approximate Distance: 230 kmEstimated Travel Time: 6 hrsAfter a quick breakfast take a bus ride to Lushoto, your base for the Usumbara Mountains. On arrival, explore the village during the free afternoon, while preparing for your upcoming 4-day adventure. Any luggage not needed for the trek may by left behind in Lushoto, and picked up upon return on day 9.Lushoto which is in the Usambara mountains is four hours drive on tarmac roads from Tanzania’s business and financial capital-Dar es Salaam, three hours from the Kilimanjaro International airport and two hours drive from Tanga.The cool Lushoto Mountains made the Germans and British adapt Lushoto as a summer capital of colonial Tanzania. On the colourful and fertile mountainous mosaic slopes around Sony and Lushoto, farmers cultivate in small plots with a mixture of dense mountainous rainforests.

Day 6 Usumbara Trek – Lushoto to Rangwi (B,L,D)

Begin the 4-day trek with a morning trip through the Tanzanian countryside. The trek begins with an uphill hike through protected rainforest, with chances to see the black and white Colobus monkey. You’ll stop for a picnic lunch made en route, enjoying it while surrounded by local farmland and great views. As well, you are trekking through a rural, but inhabited area. So take advantage and interact with the locals en route. Finish your day arriving to a local guest house, the Rangwi Mission where you will stay with the sisters/Nuns, who will prepare a fantastic meal.The Usumbara Mountains are a mountain range in North-East Tanzania, approximately 70 miles (110 km) long and ranging from 20 to 40 miles (30-60 km) in width. Mountains in the range rise as high as 8,000 ft (2,440 m). The viewpoints on the southern and western sides of Usumbara are well known for the spectacular views of Mkomazi and Handeni plains. Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon and at the end of the day the sunset turns the area into a tremendous pallet of unforgettable colours.The Usumbaras are fairly unique in that, being in East Africa, their unspoiled regions are covered in the tropical forest which today remains mainly in the west of the continent. Considered tremendously significant ecologically, there are many protected zones throughout the range which are being expanded and contributed to by the Tanzanian government, associated NGO's and research teams. Several species can only be found in the Usumbara forests, including the Naduk eagle owl, Usumbara alethe, and the Usumbara weaver. Some of the very important medicinal plants such as the Quinine tree are found here.The surrounding region was among the first in East Africa to be settled, in 1902, by European farmers. The nearby town of Amani was a popular German resort for many years in colonial times. Much of the mountains are used in the production of coffee, sisal, tea, and cinchona, with rice grown in the swampy foothills. The inhabitants are one of the very friendly people found in Tanzania, mostly the Wasambaa tribe.

Day 7 Usumbara Trek – Rangwi to Mtae (B,L,D)

From Rangwi, walk through traditional villages and farming areas. Interacting with people, the hike continues to the woman’s pottery group in the village of Sunga. Here you may learn how to make local clay pots and the folklore of the traditional craft. Spend your night in the Mwivano guest house in Mtae village.

Day 8 Usumbara Trek – Mtae (B,L,D)

Starting from Mtae, this walk loops up into the rain forest, stopping at a local school, where passengers are entertained by songs from the students, and have a change to give gifts, interact with the Children, and learn about the school system. Dig in to your picnic Lunch en route and back to Mtae in the afternoon. You will spend another evening in Mtae village

Day 10 Dar Es Salaam / Mikadi Beach

Approximate Distance:Estimated Travel Time 8 hrsContinue your journey south from Lushoto down to the Indian Ocean and Dar Es Salaam, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Staying on the beach at Mikadi; you will feel like you are a million miles away from downtown Dar even though it is just 2km away. This rustic beach camp is a haven of relaxation and total enjoyment. With its bandas (huts) placed few metres from the Indian Ocean, the sound of soothing waves breaking on the pristine beach, make your stay unforgettable. In addition to being so close the ocean, there is a swimming pool, bar and a restaurant.Arabic for “Abode of Peace” (a word closely related to the familiar “Yer u-salem” in Israel), Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania. With a population estimated around 2,500,000, it is also the country’s richest city and an important economic centre.The city was founded in the 19th century by Sultan Majid bin Said, the Sultan of Zanzibar, because of its strategic location on the East African coast, and its natural deep waterways. Though it really did not become a prominent centre until after the sultan’s death, German colonialists seized Dar es Salaam from its Arab rulers and fought off an uprising by the Bushiri local tribe. They built the small port into a trading center, making their mark with several grand edifices scattered around the waterfront, most notably the German Hospital, the Lutheran Church and St Joseph’s Cathedral.The city changed hands to the British as the Germans lost their territories after World War II, and became Tanzania’s capital after independence. However, Dar es Salaam lost its official status as capital city to Dodoma in the mid-1970s, but it remains the centre of the permanent central government bureaucracy and continues to serve as the capital for the surrounding Dar es Salaam Region.Life in Dar es Salaam revolves around the huge harbour, with the business district fanning out from here in a series of fascinating side and main streets. The cruise liners, cargo ships, and traditional dhows dot the habour while the bustling fish market of Kivukoni Front comes alive in the morning as the dhows offload the night’s catch. In the Asian business district, along India Street and the intersecting Indira Ghandi Street, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in East Africa.Look out for the distinctive Makuti-palm roofed building that houses Nyumba ya Saana, the House of Art. Begun in 1972 by an American nun, the co-operative supports nearly 200 young artists, with work ranging from batiks through carvings, oil paintings, pottery, weaving and clothing. Other places worth a visit include the Kariakoo Market, the botanical gardens, and the adjacent National Museum, where archaeology buffs can see the skull of “Nutcracker Man”, antique tribal artifacts and some fascinating World War One memorabilia.

Day 11 Dar Es Salaam / Mikadi Beach

Free day at leisure. Consider heading into the city to explore the National Museum and the local fish market, or simply lay on the beach, swim, snorkel and enjoy a final drink and meal with the group.

Day 12 Depart Dar Es Salaam / Mikadi Beach

You are free to depart at any time on Day 12, though remember check out from the hotel is approx. 10 AM. Many travelers will take the ferry across to Zanzibar and explore this unique and historic island.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotel (4 nts), Camping (2 nts), Local guest house (3 nts), Beach bungalow (2 nts)
Departure	Departs monthly
DepEnd	Sat-Sat
Group Size	Max 14, Avg 8
Included Highlights	- Entrance and Game Drives in Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater- Explore local villages and marvel at East African wildlife and culture - 4-day guided Usumbara Mountain trek- Relax on an Indian Ocean Beach
Local Payment	USD250, paid in $50 and/or $100 USD notes, year 2000 or newer.
Meals Included	7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners.
Recommendation	Interested in even more Swahili culture and history, or some fabulous beaches? Finish off your trip with some time in mystic Zanzibar. Please see Zanzibar Discovery TDTZDN.
StartFinish	Arusha to Dar Es Salaam
Testimonial	"It was a nice balance between safari, tourism and cultural experiences." - James Wilson travelled on Tanzania Safari & Usumbara Mountain Trek
Transport	7-seat 4x4 Safari vehicle, Public bus, Ferry, Shared taxi, Walking.
Brochure Intro	Now this is Tanzania! Track down the "Big Five" while on safari in both Lake Manyara and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. Visit colourful local villages, and learn about local communities while hiking in the Usumbara Mountains. Combine this with a couple of final days on the mesmerizing Indian Ocean coast, and you have an unforgettable East African experience!

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-16	2008-12-27	7+

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