Tanzania Walking Safari
Trekking with the Great Migration
Overview
While you are walking your support team goes ahead by jeep and sets up your next camp. You arrive to find tents, food and drinks awaiting you. During the heat of the day you rest in the shade of acacia trees. In late afternoon you do an optional shorter walk in the area around camp. Then there are hot showers ready! After a delicious dinner you gather around a campfire beneath the vast, star–studded African sky, sharing stories with your guides.
You sleep in dome tents with comfortable mattresses and bedding. Before dawn each morning you are gently called awake and served a hearty breakfast to prepare us for the day’s walking. You carry water, a packed lunch and any personal items you need. All your other belongings are transferred to the next camp.
As you traverse the Serengeti, your days have a lovely, simple rhythm. You feel Africa through the soles of your feet and the beat of your heart. At an altitude of about 5000 feet, temperatures are moderate: daytimes typically reach up to 25 – 30°C, and the nights are cool.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 — Arusha – Serengeti
Leave the bustle of Arusha behind and fly in a small plane to the Serengeti, landing at Fort Ikomo Airstrip. Close by you visit the K-9 Dog Tracker Unit. You talk to the trainers, meet the dogs and see a demonstration of their skill. Then transfer by jeep to the nearby camp. Have a briefing with your guides, meet your support team, and if time allows have a ‘shake down’ walk in the area. After a delicious dinner, sit around the camp fire and marvel at the amazing stars of the African night sky.
Day 2 — Nook
You are woken before dawn, and after a hearty breakfast, you start walking! Your route takes you into the wilderness zone of the Serengeti, where no jeep safaris are allowed. You walk to Nook and your first camp by the Orange River. Along the way you observe elephants and other wildlife drinking and wallowing in favourite watering holes.
Days 3, 4, 5, 6,7,8 — Serengeti Traverse
You follow Orange River upstream, heading east. Eventually we start heading north towards Bologonja, following the N.E. boundary of the Serengeti. Closer to Bologonja you turn west and follow the Bologonja River all the way to the Mara River – with luck meeting the Great Migration on the way! Your final camp is in the Kogatende area, where you celebrate your successful trek!
Note: As the crow flies, this route is 75 miles, but with our various detours it is very likely we will be up to 80 or 90 miles by Day 8.
Day 9 — Kogatende to Arusha
You have a spectacular game drive to Kogatende Airstrip, from where you fly out of Serengeti.
Please note: this itinerary serves as an example of trip highlights and is subject to change.
We think of our itineraries as melodies: they have a beginning and an end, a certain arc, dramatic highlights and a few surprises. We like to improvise, to adapt to the mood of our guests or to circumstances that arise — an invitation to a traditional wedding, say, or a local ethnic festival… Crafting beautiful, harmonious trips with delightful twists is our trade mark and passion.
FAQ
What about safety on this trip?
On the trek you are accompanied by professional safari guides, who are highly skilled and armed, and who will always have your security as their highest priority, both while walking and camping. You will also be accompanied by a support crew, and a support vehicle.
Where does the trip start and end?
From Arusha, Tanzania, transferred to an airport for a flight to Serengeti. The trip ends at another airstrip in Serengeti from where you can fly to Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport or into Masai Mara.
What are the physical activities on the trip and what level of fitness do I need?
You will need a reasonable level of fitness. The terrain can be rough at times and the elevation is around 5000 feet. Depending on your needs, we can supply an additional vehicle in case some of your group want prefer to be driven part of the way.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. You can apply for one online ahead of the trip.
Do I need any special insurance?
Medical insurance, including emergency evacuation, is highly recommended. We also strongly advise you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Do I need vaccinations?
Your routine vaccinations (Tetanus-Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella) should be up to date. In addition, for travel in Africa yellow fever and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Please consult your doctor for advice.
What about malaria?
Malaria is endemic throughout East Africa, however we are there at relatively dry times when the risk is low. Despite this, it’s recommended to take prophylactic medication and avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent and a mosquito net at night (nets are provided in all our accommodations).
How does this trip benefit the environment and local communities?
We have carefully chosen operators and partners who are actively involved in conservation and community development.
Trip Details
Trip Length
9 days, 8 nights
Dates
May through February
Group Size
12 maximum
Accommodation
8 nights camping
Begins/Ends
Arusha, Tanzania
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