The Masai Heartlands safari
| country: | Kenya, Tanzania |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2009: 26 Dec 2010: 17 Jan, 31 Jan, 14 Feb, 28 Feb, 14 Mar, 28 Mar, 11 Apr, 25 Apr, 9 May, 23 May, 6 Jun, 20 Jun |
| price: | From £825 (15 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
The wonders of Kenya and Tanzania unfold before you on this incredible overland adventure deep into the heartland of the Masai tribespeople and the finest game parks of East Africa. From the world-renowned Masai Mara and the vast open plains of the Serengeti to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, you'll spot a wealth of exotic predators and peaceful herbivores. Heading off the beaten track to walk in the footsteps of the Masai will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Nairobi. Arrive in Kenya's modern capital. |
| Day 2: | Lake Nakuru. Witness the magic of a thousand flamingos in flight and try to spot some of the iconic wildlife that calls the lakeside home. |
| Days 3-4: | Lake Naivasha. Thrill to the flurry of birdlife at Lake Naivasha or take an optional hike to Hell's Gate National Park to try to spot a massive bearded vulture. |
| Day 5: | Loita Hills. Camp among a local tribe in the heart of Masai country to learn about the lives of these red-robed warriors. |
| Days 6-7: | Masai Mara National Reserve. The rivers and plains of this game reserve are home to some of the world's most famous predators, including leopards and lions. |
| Day 8: | Narok. Chill out poolside or head into town to mingle with the Masai. |
| Day 9: | Kisii. Head across the Great Rift Valley to the town of Kisii, surrounded by miles of verdant tea plantations. |
| Day 10: | Lake Victoria. Watch local life go by on a visit to bustling Musoma market. |
| Days 11-12: | Serengeti National Park. Embark on a sunset safari across the Serengeti's golden grasses to try to spot cheetahs, lions and other iconic African animals. Camp within the park and drift off to sleep as nocturnal animals come out to play. |
| Day 13: | Ngorongoro Crater. Discover the two-million-year-old Olduvai Gorge that once sheltered humankind's earliest ancestors. Camp on the lip of the immense Ngorongoro Crater. |
| Day 14: | Meserani. Try to spot Africa's most famous animals in the Ngorongoro Crater. Head to Mto Wa Mbu and browse the lively village markets. |
| Day 15: | Nairobi. Return to Nairobi where the adventure comes to an end. |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. this tourism business won an award
in our 2005 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards - organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine.how this holiday makes a difference
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For every week that our passengers spend in Africa, we plant a tree in Kenya through the Woodlands 2000 Trust, a local NGO. The Woodlands 2000 Trust is a wonderful project that provides seeds and seedlings with planting materials as well as land-planning, tree survival and woodlot management services. It aims to increase reforestation and bio-diversify in semi-arid regions, and also to create sustainable and profitable tree products micro-industries that contribute to alleviating poverty.
We believe strongly in low impact tourism and so during this trip we use existing locally owned facilities and camp ground such as the one used in Kisi. By using locally owned and run facilities we are helping the local communities that we visit. There is a local guide based permanently in the Loita which is his home base. He knows the area, its culture and way of life, the flora and fauna exceptionally well and you will have a great opportunity to interact with him and the local Masai. You will have an opportunity purchase their artefacts, bead necklaces, belts, shukas and even see how they are made. You will have an opportunity to shop for local sculptures and textiles at a bustling Musoma market during this trip, there is an optional boat ride on Lake Victoria and a trip to the small island where sardine farming is the main industry. The time we spend here will again benefit the local community. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |