Tarangire Day Trip Itinerary Overview Day by Day Inclusions and Exclusions Overview Tarangire is the least visited of the parks along Tanzania’s northern circuit, and it’s a crying shame. The park’s large elephant population, iconic Baobab trees, and diversity of wildlife make it one of the best parks in the country for taking breathtaking photos or simply basking in the beauty of the world’s largest land mammals. Game drives through Tarangire are particularly thrilling during the dry season when the animals of the park must cluster closer and closer to the Tarangire River. This offers a great opportunity to see plenty of animals in one place and to witness the predator-prey relationship in action. Day 1 :Tarangire Safari Tarangire National Park is primarily famous for the abundance of age-old baobabs and big families of elephants gathering in the vicinity of the main water source – the Tarangire River. Besides baby elephants and their parents, the Tarangire is home to zebras, giraffes, hyenas, wart-hogs, buffalos and many other predators and ungulates. The park will also be a treat for bird enthusiasts. More than 550 bird species abiding in the Tarangire National Park present ample opportunity for bird watching: brightly plumaged yellow-necked spurfowls, white-crowned shrikes, and black-necked weavers are among the most frequent sightings here. Vast rolling grasslands, thick acacia bushes, baobab, and palm trees featuring the unique Tarangire landscape will leave a lasting imprint on your memory. The Trip Cost Includes Pick-up in Moshi; Experienced English-speaking guide; Land Cruiser 4×4 with the pop-up roof; Entry park fees; Soft drinks and bottled drinking water; Packed lunch; Binocular (1 piece in the car); The drop-off in Moshi. The Trip Cost Excludes Tips for the safari guide INQUIRE THIS TOUR
Maasai Tribe Cultural Safari
Maasai Tribe Cultural Safari Itinerary Overview Day by Day Inclusions and Exclusions The traditional Maasai village is called a ‘Manyatta’ and consists of a number of small cow dung made houses with thatched roofs. The Inkajijik, which is the name of their houses, are usually circular or loaf-shaped. The houses are made by the village woman and they are made of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and cow’s urine. Women are also responsible for the supplying of water, collecting firewood, milking cattle and cooking for the family. The Inkajijik stand quite close to each other, all surrounded by a circular Enkang (fence) which means to protect their cattle (and themselves) at night from wild animals. In opposition to the houses, the fence is made the the village men. They move their herds from one place to another, so that the grass has a chance to grow again; traditionally, this is made possible by a communal land tenure system in which everyone in an area shares access to water and pasture. Nowadays Maasai have increasingly been forced to settle, and many take jobs in towns. Originally, the keeping of livestock such as cows, goats and sheep is the primary source of income for the Maasai. Livestock serves as a social utility and plays an important role in the Maasai economy. Livestock is traded for other livestock, cash or livestock products such as milk and siege. Maasai Jumping, Dancing and Music The maasai are famous for their jumping skills. From tradition the men learn how to jump high, the higher their jumping is , the more status the male gains, also for the woman. The jumping comes forth from the Maasai adamu, or jumping dance. Under the sound of a traditional beat, the jumping is a celebration to mark the ride of passage and to welcome young men to the next stage of their lives. Maasai Clothing Most Maasai usually wear the color red because it symbolizes their culture and they believe it scares away lions. Even though red is favored, black, blue and stripes are worn too. The name of the dress their men wear is a Shúkà, which is a red robe. The women wear clothes that are colorful and decorated with beads. Their warriors wear their hair in red-dyed braids. Maasai warriors One aspect of traditional Maasai culture is the passage from boyhood to manhood. The most important role of becoming a man, is circumcision. After the traditional circumcision, the boys wear a black ‘Shuka’ (this was a robe, remember? We’re learning ‘Maa’ here) white face paint and brass coils. The brass coils of metal hanging on the boys chest belongs to his mother. His headdress has the carcasses of birds which he, according to tradition, he has shot with a bow and arrow. This costume will be worn during their initiation and healing period. This process will take 3-4 months, and the boys must remain in black cloths for a period of 4-8 months. After they are healed, they have become a new person and receive the status of a new warrior. Maasai market There’s two kinds of Maasai markets here in Tanzania. One for buying all your souvenirs and gifts (basically the tourist version of the Maasai market) and the real Maasai market. This is the local market where local Maasai come to trade their livestock and goods. These markets are less common for ‘tourists’ to visit. The real local markets are usually found outside of the town, unlike the touristic Maasai markets. It’s best to go together with a guide or local friend who can help you with haggling for prices for your Maasai trinkets or that goat that you just want to buy for slaughter. You can also bring your own bargaining skills if you think you can handle it. The Maasai Market is usually open between 8am and 6pm and can be found at several locations around town. And for the ones that don’t have a strong stomach, maybe don’t buy local market food. As you might, probably will end up with diarrhea. If you’re close to your sleeping destination for the night, give it a try on your own risk, but if you still have that 3 hour car ride on your schedule it’s best to just leave it there. Day 1 :Arrive in Tanzania Arrive in Tanzania DAY O – Arrival – KilimanjaroOnce you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to White House Hotel in Moshi. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment. Moshi – Maasai Village ( Olipopongi ) – MoshiMaasai Village ( Olipopongi ) – MoshiIn the morning we drive to Olpopongi in West Kilimanjaro region. Olpopongi is 74 kilometers from Moshi. Our two hours drive will take us through the beautiful outback of West Kilimanjaro. Depending on the season you can see game like zebras and elephants. On clear days you will have amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. We reach Olpopongi before lunch time, where we will be welcomed by the local Maasai with a traditional welcome song and dance. We take a walk around the village and you will check-in your hut for the night. The guides will then take you to the precious little museum, where you will learn about the history, social organization and tools of Maasai people.In-between our lesson a traditional Tanzanian lunch will be served to give you enough energy for an exciting afternoon. Later in the afternoon we visit a midwife and herbalist in one of the huts. You will learn about the everyday life in a Maasai village. After this very spiritual meeting we have a short break