After an early breakfast, we drive to Lake Manyara National Park with game drives en route. We proceed to Lake Eyasi where the Datoga people reside. The Datoga’s outfits are reddish brown in color, with reddish patched leather dresses, beadworks, bracelets, and necklaces. Another cultural identity and feature of theirs that distinguishes them from other tribes is their decorative tattooing around their eyes in circular patterns. They are skillful and are also known for their blacksmith skills, beads works, brass bracelets, and necklaces. We will interact and learn their way of life and in the evening we can do some sunset photography. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Eyasi Lodge.

Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Lodge

Meal Plan: B L D

Today is dedicated to cultural encounters. In the morning we drive to a homestead of a Hadzabi Community. They have maintained the same hunter-gatherer lifestyle that has sustained them for generations.  There Klick Klack language is related to the language of the Bushman in South Africa.  We witness a thrilling sunrise hunt to see just how these hardy people have survived in the sometimes harsh Tanzanian wilderness for thousands of years. We will have a chance to take some beautiful shots.  In the afternoon we drive to Mto wa Mbu, a small town with over 120 ethnic groups of Tanzania found here.  After a village walk and taking some photos we proceed to Endoro lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Endoro Lodge

Meal Plan: B L D

Today we are doing something different. We leave with packed lunch and descend for game dives to the world’s largest intact caldera with a 20 km diameter. The caldera is home to elephants, elands, hartebeests, and the endangered rhinos besides zebras and wildebeests in the crater that do not take part in the annual migration. Hippos are found in the permanent fresh water pools and the swamps in the crater. Other non-migratory herbivorous mammals that are found in the Conservation Area include buffalos, waterbucks, warthogs, and kudus and other species of antelope.  At a scenic lake, we shall have a picnic lunch as enjoy the magnificent views. After extensive game drives we climb up again the steep crater walls and return to our Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Endoro Lodge

Meal Plan: B L D

After breakfast, we embark on a cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu village.  A guided 3 to 4-hour village walk gives us a good insight of the everyday life.  We meet different local people and learn about banana beer, different painting techniques and wood carvings, besides different fruits and vegetables grown and available in the small market stalls. The tour ends with a delicious home cooked meal in a local mama’s home. Over lunch, a guide provides a history of the region and the many local tribes. After lunch, we drive along the slopes of Ngorongoro, past the strato volcano of Kerimasi (extinct) and Oldonyo Lengai (active) to Lake Natron for check in at Lake Natron River Camp.

Accommodation: Lake Natron River Camp

Meal Plan: B L D

After breakfast, we head out to the shores of the lake where we can take some beautiful shots of the flamingoes and pelicans that are found on this lake. After lunch, we visit a Maasai Village for a cultural experience. The Maasai tribe are known for their brightly colored outfits and traditional lifestyle focused on cattle, which make up the primary source of food.

We will have a chance to take some sunset photos with the Maasai before heading back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lake Natron River Lodge

Meal Plan: B L D

We have an early breakfast and drive through the semi- arid savannah dotted with Maasai homesteads, past Mt. Gelai to Longido.  Here we stop for lunch and proceed in the afternoon along the busy Nairobi – Arusha highway to Oldonyo Sambu.  The last 60km to our destination between Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro are a bit dusty marram road.  The Original Maasai Lodge is also regarded as a place of power to re-energize and relax in a unique tranquil natural landscape with views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Original Maasai Lodge

Meal Plan: B L D

Built and run by the Maasai people, the Original Maasai Lodge offers nature, culture and relaxation with views of Mount Kilimanjaro.  We can take up traditional activities such as a guided nature walk, visiting a Maasai homestead all which will provide opportunities to capture the authentic lifestyle of the Maasai people. We get to know the Maasai through stories around the campfire, spear throwing or traditional dances.

Accommodation: Original Maasai Lodge

Meal Plan: B L D

Today, depending on our international flight timing we are transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for our flight back home marking the end of our cultural exploration trip.