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The Trip

Tanzania provides all the essential elements of a classic African Safari adventure of a lifetime. The largest country in East Africa and situated just south of the equator, Tanzania has a truly magnificent variety of landscapes and 12 national parks that are unsurpassed in beauty and variety. Among its unspoiled savannah one can still find Maasai nomads and millions of wild animals. Tanzania is home to over 40 species of mammals, including elephant, giraffe, cape buffalo, hippo, rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, antelope, warthog, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, and many more.

Tanzania is also a bird watcher's paradise with too many species to list. Who can say which bird is more spectacular? The greater flamingo, secretary bird, bateleur, crowned crane, lilac-breasted roller, kori bustard, lily trotter, spoonbill stork, marabou stork, the bee eaters, or any of a dozen others?

Of all the African wildlife areas, none surpasses Tanzania's for spectacular scenery and number of animals. Our safari takes us from the green foothills of snow-mantled Mount Kilimanjaro (the continent's highest mountain at 19,340 ft), through the limitless expanse of the Serengeti Plain (a World Heritage site) and to the misty Ngoronogoro Crater (the world’s largest intact caldron, which measures 12 miles across). And if these natural wonders are not enough, the trip will also visit historic places like Oldovai Gorge, the site of Leakey's discovery of the oldest human bones, the very dawn of human existence.

In addition to wildlife observation, this outing also offers opportunities to learn about two of Tanzania's ethnic groups (the Maasai and the Hadzapi), and to see a vast cross-section of Tanzania -- the largest in East Africa, and the continent's most politically stable.

We will be accompanied at all times by an accomplished Tanzanian naturalist who will be able to identify and tell us all about the wildlife encountered. We will listen for the sounds of the bush as we enjoy our comfortable camps and lodges. In settings of incomparable beauty and grandeur, we will savor the African dawn and sunset.

Itinerary

Day 1: After our arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport we will be met by our safari staff, who will drive us 45 minutes to a beautiful lodge situated in the foothills of Mount Meru. There we will relax and enjoy the spacious gardens. On a clear day we will be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro as well as Mount Meru, Africa’s first and fifth highest mountains. We will have an opportunity to meet everyone and enjoy a welcome appetizer dinner this evening.

Day 2: We will spend the day in Arusha National Park -- the smallest of Tanzania's parks, but also one of its most beautiful. The park is bordered by Mt. Meru (14,000 feet) on the west and Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,400 feet) on the east. The park is rich in many kinds of wildlife and hundreds of different species of migratory and resident birds. You'll also likely catch your first view of some buffalo and elephants.

Day 3: After breakfast we will depart for Tarangire National Park and our classic safari mobile camp. Tarangire has herds of elephants that scratch the dry river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons. It’s outside the Serengeti ecosystem -- a smorgasbord for predators -- and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope, such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk, are regularly observed.

Days 4-5: We will enjoy full game drives in Tarangire National Park.

Day 6: After an early breakfast, we will head to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Area. The Ngorongoro Crater has been referred to as the Garden of Eden, and it will not disappoint you. Ngorongoro Crater measures over 100 square miles and represents every micro-climate found in Tanzania.

Day 7: We will enjoy a full day's game drive in the Crater, leaving the lodge early in the morning to enjoy the early light and higher activity level of the predators. The crater wildlife remains constant during the year, as most animals find no need to migrate elsewhere. The crater boasts a huge number of hyenas and the densest population of animals in any Tanzanian park. Black rhinos are usually seen and the elephant population consists of very old and extremely large bulls.

Day 8: We'll depart after breakfast for Serengeti National Park. We’ll game view as we drive to the Ndutu area of the Serengeti ecosystem. We will stop at the Olduvai Gorge Archeological Museum and gorge overlook, which is the site of Louis and Mary Leakey’s archeological work. It was here that Mary Leakey discovered the earliest known human footprints, which were solidified in volcanic ash some 3.6 million years ago. Standing at the top of the gorge envisioning early man evokes a feeling of returning home to the birthplace of humankind, quietly reminding us that we are all related. This will be our first night in the classic Safari Mobile Camps that allow us to be in the area of the most wildlife activity. It is fabulous to hear the sounds of the wilderness in these comfortable canvas tents with comfortable beds! There's nothing quite like falling asleep and waking to the sights and sounds of the nearby herds.

The Serengeti National Park's name is derived from the Maasai language "Siringet" which means endless plains. Within an area of 5,700 square miles we’ll find a staggering animal population of about four million, including huge herds of zebra, wildebeest, and other grazing animals. Over 350 species of birds and 35 larger mammals can be found here. Each game drive will feature different animals and surprises. The skill and experience of our driver guides will be obvious as they look for animal viewing opportunities.

During this time of year, between the months of January and March, wildebeest calving begins. More than 750,000 females will drop their calves within 24 hours. Although it is not possible to predict the exact time this will occur, we hope to witness a herd in this process. Many other animals give birth at this time of year. Predatory activity will be at its peak, so you can be sure to see plenty of lion, cheetah, hyena, jackal and, hopefully, the shy leopard looking for a feast.

Days 9-10: The world famous Serengeti! We will wake to the call of birds, or perhaps the howl of monkeys, or the roar of a lion. The fresh air and sounds of the wild will be all around you. We will take advantage of four full days of game drive opportunities. This is where the heart of the activity will be. Some days we may choose to spend the full day photographing and observing far away from the camp, or we may have better viewing opportunities to leave before sunrise and return for brunch and rest (while the animals typically also rest in the heat of the day). Late-afternoon drives allow us to enjoy the interesting light and increased activity of the predators. After these excursions, you will be met back at camp with cold beverages, appetizers, hot showers, a gourmet meal, and a crackling campfire.

Day 11: On the move again. We'll enjoy our last Serengeti game drive as we travel eastward. The beauty and awe of the Serengeti will soon be in the rearview mirror. We arrive at our lodge in time for lunch and afternoon free to relax or enjoy a cultural tour to Iragw village.

Day 12: We will do a day trip to Lake Eyasi to visit the Hadzapi and WaToga tribes of this region. The Hadzapi are Tanzania's Bushmen, who still speak in clicks and who currently number less than 600 individuals. Our local guide will locate a family group for you to visit. Since Hadzapi are nomadic hunters and gatherers, we do not know which family grouping we may be visiting. Men are eager to show you how they hunt with, make, and prepare their arrows. Women will usually take you into the surrounding bush to gather berries. Be aware that the Hadzapi love to smoke tobacco, so be prepared for seeing their poor health and even very young children partaking in smoking tobacco. The WaToga raise livestock and live in the Lake Eyasi region after the government moved them out of Ngorongoro Crater to avoid conflicts with the Maasai.

Day 13: We will travel back to Arusha, stopping for souvenirs, lunch, and shopping at the cultural heritage centre along the way. We will end at the lodge where we began our adventure. We will have our farewell appetizer dinner there. Afterward, we will depart for our evening flight home from the Kilimanjaro Airport. It will be sad to say goodbye to Africa and our new friends. You will be enticed to return again -- and soon -- like I was!

Getting There

There are several options to reach the trip starting point. Participants will need to book a flight from the U.S. to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. KLM is the only airline that currently flies into Kilimanjaro Airport from Europe. That flight will require a transfer in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Another option is Lufthansa airlines. Lufthansa flies into Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) and several smaller airlines fly into Kilimanjaro Airport.

You can also fly into Nairobi, Kenya, and then transfer to a short flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. At this time, you will not need a visa for Kenya if you are transferring. However, things do change and you may want to double-check at the time of booking your flights.

Since there is only one airline that flies directly from Europe into Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, it is advisable to commit to this trip as soon as possible so that you can then purchase your airline tickets. Since this trip occurs during high season, the limited, less expensive seats will sell quickly. Airfares will increase as time progresses, and one takes the chance of not being able to get a seat at all.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations will include safari lodges and a private classic mobile camp. Most of the lodges are among the finest that Tanzania has to offer, but do not correspond to luxury class hotels in the more developed countries of the world. Private classic mobile camps will be adequate and comfortable, but not luxurious. Stand-up tents will accommodate two persons each and will be 10 feet by 10 feet in size, with cots, mattresses, and bedding. Showers and toilets are communal and will be shared by four people. The toilets will be either chemical bucket toilets or a trench with a toilet seat over it. The proper procedure for using these facilities will be explained on site. The setting will be serene, quiet, and private. The advantage of these mobile camps is that they are set up in the area of the most wildlife activity at that time. Plus, they are private.

A large canopy will be set up as the dining/food area. Food is fresh, well prepared, and tasty. Most of the dishes are western or European-style, with some African meals included. Meals will be served at the table or will be buffet-style. Basic vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Please check with the leader regarding other dietary requirements.

Trip Difficulty

No special conditioning is required for this safari. We will ride in vehicles with a maximum of seven persons in each vehicle, each person having access to a window and roof hatch. There will be the inevitable inconveniences and difficulties associated with travel in a developing country. It is important to accept Tanzania on its own terms, with a sense of adventure and good humor. On rare occasions the itinerary may need to change somewhat due to unforeseen circumstances.

Equipment and Clothing

A good camera with at least a 300 mm lens is ideal for photography. One can take some good photos with a smaller digital or other type of camera when animals are close to the vehicle, but it will not be possible to take good quality pictures of birds and animals that are a longer distance away. Many animals in the parks are habituated to vehicles so they do not shy away; therefore close photo opportunities are possible.

Good binoculars are a necessity. It is best for each person in a couple or family group to have a pair of their own. Dress is always informal. A clothing/equipment list will be sent to participants by the trip leader.

References

There are many good general guidebooks to Tanzania and East Africa. For example Passport's Regional Guides of Africa: Tanzania by Lisa Asch and Peter Blackwell gives a very readable overview of this fascinating country.

For more in-depth material and a better understanding of the safari experience, here are a few of the leader's recommendations:

• Gallmann, Kuri, I Dreamed of Africa.
• Markham, Beryl, West with the Night.
• Moss, Cynthia, Portraits in the Wild.
• Bonner, Raymond, At the Hand of Man.
• Smith, Anthony, The Great Rift: Africa's Challenging Valley.
• Saitoti, Tepilit Ole, and Carol Beckwith, Maasai.
• Matthiessen, Peter, Sand Rivers.
• Grzimek, Bernard and Michael, Serengeti Shall Not Die.
• Hatch, John, Serengeti: A Profile.
• Iwago, Mitsuaki, Serengeti: The Natural Order.
• Matthiessen, Peter, The Tree Where Man Was Born.

Conservation

The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, and encourages grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward environmentally understanding parallel concerns at home and abroad.

As of this writing, there is a proposed road to be build thought the Serengeti. It is feared this will interfere with migration of the animals. It will also allow poachers more opportunity to devastate the remaining herds.

Twenty-five percent of Tanzania's land (over 95,000 square miles) has been set aside for wildlife parks, reserves, and game areas. This is probably more than any other country on earth. However, Tanzania's economic resources for rangers, roads, research, and administration of these lands is meager, and illegal poaching and hunting still take their toll on wildlife. The integrity of national parks and wildlife reserves is also being threatened as the need for land and food increases.

There are many projects going on in Tanzania today to help solve these problems. Ngorongoro Crater is part of the extensive Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a pioneering effort in multi-purpose land, allowing for the protection of animals and the continuation of tribal lifestyles at the same time. Also, there are several animal research projects in the field, including the world's longest-running research project, the Serengeti Lion Project, which began in the l960s.

One of our conservation objectives will be to try to understand the challenges that Tanzania faces in continuing to support such a large national park system. Tourist dollars are a major source of revenue, so by coming to see these magnificent animals and their habitats, we are helping to ensure their future. That said, we will become aware of both the positive and negative consequences of tourism in a country like Tanzania.

Trip Price

This trip requires a $200 per-person deposit. An additional payment of $300 per person is due six months prior to trip departure. International trip prices are subject to change and are based on double-occupancy or group accommodations as described above. Single rooms may not be available or may cost more than the listed price. If you have any questions regarding double occupancy, please contact the trip leader.

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

The Sierra Club accurately and fairly budgets and prices our trips. However, unforeseen costs such as devaluation of the dollar compared to other currencies and fuel surcharges assessed by our international providers may necessitate adjustment in trip price. We will make every effort to mitigate and absorb these fees. If a price increase is necessary, however, you will have 14 days after announcement to cancel without penalty.

Staff

Marti Greason has over a decade of experience leading Sierra Club trips to various destinations in the United States as well as abroad, introducing participants to varied landscapes, exotic cultures, and fascinating creatures (elephants and octopi, anyone?). She has traveled extensively in Europe, trekked through the Serengetti, visited the Orient, and explored the Holy Land. She has also scuba dived in the Caribbean, zip-lined in the Costa Rican jungle and followed Darwin's footsteps in the Galapagos. She currently resides in Tucson, Arizona, where she is a docent at Tohono Chul Park, introducing visitors to the basics of desert flora and fauna.

E-mail: marti-ann@comcast.net

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback