Budget Safari Plus Hills and Beach - 12 nights / 13 days

The Usambara Mountain Region, located between Moshi, at the foot of Mt.Kilimanjaro, and the northern port city of Tanga, has been dubbed "the Galapagos of Africa", and has been studied in detail by the Finns. This incredibly beautiful and lush area is a welcome retreat from Tanzania's plains and cities. The mountain region is ideal for hill-walking as well as some spectacular driving.

The Serengeti is the site of one of the greatest animal displays on earth. Vast herds of zebra, buffalo, and antelope, plus lion, leopard, and cheetah (and thousands of wildebeest for dinner) storm across more than 500 miles of "endless plain," usually in May or June. (It's impossible to predict the actual movement, since it depends on the ending of the rainy season.) This is probably Africa's best-known and most-visited safari destination for the international visitor.

Ngorongoro Crater may be the best place on earth to see lions and the endangered black rhino. The largest unflooded volcanic caldera in the world, this 12-mile-wide valley surrounded by 1,500-foot cliffs has especially heavy concentrations of lion, elephant, hippos, and buffalo.Entering Lake Manyara National Park, one is surrounded by the tall trees of the "ground water" forest with its lush foliage. Blue monkeys pick insects and fruits from the high branches while elephants eat the wild figs. Baboons, bushbuck, civet, leopard and the nocturnal aardvark are all present in the forest; some of the few remaining Manyara rhino may also be spotted here. Reeds, sedges and star grass cover the forest floor in small clearings where the ground literally seeps water, forming an ample food supply for the large herds of buffalo.

Venturing further into the park takes you past huge hippo filled pools in the Simba River, where the darting bird songs accompany the grunts and splashes of these huge animals. Over 380 bird species have been recorded at the pools. Lake Manyara itself is slightly alkaline and maintains a huge population of water birds such as pelicans, storks, cormorants, geese, ducks and flamingos.

Leaving the river, the landscape opens out into the classic African acacia tree woodlands, filled with giraffe, zebra, impala and elephant. This is also the area known for its tree-climbing lions. During the heat of the midday sun, entire prides of lion may be seen draped over branches of the acacias, escaping both biting insects and the heat of the long grass.

And finally Pangani, which has a delightful beach. There are good conditions for diving and snorkelling in the area. Maziwe Island is amaziweing. There is a range of accommodation at Argovia Tented Camp, from luxury tents to boma and a site for your own tent. The complex which has a good swimming pool sits atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, and the view below is part of what you see.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arusha to Pangani, arrive in time for dinner and a swim in the warm waters of the Indian ocean or enjoy a tropical drink on the pool site. overnight at the Argovia Tented Camp. The camp has high quality large tents, raised off the ground and with thatched roofs. The swimming pool and all the tents face the sea. B, L, D.

Notes: There are many activities planned for you, but you choose what to do, excursions or relaxation. The coastal areas are very humid and hot.

Day 2 Pangani: Relax on the beach or by the pool or an optional day trip to Amboni caves with a picnic lunch. Amboni caves are located at Kiomoni village about 8 km to the north of Tanga. The caves have been developed in the Tanga limestone, which is of Jurassic age and extends over an area of 234 kms. There are three caves, which can be visited. The chambers were used as worshiping places and are 8-10 m high. On the way back to Pangani you may have a sundowner at the Tongoni Ruins - the tombs were built of coral between the 14-15th century. Overnight at Argovia Tented Camp. B, L, D.

Day 3 Pangani: Relax on the beach / pool or after breakfast take a 2 hour walk through Pangani town including historical buildings like the slave market, visit a German grave yard - in 1810, the Arabs constructed the central boma building. the German administration used the houses as a colonial district office and added European style roof. The buildings are now used as the district commissioner’s office. Take a light lunch and then back to Argovia lodge and in the afternoon a sunset cruise incl. sundowner at Pangani river trough coconut plantation. Dinner and overnight Argovia Tented Camp. B, L, D.

Day 4 From Pangani to Lushoto. On arrival in Lushoto visit the Montessori Sisters and the charming leader, Sister Gaspara. The Montessori Training Centre was built with German grants and the lodge / restaurant generates enough funds for the college's running costs. Sister Gaspara’s story is compelling. She was a Montessori teacher in Dar and dreamed of coming home to the Usambara and establishing a centre to teach future Montessori teachers. Visit her dream and share her joy and enthusiasm.

After lunch we drive with the sisters through Lushoto and on to Irente, famous for its wonderful view. Irente overlooks the Maasai steppe 3,000 feet below and it is a spectacular scene. Afterwards enjoy a snack at the German run Irente Farm. The bread, cheese and avocados are delicious. There is also a school for the blind in the same complex. It's all funded by a German church organization. Your guides whilst in the Usambara’s will be Yassin and Bernard.

In the gentler rays of the late afternoon sun, we proceed through the Usambara to Grant's Lodge. Check in, relax, take in a classic video like Casablanca or Citizen Kane, sweat in the Finnish sauna, or just relax. Later go along the road to Kwefingo Village (good views from there); take the Grant's Loop (transits Kwefingo also), or the School Loop (more good views in the opposite direction). Each loop is a circular walk of about 3 Kilometres. Overnight in Grants Lodge. B, L, D.

Notes: Much of this day is spent travelling (220km) – once you get into the mountains the roads are very good tar, but twisting – the last 25km is a dirt road. Grants is a farm house (straight out of the Surrey suburbs) built in 1946. The owners are a very friendly couple, an American and his Tanzanian wife. Good food – friendly place. The Usambara has hot days and cool nights.

Day 5 Mkuzi: After breakfast, take the River Loop Walk which traverses the Magamba Forest Reserve. In the upper canopy you may see the beautiful black and white colobus monkey. Return to Grant's for lunch. In the afternoon, head into the forest again and emerge at the cool pool formed by a sparkling waterfall that tumbles through a narrow chute of ancient Usambara granite over 600 million years old. You can swim in the pool! This is our famous Waterfall Walk, an easy two hour round trip from Grant's. In the evening there are many more classic movies, lots of firewood for the sauna, and a sky painted with dazzling stars on a clear night. Overnight at Grants Lodge. B, L, D.

Notes: There is a full day of optional activities, however these can be changed at will by you. Local guides are used on this and the following days in the Usambara, all trained by the Cultural Tourism Programme and SNV (the Netherlands Development Organization) Traditional medicine tours are also available.

Day 6 Mkuzi: Morning Option A: After breakfast head down the road towards Swiss Farm Cottage and enjoy a pre-hike snack there. From the cottage begin a steady ascent up Mkuzi Mountain. Traverse mountain side villages and see Usambara agriculture first hand, and expect giggling children to say "good morning teacher." From the summit enjoy an expansive view of the mountains. Walk back along a ridge, which gradually descends as it winds around the mountain, and takes you back to Grant's. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the summit!

Morning Option B: Drive to Gologolo, a beautiful but obscure mountain area. Hike through an awe-inspiring montaine rain forest and eat your packed lunch beneath ancient trees. From there proceed to Shume where on a clear day you can (almost) see forever, or at least to Kilimanjaro. There is a pine plantation and a ropeway which transports the logs to the base of the mountains.

Afternoon - Bird Walk: Figuratively speaking return to 5 million BC, on this primordial birding walk. This enchanting walk takes you through the forest and eventually to wetlands where you can relax and watch birds along the grassy meadows of a small stream. Feel transported back in time and be prepared for a pterodactyl to streak overhead.

Evening: movies, fireplace, sauna, reading, stargazing. Overnight at Grants Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 7 Mazumbai: proceed to the spectacular Mazumbai Forest Reserve. The drive will wind through a different part of the Usambara's. Along the way, stop off at the German run Sakarani Benedictine Mission, which was originally developed as a rest station for monks working under very difficult conditions in southern Tanzania. The monks sell wine, macadamia nuts/oil, and other seasonal produce. From Sakarani proceed to idyllic Bumbuli village, through tea and eucalyptus country.

In the afternoon visit Carter's Camp at Ndekai. Carter is the author of "Volunteer", a novel set in the Usambaras. A hang gliding enthusiast, Carter built his camp on the precipitous edge of the Usambaras where he trained young gliders how to find air thermals. There is a library here and Zanifa will be happy to prepare some tea for you. Dinner and overnight at Grants Lodge B, L, D.

Notes: If this is a Thursday or Sunday, the colourful and vibrant Lushoto market is a must. The market is chock-a-block with fruits and vegetables. Much of Dar's produce is grown in the Usambaras. There is a list of 160 fruits, vegetables, and herbs, the Usambaras can supply to hungry customers in Dar and other cities. The mountains are famous for juicy plums, pears, purple avocados, snappy orange carrots, lettuce, cabbage, bright red tomatoes, peas and beans.

Day 8 Lushoto to Arusha. After breakfast drive to Arusha National park, take lunch and overnight at Momella Lodge in the Park. B, L, D.

Notes: This is a half day journey (360km). The lodge is very nice and is inside the park. Game walks of 2 to 4 hours are very popular here.

Day 9 Arusha National Park to Lake Manyara: After breakfast drive to Lake Manyara National Park and after lunch relax and then in the late afternoon take a animal viewing drive. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the Lake Manyara Hotel. B, L, D.

Notes: 3 star lodge – 2 hour drive to the park from Arusha.

Day 10 Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro: An early start with a drive to Ngorongoro. After breakfast descend into Ngorongoro crater for full day of animal viewing. Picnic lunch with dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge. B, L, D.

Notes: 2 hours between parks – 3 star lodge.

Day 11 Ngorongoro to Serengeti: After breakfast drive to Serengeti in time for lunch at Seronera Wildlife Lodge, animal viewing along the way. After lunch animal viewing in the Seronera Valley. Dinner and overnight Seronera Wildlife Lodge. B, L, D. Full day spent animal viewing.

Day 12 After Breakfast drive to Arusha with a stop over at Mto wa Mba village market. Overnight at the Impala Hotel. This is a long drive with a full day of animal viewing en route. B, L, D.

Day 13 After Breakfast transfer to Nairobi via shuttle bus. No accommodation (but we can book for you). B.

Notes: The shuttle takes 4 to 5 hours to Nairobi.



Price Indication per person:     GBP 1100 - GBP1250 / USD1600 - USD1760    

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You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 6 to proceed at these prices. We are able to quote for smaller groups. The maximum size group on this trip is 12.

What is included
All transfers. Accommodation and all meals as indicated by the code - B,L,D. Park entrance fees, vehicle, English speaking driver / guide.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Arusha and does not include international flights or departure taxes, nor the shuttle bus Nairobi - Arusha - Nairobi. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all alcoholic drinks. Sleeping bags, towels, tips. Meals unless specified above by the code B, L, D.

Visa
A visa is required for Tanzania and this will cost about GBP38 and you will need a transit visa (or 2) for Kenya if travelling via Nairobi (GBP30 for two transits). We provide an optional extra service if you need assistance in obtaining your Visa.

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.