In the Great Rift Valley Flow

Finding the lost migratory white stoke 

The rough plan to venture out to where the idle mind can be active as observing and guide by nature was not yet a conferment course of several facts. The blind and self-assignment to find the lost migratory white stock was strong reason enough to reinforce this adventure. This white stock named Gertrud the last breed in north German before leaving at the begin of 2010 winter to long journey almost flew half of the world to reach East Africa and return back to Europe for breading and repeat the cycle. Gertrud was among other researched stock by Birds Network, German-based NABU and here in Tanzania WCST as a local partner.

Unfortunately, the organization branch with an excuse that I haven’t comply yet failed to fund this trip. I borrowed GPS which was among crucial equipment on this trip from Conservation Resource Center. Thanks, Howard for great support of insect location longitude and latitude in our old GPS. My gas stove seemed to allow me to boil coffee and spaghetti, tent and sleeping equipment was ready as usual.

I left Arusha by board bus at the small central bus stand, heading towards west then turn to the west –north at Makuyuni town where Great Rift Valley flow becomes visible. The low land of rift valley flow characterized by flat terrains with acacia bushes. I got off at my favorite off shower town of Lake Manyara basin, Mto Wa Mbu town (mosquito creak). Here I had to wait for small old track delivering products to remote maasai village, Engaruka. There is only one bus that leaves Mto wa Mbu in the evening driving through the bumping track for about 55km to Engaruka. The adventure starts from my favorite town of Mto wa mbu where I board small cargo track instead of only one over the full bus. I decided to travel with this small track avoiding the bus which had more stand passengers than those who sat. I knew inside of it I will have to tolerate tobacco saliva which maasai split all the time as they smell it then chew it. This makes them being high all the time.

The small track offered a magnificent view as we drove through the rift valley flow alongside it huge wall. These savannah plains are doted by maasai bomas with their cattle watched after by young dust full who often wave to us enthusiastic no matter we replay back or no. Travel in this remote maasai area it adventures on itself, old small track produces a lot of black smoke mixed with dust you can't see where you come from. Young drive wanted to show his best on the bumping gravel rough road which left my buttock with two days of pain. We passed at Selela village where drive had to stop, he accelerates the engine without a move while making a lot of horn, this causes almost the whole village to come out. The passengers and work of this track are out of time in such stop it takes about 45 minutes to resume the journey just talking, smoke and drink. We left the village passed maasai elders sat under baobab trees chewing tobacco while discussing something.

After 55km we reached at Engaruka maasai village where I overnight in the deserted camp. Offered free camp owner/manager Mr.Mathayo who still remembered me since my last visit, when I was leading Cross Tanzania Cycling Expedition. After making my spaghetti I dinner with disturbing night mouths attracted by my flashlight, I crawl into a tent and sleep. I was awoken with high pitch noise of a hundred of weaver birds nesting on the tree which I camp under.

This was walking day on the plains as there was no sign of transport from here to Engaresero about 60km further interior. In the savannah plains, I was me with different wild animals such as gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, ostrich, and birds in the scatted flat-top acacia where I feel sort sharing the working. Few young maasai with their cattle on the horizon.


These animals when the smell or saw me they run away but amazing was when occasion vehicle just 3 I counter for whole day passed they just stare on them only. The walk was sort of meditation as for several hours I was into real uninterrupted nature just sound of wind, vast plains, animal, and mountains tried to think about myself but nothing was serious with deep pain than bright sun which I felt like moved a bit down to the earth for few kilometers, bunt legs and heavy backpacker made the most of self incarnation. At 1pm I decide to have a nap under fat top acacia after realize I can’t push it more with this brilliant sun burn like electrical iron.

I Walk for the entire day, I got a free ride at the evening for 20km which add on the day distance 60km. Overnight at the hot basin of Lake natron, I sort free camping at moivaro lodges. Manger whoever reception maasai gentle man with his blankets and enough bracelets on his body perhaps to entertain tourists, more wife? Beauty? I don’t know, a lot to learn. He wondered in the first place when I told him I'm searching for “Ndege”, Ndege means bird and airplane/flight in Swahili. After long explanations, he claims to know those bird and add that when he saw them last time he fond other with something on they heard looked like antennae which I come to find out later was GPS transmitter. With such sensation conversation and the fact that I am working for a non-profit company free camp was granted.

 I was awakened by maasai guy who will be my guide from here at 3am ready to start the trek. We trek for the whole day, led by GPS in someplace need us to make long loping due to impassable valleys. We fond maasai boma for refugee when golden huge ball like a sink a bit low on the west. Live the sky dark dominated by uncountable stars took us into deep rest if the night. Trek continues early in the morning, we left the boma at 4am, the golden ball on its mystery journey from east to west met use on the middle of the bush. Visible and invisible creatures sing to celebrate it come back, ooh my mind went out of conscious absolutely failed to control my emotion which intoxicates my soul and body by the amazing radiation.  I throw myself into this ceremony which releases my tense and made the glands to stop produce stress. I forget what I was up for absolutely! Merely enjoyed the walk and made most of the moment.

 On the way we found the evacuated bomas which now my colleague told me they are the season bomas as the land was for drought reserve. He showed me eland fesses which are just like gazelles pellets. As he anticipated few minutes we saw a huge gazelle like mammals, Eland. Few kilometers from the destination my beloved hiking shoes worn off, the sole left the still strong leather. At 12am we reached the destination. I search the area for a few minutes before my heard bust with real joy when I sport the dead bird on the top of acacia.

We made our way back and reach at the basin 10pm, as my shoes worn off, my lags were badly burnt. I took one day off and spend it observing human life on this small village. Find out apart of touristic potential the area has litter to support these pastoralists maasai to make quality life. I got another track which was going without clutch this made the way back to Mto wa mbu to be another adventure.

Looking for Africa Walking Adventure? Join the journey to explore this amazing world. 

Awareness

Africa remains to be among the places in the world which present the entire ecology. The typical integrate between the Natural world and human, whose development for many ways have been so frangible to the co-exist ecology. My mind has been always working to understand this complex better. Reinforced me to try to find the path on the less traveled road; living with full awareness and consciousness of our every action towards our earth. This kind of unaware is a result of the crucial human challenge. Global warming is a higher manifestation of our moment.

The un-industrialized region of the southern hemisphere particular Africa is not out of the system. The rain forest of the west and tropical helped a lot to clean the polluted sky. But the degradation rate of these remains natural saviors is shocking. There are efforts from the international leave to the local government but still no significant changes yet. The hardship in may part of the continent, lark of aware its among of the contributions of negativity towards the natural world around us. Very much in Africa as we act against our natural world as much as we walk ourselves necked into a burning fire. We must work more ever hard to protect our natural world, know and understand it better.

Being un-industrialized but with equal demands, the African community needs back up. Tourism has to be crucial back since colonial times. Thousands and thousands of tourists visit the continent in search of recreation, adventure, knowledge, reconnection,  therapy, etc. These helped the natural world around to have its means of existence. Although this has been mostly in the level of government which inherited the management form colonials government who first had a glimpse of the future of the natural world. This kind of system lets the general community out of system. The recent trends "Eco-tourism" and "Reduce footprint" seem to be the alternatives. There is a call to the travelers including tourists to be more "Responsible". Tourism will envolve not only to seek the connection to the natural world but event to our very self. The unique relation of the natural world with us is often hidden into culture and customs. We always evolve with them now we need to integrate them into our conservation practice, tourism and touristic practise.

In the recent days after finishing my cycling visibility study in about twelve African countries (http://cyclingaroundafrica.blogspot.com/). In Arusha town, the main destination for the travelers within East Africa, I resume my daily routine. Among my daily routine is to visit the fast urbanized town outskirts. I was amazed in most of the places I have visited in 2008 which were the home of the remain flora and fauna, the remainder of the natural world representing the ecological bound. Most of the place has been replaced with infrastructure such as living houses. I know this may sound like resistance towards development but that is not what I intend to say here. I know the need for infrastructure so I would like the public to be aware of our development and our actions.

In the area such as slops of Mt. Meru (4600m) the home of the valuable flora and fauna but the human activities such as un-planned tree cutting are genocide against the natural world.

It is possible for one to have the simple tour within Arusha outskirts which can be done easier by board shared minibusses (daladala) get off the bus at any point of interest and start to ponder the wonder. As long as you are equipped with guide books and Binocular the short walk will be unbelievable. On the east side of the town Tengeru, Usa river, Kingori, et cetera in the slops of Mt. Meru, the home of Meru people you will easier find a variety of forest plants. In these fields and riverside forests, you will find fauna varying from monkeys, birds, lizards to butterflies. The same to the west and south of the town at Mbauda kwa muorombo, Kisongo and monduli outskirts.

The grown number of the people visiting these areas will possibly ending give the value to the forgettable natural world in these Arusha town outskirts and others as well.

It is by familiarizing ourselves with nature we get to understand ourselves better as well as the natural phenomena and dynamics around us. My sole concern is with such a growing understanding of nature human won't just only continue to course harm to the very environment host him but very much to himself.

Mount Meru

Mount Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and is the fifth-highest in Africa, it’s about (1999ft) 4566m.With gracefully profile that is clearly visible to anyone who visits in Arusha.
The most scenic and rewarding climbs and definitely worth a visit.
The small eruption has been reported in the last 100 years indicating that Meru is still not quite extinct.
Local Waarusha and Wa-meru people who live in the area regard the mountain as sacred. There are stories of sacrificed and offered to the mountain to ensure rain in the coming season.
Over (400 species) 0f birds, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white colobus monkey and antelopes are all founded in this ecosystem.


The Climb
Ascending Mount Meru once required either a dawn start and a hectic dash to the top followed by a tiring trudge back down in the dying light, or camping on the first and perhaps even the second night Now the trip can be made in comfort by the new cabins, Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut.

DAY ONE: From Momela Gate where it is necessary to sign and pay fees the roads lead west, fording the Ngare Nanyuki River and crossing some open bushy grassland where a resident herd of buffalo regularly graze around the base of an outlier, Tulusia Hill. The track skirts the domed hill to the south, past several excellent campsites, and begins to climb through densely forested foothills. Leopard and rhino have been seen here, but you are more likely to encounter bush back and a fleeting glimpse of a turaco flashing across a glade.

The road continues to wind its way between the buttressed trunks of the lower mountain forest at about 2,000 meters (6,560 feet). Many of the trees are fig and Nuxia congesta species, and the much taller African olive, Olea hochstetteri.With its finery curved, tall, and slender climbers, it is a far cry from the stubby, gnarled European olive. Around the base of the tree grows black-eyed Susan, Thunbergia alata.

Higher into the upper zone of the forest the trees are predominantly loft juniper, or African pencies and the equally tall podocarpus, or East African yellow wood, both valuable as timber species. The provide food for the flocks of raucous red-fronted parrots.

Glades formed by the fallen trees and elephants are kept open by buffalo which graze the areas where lady's mantle, Achemilla volkensii, and blue vetch, Parochetus communis thrive in the sunlight.

By the time Kitoto Hill has reached the vegetation has become open health land characterized by the bushy green Erica arborea

From here an alternative trip up the mountains track can be taken westwards towards the crater itself and an area called Njeku which lies at the confluence of several streams.Njeku refers to the old woman who has of the power of rainmaking. In times of drought, the Meru people would make a sacrifice to the gods at the base of an ancient juniper tree that stands nearby.

When the long rains do arrive they bring out the "red hot pokers” that glow in the surrounding lowlands and valleys, along with the pink-flowed balsam.


DAY TWO: After spending the night at Miriakamba, there is a steep but relatively relaxing walk up to the Saddle Hurt, passing through the open north-eastern flanks of the mountain where the red-flowered hagenia trees grow profusely. The trees are often covered in epiphytic ferns and mosses, their rich green splashed with the exuberance of that other perching plant, the orchid.

The path curved through health land and the gradient becomes gentler as the Saddle Hut at 3,600 meters (11,808feet) comes into view between the crater rim and the peak of Little Meru to the north.

Little Meru is only 250 meters (820 feet) higher than the Saddle and can be reached easily by those who feel up to the short scramble to the park's north-western limit. From here there are superb views of Kilimanjaro, the Momela Lakes and, to the west and north, the wildness that harbors Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron.

The healthier quickly thins after the saddle and gives way to hardly grasses and sedge. But even these cannot survive on the barren sands of the crater rim that curves around in a counterclockwise direction along a series of ridges, crags and lava boulder to the rocky knoll of the summit itself.

Tanzania National Parks

National Packs
The National park each offers something slightly, whether it is a different type of animal or bird or different type of game drive.
Certain packs allow walking or boat safari, other have horse or camel back game drives and some allow night drives. Even hot air
Balloon safari is possible. The Serengeti has wide-open plains and huge herds of wildebeest. Considered African Eden and the
Eighth wonder of the world .Ngorongoro Crater has huge concentration of many different animals and a relatively healthy population
of rhinoceros.Mahale and Gombe Stream each support population of wild chimpanzee, With Mahale also being the residence of
Elephant and zebra herds and Gombe Stream National Park being the base for Jane Goodall's-long term chimpanzee study.
The Selous Natural Reserve is one of the biggest wildlife reserves on the planet and is home to many animals, including the
Endangered African Wild Dog. The Rufiji River and the ecosystem centered on it are the most attractions of the Ruaha National Park,
Home to both sable and roan antelope. Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The only coastal National
Park is Saadani, near Dar es Salaam. Relatively small, this unique park has many interesting features, including the herds of
Elephant that like to start their day by playing in the ocean surf.Jozani forest in Unguja Island is the only place in the world to see
The endangered Dirk's Red Colabus monkey. This park is an excellent example of the impact of conservation education, as nearby
Communities work together to help preserve the habitat of the playful and fascinating natural residents and entrance fees directly
Benefit the park and surrounding communities. Other national park including Arusha, Mt.Kilimanjaro and Tarangire.

Great Migrations

Between the Ngorongoro highlands, Lake Victoria and Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya stretches one of the world's last
Great wildlife refuges-the Serengeti.

Its name comes from the Masan Serengeti, meaning ''endless plain". The Serengeti's 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles)
Equal in size to Connecticut or Northern Ireland contain an estimated three million large animals, most of whom take part in a
Season migration that is unparalleled in nature. Not since the days of the great bison migration the Northern American plain have
there been such concentrations of the animals on the move at one time.

Twice a year, triggered by rains, 1.3 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 300,000. Thomson’s gazelle gather to undertake the
Long trek to new grazing lands. The migration of the herbivores roughly defines the boundaries of Serengeti National Park which is
the central zone of the Serengeti ecosystem, an area that also takes min Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area and the Maswa Game Reserve to the west. Within this 25,900 square kilometers 10,000 squares miles) of varied
landscape live thirty-five species of plains animals and 500 species of birds.

The park is made up of the different vegetation zone. In the dry south, located in the lee of the Ngorongoro highlands, are short
and long grass plains, where an average of only fifty-one centimeters of rain falls sporadically during the year. In the center lies the
Acacia Savannah. The western corridor, a region of wooded highland and pans of black cotton soil, curves off in a great swathe to
the edge of the Lake Victoria where the rainfall is twice that of the south. To the north is wooded grassland concentrated along
watercourses and tribulations of the Gourmet and Mara rivers.


History
One hundred years ago the Maasai first arrive at the Serengeti, bringing their fierce reputation and abundant cattle to graze on
the rich grasses. Prior to this the region was unabated and only the Ndorobo and Ikioma came here occasionally to hunt. The
Maasai were soon felled by Dr Oscar Bauman, a German anti-slaver who passed through on his way to Burundi in 1892. Other
white were quick to grasp the Serengeti potential and by 1913 the first European hunter arrived to shoot game. Lion were
Considered to be vermin and were so plentiful on the plains that it was not uncommon for a hundred to be killed on a single safari.

By 1921 their numbers had been drastically reduced and it become clear that lions that lion and other game needed protection. In
response the area was made partial game reserve and eight years later a complete reserve.

The Serengeti was one of the first regions to benefit from the growing appreciation that wildlife was not infinitely renewable but
Needed safeguarding- usually from human interference- and in 1951 the reserve was designated a national park. It was Tanzania's
First national park. The Serengeti has also declared a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its uniqueness of the great migrations.

The original Serengeti also incorporated the Ngorongoro lands. In 1956 the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was created as a
Separate unit to meet the needs of the Maasai and their livestock who, prior to this, had denied access to their old grazing lands
around Ngorongoro highlands in the interests of wildlife.

The best time to see the heavy concentration of animals on the plains is from January to February. During the two periods of
November and March -April- May, it possible by use a four-wheel drive vehicle


Island of the plains
After a kill, lion of the Serengeti will often retreat to kopjes (pronounced kopjeee) an Afrikaans word meaning ''small heard''. This
granite domes can be oases of the dry season and they support distinct population of animals that live there or come to drink from
their rock pool. Most kopjes are found north of Naabi Hill Gate and Seronera Lodge is built around one.

They provide shelter for a number of plants that can not grow out on the open grassland, such as sensevieria, aloes, blue and
yellow hibiscus, and spectacular crimson Gloriosa lily, Cheetah use the boulders as lookout points from where they scan the
plains for the game and rock hyrax lives among them in burrows where they it remains from the leopard, jackal and serval cat.

Accommodation
Serennora lodge is imaginatively built around a large kopje at the summit of which an observation platform is reached by
Climbing rock-hewn steps. Eighty kilometers (50 miles) away by good road and comparable in style and comfort, Lobo lodge
overlooks the northern plains. Both have its own airstrips.Eight five kilometers west of Seronera lodge is Gurumeti River Camp,
a luxury permanent camp runs on solar power. Ninety six kilometers (60 miles) from Naabi Hill Gat the newer, luxury Maasai
manyata inspired Serengeti Sopa Lodge gives sweeping views across the plain from the Nyaboro Hill.

There are different campsite in the park, at Seronora, Lobo, Moru Kopjes, Naabi Hill Gate and Kirawira.

Cultural and Historical Highlights

A remarkable mix of old and new cultures can be found in Tanzania. The Swahili people have flourished along the coast and,
At a time when much of the Western world was wallowing in the Dark Ages, this civilization was prosperous and advanced.
The knowledge and the wisdom of the East, the riches gained through profitable trade and fortuitous location helped lift this
Society to greatness. Kilwa Kisiwani, a small island south of Dar es salaam, is the historic capital of the Swahili nation and
Some of the evidence of the grandeur and a power of civilization still exist there today. It is an interesting and eye-open
Place to visit.Lushoto in the Usambara Mountains was once the seat of great kingdom. The colonial past is evident in
Dar es saalam, where, amidst the modem office buildings, a city tour takes visitors past such landmarks as the Forodhani Hotel,
The State House and Resident Magistrate's Court Building, all of were built 1880s and used by the Germany government

The history of Tanzania goes back to the beginning of time. Olduvai Gorge, possibly the world's most famous archaeological site,
Are the highlights in the Ngorongoro Conservation Are. It was here that Lous Leakey discovered the remains of the first humans. The
Old Museum Building in Dar es saalam counts these remains among its historical treasures.

The people of Tanzania are another fascinating feature of this multi-faceted country. With their characteristic red blankets,
Distinctive hairstyles and colorful jeweler, the Maasai are visually captivating. In order to help preserve their traditional,
Pastoralist way of life, the Maasai have embraced the idea of educational tourism and there are many opportunities to visit Maasai
Boma and lean more about this fascinating society. The WaChagga people of Kilimanjaro and the Hadzabe Bushman of Lake
Eyasi are two interesting and distinct tribes and visit to traditional village to see their art, culture and way of life are not difficult
to arrange.

This list of highlights is just a sample of the adventures awaiting the visitors to Tanzania. This country is one of those rare places
where dreams come true. No matter what type of experience you seek, you are likely you find it here





CULTURE TOURISM PROGRAMME.

A new form of tourism in which local people design and organize the tours and the profit is used for various developments
purposes.
Ilkiding'a, Mulala, Ng'iresi and Oligilai, located in the slopes of Mt. Meru, to experience the village life of Arusha people,
visit banana and coffee farms and development project, hike along narrow footpath, cross canyons and climb small hills.

Mamba and Marangu
Enjoy the view of Mt Kilimanjaro.
There is more than having the chance to climb the most unique, the tallest and the most beautiful mountain of Africa. We at
Kilimanjaro design, arrange and participate with you in ensuring that you will have a satisfied touch of our culture heritage;
For we are the people who believe that the service of the local inhabitants provide a tasty authentic and most memorable attraction
Whatever curiosity one may have, as we complete the millennium, it may be rewarding to try to venture high with us in Africa.
There are carefully mapped out our ancient and present resources, wisdom and skills and we are inviting you whether you are
Tourist, a volunteer, a retiree, a student, a pupil, a researcher, an adventurer just one with some curiously about our culture and
Nature resources existing within the vicinity of our community to time with us and through us.

MARANGU
Home to Kilimanjaro, tours through Marangu offer panoramic sights ideal for photography. Mountain climbing enthusiasts will
be delighted to visit the home and memorial of late Johanna Lauwo, a marangu native who accompanied Dr. Hans Meyer on the
first white man recorded climb of Kilimanjaro in 1889.Read the original log books of Mr. Lauwo who lived for an astonished 124yrs

Walking tours through Marangu, offer equally breath talking scenery as its sister city. It also offers walk by numerous waterfalls
including the beautiful Kinukamori and Moonjo falls. One can learn more about the chagga culture by visiting tradition chagga
house made of straw roofing. Finally for those interested in art, a trip to the African Art Centre will not disappoint with its
numerous displays of ancient and modern sculptures, carvings and paintings through Africa.
Enjoy Our Local Brew.


MAMBA
Magnificent view of villages and waterfalls offer great entertainment for bird watchers and nature loves. With more than seven
Waterfalls in the vicinity one can spend a whole day enjoying the post card like scenery.

Walking tours will provide magnificent views overlooking the area including the points where the lights of Nairobi can be seen
at night. Visit to tree, flower and fruit nurseries help to portray mountain life and give guest the chance to see a wide range of flora
and fauna.
Walks also pass ancient sights which remain of clan wars and history legends. You can enter large hiding caves which were used
to protect women and children during the ancient Maasai-Chagga wars.

For a closer look visitors will actually get to see blacksmith who continue using tradition methods to prepare spears and tools
are still used by Maasai people today. Also within the area a local woodcarving teacher who is one of the oldest active members
within the community.


Babati and Hanang
Babati district is located along the Arusha -Dodoma road in the Rift Valley, south of Lake Manyara National Park and west of Tarangire National Park. In both Babati and the nearby Hanang district, the people follow their tribal culture and traditions closely and visitor can mix freely with them and observe their lifestyle. The area also has a rich birdlife with over 400 species.

Tour to the area is:
· A special Barbaig cultural insight hike
· An exclusive Mount Hanang climb, camping in Zion camp around mount Hanang[Katesh]
· A fishing adventure with local canoes on Lake Babati while viewing hippos
· A chance to participate in local brick and pottery making and beer brewing
· A visit to development projects like cattle and goat dairy faming, piped water project, bio-gas energy project
· Cycling expedition through remote areas

Mount Hanang trekking tour and God's Bridge walk are other interesting options.

All tours can be combined and cycling expeditions organized on request. For birdwatchers, exclusive safaris are designed. A combination of national park and culture safari is possible.


Chilunga
Morogoro, 195 km west of Dar es salaam, is a beautiful region with the Uluguru mountains, natural forest and endemic bird species. Apart from these attractions, visitors can enjoy mountain hikes, historical sites, waterfalls, panoramic viewpoint and glimpse of the local culture.

Engaruka
Engaruka, situated 63 km north of Mto wa Mbu, on the road to Oldoinyo Lengai and Lake Natron, lies at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. It is an important historic site as some 500 years ago; a farming community of several thousand people chose to develop an ingenious irrigation and cultivation system here. For unknown reasons, the farmers left Engaruka around 1700, but the ruins talk volumes about the highly specialized agricultural economy.

The people of Engaruka offer visitors the following attraction:
· A guided visit to one of the oldest African irrigation systems
· A visit to Maasai cattle market
· Walking safaris in an area of outstanding beauty
· A look at the local community life


There is various guided tour option
Half day tours
1. Visit to the ruined city
You can see the remnants of the ruined city of Engaruka. The guide will help you to identify old graves, house walls, irrigation canals and terraces, and explain the various theories about the rise and fall of the farming comminute. Enjoy enrooted, colorful birds and butterflies, remnants of German era and also visit an 'orpul' or Maasai slaughter-house.

2. Engaruka farming tour
From the ruins, walk to the village of Engaruka. Enrooted, visit several farms and learn about various farming and irrigation methods. The guide will throw light on the tribal background of the village. On the way back, visit the market area located in the shade of an African tulip tree and a huge mkuyu tree.

3. Rift Valley escarpment tour
From the ruined city, narrow footpaths wind up the Rift Valley escarpment. Climb the escarpment guided by Maasai warrior, who will help you spot many colorful birds and show you tree and plants that the Masan use for making food and medicines.

ILKIDING'A
The village of Ilkiding’a at the foot of Mt. Meru, where the sounds of rivers, birds and people are in harmony, offers a view into the culture of the Wa-arusha tribe.

The following is offer-:
· A visit to local traditionally built household to get an idea of how an extended family live together
· A walk through coffee plantation and open field where potatoes, cabbages, maize, beans and other cash crops are cultivated by the villagers.
· A visit to the tradition healer, who is ready to answer all your question and give advice if needed
· A visit to the craftsmen making small wooden stools, jeweler, knives and tradition clothing
· A tradition meal prepared by the Mainyoito women Group at one of the households
· A visit to primary school where money generated from tourism as Development Fee is rehabilitate the school
· The pleasure of impressive viewpoints overlooking Arusha town, hiking along narrow footpaths, crossing a canyon and climbing small hills



OLDONYO SAMBU
MAASAI CULTURE
Our Maasai tour culture will includes;
Short hiking up hills in the open plains to view the scenery of maasailand and to see the high volcanoes of northern Tanzania
Which include M t Kilimanjaro, Meru, longido and Kitumbeine.

Visits to traditional Maasai bomas, markets and watering dams to experience real Maasai daily life.

Courtesy call at the home of a traditional healer or at the worriers' camp of meat-eating rituals or at the center of women group
Specializing in making Maasai ornaments.

Study walks to historic tower, tribal holy trees and stage water springs.

Horse, donkey and camel rides across Maasai country.

Culture tourism is available also in Mto wa Mbu just outside Lake Manyara National Park.

Day Trip around Arusha Town
Walking safari 7km to small hill called Sapouk, for stretching the legs. A part from that you can observe the local Waarusha and
Maasai who lived in the slope of the hill. Heaving a real picture and view of Arusha Town, swimming at the natural swimming pool
while looking more than 20m high water fall which drop its water majestically like a huge none stop tape.


Duluti Forest Reserve
This is a day trip safari, it just 11km from Arusha town. Enjoy short 10km African massages in having a ride with daladala buses
to a stop where you will take a 1km walking and stretch you legs toward Dulut. Walking around the lake and you guide will tell
of tales related to this lake. To natural lovers try naming or identify the hundreds of species of terrestrial flora and some water
bone plant. About ride across the lake.


DIFFERENTOPTIONS
The above walking tours can be done separately, or combined as a full day tour or together over one day. We will be more than
happy to arrange a custom tour to satisfy your preference.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
Development fees from each tour will go towards the village education project. This project strives to improve primary school
In the village. Through your tourism participation, you will help improve the quality of education.

Myth About Afrika

It is interesting to watch the reaction of people when they pickup literature on bicycling in Africa. Many react like it is an oxymoron and ridicule it to their friends. A few react like it is the greatest idea they have heard in years and you see the urge to sprint and buy an airplane ticket sweep across them. Hundreds of Westerners have bicycled in Africa: some were so emotional moved by the experience they cried when they had to leave. Many have returned in subsequent years to take additional bicycle tours in Africa. It doesn't have to be "one of the world's most dangerous places." Why is there such a range of reactions to "bicycling in Africa"? Which reaction best reflects the facts?
Myth of the Void
Certainly bicycling in Africa is not for everybody. It is not for those who aren't interested in bicycling or interested in Africa. But there are those, who might really appreciate it, who because of preconceived notions, or false information, have prematurely dismissed it. This is not to say that Africa does not have its problems or that one should not be a well informed traveler. However, there are huge areas where bicycle touring is practical, enjoyable and highly rewarding. Bicycle touring in Africa is for the good natured realist who can appreciate the rewards of not being confined by barriers of glass, steel and speed. The potential participant doesn't even have to like dirt roads and rustic accommodations.
Myth of Wilderness
Myth number one: "Africa is (dangerous) wildlife", and the most compelling reason to travel to Africa is to see the wildlife. Most wildlife is not dangerous. One can safely see zebra, giraffe, elephants, kudu, sable antelope, impala and dozens of other varieties of animals from a bike seat. More importantly, Africa is more than wildlife and the bicycle is an extraordinary way to experience it. Wildlife constitutes a very small part of Africa and only a very small portion of Africa contains wildlife. Africa is about people and culture: people with a long history, a multiplicity of complex cultures with sophisticated governmental structures, elaborate artistic expressions, diverse religions, ontology and colorful traditions. The land itself contains everything from modern cities with the latest in telecommunications to highly efficient, low consumption, small scale, sustainable rural communities. Within its borders are a full spectrum of micro-climates and geological formations from glaciated mountain peaks, to verdant grasslands; from arid deserts, to dense tropical rain forests. As a footnote: Bicycles have limitations for seeing wildlife and often are restricted from the national parks with the main concentrations of wildlife.
A related set of myths is "Kenya is Africa," "Africa is Kenya," "Kenya is wildlife," and "Wildlife is Kenya." Recently South Africa has been being substituted for Kenya. Kenya and South Africa are only two of more than fifty countries in Africa. Each country on the continent has its own political, economic, social and physical profile. Kenya and South Africa are not the only noteworthy destination in Africa. Neither is the most politically stable, most socially unique or diverse countries. Additionally, they are not particularly unique in their wildlife endowment and physically there are dozens of other countries that can rival their beauty. What Kenya and South Africa probably can claim is the most comprehensive westernize tourist environments in sub-Saharan Africa. But this masks Africa, not introduces it.
Another associated myth/behavior here is going to "Africa" to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. While the ecology of Mt. Kilimanjaro is fascinating, most of its visitors are hardly there long enough to learn much about it, and there in nothing very African about the climbing culture on the mountain, except the birth of the guides, porters, cooks and fee collectors.
Myth of Violence
Myth Number Two: "The people of Africa are violent and dangerous." The exact opposite is probably closer to the truth. It is safer in many African capitals to take a late night stroll than in many North American cities. That is not to say that Africa is not without its problems and that one should not be "city-wise" in all countries, but when leaving the US for Africa one is going from one of the world's most violent countries to some of the most gentle and hospitable. Granted people must be selective about where they go, however there are more choices than one can manage to get to. The violence associate with Africa is tragic, but it is also isolated to specific geographical pockets. A report of instability in one country has absolutely no implications about the quality of life in any adjacent country. It is similar to riots in North Miami or South Los Angeles, which have no implications to the scene in Coconut Grove or Santa Monica. And similar to a riot, violence in Africa is generally the actions of a wayward minority.
One must also distinguish between political violence and personal violence. A closer examination of the violence finds that it is; rivalry between factions in a country, the extension of Western violence through a proxy war, or the legacy of social dislocation stemming from the havoc brought on the culture during the colonial period. All of this is easily circumvented by a traveler. While personal violence exists, the frequency should not be exaggerated. The people of Africa, even amidst vortexes of absurd violence have a gentleness, humbleness and optimism that we could all learn from. They do not run through the forest chanting and carrying spears, nor do they boil foreigners in large kettles. More often, those Westerners who do brave the myths of Africa are disappointed at the lack of "tribal rituals" in Africa. Most Africans retire early for the evening so that they can begin working at daybreak.
Africans are generally friendly to and interested in meeting foreigners, and American tend to have an exceptionally good reputation in rural Africa. Most Americans that rural Africans meet are Peace Corps Volunteers -- people who have come to live in the community, learn the language, participate in the economy and take an interest in the well-being of the society by helping with development projects. Even if Africans have qualms with a foreign government, they very clearly separate governments from citizens.
Myth of Disease
Myth Number Three: "I'll get ill in Africa." Travelers to Africa need to know that there are a number of serious diseases there, but that does not mean not eating, drinking, and breathing the stay. While the list of diseases is long, most are easy to avoid and the chance of contracting these is minuscule. Of those with higher infection rates easy effective prevention is available. One will be ninety-five per cent of the way by being current on their immunizations: Tetanus-diphtheria, polio and measles are pretty routine. For yellow fever a vaccine is available, as for typhoid and several other diseases. The most serious disease a traveler is likely to encounter is malaria. While it is serious, the threat is not uniform in all locations nor all seasons. Even at its worst steps can be taken to avoid it. Number one, consult your travel clinic or physician about prophylactics for chloroquine-resistant malaria, effective preventative drugs are available. Second, wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, sock and insect repellent in the evening. Third, sleep under a mosquito net. It is an easy routine. Ironically, the most common health problems have been: colds caught on airplanes flying to Africa; sun related problems like not applying sunscreen and getting burnt, and short term traveler's diarrhea which is associated more with the change of environment than any specific item. There is a lot of other information that can scare you, but in fact our program has had many 100 per cent healthy tours. Illness is extremely rare and vigorous health is the rule.
Myth of Pollution
Myth Number Four: "The water in Africa is unsafe." Generally Africa is less industrial and uses few or no chemicals in their agriculture methods. The ground water in Africa can be as safe or safer than that in industrialized countries. In the last two decades there has been a massive effort in water resources development. Boreholes for water have been drilled by the World Health Organization, aid programs from the Scandinavian countries, Canada and the U.S. Safe drinking water is now widely available in Africa. For those who want to be sure, small, light and efficient hand pumps with filters are available to further purify the water.
Myth of Sanitation
Myth Number Five: "The food is unsafe in Africa." Again one's attention needs to be properly focused. I know of more cases of travelers have become ill from over eating and eating dressings and desert creams in fancy hotels than they have from eating local dishes in small restaurants. As with travel anywhere, one must make wise choices. Cultural development has served African society well: most Africa cuisines involve a sauce or topping with meat, chicken, fish or vegetables, which is thoroughly boiled or sautéed at high heat. This is then serve over a carbohydrate like rice, millet, corn or a tuber that is similarly boiled. The meat, chicken and fish were probably killed and dressed that day and the vegetables are fresh from the farm. Personal experience with thousands of such meals, is that they are tasty and wholesome. By getting good regular exercise, eating fresh tropical fruits, carbohydrates, vegetables and the proteins of choice, sleeping well at night and being away from the stress of our Western lifestyles, one can return from Africa healthier than we left. Some of the cuisines that have been particularly big his among Westerners are: Senegalese, Swahili, Uganda, Tunisian, Liberian, Ethiopian and Ghanaian. By getting good regular exercise, eating fresh tropical fruits, carbohydrates, vegetables and the protein of choice, sleeping well at night and being away from the stress of our Western lifestyles, one can return from Africa healthier than one left.
Myth of Pestilence
Myth Number Six: "There are swarms of snakes and insects." I have been in more snow storms (two) and earthquakes (two) in the last couple years in Africa than I have seen live snakes. There is the occasional dead snake on the road, but even these are not seen on every trip. Like most wildlife snakes are shy and do not seek encounters with humans any more than humans want to encounter them. As for insects, they are largely a function of time and place. Because it is preferable to do most traveling in Africa during the dry season, one bottle of insects repellent has lasted for ten years and it should last another ten. If one does not like insects, avoid them, but do not let that be the reason to miss experiencing Africa.
Myth of Famine
Myth Number Seven: "Africa is full of famine and drought." These are two different things. When there was a drought in Zimbabwe, subsistence farmers suffered because the failure of the rains caused a failure of their staple crop. As a result they had nothing to sell to buy food, however, there was still food in the cities and plenty of the kind of food that tourists eat. Moreover, the aquifer was still healthy so there was sufficient drinking water available. On the other hand, most of the worst famines have very little to do with drought. They can often be traced to political and economic policies (in tandem with other human rights abuses) and as such they are geographically distinct, often ending at national boundaries. Famine areas do not make good tourist destinations. The knowledgeable traveler should choose not to go to these regions for other reasons as well.
Myth of AIDS
Myth Number Eight: "I will get AIDS." Similar to North America, Europe and Asia, AIDS is primarily a lifestyle disease. If you live a healthy lifestyle you will stay healthy. Traveling in Africa, one will be no more aware of the presence of AIDS amongst the population than in any Western city.
Myth of Climate
Myth Number Nine: "It is too hot to cycle in Africa." Africa is huge and someplace on the continent one can always find comfortable cycling weather. There is a great deal of variation in the climate. If one is planning an independent trip it will require some research. Tours have encountered everything from snow storms to blistering heat. One should know how to select the weather one wants. In the middle of a hot and humid northern July, one can go to idyllic, clean, dry 70o-80o cycling conditions. Similarly, one can escape a frigid northern winter to delightful cycling conditions in Africa.
Myth of Hygiene
Myth Number Ten: "How will I stay clean?" Unlike many western cultures who bathe once a day, many African societies are not comfortable without two baths a day. Water for bathing is a standard part of the hospitality. In twenty years of experience in Africa, there have been very, very few days when a bath I was not available and these were usually well off the beaten track and not the usually destination of a bicycle tour.
Myths of Civilization
Myths Number Eleven to Fifteen: "Conditions are too primitive." "Roads are too bad." "Hotels are infested." "Why go where everyone is uneducated?" Africa may be less energy and resource intensive, but often it is so innovative that it is far from primitive. If so inclined, one can take tours of tens of thousands of miles on paved roads, through dozens of countries. Hotels come in all shapes and sizes. Generally one gets what one pays for, but do not assume that even an inexpensive hotel is infested. Small towns have banks and banks managers; villages have schools and teachers; and elders who worked their professional lives in the cities often retire to the regions of their roots. All of these people are far from uneducated: they may speak three to five languages, many love to tell a story and share a good conversation. There is more knowledge than any of us could possibly absorb throughout the continent.
Myth of Suicide
By reputation, drivers in Africa operate their vehicle dangerously. The conclusion is that bicycling there is suicidal. There is no argument that accident rates in Africa are high and drivers go too fast and take to many risks, which can be compounded by poor equipment, such as bad brakes, shock absorbers and headlights. Perhaps the saving grace is that the roads in rural areas, which is most of Africa, have very little traffic. While the drivers may be going hell-bent, if there is not an on-coming vehicle, they will generally give touring bicyclists a lot of room. If there is an on-coming vehicle many will adjust there speed so as not to jam you, but there are the exceptions, so you have to be prepared to bail off the road. This problem increases as you near urban areas with higher traffic volumes, before the roads change from two lanes to four lanes. In rural areas it is more comfortable to be traveling on a bike than in careening vehicles. In the city the issue is a little different -- suicide by asphyxiation: Diesel fuel is common, pollution control devise are nonexistent and traffic congestion is high, so in a few cities the air-quality is toxic. Under these circumstances the best time to bicycle is first thing in the morning. Overall, African drivers don't have as much rage and aren't as territorial as there counterparts to the north and west. There is no indication that bicycle touring in Africa is any riskier, vis-à-vis other traffic, than it is in other parts of the world.
Conclusion
The endless stream of negative images of Africa is amazing. Even as I finish this article I have a hunch that many readers will find one more reason for not considering Africa. Whatever it is, I suspect it is not as serious as they imagine. Year in and year out, I go, I have fun and I return. I have had seen people from 9 to 75 years old do the same. We can not all be living in a false dream. If you are interested in Africa and can appreciate the best that bicycle touring can offer-extraordinary scenery, meeting people, freedom of movement and a special knowledge of the places you visit-put the two together with a bicycle tour of Africa.