The Maasai people of Tanzania live in a stunning wilderness which encompasses the vast grassy plains of the Serengeti, renowned as one of the worlda??s greatest wildlife habitats, and the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater. Until the 20th century this region was largely untouched by the western world but today the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai is fading. Imaginative Volunteers will take part in the day to day activities of a Maasai village, allowing you to experience and help preserve the Maasai culture first hand. You will also enjoy a fantastic safari with the chance to see a huge array of game including migratory herds of wildebeest, lion and cheetah, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Itinerary:
Day 1,NAIROBI Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. Day 2,NAIROBI a?" ARUSHA Depart early and make our way across the border into Tanzania, heading for Arusha, nestled in the shadow of Mt Meru. (B) Day 3 to Day 4,SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK After breakfast we move on to the Serengeti, one of the best known wildlife areas in the world. Morning and afternoon game drives. (BLD) Day 5,NGORONGORO CRATER We drive to Ngorongoro Crater via the Olduvai Gorge, where fossil remains dating back to 1.75 million years ago were found. The crater is teeming with wildlife and birdlife and offers superb opportunities for game spotting. We descend into the crater using 4WD vehicles for game viewing. (BLD) Day 6,TARANGIRE - MONDULI Drive to Tarangire National Park which has the highest concentration of game outside of the Serengeti ecosystem. Explore the area on a game drive before heading to Monduli town for the night. (BL) Day 7 to Day 11,ELUAI Transfer to the Maasai Village of Eluai and spend the next few days participating in a rewarding volunteer programme. (BLD) Day 12,ELUAI a?" ARUSHA Leaving our project we drive to Arusha where we enjoy a traditional drum and dance workshop. (B) Day 13,ARUSHA - NAIROBI We take the morning public shuttle bus back to Nairobi, where the the rest of the day is free. (B) Day 14,NAIROBI Tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Staffing & Participation:: Escorted by driver / guide days 1-12, services of cook and volunteer programme co-ordinator
Transport:: 4WD vehicle, public shuttle bus, safari vehicle
Activities:: Game drives, volunteering, Maa language lessons, hiking, traditional drum and dance workshop
Accommodation:: 4 nights hotel, 3 nights camping on twin share basis, 6 nights camping or homestay in Eluai Village
Meals:: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Local payment:
Visa costs:
Border Taxes:
Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.:
International flights:
Departure and Arrival transfers:
Meals other than those listed:
PLEASE NOTE:: If park fees increase considerably in 2008 the local payment may increase. Check at time of booking.
Donations: We have set up a donation policy where volunteers are required to raise a minimum amount to contribute towards the programme and charity. We guarantee that 100% of all donations will be forwarded to the charity, which means no cut is taken by Imaginative Volunteers for administration or money transfer charges - it is our promise and our pleasure! The donations are used by the charities to cover any running costs the programme may incur such as material or labour costs, and also help the charity continue to reach their goals by funding other essential work they may be undertaking. Please call us for details at 800.228.8747.
Trip Reference: VKSM
