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Maasai Heartland - Into the Wilds of the Serengeti
An Authentic Safari & Photographic Journey with Jaime Kowal
We can organize this tour for your group!
Call us for details
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Tour Leader: Jaime Kowal is a professional photographer, author,
teacher and social entrepreneur. She specializes in travel photography and
authentic portraiture and expertly captures the essence and beauty of all
that comes across her lens. Learn more about Jaime on our
About Your Tour Leaders page. |
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport; transfer to Arusha |
Welcome to the Motherland! Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to our
hotel in Arusha to settle in for the evening.
(Overnight at the Impala Hotel in Arusha)
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Day 2: Tarangire (B, L, D) |
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morning we meet with our local guide for our pre-departure
briefing and hear about all the exciting experiences that await
us. The guide will also be able to assist anyone who wishes to
exchange money or purchase some beverages and snacks to take
along with them to camp before we leave. In the meantime, the
rest of the safari crew will already have gone ahead to set up
camp to have it ready for us when we arrive. Jaime will also
give us a brief introduction on how to develop a strong photo
essay or story to prepare us for our journey.
After our morning preparation we begin our drive to Tarangire,
 whose ecosystem is the third largest in Tanzania spanning 20,000
square km, of which the park occupies a mere 13%. During the dry
season, the park has the second largest concentration of
wildlife in Tanzania. The unique acacia and baobab vegetation
provides a home for over 550 bird species, as well as lion,
leopard, buffalo and large herds of elephant. We may also see
species such as gerenuk, oryx and eland which are rarely seen in
the other parks in the north.
The ride to Tarangire will take just over two hours so we will
either enjoy lunch upon arrival at our camp or stop for a picnic
lunch en route so that we can spend the rest of the day on
safari.
In evening we will enjoy a lecture with Jaime to learn
how to obtain the best photographs on safari. She will discuss
effective techniques, equipment, camera settings, different
lenses and filters, etc.
(Overnight Private Camping within the Conservation Area) |
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Day 3: Tarangire, Mto Wa Mbu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area (B, L, D) |
 We
arise early this morning so that our support crew can begin
breaking down camp while we enjoy breakfast. We then head off
with our packed lunches for a long game drive in Tarangire. This
will give us an opportunity to spot more species of wildlife
found in the park as well as learn about the various flora we
will encounter.
We then visit the bustling town of Mto-wa-mbu, where
there is a lively curio market, excellent for picking up gifts
and souvenirs, and then on to Karatu, a rich farming
area. We will also stop at a fabulous viewpoint which looks out
over Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley to photograph the
spectacular panoramas
We then weave our way upwards into the densely forested slopes
of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, pausing to admire
the splendid view of the crater floor 600m below at Heroes
Point. At 8300 sq km, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is named
after its central feature, the Ngorongoro Crater, which
is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Within this
area, an extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s
densest populations of large mammals has evolved. The crater
floor itself is 260 sq km and from the viewing points at the
rim, the vast herds of wildebeest, buffalo and zebra look like
mere ant formations winding their way across the grasslands
below. The crater is also home to a great diversity of
environments and you may encounter all of the large herbivores
mentioned above, as well as lions, hyenas, jackals, male
elephant (females and family groups tend to stay up on the
higher slopes) and, in the forest around the rim,
 occasional
leopard and bushbuck. There is an active black rhino breeding
project inside the crater and you may be lucky enough to spot
some of these magnificent, shy beasts during your tour.
We arrive at our private campsite in the early evening to enjoy
dinner and share the outstanding photographs captured today. The
crater rim can be very cold at night and cloaked in mist in the
morning so you will need some warm clothing (layers are best)
and a warm jacket for these nights.
(Overnight Private Camping within the Conservation Area) |
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Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (B, L, D) |
 Today we spend the entire day roaming through the Ngorongoro Conservation
Area. We will have countless opportunities to photograph the abundant
wildlife as well as the breathtaking panoramas. Captivated by the unbelievable
vastness, we truly experience our size in relation to our great Earth.
Connecting with the powerful energies of the land which envelop us will be a
transformational experience and one which will certainly change you for life.
Relish the day in this amazing environment and make sure to take a break from
your camera to just watch and experience all that is around and just “BE”.
Once back at camp we prepare for another sumptuous dinner followed by our
photographic review and more great tips and hints from Jaime.
(Overnight Private Camping within the Conservation Area) |
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Day
5: Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti National Park (B, L, D) |
 This morning we break camp and embark on a game drive into the
great Serengeti plains. The Serengeti is unequalled in
its beauty and contains more than three million large mammals
spread over the vast endless plains. It is here, that at certain
time of the year, we may witness the breathtaking spectacle of
the annual wildebeest migration, where one and a quarter million
wildebeest trek in columns of up to forty km long in search of
grazing, drawing with them their predators and numerous other
species of game. From January to March the herds can largely be
found in the southern area, proceeding north through the centre
and Western Corridor during June and July before entering
Kenya’s Masai Mara. They return south in November to repeat this
amazing instinctive procession all over again.
 Before crossing from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the
Serengeti National Park we visit the Olduvai Gorge,
the “Cradle of Mankind”, where we attend a short talk on the
archaeological importance of Olduvai and the work of Mary and
Louis Leakey which involves the excavation of this area where
some of Africa’s most important hominid fossils have been
discovered. The Gorge is one of the most important prehistoric
sites in the world as it has been instrumental in developing our
understanding of early human evolution.
Later we stop at a local Maasai village “boma” to
discover their unique culture. We will spend some time learning
about
 the traditions and beliefs of this ancient, noble warrior
tribe and mingling with the local people.
In the evening we settle in at our Serengeti Wilderness Camp.
This camp is a seasonal camp which is relocated every three
months or so to follow the game's movement. Site locations are
positioned so that we will be as close to the best game viewing
for that time of year as possible, while trying to avoid the
busy areas of the park, in order to offer a true wilderness
experience
(Overnight Camping at the Serengeti Wilderness Camp) |
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Day 6 & 7: Serengeti National Park (B, L, D) |
 We spend the next couple of days in the spectacular Serengeti
National Park enjoying morning and afternoon game drives to
capture photos of the abundant wildlife and endless plains.
Africa’s most famous game reserve covers an area of almost
15,000 sq km and is world-renowned for its dense predator
population and the annual wildebeest migration. The park
is part of the much larger Serengeti ecosystem, which includes
Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve, and encompasses more than
double this area. The greater part of the park is open
grassland, patches of acacia woodland and isolated areas of
granite rock outcrops called koppies. Animal migration is linked
to the annual rainfall patterns and its effect on their feeding
habitats. Formerly the home of the Maasai tribe who displaced
the Datoga pastoralists in the 17th century, the name Serengeti
is derived from the Maasai word “serengit”, meaning “endless
plain”. The national park was created by the Tanzania Government
in 1951 and became famous through the work of Professor Bernard
Grzimek (in particular his book ‘Serengeti Shall Not Die’).
 Huge herds of wildebeest and zebra can be found here along with
smaller concentrations of Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle,
impala, kongoni, Kirk’s did dik, klipspringer and small numbers
of roan, oryx, oribi, eland and waterbuck. There are also
significant numbers of buffalo, giraffe and warthog. Elephants
are relatively scarce on the open plains, being more common in
the northern areas and the western corridor. The few remaining
black rhinos are restricted to an inaccessible part of the park.
The most popular animals to be found here in greater abundance
than elsewhere on the northern circuit are the cats. Lions,
cheetahs and leopard may all be seen here along with other
predators, such as the spotted hyena, golden and black-backed
jackals, wild cats and servals.
In the evenings we will have time to share stories and
experiences and review some of our photographs.
(Overnight Camping at the Serengeti Wilderness Camp) |
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Day 8:
Serengeti National Park (B, L, D) |
 This morning we enjoy another exciting game drive before heading to the Lobo
area. The great migration passes through the Lobo area on its way south, down
the eastern side of the Serengeti National Park and the Loliondo Game Controlled
Area between about October and November, so we are here at an opportune time.
Because Lobo is so far to the north of the park, the game-drive roads around
here can be marvellously quiet, allowing us an excellent opportunity for private
introspection and a chance to connect with the energies that surround us.
In the evening we settle into the Lobo Lodge, which is strategically
hidden inside an enormous volcanic rocky outcrop. It is the biggest lodge on the
migration route and from the pool and deck area you can admire the stunning
views and witness the spectacular wildlife. After dinner we review our fantastic
photographs and gain more instruction from Jaime who will share tips on how to
effectively edit our photos to achieve the best end result.
(Overnight at the Lobo Lodge) |
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Day 9 & 10: Lake Natron (B, L, D) |
 Today we drive to the wild and remote area of Lake Natron
which lies in the northeast of Tanzania between the Ngorongoro
highlands and the Serengeti plains and is situated at the base
of Africa's only active volcano, Oldonyo L'Engai
(Mountain of God). Lake Natron is one of the most alkaline lakes
in the world and home to millions of tiny crustaceans. The lake
is also a haven for literally thousands of lesser flamingos and
is considered one of the most important flamingo breeding
grounds on earth. Here, it is the landscape rather than the
animals that is the attraction. The area around the lake is dry,
desolate and hauntingly beautiful.
We will spend 2 days at Lake Natron to take advantage of the
many activities and active pursuits available such as hiking and
swimming, as well as private meditative walks to reconnect with
Mother Nature.
(Overnight Private Camping at Lake Natron Camp) |
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Day 11: Engrauka (B, L, D) |
This morning we leave the serenity of Lake Natron and head to
Engaruka, home to one of Tanzania’s most important historic
sites. Approximately 500 years ago, a farming community of
several thousand, developed an ingenious irrigation and
cultivation system. The water that flowed from the rift
escarpment was channelled into stone built canals and led to
stone-bench terraces. Measures were taken to prevent soil
erosion and the fertility of the plots was increased by using
the manure of stall fed cattle. A guided tour of the ruined
city will allow us to see the remnants of the complicated
irragation system firsthand. For unknown reasons, the farmers
left Engaruka around 1700. Now, three centuries later, the ruins
still give a good impression of the highly specialized,
integrated agricultural economy, very remarkable for that period
of African history. Although several famous archaeologists
including Louis Leakey have investigated the Engaruka ruins, the
site is still shrouded in mystery. Our guide will discuss the
various theories and questions such as, who were the people
living in Engaruka, how did they develop such a remarkable
system, and why did they finally leave. We then tour Engaruka
Village, which lies at the foot of the rift valley
escarpment.
 The village makes use of the fast flowing streams
from the escarpment to irrigate small plots of land, giving the
village a pleasant green look in contrast to the surrounding
plains where Maasai cattle graze side by side with herds of
zebras. Birds of prey circle above the area looking for a kill,
while remarkable looking secretary birds, beloved as snake
killers, strut across the plains. Dust cyclones are often seen
on the horizon and are feared by the locals as “devils fingers",
bringing bad luck when they touch people.
 In the evening we visit a local Maasai village “boma” for a
unique cultural experience. The walk to the village is a
highlight in itself. Guided by the shimmering evening light,
passing grazing cattle and local villagers feels like a walk
back in time. Here we will have an opportunity to experience
some of the local customs and traditions of the Maasai Warriors
such as the ritual slaughter of a goat which is then cooked on a
large open fire and offered to the local villagers. We will be
invited to join in on the dancing, singing, and all the
exuberant festivities. The vivacious activity and vibrant
colours of the Maasai make for a wonderful photographic
opportunity so be sure to have your cameras ready!
(Overnight Private Camping at Engaruka Camp) |
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Day 12: Arusha (B) |
After breakfast we make our way back to Arusha. Enjoy some independent
time to stroll through the city, which is reputed as being one of the most
pleasant cities in the world due its exquisite weather, location, beautiful
countryside and lively music scene. Shop for last minute gifts and souvenirs and
enjoy the lively night scene.
(Overnight at the Impala Hotel in Arusha)
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Day 13: Depart Kilimanjaro Airport (B) |
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Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport and bid your farewells to Mother Africa. |
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our
control.
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Tour Inclusions
& Price |
Tour Includes: |
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Accommodation: 2 nights at 4 star Hotel in Arusha, 5 nights Private Camping, 3
nights at Serengeti Semi-Permanent Wilderness Camp, 1 night at Lobo Lodge |
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Daily Breakfast, 9 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
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Transportation throughout by Private Vehicles |
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Entrance fees to all sites |
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Special Added Features:
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Lectures, Instruction, Technical Guidance and Presentations with Jaime Kowal and
her assistant |
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Expert Safari Guides |
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Comfortable Safari Vehicles |
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Private Campsites located for optimal wildlife viewing |
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Visit a local Maasai Village Boma |
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Traditional Maasai ritual and festivities in Engaruka |
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Tour does not include:
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Airfare to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania |
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Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian) |
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Cost to obtain valid passport and Tanzania tourist visa |
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Gratuities for Porters, Waitstaff, Caterers, Drivers, Guides, etc. |
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Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any
item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary |
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| Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
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USD $3790.00
USD $760.00 Park Fees
(Subject to change) |
USD $900.00 |
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Note: The single supplement is
ONLY for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour, at
the indicated additional price. If you are not traveling with anyone you know
and would like to share a room, we will be happy to work to find you a suitable
roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held
open until two weeks before the departure date in order to try to match everyone
with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a
suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An
early registration will facilitate this process. |
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Itinerary
Photographs by
David Gordon Hunt
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© 2003 - 2010 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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Tour Description