Trekking through the Maasais Volcanoes

Combine trekking and safaris. Embark on a journey beyond the tourist trail in the Rift Valley.

Maasai volcano trek

from 3600 $US

June to February

9 days

From age 12

Plan your trip

Maasai volcano trek

June to February

9 days

From age 12

from 3600 $US

Plan your trip

Overview

This trip offers you an original hike away from the crowds. As the region is not easily accessible, you will see very few other tourists during your days there. Discover the heart of Tanzania.

June to February

9 days

From age 12

Journey
on the Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley, also called the Rift Valley, is the source of numerous theories on human origins. The fault presents all the conditions for preserving fossils, and its tectonic activity has brought them back to the surface. Numerous fossils of’hominids fossils have been found here.

Travel Details

Your highlights

AUTHENTICITY

On this trip, you have the opportunity to meet the Maasai people far from the tourist routes and learn more about their culture.

BIVOUAC

Experience a unique adventure, camping in the wild, a totally off-the-beaten-track experience and a change of scenery guaranteed.

3 NORTHERN PARKS

Each of the 3 parks is different, so each day will be an intensely emotional discovery: Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire.

AT YOUR OWN PACE

Your trip is private and you are free to organise your days at your own pace. Each evening, you will check in with your guide towards the next day's journey.

Itinerary
details

Browse through our tour and contact us to tailor it to your travel needs.

Day 1: Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania The ideal destination for safari lovers. Welcome by our teams upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Villa in the Arusha region
Private car

Day 2: Manyara Safari Park

Meet in the morning with your private French-speaking guide. Settle into your private 4x4 vehicle, which will be yours for the entire stay. Drive directly to Lake Manyara National Park And the first day of 4x4 safari. Picnic lunch inside the park. Will you be lucky enough to see the lions in the trees?

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Departure in the morning for theNgorongoro Cratera veritable paradise of Eden, for a day's safari with a picnic lunch in the crater at midday. You may be lucky enough to spot the Big 5.

The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains fresh and salt water, savannah and forest, and is home to around 100 animals per km².

We then drive to the Olmoti volcano and set up camp in a wilderness bivouac. A cook will take care of the food during the bivouac.

Bivouac
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 4: Trek from Olmoti to Bulati

Day of approximately 6 hours of walking, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area between the Olmoti and Bulati volcanoes. A Maasai guide from the region accompanies you in addition to your French-speaking guide. You will be able to walk to the Olmoti waterfall, among other things. It is possible to encounter zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, etc. during the walking day. The Conservation Area is still inhabited by the Maasai people; they are the only ones authorized to reside there.

We then drive to the rim of the Empakaï crater for the night.

Bivouac
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 5: Trek from Empakai to Nayobi

A 6-hour hike to the village of Nayobi on the outskirts of the park. Magnificent views of the Lengaï volcano. During this day, the car can no longer follow you! You are in total immersion. Donkeys and local Maasai muleteers help with the transport.

Bivouac

Day 6: Trek from Nayobi to Lake Natron

A 5-hour hike down to the foot of Mount Lengaï. During the walk you will have a view of Mount Lengai, the sacred mountain and god of the Maasai. Ol Doinyo Lengaï is the only volcano still active in Tanzania. It last erupted in 2007. The descent is long and the slope can be steep.

The car will wait for you at the end of the trek at the foot of the volcano, to join the 4x4 to the edge of the Lake Natron.

Campsite
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 7: Lake Natron

The Lake Natron is a saltwater lake known for its flamingo colonies. In the morning, walk to the Engarasero waterfall. A well-deserved swim upon arriving at the waterfall.

Drive to Lake Manyara, about 4 hours on track. On arrival, relax by the pool.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 8: Tarangire Park Safari

Full-day 4x4 safari in theTarangire National Park. Picnic lunch inside the park. Established in 1970, Tarangire National Park is now considered one of the country’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. You’ll encounter large numbers of elephants among the baobab forests.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 9: Arusha or Zanzibar

Departure from the lodge in the morning to return to Arusha town or Kilimanjaro Airport. It is entirely possible to continue this trip with a domestic flight to the island of Zanzibar.

Private 4x4 vehicle

Our added value:
A tailor-made experience

An extra day? This itinerary can be modified according to your wishes, your availability and your budget. Our travel designers are on hand to help you build the safari of your dreams.

Plan your trip

Their experience

We chose this agency because it organises treks off the beaten track that are accessible to families. We set off from the Empakai crater to Lake Natron on foot, in three days of trekking, supervised by a perfectly organised team, including a French-speaking guide, an armed ranger for part of the route, a Massai guide and a cook. The equipment was carried by donkeys. Very varied scenery. Beautiful views of the Lengaï volcano. Bivouac in the heart of nature. Very good meals (three courses!). Pink flamingos and many other birds. Crossing isolated Massai villages.

We combined this trek with a magnificent safari - more traditional - in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Like almost all agencies, we had a big Toyota 4×4 with a panoramic roof, ideal for observing the animals. Our guide Eric was very friendly and spoke perfect French.

Corto also makes a big effort to limit waste by providing mineral water in flasks and reusable crockery.
Our teenagers loved this trip, despite the absence of a network and the lack of wifi.

Tanzania is a particularly expensive destination, not least because of the park entrance fees. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Thanks to the whole team, and to Laurène for planning the trip!

Alexandre

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More information

Oremiti Lodge

Oremiti Lodge

Oremiti Lodge is a charming retreat on the shores of Lake Manyara. The lush vegetation, the diversity of birds and butterflies, the sunset and the view of the Rift Valley from the swimming pool are simply unforgettable!

Room for up to 6 people
Pool facing the Rift Valley
Several dining areas
Lodge on a more intimate scale
View of Lake Manyara

Check on TripAdvisor Watch the video

Meru Villas

Meru Villas

This is your home away from home! Meru Villas consists of 2 villas with 3 and 4 bedrooms, set in a beautiful garden with a swimming pool. Between the international airport and the town of Arusha, it's a beautiful place to recharge your batteries in peace and quiet. You can admire the view of Mount Meru, Tanzania's 2nd highest peak and Africa's 4th highest.

7 rooms in total
Swimming pool in a magnificent garden
View of Mount Meru
Massage service
Head chef

Watch the video

Budget

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on the number of participants, since certain costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season. We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.
The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season.
We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.

This trip starts at US$3,600 per person for 2 participants in a double room, during the low season.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

Full service from day 1 to departure transfer
The entire safari in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan vehicle equipped with radio, water cooler, fridge and sunroof, with a English-speaking guide.
Accommodation in the establishments mentioned.
All camping equipment apart from sleeping bags
Full board basis for meals
Government park entrance fees
Our assistance throughout your stay

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Flights
Visa fees
Insurance

Extensions

For even more game viewing, the Serengeti Park can be added to the itinerary. It is also possible to complete the trek with a day in the Empakai Crater. At the end of the tour, you can take a domestic flight from Arusha to the island of Zanzibar. This itinerary pairs perfectly with a few days at the beach to round off your discovery of Tanzania.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget for a safari in Tanzania?

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on a variety of factors. The number of participants, since some costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The type of transport: 4×4, planes for certain routes, private charters, etc. And finally the type of accommodation.

The Tanzanian government controls park entrance fees. These taxes are very important in your budget. You can find the prices of these fees on the Tanapa website.

The habit of tipping is very ingrained in Tanzania and you should also take this into account in your holiday budget.

When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?

You can travel to Tanzania all year round as long as you adapt your itinerary. Each season will reveal a different but beautiful landscape.

The dry season runs from June to October,where you cand find beauty in the dry landscapes. Evenings can be cool, especially in July and August.

The main rainy season generally extends from April to May. The main concentration of rain falls over two months.

The short rainy season, which starts in mid-October and lasts until February,rains only in the form of short showers. This is when nature is at its most beautiful and verdant.

The hottest months are from December to February..

Are safaris in Tanzania suitable for children?

You can travel to Tanzania with children, the important thing is to adapt the itinerary. Our travel designers are used to this and will be able to recommend the best itinerary according to their age. We can offer you family rooms specially designed to answer the safety questions that all parents ask themselves before taking their children on safari.

Children are generally entitled to a discount on accommodation up to the age of 12. For park taxes, the reduction is up to the age of 16. There is no tax for children aged 4 and under.

What are the most important things to remember before going on safari in Tanzania?

Formalities and Visa: For European and Canadian nationals, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return + a Tanzanian visa. The Tanzanian visa can be obtained on arrival or online at least 3 weeks before travel. The cost of a visa for Tanzania is 50 US dollars.

Health: Vaccination against yellow fever is not compulsory for entering Tanzania directly from Europe or North America. Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Vaccination against rabies is also recommended.

Malaria is endemic to the country. Make sure you protect yourself against mosquito bites with repellents, mosquito nets and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
We advise you to make an appointment with your GP or a specialist for further information on this subject.

What to bring: Except for the coast and Zanzibar, it is essential to bring sweaters as the evenings and early mornings are cool. Avoid wearing black and blue on safari, as these colours attract tsetse flies.

You'll also get sunburn if you don't take precautions. Pack an anti-diarrhoeal in your first-aid kit. You should also take insect repellent and medication to combat travel sickness. And don't forget your camera, sunglasses and a pair of binoculars.

Currency and exchange: US dollars and Tanzanian shillings are the main currencies accepted. For US dollars, you will need banknotes dated after 2009.
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are sometimes accepted in lodges, but not everywhere.

What to do and not do during a safari in Tanzania?

Dress code: On safari, shorts and short-sleeved clothing (T-shirts, blouses, etc.) are not a problem. Watch out for the sun!

On the coast and in the islands, the religion of Islam is predominant, so avoid clothing that could be perceived as an affront to the religion. Wear long sleeves and trousers. On the beaches, avoid any form of nudism or revealing clothing.

Safety: In order to adopt a few safety rules when travelling in town, we recommend that you consult your respective embassy website, under the 'Travelling abroad' tab.

Customs and traditions - Specific legislation: During Ramadan, do not eat or drink in public.
The Zanzibar authorities prohibit homosexual practices. Drugs and narcotics are severely punished. The import of plastic bags is prohibited.

Photographing and filming: When photographing people, do so sparingly and respectfully; try to put yourself in their shoes: how would you like to be photographed, how would you not like to be photographed? And always ask for consent!

You can photograph landscapes without limits! Please note, however, that it is forbidden to photograph military areas and buildings or officers in uniform. The use of drones is prohibited in Tanzania's national parks.

Tipping: Tanzania, like the rest of East Africa, is a country under Anglo-Saxon influence, and tipping has become a way of life here. We will suggest a recommended amount as a guideline only, but you should never feel obliged to give a tip.

It is customary to tip at the various accommodation establishments where you will be staying. Most lodges and camps have tip boxes at reception where you can leave US$10 per room, per night, if you are satisfied with the service. The money is then shared between the staff.

It is also customary to tip your safari team at the end of the safari. As a general rule, we recommend around US$25 per day of safari for your guide.

Electricity: 220 and 230 volts, 50 Hz. Power cuts are fairly frequent. Sockets have three plugs, two horizontal and one vertical. We advise you to bring an adaptor for your electrical devices (UK type) before you leave.
In the lodges, the electricity often stops working after 10 or 10.30pm and starts up again around 6 or 7am.

Time difference: +3h to the UK standard (GMT +4h) in winter, +2h in summer.

Languages: Swahili and English are the official languages. Swahili is of Bantu origin, originally from the coastal region, and includes many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages of Nilotic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.