Uncharted Walking Expeditions

Day 1 
Travel south from Arusha onto the Maasai Steppe to camp in the Simanjiro community wilderness area. Simanjiro is a half days drive from Arusha on dirt roads that shows the Tanzanian rural life starting with Arusha people cultivating closer to Mt. Meru and entering Maasai pastoralist range-lands the further south you drive. You would have a picnic lunch on the Simanjiro plains, a very important calving area for Tarangire wildebeest and zebra in February and March. This day you have the opportunity to visit a Maasai boma and get a glimpse into everyday life for these rural pastoralists'. It is important to mention here that these interactions are structured, not staged! The boma’s are not cultural boma’s and may only get one or two visits from guests per year.  Simanjiro wilderness area, where your camp will be located, is adjacent to the eastern border of Tarangire National Park and is the result of a community conservation project established in 1991 between Dorobo and the Maasai Village of Emboreet. Since this contract with Emboreet village, other villages of Terrat, Loiborsirret and Sukuro have joined this tourism conservation model. 

Wildlife densities are generally low except seasonally when Tarangire ungulates migrate through, however, with luck some special and less common species can be seen – fringe eared oryx, greater and lesser kudu, wild dog and striped hyena in addition to more common species such as impala, hartebeest, giraffe and seasonally lion, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest & zebra. It’s a great area for folk to begin to get a feel for their ‘bush legs’ – how to walk in the African savanna and interpret natural history on the ground. By taking walks accompanied by local Maasai guides, people also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Maasai culture.   

The project has protected 250 sq. km of the Tarangire ecosystem from agricultural encroachment including key migratory corridors Community benefits include annual fee and visitor bed night fees into village accounts – use of which is prioritized by the community Employment & training of village guides continued access for livestock grazing also safeguarded by contractual stipulation Opportunity for guests to learn about local livelihood and conservation issues while walking in a pleasing savanna environment    

You will stay in your own private Dorobo mobile camp. This isn't luxury but is comfortable with stand up tents, camp beds, toilet and solar shower enclosures behind the tent and good food.  

Day 2

After breakfast have the option to hike up the Oldonyo Sambu mountain which gives great rock scrambling opportunities and a 360 degree vista of the whole Tarangire ecosystem or walk from camp with local Maasai and an armed Dorobo walking guide. Have your local Maasai guide share their knowledge about the medicinal plants, which you can try if you would like. Evening goat roast (olpul style), guests are encouraged to join and help. Depending on the Maasai mood they may encourage some dancing around the fire with guests.. Night spent at Dorobo mobile camp.  

Day 3

Make your way towards Tarangire National Park, and game-drive as you make your way to the Silale Swamp.  Night camped in Tarangire.