Get off the beaten track and experience a different side to Tanzania!
day 1 - Arrive in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by Leonotis Representative and transferred to Arusha. Settle in, relax and enjoy some well-deserved rest after your journey before the adventure and excitement of your Tanzanian adventure truly begins. Overnight at Ngaresero Mountain Lodge (HB Basis)
Day 2 - Cycling with elephants
Today we change up the scenery and after breakfast we meet our bikes at the edge of a wilderness zone call Enduimet WMA. After some setup adjustments we ride! The first section is mostly downhill all the way to the Amboseli eco system (on the Tanzanian side) and once down on the plains meet our team for a bush lunch under an acacia tree. The heat of the afternoon passes and we can then ride on into the plains looking for the last of Africa's great Tuskers (elephants) before then heading back to our lodge. Note: as this is the first day there are potentially two ride options this afternoon (long + short) and vehicle support is always available. Dinner & overnight Simba Farm Lodge (full board).
day 3 - KILIMANJARO biking or hiking
For those that have seen Kilimanjaro or maybe even hiked her majestic peak, then you will know that it is a massive sentinel on the earth's crust. And today we mountain bike the Shira plateau! The bikes are serviced and we transfer up to the edge of the Shira plateau and we rise early to ensure the very best views. Once on the edge of the plateau, we have a bush breakfast before we ride up to the end road at almost 3,800 meters before splitting into advanced and regular riding tracks. The way down is exhilarating, care must be taken and yet for those who remain on the rescue road, it can be a very controlled ride too. We then head down to a farm at the base of the forest zone for a scrumptious lunch, and once again options to ride exist before we all meet back at the tented lodge. Dinner & overnight Simba Farm (full board).
Day 4 - NGORONGORO
After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania enroute to the lodge. Enroute Mto wa Mbu Cultural Excursion Experience. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge while preparing for the exciting crater experience the following day. Overnight at Pakulala Safari Camp
Day 5 - Empakai crater
After breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a Crater Tour, then afterwards head for Empakai. On arrival at Empakai crater there is the option to descend into the crater. This is around 40 minutes down and depending on season can be quite slippery but certainly a great hike with stunning views. Flamingoes are often seen flying into the crater or feeding in the lake at the base. A hot shower is available before dinner. Overnight Empakai Camp. (full board).
day 6 - Leonotis camp
Dawn rises and our lofty position affords a great sunrise. As we take breakfast our camp crew break camp and depart to send the camp ahead with donkeys. We then set off hiking with Maasai guides following a route that takes us through picturesque Maasai villages and rolling hills. Lunch can be taken on route as a picnic or if guests are very fit a late lunch can be had in camp. In the late afternoon a hike up to a nearby viewpoint is highly recommended and a great place for sundowners! Dinner & overnight at Leonotis Camp. (full board)
Day 7 - Lake Natron camp
The final section of hiking has two options of a shorter hike or a longer more strenuous option right along the rift wall. The views are spectacular with the active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai dominating the foreground. This volcano affects almost everything from hydrology to lifestyle, as will become apparent. Once down on the rift valley floor we are picked up and transfer to Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and here have the chance to jump in the natural pools to cool down. Sundowners are served at any number of beautiful points close to camp. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp. (full board)
day 8 - hominid footprints
Lake Natron has a number of activities that are very easily combined with dawn walks and sundowners and in the middle of the day there is the nearby Ngare Sero gorge that you can walk to options of long hikes to the source or shorter hikes to waterfalls. The staff are on hand to make you stay as adventurous or relaxing as you want. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp. (full board)
day 9 - the great rift valley
After breakfast you depart to the bottom of the rift valley and start your trek to Sanjan. The hike this morning is up the rift valley, following the migration routes of the Maasai and their cattle as they move to find pasture. Once on top of the rift valley you trek to meet our vehicle and transfer across the vast Salei plains to Sangan Gorge (note that the wildebeest migration is often here from December – May). Picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed. You will be met by your camp crew when you reach your destination and you can go trek deep into Sanjan Gorge or just relax by the camp fire with a glass on wine! Dinner & overnight Sanjan Camp. (full board)
day 10 - Fossils & cave paintings
The camp is set at the base of the Gol mountains and faces east, which affords a stunning sunrise! Bush coffee is served right from the fire and after a filling breakfast you set of with your Maasai guides along the sides of the Sanjan gorge. It is very rocky underfoot in places and so good shoes are a must and at certain points be sure to look back for stunning views. Once through the gorge you meander your way and then transfer to camp to relax. For those that arrive early there are options to visit local attractions. Dinner and overnight Piyaya Camp. (full board)
day 11 - Ride to olduvai
Edging towards the more regular tourist circuits we now learn how to connect all these programs, and link more new trips as well. Ndutu is close by, Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti. We now have the opportunity to mountain bike to Olduvai before connecting onto Ndutu. Overnight Ndutu Safari Lodge.
day 12 - Home
After a truly unforgettable adventure exploring some of Tanzania’s most spectacular off-the-beaten-track destinations, it is time to begin the journey home. Today, transfer back to Arusha, reflecting on the incredible experiences, landscapes and memories made along the way.