Africa’s Gem: Hiking and Wildlife Safari in
Tanzania
January 26-February 10, 2007 (Trip #0705)
INTRODUCTION
Tanzania is the base for this amazing two week African adventure. You will experience
an unforgettable camping and hiking safari. We’ll have a combination of stationary
“luxury” safari camps, as well as a hiking safari where our scaled-down camp will move
with us every night. Our safari includes game drives in safari vehicles inside Serengeti
National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, which harbor an astonishing wealth of wildlife.
The Ngorongoro Crater is world-famous for its wildlife-viewing opportunities, with an
incredible concentration of animals (both predator and prey) within an inactive volcanic
caldera. The Serengeti has open grasslands where we can watch the drama unfold
against a vast backdrop. The Serengeti/Ngorongoro corridor hosts the largest animal
migration on earth, and if our timing is right we’ll see the wildebeest, zebra and gazelles
on the move. But, even if the full migration hasn’t arrived, there is always a great
assortment of resident animals roaming the plains and in the Crater. A visit to Olduvai
Gorge will provide the opportunity to learn about our early human ancestors discovered
there by the Louise and Mary Leakey. Then, a hiking and camping expedition takes us
from the Ngorongoro Highlands to Lake Eyasi. We will hike approximately 4-6 hours
per day when outside Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater (more at times). Our
hikes may be on game trails or over rough terrain, adding to the adventure. The safari
vehicles are available at any time for a ride if someone doesn’t want to hike all the way
to the next camp during the walking safari.
Although the animal watching and close encounters on this trip will be extraordinary, the
human interaction is a true highlight. We will visit and interact with the local Maasai
people, who live and herd their cattle in the Ngorongoro Highlands surrounding the
Crater. Imagine visiting the boma (home) and family of the local Maasai chairman, Ole
Dorup. Get to know the Maasai warriors who have prepared a traditional goat roast for
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us, then watch traditional Maasai dancing and singing. We will also spend time walking
with and learning from the Hadzabe tribe. The Hadzabe are one of the few huntergatherer cultures still largely living their traditional lifestyle. We will walk with them as
they go on their daily search for food.
Why choose this trip? This trip is for adventurous, physically fit people who wish to
experience and learn about the diversity of Tanzania, its people, and its wildlife. Many
participants on AMC trips find they have a lot in common with other AMCers and enjoy
traveling with them. A typical safari does NOT include this amount of time spent hiking
or visiting with tribes. This trip offers unparalleled opportunities for up-close learning
about Tanzania’s wildlife, environment, and people. For many, the adventure of staying
in tented safari camps will be part of the appeal of this trip. You may fall asleep to the
sound of lions roaring in the distance (amazingly, I did!). You may awaken to the sight
of a baboon family welcoming sunrise from a rock just outside camp, or a beautiful beeeater bird flitting outside your tent. These are all experiences from my trip to Tanzania
in January 2006, and all these photos are from that same trip. The opportunity to feel
you are part of this incredible ecosystem is unsurpassed. And, importantly, you will see
that this outfitter tries to keep our trip’s impact on the environment as minimal as
possible. You won’t get this close to nature in a hotel!
ITINERARY (subject to change based on weather conditions, location of the herds,
camping permits, or other reasons)
Friday 26 Jan depart US on afternoon/evening flight to Amsterdam
Saturday 27 Jan Change planes in Amsterdam to KLM, arrive at Kilimanjaro airport
(JRO) late this evening & transfer to the Arusha National Park Mt. Meru Luxury Camp
Sunday 28 Jan Arusha National Park - Mt. Meru Luxury Camp. Today’s hike may be
short to visit a nearby waterfall, or longer to the crater floor of Mount Meru. If it’s clear,
there is a wonderful view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and Mount Meru behind
us.
Monday 29 Jan Drive to Arusha to catch the flight to the Serengeti. Stop at a public
school in Arusha to meet the children and staff, and to bring donated school supplies.
Fly to Seronera in the Serengeti, game drive to the Luxury Camp for the night. Your
drivers are very knowledgeable and can help spot and identify animals and birds.
Tuesday 30 Jan Full day of game drives in the Serengeti – overnight Luxury Camp
Wednesday 31 Jan Second full day to explore the vast Serengeti with game drives overnight Luxury Camp.
Thursday 1 Feb Leave camp and spend the day crossing the vast Serengeti plains.
Visit Olduvai Gorge – learn about the Leakeys and our early human ancestors in the
museum. Arrive at the walking camp near Olmoti Crater in the northern Ngorongoro
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Highlands. If there is time, hike up into the crater for sunset. Note: depending on
conditions and location of the herds, we may choose instead to hike in the Gol
Mountains of the short grass plains.
Friday 2 Feb Maasai village visit & hike around the rim of Embakai Crater in the
Ngorongoro Highlands. This extinct volcanic caldera is one of the best kept secrets of
the area with its thickly forested sides and the sparkling lake covering half of its floor,
frequented by flamingos and their lurking predators - hyenas and jackals. Overnight
Walking Camp.
Saturday 3 Feb Hike down into the
Embakai Crater for the day – back to the
same Walking Camp for the night. The day
is dedicated to a full exploration of
Embakai Crater. We will hike down the
steep forested slopes of the caldera where
we may catch glimpses of rarely seen
forest animals such as bushbuck, duikers
and even leopards. Around the lakeshore
we will find many waterbirds, especially the
celebrated flamingos of East Africa. Up to
four million of these birds roam the Rift
Valley lakes in great flocks throughout the
year searching for the best feeding and
bathing conditions.
Sunday 4 Feb Drive to the Luxury Camp near Ole Dorop’s Boma (Ole Dorop is the
chairman of the local Maasai). Morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. Afternoon
hike up Saadiman mountain and into camp.
Monday 5 Feb Morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. Cultural exchange in the
afternoon - "Ol Pol" traditional goat roast prepared by the Maasai warriors, followed by
traditional Maasai dancing and singing in the evening. Overnight Luxury Camp.
Tuesday 6 Feb Drive to Endulen. Meet the Hadzabe tribe guides and hike 4 to 5 hrs
down the Rift Valley to the Eyasi basin where vehicle backup is available, or continue
hiking another two hours to camp. Overnight in the Walking Camp.
Wednesday 7 Feb A day with the Hadzabe & visiting the area. We will learn about the
culture of this tribe who continue to preserve their hunter/gatherer culture. The Hadzabe
spend their days walking in search of different types of food and today you will be part
of that journey to find food. Overnight in the Walking Camp (the crew will have moved
our camp while we are hiking).
Thursday 8 Feb Last day in the bush – walking with the Hadzabe or visiting Lake
Eyasi. Overnight in the Walking Camp
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Friday 9 Feb Drive back to Arusha, shopping on the way, supper at a restaurant. Hotel
rooms for the afternoon to shower and pack your purchases before flying out in the late
evening on KLM to Amsterdam.
Saturday 10 Feb Change flights in Amsterdam, arrive back in US in the afternoon
SAFARI CAMP ACCOMODATIONS:
Our accommodations will be in two types of camps – “Luxury Safari Camp” and
“Walking Safari Camp”. Both types of camps are quite comfortable, although the Luxury
Camp will feel like the five star hotel of camping. In both camps, hot water is delivered
to a basin outside your tent to wash up every morning, and hot showers are provided.
Lanterns are placed outside your tent each night as a visual barrier to wildlife. Tents
have two beds or cots each, and you will be assigned a tent-mate. The comfortable
dining tent is a short walk away. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with
advance notice. The crews are amazing at preparing wonderful meals and providing
great service with a genuine smile. Getting to know them is a highlight of the trip!
Luxury Safari Camp (left photo above): These camps are semi-permanent so tents
are more spacious, with attached rooms within the tent for the shower stall and the toilet
stall. These tents have beds, bedding, and battery operated lanterns. There is a large,
comfortable dining tent where our crew will serve us amazing food. Beer or wine can be
purchased.
Walking Safari Camp (right photo above). This camp is light and simple enough to be
packed up and moved easily (by small pickup trucks). The camp is designed to blend in
with the environment to encourage wildlife to come around camp. The tents are walk-in
height, nylon dome tents with cots, comforter and pillows. Separate, shared toilet and
shower tents are provided (in the photo at right above, sleeping tents are on the left,
shower and toilet tent stalls are visible on the right). Tents have a flashlight overhead
for light. Meals are served in a comfortable dining tent with table, chairs, and cold
drinks. Meals are simpler than at Luxury Camp, but still amazingly tasty. Basically this
is a scaled-down version of Luxury Camp that can be moved easily to accommodate the
walking safari portion of our exciting itinerary.
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TRIP LEADER – Erika Bloom (AMC) and African Environments (Outfitter)
I am a hike leader and past hiking chair for the Southeastern Massachusetts chapter of
AMC. I am a member of the AMC Major Excursions Committee. In January 2006 I led
an AMC Major Excursion to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and on safari in the Serengeti and
Ngorongoro Crater areas, using the same outfitter and visiting some of the same places
this trip will visit. I loved it so much I couldn’t wait to create this next adventure! I led an
AMC Major Excursion to Glacier National Park (hiking with naturalists) in 2004 and will
repeat it in August 2006. Previously I co-led a Major Excursion (hiking and
backpacking) to Banff, Canada in 2002. I have led numerous AMC day hikes and
backpacks in Massachusetts and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
My contact information is: Erika Bloom, 9 Holiday Drive, Fairhaven MA 02719.
508-951-1001 (cell - preferred), 508-996-3290 (home), ebloom1@comcast.net .
The outfitter for this trip is African Environments www.africanenvironments.co.tz. Their
goal is to offer safe and reliable Kilimanjaro climbs, bush walks and safaris. They are a
preferred AMC outfitter and have been used for AMC Major Excursions in December
2004 and January 2006, as well as AMC President’s Society trips in December 2004,
2005 and planned for 2006. African Environments will provide a trip leader (we might
think of this person as the head guide), safari vehicles with drivers who are very
knowledgeable about wildlife (and excellent at spotting animals), cooks, and crew.
COST, REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION
To apply for this trip, you will need an Application Form, Confidential Medical Form, and
Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Form. You can get these by sending mail
(e- or snail-) to Erika at the addresses above.
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The approximate cost for the trip is $5000-5390 per person plus estimated airfare of
$1,500 (Boston-Arusha; other departure cities possible, price may vary). The price
range depends on the number of people who register (minimum 10, maximum 13, plus
the leader) and also allows for any unexpected cost increases. Your trip fee is allinclusive (except tips) and will cover the following items:
-
In-country transfers and flight to Serengeti
Accommodations in tented safari camps
All meals
Guides and crew
Vehicles and drivers
Park permits and fees
All technical equipment (tents, kitchen gear, mess tent, etc.)
AMC Major Excursion overhead fee
The trip fee DOES NOT include tips for the guides and crew. You will be given
recommendations regarding appropriate tipping amounts before the trip. Additionally,
the crews love it when folks bring a small gift for them – baseball caps are popular and
useful, as are sunglasses or flashlights (with extra batteries). Alcoholic drinks are
usually extra. Depending on your insurance, you may incur costs for vaccinations and
medications for the trip.
The approximate cost for the excursion is based on quotes at the time the trip was
submitted to the Major Excursions Committee (March 2006). Costs may differ for
different points of departures and with fluctuations in airfares. Park entrance fees are a
significant part of our budget (over $1,000 per person). If there are any governmentmandated increases, the outfitter has the right to pass those costs on to the
participants. However, park fees went up in January 2006 so we hope they won’t go up
again this soon! Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases, will be passed
on to the participants.
Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing some of the
leader’s costs, but not all of them. Beyond this, in accordance with AMC rules, the
leader may not realize a profit from this excursion. Any unspent trip funds must be
refunded to all the participants. The trip fee also includes an AMC overhead cost to
cover the administrative expenses of offering Major Excursions (publication in the
Outdoors magazine, liability insurance, etc.). This charge amounts to 10-12% of land
costs (i.e., international air travel costs are not included in calculating the overhead
charge).
A registration deposit of $1,000 is due with the application. You must also submit the
Confidential Medical form and the signed Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk
and Release form. The balance of the trip fee will be due by September 15, 2006.
Make checks payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club. You will be asked to give your
credit card information to have airline tickets charged directly to your credit card, which
has worked well for other trips. Our cancellation policy is based on the simple precept
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that your cancellation shall not raise the cost to any of the other participants or the
leader. Therefore, if you cancel we will refund any fees that you have paid, less
expenses already incurred, or unavoidable expenses that will be incurred to the leader
or other participants as a result of your registration and subsequent cancellation. If you
cancel after airline tickets have been purchased, then you own the ticket and that
cannot be refunded. You are STRONGLY encouraged to purchase the optional trip
cancellation/evacuation insurance policy that we will make available to you upon
registration.
This group size is strictly limited (minimum of 10 participants, maximum of 13). If you
are interested you should register as soon as possible. The deadline for registration is
June 30, 2006.
When registration is complete, I will send all participants the names, addresses and
phone numbers of those going on the trip. I will be using email as our primary source of
communication. If you prefer snail mail and/or telephone communication, please let me
know. If you have any questions, please call me so that we can discuss them.
EXPERIENCE AND RISKS
This should be the adventure of a lifetime. However, the very term “adventure”
suggests some inherent uncertainty, isolation and risk. The main health concern for
Tanzania is the relatively high risk of acquiring either traveler’s diarrhea or a more exotic
tropical infection. There are also risks associated with accidents while trekking. The
safari will include exposure to wild animals and off-road vehicle travel. We may be
hiking on wildlife trails and in areas with uneven footing. Fortunately, our outfitter has
an excellent safety and training program for their employees, which helps to minimize
the risks. The risks of becoming ill can also be significantly reduced by obtaining the
proper immunizations before the trip, following the advice of African Environments about
food preparation and general safety, and speaking up immediately if you start to exhibit
symptoms of any medical problem. You will be given lots of information before the trip,
including recommendations for when you should consult a travel medicine clinic to start
the recommended vaccinations (which may include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow
Fever, etc.) and to discuss medications to prevent malaria. Much more information on
this subject will follow after registration.
Due to the terrain and isolation, it is a good idea to make sure you are as healthy as
possible and in good physical condition prior to departure. For this reason, you will be
required to have recent hiking experience and you will be asked for a hiking reference
(preferably an AMC leader) in case there are concerns about your abilities. If you have
chronic medical problems or a history of something complicated that could flare up on a
trip, you may be asked to produce a document from your health care provider stating
that he or she feels you will be able to participate fully in the trip.
There is relatively little political unrest in Tanzania, unlike many of its African neighbors.
If the US State Department advises Americans not to travel there, the trip would likely
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be cancelled for your own safety. If you would like to read about Tanzania, please visit
the State Department’s website at: http://www.state.gov/travel/.
When you participate in this activity you should be both physically and mentally
prepared and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of any
risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We are not responsible for your safety:
you are. Prior to registering for this activity you will be asked to discuss your experience
and capabilities with the leader. Please do not be offended by any questions.
EQUIPMENT LIST
Safari dress during game drives is casual. Most people wear shorts and a t-shirt during
the day and long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening. Cotton is great for game
drives. If you are sensitive to the sun, wear a loose, long-sleeved shirt during the day.
It is preferred that your daytime clothing be in neutral colors to blend in with the
surroundings. In some areas, it can get quite chilly at night. On our hiking days we will
need typical hiking clothing; this should be non-cotton hiking pants or shorts, shirts, etc.
Pants with zip off legs are ideal as they can function as pants or shorts, depending on
conditions.
Laundry: We will have very limited opportunities to wash laundry, so pack accordingly.
Water is the limiting factor. You can wash a few items such as socks and underwear by
hand in a basin in camp, although depending on the weather it may dry quickly or
slowly. Washing larger items (shirts, pants, etc) can’t be counted on.
WALKING SAFARI CLOTHING:

fleece jacket

lightweight rainjacket with hood and rainpants (waterproof/breathable is best)

lightweight hiking boots that are broken in and comfortable, preferably waterproof

1 pair walking shoes or sneakers for around camp, game drives, etc.

1 pair sandals, Tevas, or flip flops (great for camp showers)

7 pairs of lightweight non-cotton hiking socks (OK to bring cotton socks for game
drives & in camp)

Gaiters, preferably short ankle height, to prevent dirt and grass seed from getting
in your boots and socks

1 bandana (many uses)

shade hat with wide brim (very important!), optional baseball cap in addition (I
recommend both)
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
1-2 pairs of sturdy cotton shorts

2 pairs of lightweight cotton pants

Non-cotton hiking pants & shorts, zip off legs are ideal (for hiking days where
sweating or rain may cause cotton to be uncomfortable)

At least 2 long-sleeved shirts (more if you are sun-sensitive)

At least 4-6 short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

plenty of underwear (non-cotton for hiking) and some warm socks for evening

bathing suit (optional – there could be a pool at the hotel dayrooms our last day)
GENERAL SAFARI EQUIPMENT

A sturdy daypack with waistbelt that can carry two liters of water, extra clothes for
wind or rain, cameras, binoculars, etc (a fanny pack will not be large enough)

Hiking poles

1 large duffle bag to hold everything

1 small padlock to lock duffle (optional)

2 wide-mouth plastic water bottles, minimum 1 quart/liter capacity each (such as
Nalgene), or one bottle and one Camelback or other hydration system

toilet kit including biodegradable shampoo and soap

plenty of sunscreen (more than you possibly think you’ll need!)

flashlight (head lamps are great) with spare batteries

nylon stuff sacks or plastic bags to organize clothes, laundry, and other items in
your duffle bag

pocket knife

thin, quick-drying washcloth ( a small towel is provided)

binoculars (essential for good wildlife viewing)
MEDICAL ITEMS AND MEDICATIONS (Note: for those convenient to Boston, a
group travel clinic appointment may be arranged)

small personal first aid kit with bandaids
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
moleskin or second skin for blister treatment

antibiotic ointment for cuts & scrapes

cortisone cream for rashes

hand sanitizer

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common event when traveling in other parts of the world.
It can be a mild reaction to a change in your diet, or can be a severe reaction to
microorganisms. Bringing the proper medications can make the all the difference
in how you enjoy your vacation! Bring both PeptoBismol and Imodium, and
discuss an appropriate antibiotic such as Cipro with your travel clinic.

Discuss malaria preventive medications with your travel clinic – it is generally
recommended for travel in Tanzania.
OPTIONAL/RECOMMENDED ITEMS

camera, extra film or memory cards, and spare batteries. The experience last
trip to Tanzania was that you should bring more than you think you’ll use! Some
people had to “ration” photos by the end of the safari, which is a shame. A
camera with the ability to record audio/video is wonderful since we’ll see some
traditional dancing and singing, not to mention animal sights and sounds. If your
camera has a rechargeable battery, bring the charger – we may have a cigarette
lighter converter that provides an electrical outlet to plug in standard US plugs.

paperback reading and writing material (keep weight to a minimum). Sketch pad,
journal, playing cards

travel clock or watch

field guides for birds and animals
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