9-Days Safari & Hiking
Arusha National Park - Enduimet Game Reserve - Usambara Mountains - Mkomazi National Park
Highlights
• The picturesque Usambara Mountains: on colonial traces in the former settlement area of the Europeans
• Still an insider tip today: the Enduimet Game Reserve in the Amboseli ecosystem
• Good chances of seeing the “Big Five” and some rare animal species
Extension options: Zanzibar, trekking on Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro or the classic national parks in the north
On a game drive in unknown national parks
Arusha National Park, Enduimet and Mkomazi are part of a large protected area in northern Tanzania that stretches from the Serengeti/Masai Mara to Mkomazi/Tsavo and creates important migration corridors for animals.
The scenic Arusha National Park on the slopes of Mt. Meru attracts not only buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, zebras and warthogs, but also the beautiful colobus monkeys and flocks of flamingos at the Momella Lakes.
During a game drive on foot in the Enduimet Game Reserve on Kilimanjaro, you can encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and a wide variety of antelopes. Not only the animals, but also the Maasai living here benefit from your visit.
There are protected areas in Mkomazi National Park specifically for the conservation of the endangered rhinos and wild dogs, where you will encounter these extraordinary animals and also have the chance to see the other “Big Five”.
Active out and in the Usambara Mountains
In addition to hikes with rangers in Arusha National Park and the Enduimet Game Reserve, you will also explore the rarely visited Usambara Mountains on foot. The climate is different from the rest of the country – it can rain all year round, which is why the mountains are a lush green and have produced unique flora and fauna. A winding road takes you through lively villages up to an altitude of 1400 m to Lushoto, the most important town in the Usambaras. Even the European settlers of the 19th and early 20th century liked the pleasant climate and enjoyed living in the climatic health resort “Wilhelmstal”, as Lushoto was called at the time. Around the town, hiking trails lead through the extremely species-rich mountain rainforest, which offers impressive views as well as giant trees and the peculiar chameleons.
ITINERARY
Karibu sana in Tanzania! After your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your Afrimine Tours guide. Transfer to the cozy lodge near Arusha. Relax in the spacious garden and by the pool.
Meals: 1x Dinner
Game drive in the diverse Arusha National Park at the foot of Mt. Meru. The route leads through a fascinating landscape of savannah and mountain forest, lakes, waterfalls and volcanic craters, where buffalo, giraffes, elephants, zebras, warthogs and antelopes can be observed. The forests are home to the black and white colobus monkeys. Flocks of flamingos gather at the Momella Lakes. On a short hike accompanied by a ranger, you can get particularly close to the fauna and flora. Overnight at the lodge.
Meals: 1x Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner
The Enduimet Game Reserve is the southern extension of Kenya’s Amboseli. In clear weather, Mount Kilimanjaro forms a magnificent backdrop for your game viewing during the game drive and an accompanied hike. Elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, elands and even the rare gerenuks can be seen here. The water accumulations in the old Sinya sea-foam mines attract a variety of bird species. Overnight at the lodge.
Meals: 1x Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner
While most vehicles travel on the main road south of Kilimanjaro between the coast and Arusha, today you drive along the north side of Africa’s highest mountain on the less frequented route near the Kenyan border. With a bit of luck, i.e. the right weather, you will see the snow-covered summit. Amboseli and Tsavo in Kenya lie to the north of the road. The route takes you through the lively villages at the foot of the green Pare and Usambara Mountains.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals: 1x Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner
Explore the unknown beauties of the Usambara Mountains with your guide. In the bustling town of Lushoto, you can still find traces of the colonial era of the European settlers who appreciated the pleasant climate of the mountains. There are many hiking trails around Lushoto through a lush mountain rainforest with giant tree ferns and strange chameleons. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: 1x Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner
Today you also hike through the beautiful nature of the Usambaras. The view from the edge of the Irente Viewpoint to the Maasai steppe 1000 m below is deeply impressive. Later, drive to Mkomazi National Park, which stretches between the Usambara and Pare Mountains and the Kenyan border. Together with Tsavo in Kenya, Mkomazi forms one of the largest protected areas in Africa and is very similar to Tsavo with its red slopes and acacias. Its arid landscape contrasts beautifully with the green slopes of the Usambara Mountains. Overnight in a tented camp in the north-western part of the park and overlooks the Watershed Valley, which is popular with eland, zebra, giraffe and reedbuck.
Meals: 1× Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner
You go on a game drive in the spectacular landscape of the Mkomazi National Park. In addition to the “Big Five” and over 400 bird species, you have the chance to observe some very rare animal species such as oryx, gerenuk and vulture guinea fowl. Large herds of giraffe, zebra, antelope, buffalo and elephant use the migration corridor between Tsavo and Mkomazi. Special highlights, however, are the Mbula Rhino Sanctuary, where you can get close to these fascinating, highly endangered black rhinos, and a breeding and reintroduction station for the endangered wild dogs. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meals: 1x Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner
In the morning, you will once again go on a game drive in Mkomazi National Park. You drive to Moshi for overnight. Here you will have the opportunity to take a short stroll through this typical African town and, with a bit of luck, catch another glimpse of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Meals: 1x Breakfast/Lunchbox/Dinner
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. Individual departure or start of an extension program such as a safari in the south of the country, an ascent of Kilimanjaro or a beach vacation on Zanzibar or Mafia Island.
Meals: 1x Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- English speaking Guide (on request German-speaking guide)
- Safari Landcruiser
- All transfers and drives as per program
- All excursions according to program
- Meals as per program
- Hike in the Usambara Mountains with English-speaking guide
- All national park fees as per program
- Drinking water on board
- accomodation in Lodges, Hotel, Tented camp, Guesthouse
NOT INCLUDED
- Arrival/departure
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Visa (approx. 50 US$)
- Airport taxes in the destination country
- Optional excursions
- tips
- personal items