TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK HOLIDAYS

I WANT TO VISIT A MASAI VILLAGE

A fascinating and authentic insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Masai people in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Their traditions and beliefs will give you a genuine glimpse into the Africa of yesterday, but also the Africa of today and tomorrow. The Masai are traditionally semi-nomadic people with distinctive customs and dress, as well as a reputation for being fearsome warriors.

Experience how the Masai people live from day-to-day in the African bush with animals grazing and Lions roaring outside their homes. The majority of Masai still practice their traditional way of life and live as pastoralists with cattle at the centre of their culture and social life. They are very proud to welcome guests and share their story.

The traditional Masai village is called a Manyatta and consists of a number of small cow dung made huts with thatched roofs. The huts are placed in a circle with livestock in the middle and a thick thorny fence for protection against the nightly predators.

You may well also experience the local schools, the bustling markets, the daily milking of the cows, preparation of traditional Masai food and the making of traditional jewelry and beadwork, all with a Masai guide. We ensure (in fact insist) that these visits are undertaken in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Located in the remote south of Tarangire National Park, Oliver’s Camp is an exclusive tented camp offering undisturbed 4x4 safari vehicle game drives, adventurous private fly camping and walking safaris that allow for a rare chance to stalk elephant on foot, as well as privacy and exclusivity. Tarangire NP boasts large herds of elephants and buffalo, plus a large concentration of big cats and arguably the best bird diversity in East Africa.

Maramboi Tented Camp is ideally placed to explore the ecosystems of both Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. Sited on the endless rolling golden grasslands and palm-fringed desert that lies between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, the camp offers the splendour of the Great Rift Valley, stunning views over Lake Manyara, easy access to the Ngorongoro Highlands and the background of Ol Donyo Lengai, the sacred mountain of the Maasai. Maramboi Tented Camp is situated on a 25,000 hectare Maasai communal ranch. During the wet season the ‘pans' (shallow depressions) of this area fill with water, which attracts huge flocks of flamingoes and other water birds. The camp is also ideally placed for watching the migration of the wildebeest, which on the tree-less plains can be more easily and more graphically observed than elsewhere. The camp offers 20 spacious tents & 10 lodge rooms, all surrounded by timber decks, while activities include guided walks, ornithology and cultural interaction with the Datoga and Maasai people, whose communities lie adjacent to the camp. The camp has a swimming pool.

I WANT TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Situated in Tanzania and close to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro is the world's highest freestanding mountain and also Africa's highest peak, at 5,985m. Climbing Kilimanjaro is justifiably considered a once in a lifetime experience. The lower slopes are dense with forest, it is surrounded by vast expanses of savannah, the peak is ice-capped, and the views from the top are breathtaking.

There are several routes to choose from, with different lengths and difficulties, and accommodation options, so that you can do the climb that's right for you. All of our Kilimanjaro climbs are operated on a private basis and are led by an experienced guide and his team, as well as all the necessary permits, equipment, food and transport that you need.

The Kilimanjaro climb is undoubtedly one of the hardest challenges you will attempt, but it's worth it.

We would recommend some acclimatisation time, giving you the best possible chance of reaching the summit, and it's worth noting that a very high percentage of climbers make it to the top. There is no mountaineering experience necessary but of course you need to be in very good physical condition.