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“The African Bush has a special smell and life-force which you can never really feel from a vehicle”
Jeanette Hanby, Lion Researcher and Author of The Ngorongoro Guide Book
 For those looking for a unique and active safari experience, a trekking safari provides a welcome break to sitting in a vehicle for days on end. While walking you have the opportunity to stalk wildlife, search for tracks, and mix with indigenous cultures.
On our trekking safaris you will generally move camp everyday which requires a simpler, lighter weight camp. We have designed a special walking safari camp: Tents are dome style with 2 cots per tent, the mess tent is large, weather proof and fully screened with tables and chairs for meals, and food is slightly simpler than our Luxury camp food.
Many of our trekking safaris are run in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and reserves bordering the Serengeti National Park. Weather conditions and season will determine the best area for your trip . We utilize local Maasai guides as well as our highly trained Tanzanian Trip Leaders. All trips are also accompanied by an armed ranger. Depending on the itinerary a walking trip may be vehicle supported or may use Maasai donkeys to transport the camp. Clients only need carry a small daypack with water and personal gear for the day.
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General Information on African trekking
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Why climb with Mountain Madness:
Climb to the top of Africa with Mountain Madness on this once in a lifetime adventure! Africa is an exciting and diverse continent which will enchant and delight the adventurer in everyone. We will ascend the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, in first class style the entire way! Our success rate is high: 98% of all Mountain Madness clients summit Kilimanjaro! Our route takes us up the Western Breach via the Shira Plateau, a route pioneered by Mountain Madness founders Scott Fischer and Wesley Krause. Krause moved to Tanzania and has been overseeing Mountain Madness operations on Kilimanjaro since the early 1980s. Incorporated in Tanzania under the name African Environments, Krause has played a key role in the certification and training of guides on Kilimanjaro. Back
Great Leadership: All Mountain Madness guides have completed many training courses on subjects such as natural history, environmental conservation and wildlife. All guides speak Swahili and English fluently. Each guide also speaks a native tribal language that has been passed on to them depending on which of the 140 tribes into which they were born. Mountain Madness guides have been trained as Wilderness First Responders in the United States or by the National Outdoor Leadership School in Kenya. Mountain Madness guides have a passion for Kilimanjaro and all of Tanzania. They truly love helping others experience the amazing beauty of their country. Back
Our expedition leaders are: Benhadad Mality, Elias Msemo , Sekeyan Lukumay .
Mountain Safety: This is a priority at Mountain Madness and we equip all our Kilimanjaro climbs with Gamow hyperbaric bags and oxygen on the mountain. In addition to having the equipment, we have biannual trainings to ensure guides are up to date on the use of this equipment. Water Filters: Clean water is critical to your health on the climb. We supply high volume commercial Katadyn water filters which can produce the vast quantities of clean drinking water your body requires for hard work at high altitudes. Katadyn is the only water filter endorsed by the World Health Organization to guarantee pure water. Back
Environmental and Social Practices: Mountain Madness not only strives to offer the highest standard of service, but also to be the most socially and environmentally responsible adventure travel company in Northern Tanzania. Although there are many interpretations of "ecotourism," we feel that most importantly it means choosing a company that is respectful of the environment and the local cultures. At Mountain Madness, we practiced ecotourism long before it became a buzzword and we have a broad understanding of the issues. We are always involved in training, conservation and social development programs that ensure that the net impact of our company in Tanzania is positive. Please read more about our commitment to Tanzania and our social, cultural, and environmental practices. Back
Mountain Cuisine: The menus for all climbs are specially prepared to provide a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, plenty of protein and carbohydrates. We have tried to choose food items that are easiest to digest at high altitude. Our cooks undergo extensive training and we have ongoing workshops to review menus. The cooks are particularly vigilant in their hygiene practices as contracting stomach bugs is common for visitors to the developing world.
Dinners are typically a main course with vegetable and salad. Chicken and fish are served at the beginning and end of the climb, with pastas and rice dishes being served in the middle of the climb while up high. Lunches are often on the trail and usually consist of cold cuts and vegetables laid out on a table so you can make your own sandwich. Fresh hot vegetable soups are served at every meal, and packet soup is available on request between meals as is coffee and tea. Breakfast is your choice: granola, toast, fruit, eggs, and sometimes pancakes or French toast. While hiking some people have a favorite snack that they like; it is a good idea to bring this from home.
We also cater to different dietary requirements and full vegetarian menus can be provided on request.
Safari: All our safaris are led by specialized trip leaders who have been working in the National Parks for years and have a broad understanding of the ecosystem. Your trip leader will take you out for the day in our specially modified safari vehicles to search for game. In the evening return to your private camp and sit by a campfire under the star studded African sky while the camp crew prepare your hot shower and dinner.
Safari Camps: Our mobile safari camps are comfortable and fully staffed for excellent service. Tents are large, canvas, traditional "safari style" with camp beds and bedding. Each tent has an attached shower and toilet. The shower water is heated in special high efficiency water heaters and, at your request, your shower bucket is filled with hot water by the camp crew.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Leave Home
Day 2 Arrive Africa Moivaro Lodge
Your trip leader will meet you in Arusha if you are arriving by vehicle from Nairobi or he will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport if you are arriving by air. Either way you will be escorted to Moivaro Hotel about 15 minutes out of town.
Day 3 & 4 Wilderness Camp in Tarangire National Park
In the morning we will drive to Tarangire National Park in the Rift Valley. We will spend three days observing first hand a classic southern savannah ecosystem in the dry season. As the water sources dry up around the Park after the end of the rainy season animals migrate to the only permanent water available, that of the Tarangire River and the Silale Swamp system. Huge numbers of zebra make up the majority of the herds in Tarangire and with them come wildebeest, buffalos, eland and various other gazelles and antelope. Tarangire boasts one of the largest and most conspicuous elephant populations in East Africa. There are large family groups with many calves being born each year as the population continues to recover from the devastating effects of poaching in the eighties.
We will drive in our open top safari vehicles around the Park, investigating habitats and wildlife populations. We will also go hiking in the semi-wilderness area of the Park which is set aside for hiking only. One of our days will be spent in the company of a researchers from the Tarangire Elephant Project, a long term program which aims to discover more about the movement and requirements of the elephants within and around the Tarangire ecosystem.
Day 5 Wilderness Camp near Ole Dorop’s Boma
Ole Dorop is a Masai friend and guide living in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We will camp near his traditional home, which is about a 2 1/2 drive from Lake Manyara National Park. If arrive early enough in the day, enjoy a hike along the ridges of Satiman and Lemagrut mountains on your way to camp. Ole Dorop will meet you for this optional hike to camp to give you local in-site into the life of Maasai along the way. His boma is on the slopes of Mount Lemagrut, where the Maasai and wildlife share the grasslands and mountain forests. The Maasai water their cattle at Lemagrut’s hidden springs. Views from the summit over the Serengeti are breathtaking.
The Maasai are great pastoralists and are an integral part of the Ngorongoro ecosystem. We will learn about village life, the ways of the warriors, their beloved cattle, and many other aspects of a proud and traditional people. We’ll have the opportunity to discuss Maasai life firsthand and perhaps our hosts will want to ask questions about your lives as well .
Day 6 Wilderness Camp near Ole Dorop’s Boma
Today is designed for superlative wildlife viewing inside the Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater floor is mostly grassland, so wildlife visibility is excellent, providing a wonderful opportunity for photography behaviour observation. Zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle mingle together, while herds of buffalo graze the long grass areas. Bull elephants and rhino are often seen feeding in green marshes and there are plenty of hyena and lion. We may be fortunate to witness predation in action.
Day 7 Wilderness Camp near Ole Dorop’s Boma
Lemagrut Mountain commands wide views of the surrounding landscape: the Gregory Rift Valley that sweeps down to the shore of Lake Eyasi, and around to the broad plains surrounding Lake Ndutu and Oldupai Gorge. For those who relish the challenge of a strenuous hike, we can climb to the summit the old volcano whose rim is dominated by the gnarled forms of the Maasai Tree of God, Ol Chani Lengai. Once back at camp we can either rest or take a short walk in to the local Massai village to watch the evening activities around the traditional homestead.
 Day 8 Wilderness Camp near Ikapusi Village
After a relaxing morning we will drive to the remote area between Ngorongoro and Embakai Craters in the heart of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Here begin the wilderness hiking section of the trip. We will walk to our first wilderness camp situated at over 8000 ft in the high grasslands between the villages of Irkepus and Nainokanoka. The name Nainokanoka is derived from the Maasai word for “mist” and reflects the conditions often encountered in this rare and unique African environment that challenges stereotypes of the African bush. You will see a very different Africa to the one shown on the “Discovery” channel; cool mornings, clear air and vigorous hiking in a landscape of extinct volcanoes where the Maasai have established a lifestyle that differs radically from their ancestors’ life on the hot plains.
Day 9 Wilderness camp on the slopes of Olmoti Crater
During our hike today we will pass through the village of Nainokanoka (named after the mist which often engulfs the village in the early mornings), which is the center of life for the many Massai homesteads in the area. It is the only trading post for many miles around and is a hive of activity; maybe to sell a goat to pay for some cow medicine, or perhaps just spending some time catching up on local news with relations and friends. We will hike through the nearby Olmoti Crater, a critical watershed and underground reservoir, slowly releasing water throughout the year for the livestock and wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater. We walk onto our second wilderness camp on the volcano’s northern flank, which offers unparalleled views of the Serengeti’s eastern plains and distant Gol Mountains
 Day 10 Wilderness Camp on the rim of Embakai Crater
Today we hike around the flank of Olmoti Mountain among the herds of Maasai cattle, sheep and goats. The focus of the day is a visit to one of these highland dwellings where we will see daily life close-up. In the afternoon we will make our way across the wide expanse of the “Embulbul Depression,” a retreat for wildlife from the Ngorongoro Crater. Our hike continues into the third wilderness camp situated on the knife-edge rim of the hidden gem of the highlands, Empakaai Crater. This extinct caldera is one of the best-kept secrets of the area with spectacular Rift Valley views from its rim. Its thickly forested sides, and the sparkling lake covering half of its floor is full of flamingos and lurking predators.
Day 11 Wilderness Camp on the rim of Embakai Crater
A full exploration of Empakaai Crater will take up the whole day. In the morning we will hike down the steep forested slopes of the caldera, hopefully catching glimpses of rarely seen forest animals such as bushbuck, duikers and even leopards. Around the lakeshore we will find many species of water birds, and an abundance of flamingos. Up to four million of flamingos roam the Rift Valley lakes in great flocks throughout the year searching for the best feeding and bathing conditions. Our day will end with an ascent back to the same camp on the crater rim.
Day 12 Donkey Supported fly camp near Nyobi village
Leaving the cars behind we descend from the Ngorongoro Highlands to the Great Rift Valley. We will descend through lush grassland pastures scattered with Maasai villages. The scenery alternates between the mountains of Gelai and Ketembeni – both extinct volcanoes - and Lake Natron stretching into the distance. The active volcano Oldonyo Lengai, “Mountain of Gods”, dominates the view. Camp tonight will be a lightweight fly camp which uses the same tents but sleeping in sleeping bags on lightweight therma-rest pads. Dinner will be around the fire in traditional African Style!
Day 13 Wilderness Camp at the base of Oldonyo Lengai
Continue hiking down into the Rift Valley – by now Ol’donyo Lengai is towering above us. Cross the old lava flows and hike towards camp set by a stream at the base of the escarpment. The main camp will have driven around to your new site and will have everything, including hot showers and cold beer, ready for you.
Day 14 Wilderness Camp at the base of Oldonyo Lengai
Some options on the last day of hiking: Those who want a gentler finale to their safari can opt to hike up to the waterfalls above the camp for a relaxing swim or to watch the baboons leaping back and forth on the cliffs. Those who want to finish with more of a bang can climb Ol’donyo Lengai. This is a steep 5000-ft climb and involves leaving at 2:00am in order to reach the rim by dawn, the rewards of seeing the sun rise over the great Rift Valley are incredible. Our final night is at the same camp on the river under the vast African skies, watching the flamingoes pass overhead on the way back to nesting sites in the middle of Lake Natron.
Day 15 Day Room in Arusha
The drive back to Arusha will take about 5 hours with a picnic lunch stop enroute. Once in Arusha you can shop for souvenirs before checking into a day room where you can shower and pack for your flight. After an early dinner we head off to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.
Day 16 Arrive home or onward destination
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Equipment List
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Safari dress is casual and your wardrobe does not require any “special purchase” items. Most people wear shorts and a t-shirt during the day and long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening. If you are particularly sensitive to the sun, wear a loose, long-sleeved cotton shirt during the day. In a few areas, it can get quite chilly at night. It is preferred that your daytime clothing be in neutral colors to blend in with the surroundings.
General Safari Clothing:
·1 warm sweater or fleece jacket
· 1 lightweight waterproof jacket or parka
· 1 pair walking shoes, tennis, or running shoes
· 1 bandanna (many uses)
· shade hat with wide brim or baseball cap
· 1-2 pairs of sturdy cotton shorts · 2 pairs of lightweight cotton pants
· 1 skirt or dress slacks for hotel evenings
· 2 long-sleeved shirts
· 1 pair sandals, Tevas, or rubber thongs (great for camp showers)
· 4-6 short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
· plenty of changes of underwear and some warm socks for evening.
· 1 bathing suit (optional)
General Safari Equipment:
· 1 duffle bag
· 1 small padlock to lock suitcase or duffle
· 1 daypack · wide-mouth plastic water bottle, minimum 1 qt. Capacity
· toilet kit including biodegradable shampoo and soap
· plenty of sunscreen · flashlight (head lamps are great) with spare batteries
· nylon stuff sacks or plastic bags to organize clothes, laundry, and other items in your duffle
· pocket knife
· thin, quick-drying washcloth ( a small towel is provided)
· binoculars, essential for good wildlife viewing
Trekking Safari Specific Items:
· A sturdy daypack with some back support that can carry two one liter water bottles, extra clothes for wind or rain, cameras and binoculars.
· Lightweight hiking boots or “approach” shoes that are comfortable
· Gaitors, preferably short ankle height, to prevent dirt and grass seed from getting in your boots and socks
· 3-5 pr extra socks, lightweight wool socks are ideal
· Extra one liter water bottle or water bag such as a “Camelback”
· Walking sticks or poles (optional)
· Moleskin and second skin for blister treatment.
Optional Items:
· camera, film, and spare batteries.
· paperback reading and writing material (keep weight at a minimum)
· travel clock or watch
· snacks: trail mix, nuts, hard candies, decaf beverages, powdered electrolyte replacement drink mixes such as Gatorade
· clip-on book light
In hotels, you will occasionally find 240 volt AC/55-cycle current—you will need to bring an adaptor for your appliances.
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
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