14 Day Maasai Experience Safari and Experiential Learning for College Students

Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Orientation - Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where you’ll be transferred to your lodge in Arusha for rest and acclimatization. In the evening, a trip leader will host an orientation session, introducing you to Maasai culture, conservation issues, and the safari itinerary. This first night sets the stage for the cultural immersion and learning ahead. Enjoy dinner and relax at the Arusha Serena Hotel or similar accommodation.
• Day 2: Arusha – Longido Maasai Village (Cultural Immersion) - After breakfast, drive to Longido village, about 1.5 hours from Arusha. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm Maasai welcome with songs and a traditional shuka (blanket) presentation. Spend the day on a guided tour of a Maasai boma (homestead), learning about housing, livestock herding, and social structures. Participate in beadwork and storytelling sessions with Maasai women, gaining hands-on insight into their daily lives. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Maasai dinner around the campfire, accompanied by songs and folklore. Overnight at Maasai Eco Lodge in Longido.
• Day 3: Walking Safari to Longido Mountain Slopes - Today, embark on a guided walking safari with Maasai warriors. Learn about animal tracking, the use of medicinal plants, and survival skills as you trek through the savannah. Visit a sacred Maasai site where elders explain its spiritual significance. Stop for a picnic lunch under the shade of acacia trees and continue your trek, encountering wildlife such as giraffes and zebras. Return to the eco-lodge in the evening for a relaxed night under the stars.
• Day 4: Longido – Lake Natron (Cultural and Ecological Exploration) - Drive to Lake Natron, a journey of about 5 hours, stopping at the Engaruka Ruins to learn about ancient Maasai irrigation systems and agricultural practices. Upon arrival, take a guided walk along the shores of Lake Natron, home to thousands of flamingos. Discuss the Maasai’s water conservation challenges in this arid environment. As the day ends, watch the sunset over the lake and enjoy a Maasai-led dinner. Overnight at Lake Natron Tented Camp.
• Days 5-7: Multi-Day Trek with Maasai Herders - Embark on a 3-day walking journey with Maasai herders, following their seasonal migration routes. Learn navigation techniques using natural landmarks and stars, and participate in daily tasks such as cattle herding and gathering water. Practice traditional survival skills, including starting fires and making simple tools, while engaging in discussions about the challenges of pastoralism in modern times. Each evening, sleep in bush camps under the stars, enjoying communal meals and storytelling sessions around the campfire. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the Maasai.
• Day 8: Lake Natron – Ol Doinyo Lengai Region - Transfer to the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai’s sacred "Mountain of God," and learn about its spiritual significance from a Maasai elder. Hike to Ngare Sero Waterfalls, navigating canyons and lush oases, and attend a lecture on the unique volcanic geology of the area. In the evening, relax at camp and prepare for an optional night trek to Ol Doinyo Lengai. Overnight at Lake Natron Tented Camp.
• Day 9: Community Project in a Maasai Village - Spend the day participating in a hands-on community project, such as building water catchment systems, constructing classrooms, or documenting oral histories. Engage with local students and villagers to share cultural exchanges and reflect on the impact of your work. This day highlights the importance of sustainable development and community collaboration. Overnight at Maasai Eco Lodge.
• Day 10: Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands - Drive to the lush Ngorongoro Highlands, a 4-hour journey, and visit a local farm to learn about sustainable agriculture in the region. Take a guided nature walk through the highlands, exploring its unique flora and fauna. In the evening, attend a lecture on the balance between conservation and Maasai grazing rights in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House.
• Days 11-12: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park - On Day 11, enjoy a full-day safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, learning about its biodiversity and conservation challenges. On Day 12, drive to the Serengeti for a game drive in the central plains, followed by a lecture on predator-prey dynamics and the impact of tourism on wildlife. These days offer iconic wildlife encounters and a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s ecosystems. Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (Day 11) and Serengeti Tortilis Camp (Day 12).
• Day 13: Serengeti – Tarangire National Park - Drive to Tarangire National Park for a game drive, spotting elephants, lions, and baobabs. In the afternoon, participate in a farewell discussion on conservation lessons from the trip. This day combines wildlife observation with reflection on the interconnectedness of culture and nature. Overnight at Tarangire Safari Lodge.
• Day 14: Tarangire – Arusha (Departure) - After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, stopping for souvenir shopping along the way. Enjoy a farewell lunch and transfer to the airport for departure, concluding your unforgettable Maasai experience with group reflections and a deeper appreciation for Tanzania’s cultural and natural heritage.