Expedition Details
Explore the exciting Maasai culture and unique African wildlife in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ngorongoro is the only place on Earth where people, livestock, and wild animals co-exist in harmony. It is one of the world’s natural wonders that have been declared an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and a World Heritage Site because of its wildlife and cultural treasures.
Join us on this extraordinary journey and walk beside zebras and gnus in the most beautiful nature, commonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Watch sunsets and dine every night under the African stars in breathtaking nature.
We camp in the wild bush, secluded and private, where you can relax and enjoy fantastic African nature. We experience untouched nature and wildlife from Maasai’s perspective.
This adventure is based on the real-life of the Maasai warriors from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During the dry season, the warriors herd the cattle much further where are better pastures. The warriors can stay in the savanna with the cattle for up to months. They only eat meat, blood, and herbs and they sleep under trees. Here you can literally feel and hear the spirit of Africa.
More than a hundred years ago the Maasai ruled over much of East Africa. For centuries they have herded their cattle, goats, and sheep in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Their feared warriors were renowned for their bravery. In the past, every Maasai warrior was supposed to kill a lion as it was symbolically a rite of passage. Until these days, the Maasai have a special relationship with their land, the wild animals, and cattle.
Trip Highlights
Experience the real Maasai culture and herding lifestyle
Explore the amazing beauty of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on foot
One full-day visit to the Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing
Sleep in the wild bush every night and listen to the sounds of the African nightlife
Trek and follow a path that only Maasai warriors use in Ngorongoro
Immerse yourself in Maasai culture
Location: Kilimanjaro Tanzania
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Season: Winter
Departures: October/January
Minimum: 4 passengers
Difficulty: 1-2-3-4-5
Book a private trip anytime. Or join a small group expedition with like-minded travelers:
Prices start at $3100 USD Per person
Duration: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Season: October – January
Group Departures: October & January
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1. Welcome to Tanzania
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International airport and transfer to a lodge in Arusha. Dinner together. (D).
DAY 2. Herding with Maasai
Herding with the Maasai begins! We start our journey early in the morning when we head to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You meet the Maasai warriors in a local Maasai village. From now on, you sleep in the wild African bush in a tent, and the warriors sleep under trees. Ngorongoro is one of the unique places in the world, and here, you can feel the spirit of Africa. (B, L, D).
DAY 3 and 4. Bush camp with the warriors
Herd the cattle in the savanna with the Maasai warriors. You walk through beautiful highlands, away from the crowds. The views and scenery are truly breathtaking. You can encounter some animals like gazelles, wildebeests, jackals, zebras, and different species of big birds like eagles, kori bustards, and buzzards. You can try your skills on herding cows.
In the evening the Maasai warriors dance and sing. You dine every night in a different location in a bush camp under the sky full of African stars and when it is not cloudy a full moon illuminates the savanna. It is a view that you won’t forget. During the night, you might hear a hyena laughing and other sounds of the African bushveld. Wake up to the sound of Ground hornbill bird and enjoy your bush breakfast watching the sunrise. (B, L, D).
DAY 5. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Head back to Maasai village and stay overnight in the Maasai warriors bush camp near the village. Last night celebrations with the Maasai warriors. (B, L, D).
DAY 6. The Ngorongoro Crater
Before heading back to Arusha, you go to Ngorongoro Crater which is the world’s largest intact caldera from a long extinct volcano. Ngorongoro is home to about 26 000 wild creatures who live within the safety of the caldera walls. Head back to Arusha to and overnight in a lodge. (B, picnic L, D).
DAY 7.
Back to Kilimanjaro Airport
Relax at the lodge before transferring back to Kilimanjaro airport. (B).
Available Dates
8 Days Exploring Maasai Culture in Tanzania
[project_price_form num=’1′][project_price_form num=’2′]
Why we love Visit Natives
Visit Natives’ mission is to support sustainable tourism that benefits indigenous peoples directly. Visit Natives brings positive change in the world because it matters how we travel. Our cause is to help indigenous peoples like Maasai to maintain their culture and traditional livelihood through sustainable indigenous tourism.
By booking with Visit Natives, travelers become part of an effort to preserve indigenous cultures and to respect the fragile nature. Visit Natives works to advance our understanding of the world’s indigenous peoples and the nature they have a close relationship with.
Visit Natives believes in fair tourism where nature and local people are respected. From every stay booked with Visit Natives, the local Maasai families and community benefit the most.
Maasai FAQ’s
What’s Included on your Maasai Homestay ?
- Pick up and return to and from Kilimanjaro airport
- 2 nights in Karibu Heritage hotel or similar in Arusha (twin share)
- 5 nights in a tent
- All camping equipment including sleeping bags and mattresses
- Mkomazi and Arusha National parks game drives including all park fees, all the camping supplies.
- Inclusive food & beverages
- A private Maasai chef
- 4*4 jeep
- Visits to 2 Maasai villages
- Maasai guides, and an international guide who is an African researcher.
- We donate part of the payment to the Maasai women’s community project which is clean water. We supply a rainwater collecter for the Maasai boma.
- Flights and airport taxes. (Option we can organize a flight from your destination to JRO).
- Items of a personal nature.
- Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Entry visa for Tanzania (US $50 per passport holder for most nationalities / US $ 100 per visa for USA passport holders).
- Health requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional but comes recommended).
- Single supplement, for single tent/room, per trip $250.
The nearest airport: Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania.
We pick you up from the airport or your hotel in Arusha.
You stay in remote and excluded location in the savanna where the Maasai live in Moipo (Kilimanjaro district). The nearest town is Same. You travel by a four-wheel vehicle, but one of the Maasai villages is very remote that you travel also by rowboat and motorbike to reach the village.
You sleep in a tent (single share) which is set up inside the Maasai village (boma). The toilet is a portable trekking toilet. There is no shower, but you will have a bucket of hot water every day to take a bath in trekking style. All the trekking supplies are included in the price (except a sleeping bag).
Food
To avoid any stomach problems, we have a Maasai chef who prepare all the food for the guests. The tasty food is made on traditional and local ingredients. Together with the meals, you will be served bottled water, tea, and coffee. If you have a dietary requirement let us know in advance. We cater for all diets.
Wi-Fi
Here you can go offline. We are happy to announce this a totally off-grid experience. Here you can focus on being in the moment!
There is no electricity in the Maasai villages, but you can charge your electronics in the car.
We send you an information letter including a packing list when you book.