Tanzania: Footsteps of Mankind

Arrival Day

You will be met at Kilimanajaro Airport, from where you will be driven directly to the beautiful Rivertrees Country Inn, which sits in the lush green forest beneath Tanzania’s second highest mountain, Mount Meru and just 45 minutes from Arusha. Half Board.

Day 2: Lake Manyara (10km run)

Your first day waking up in Tanzania and your adventure begins! Following a relaxed breakfast, our land cruiser will be taking us to Kirurumu Manyara Lodge which sits on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. This lodge enjoys a panoramic view eastward over Lake Manyara, the Rift floor and Mt. Losimingori. Behind Kirurumu, the Ngorongoro Highlands rise in green and fertile splendour and form the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater and, finally, Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti. Once settled into our accommodation we will head out on a trail run into the rainforest, and then take in the sunset over the plains below. Full Board.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

We will take an early start as we will be exploring one of the most famous areas to see rhinos in Tanzania. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it borders the Serengeti National Park. We will have a picnic lunch. On the game drive we hope to see zebras, flamingoes, lions, hippos and maybe even a leopard. On this night we will be staying at our first wild camp on the trip just above Empakai Crater. Full Board.

Day 4: Empakai Crater Visit (16km run)

Empakai is one of the most incredible sights and rarely visited, this morning we will do a walking tour down into this stunning water filled craters, often teaming with flamingoes that fly over to Lake Natron. After lunch we will run the 16km to the second wild camp on our journey through the rain forest. Full Board.

Day 5: Run to Lake Natron (26km run)

We will be stepping back 250 million years as we run from the rain forest and down into the Rift Valley. We will get stunning views over Lake Natron and Ol Donyoi Lengai (The Mountain of God) as we descend into this hot and arid area. We will be staying at the beautiful Lake Natron Eco Lodge, which sits right next to the lake. Here you can take a well deserved dip in the cooling fresh water river that runs through the camp. Full Board

Day 6: Dance Hall and Waterfall Visit (10km run)

This is a day where we explore the area of Lake Natron. We will head over at sunrise to the dance hall, where 15,000 year old trail running footsteps are perfectly preserved in the fossilised mud. After breakfast, we will go for a gorge walk and swim in the water that feed the lake. It’s a great day to see some of the Maasai culture, how high can you jump? Walking with Maasai Warriors, learning about local tribes and customs, being a witness to a changing times and culture, the unique habitat of Lake Natron where flamingoes feed and preen themselves. Full Board.

Day 7: Run and Drive to Sanyan (16km run)

After breakfast you depart to the bottom of the rift valley and start your trail run to Sanjan. The trail this morning is up the side of the rift valley, following the migration routes of the Maasai and their cattle as they move to find pasture. Once on top of the rift valley we run to meet our vehicle and transfer across the vast Salei plains to Sangan Gorge (note that the wildebeest migration is often here from December – May). Picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed. You will be met by your camp crew when you reach your destination and there will be an option trek into Sanjan Gorge or just relax by the camp fire with a glass on wine! Dinner & overnight Sanjan Camp. Full Board.

Day 8: Piyaya (14km run)

The camp is set at the base of the Gol mountains and faces east, which affords a stunning sunrise! Bush coffee is served right from the fire and after a filling breakfast you set of with your Maasai guides along the sides of the Sanjan gorge. It is very rocky underfoot in places and at certain points be sure to look back for stunning views. Once through the gorge you meander your way and then transfer to camp to relax. Dinner and overnight Piyaya Camp. Full Board.

Day 9: Nasera Rock (12km run)

When you get to Nasera Rock you will be met by your driver who will then take us to visit Olduvai Gorge (the cradle of mankind), the area where 2 million old hominoids have been found and after which we will transfer back to Rivertrees Country Inn, near Arusha. Half Board.

Departure Day

Time to wave good bye to Tanzania, and maybe catch a glimpse of the lofty 5,895m Mount Kilimanjaro on the way to the airport.