Looking for Rain. . . Barabaig women dance for rain while the Serengeti herd begins their annual migration to find rain kissed regions.

Rift Valley Rainmakers and the Serengeti

Itinerary

June 13

- Arrive in Tanzania

Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania in the late evening. We will be met by our driver guide and taken to the Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge, bungalows nestled at the base of Mt. Meru, for your overnight. The lodge has blended a charming atmosphere together with every comfort, such as a swimming pool. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the impressive flora and fauna of East Africa.

June 14

- On Safari in Lake Manyara

After breakfast, we’ll begin our lodge safari in Lake Manyara National Park. During dry seasons, non-migratory animals take refuge in the permanent waters of the lake. Home to large baboon troops, blue monkeys (who may sit feet away while travelers munch on their lunches), tree climbing lions (possibly a learned behavior), elephants and much more.

June 15 and 16

- On Safari in the Serengeti

Journey on to the Serengeti. The Serengeti National Park is arguably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. "Serengeti" means "endless plains" in the Maasai language. Over its vast grassy plains, the Serengeti National Park teems with the greatest concentration of wildlife on the African continent. About 35 species of plains animals can be seen here including the "big five" - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.

In the wake of the wildebeest migration follow the predators, lion, and cheetah. Other common species found here include hippo, giraffe, eland, impala and other antelope types, baboons, monkeys and a profusion of almost 500 bird species.

June 17

- Discover our ancestors at Oldupai (Olduvai)

Enjoy game drives en route to the Migration Museum (excellent displays!) and Oldupai (Olduvai) Gorge. We’ll have a picnic lunch at the Gorge with a brief presentation on the discoveries made by the Leakey family before continuing on to our lodge for the evening.

June 18

- On Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro conservation area is both to preserve the wildlife in the area and the culture of Maasai. Ngorongoro is Maasai for the sound of the cowbells produced by one ancient chief’s massive herd. Full day’s game drive in the crater, which is the largest intact crater on the planet – a full 11-km in diameter.

June 19

- On Safari in Tarangire

After breakfast, we’ll explore the Tarangire National Park. Here animals take refuge in the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. The park covers an area of 2,600 sq. kms. Spread across a region of great natural beauty, Tarangire is home to a rich kaleidoscope of creatures. Of special interest is the presence of both greater and lesser kudu, lion, eland, oryx and gerenuk. The park is also noted for its abundance in giraffe.

June 20

- Onward to the Barabaig Village

Another Land, in conjunction with several village and artisans in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya provides the highest quality cultural programs available in East Africa. All programs are authentic and participatory. The programs not only benefit the traveler by giving them an amazing cultural experience so few have access to, but also benefit the communities economically, socially and emotionally. The Barabaig culture is quite unknown and even Tanzanians living a mere 4 hours away are not aware of this culture. The Barabaig are Nilo-cushitic, pastoralists, patrilineal and polygamous. Barabaig shamans also hold the power to summon rain and Barabaig women also can make it rain through dance and prayer. While the Barabaig are quite hospitable and are overjoyed with visitors, they have chosen not to adapt their culture to globalization. Visitors must abide by certain codes of conduct while in the village.

After breakfast, we’ll journey southwest to the town of Katesh. This is a beautiful drive along the Great Rift Valley and passing Mt. Hanang. Upon arrival, we will be given a brief cultural orientation on Barabaig culture and expected code of conduct. We will then be driven to the Barabaig village. Upon arrival, we will be met by MANY Barabaig, such as the elders, the village chairman, and district counselor. Our friends will warmly introduce us to the village and its people. Barabaig warriors will guard us while we camp overnight (there is not a threat of theft, it is just their way of taking care of us).

Days 21 & 22

- Learning the ways of the Barabaig

Over the next few days, our group will learn about Barabaig culture from the Barabaig. The women of the village will teach us how to make their beaded, goatskin outfits. We’ll join the medicine man to collect various roots, leaves and fruit that are used to treat the villagers and their livestock as well as ward off curses and evil spirits. We may even discuss a particular personal ailment with the medicine man. We’ll also meet the rainmakers discuss their lives as rainmakers and the rainmaking tradition. (This is very secretive and the rainmakers must feel quite comfortable with the group before discussing or showing anything in depth).

June 23

- Village Farewell and Return to Arusha

This morning, we’ll say farewell to our hosts and new friends in the village. After breakfast, we’ll journey back to Arusha, stopping at the Snake Farm along the way. Day rooms are provided for your convenience before your evening departure home or afternoon flight to Zanzibar for the extension.



Itinerary and price subject to change



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