Left: A little Chagga boy grins at the promise of visitors. Right: Mother Elephant with baby in the Serengeti

Cheetahs and Chagga in Tanzania

July 22 - 30, 2008

From $3,995

Itinerary

July 22 - Arrival in Arusha

Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania in the late evening. You will be met by your 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, including a swimming pool. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the impressive flora and fauna of East Africa.

July 23 - Encounters of the wild kind in Lake Manyara

Your safari begins in Lake Manyara National Park. During dry seasons, non-migratory animals take refuge in the permanent waters of the lake. Lake Manyara is 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. Overnight at Miguna Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

July 24 & 25 - On safari in the Serengeti

JAfter breakfast journey on to Serengeti National Park, enjoying the game drives enroute. This area of Tanzania has the highest concentration of animals on the CONTINENT. Many travelers like to keep a journal of the animals they discover here, particularly the “Big Five” – Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Lion and Leopard. Overnight Ikoma Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

July 26 - Discovering our ancestors at Oldupai Gorge

Game drives en route to the Migration Museum (excellent displays!) and Oldupai (Olduvai) Gorge. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Gorge with a brief presentation on the discoveries made by the Leakey family. Overnight at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, that offers breathtaking views of the crater floor far below. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

July 27 - 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. Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

July 28 - Onward to the Chagga

Another Land, in conjunction with several village and artisans in Uganda and Tanzania, 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. Another Land's program with two Chagga villages is our longest running program. The Chagga are from the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro and its misty cloud cover provides the land of the Chagga with dense vegetation, fertile soil and numerous waterfalls. The Chagga are a Bantu, agricultural people, who are known for their banana beer, folklore, blacksmithing and elaborate, 200-year-old, underground war tunnels from the Chagga / Maasai war.

Once in the village, you will be met by Emeline Lyimo, your host and cultural guide for your stay with the Chagga. Mr. Lyimo will give you a cultural orientation session at his home, where you will stay for your village program. Overnight Nakara Hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

July 29 - Learning the ways of the Chagga

You’ll begin by meeting our village hosts and taking a walking tour of the village, which will be your home for the next few days. You’ll explore underground war bunkers from the Chagga / Maasai wars – some were large enough to fit herds of cattle. You will also visit a traditional Chagga structure, which is currently a stable. (Chagga homes are no longer built of grass due to threat of fire.)

The Chagga have a strong lineage of blacksmithing, and make many of the weapons and tools for neighboring tribes like the Maasai. The tradition of blacksmithing goes back to ancient chieftesses, who were honored for their skill. Even though its roots lie in the hands of Chagga women, men are the blacksmiths of the day. Forge your own spear or item of choice with the legendary artisans.

Meet Lawli Moshi, who is a premier Chagga carver. Unlike the Makonde tribe, the Chagga carve the soft, white wood found in the area. You’ll sit in Mr. Moshi’s compound while he discusses his life as a carver and shows you how to carve. Afterwards, you have a musical experience even few Chagga of today have. Chagga song and dance is a vanishing art form, which is being kept alive by about 30 elderly villagers. Join them in their dances (which resemble Native American styles) and songs and hear the stories behind each song. Overnight Nakara Hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

July 30 - Village Farewell

This morning, say farewell to our hosts and new friends in the village. After breakfast, you can enjoy the day at your leisure before taking you evening flight home. Dayrooms at Nakara Hotel. Breakfast, Lunch.

Itinerary and price subject to change



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