The Art of Taking It Slow

What to Expect

15 days on foot, by bicycle and in quiet company across northern Tanzania

There is a way of travelling in which the point is not to see more, but to notice more.

The Art of Taking It Slow is fifteen days on foot, by bicycle and in quiet company across northern Tanzania. We walk in Arusha National Park, explore the Maasai community at Mukuru by bicycle and on foot, sit beside the flamingos of Lake Natron and move at the pace of the Serengeti and its elephants. Along the way, we spend time with the people and projects who care for these places.

There is nothing to tick off here. Arrive with an open mind, and let the days unfold.

Destinations to Visit

 

 

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro

Arrive. Exhale.

Welcome to Tanzania. You’ll be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and driven to Hillside, a short journey away.

There is nothing to do today except arrive. Have a slow meal, take in the view and let the journey fall away. We’ll talk through the days ahead when you’re ready, and not before.

Where we stay: Hillside

Day 2: Arusha National Park walk and project visit

Learning to see it on foot.

We start the morning on foot in Arusha National Park, walking with an armed ranger. Walking changes everything. You notice the sounds, the smells and the small things that a vehicle passes by. Giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkeys are often seen here, with Mount Meru standing in the background.

In the afternoon we visit a local community project, spending time with the people behind it and hearing their story in their own words. There is no rush and no script. It is simply a chance to sit, listen and understand a little more about the place where you are.

Where we stay: Hillside

Day 3: To Mukuru

Out to Maasai country, at an easy pace.

We leave Arusha and drive to Mukuru, on the slopes of Mount Meru in Maasai country. The landscape opens up as we go, with wide skies, open land and the mountain beside us.

At Mukuru you’ll be welcomed by the community and have time to settle in. If you feel like it, we’ll stretch our legs on a gentle ride or walk before sunset. Bicycles are one of the ways we explore here, and the ride is never about distance, only about taking in the place.

Where we stay: Mukuru

Day 4: Activities

Time with the land and the people who know it.

Today is shaped around the place and the people of Mukuru. Depending on the season and the plans of the community, we may explore by bicycle, walk with local guides, learn how they read the land and the weather, and spend time in the village.

Mukuru is a community-run place, so your stay supports the people who live here. There is no fixed schedule. We’ll follow the day as it unfolds.

Where we stay: Mukuru

Day 5: To Lake Natron

Into a landscape unlike any other.

We travel north to Lake Natron on rugged tracks through increasingly dramatic country. The scenery turns stark and beautiful, with volcanic hills, open plains and the shape of Ol DonyoLengai, the Maasai “Mountain of God”, rising in the distance.

You’ll stay at Moivaro Lake Natron. Take the afternoon to rest and let the heat of the day pass, and then watch the light change over the lake as the sun sets.

Where we stay: Moivaro Lake Natron

Day 6: Lake Natron

A day for stillness and for the water.

Lake Natron is a salty, alkaline lake whose shallows are a breeding ground for flamingos. The colours here shift all day, from pink to red to silver, and it is a very special place to simply sit and watch.

We’ll explore at an easy pace, with a walk to the waterfalls at Engaresero if conditions allow, and time with the Maasai community who live around the lake. Early mornings and evenings are the best times, so the middle of the day is for resting.

Where we stay: Moivaro Lake Natron

Day 7: To North Serengeti

The long way north.

Today is a long day on the road as we travel from Natron towards the northern Serengeti. Let the journey be part of the experience. The land opens up gradually as we go, until we enter the Serengeti and the horizon widens.

You’ll arrive at Mara Katikati in the northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River, a quieter and wilder part of the park. Take the evening to settle in and listen to the sounds of the night.

Where we stay: Mara Katikati tented Camp.

Day 8: North Serengeti

Watching, waiting, noticing.

A full day exploring the northern Serengeti, which is a beautiful area of rolling hills, rivers and fewer vehicles than elsewhere. The Mara River is the heart of this region, and depending on the time of year, great herds of wildebeest and zebra may be moving through the area.

We’ll take our time, stopping for a long while when something captures our attention. The best sightings often come to those who wait.

Where we stay: Mara Katikati Tented Camp

Day 9: To Central Serengeti

Heading south through open country.

We travel south through the Serengeti to the central region, watching the landscape change from hills and rivers to open plains with scattered rocky outcrops. Game viewing continues all day, and we’ll stop along the way for a picnic.

You’ll arrive at Moyo Camp in the afternoon, in time to relax and enjoy the evening.

Where we stay: Moyo Tented Camp

Day 10: Central Serengeti

The plains at their own pace.

A full day in the central Serengeti, famous for its lions, leopards, cheetahs and rich variety of plains game. We’ll head out in the early morning, when the light is soft and the animals are most active.

After a long lunch break to rest at the camp, we’ll head out again in the late afternoon for a last drive in the golden light.

Where we stay: Moyo Tented Camp

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater

Down into the bowl.

We leave the Serengeti and make our way to Ngorongoro, descending into the crater for a game drive. The crater floor is a remarkable natural enclosure, with a chance of seeing lions, hippos, elephants, buffalo and, if we’re lucky, black rhino.

After our time in the crater, we continue to Ngorongoro Haradali, where there’ll be time to rest and enjoy the cool evening air.

Where we stay: Ngorongoro Haradali Home

Day 12: Tarangire

Giants among the baobabs.

We make our way to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and giant baobab trees. After checking in at Elephant Lodge, we’ll head out on a gentle afternoon game drive.

Elephants are wonderful animals to watch without hurrying. Sit quietly and observe how the herd moves, plays and cares for its young.

Where we stay: Elephant Lodge

Day 13: Tarangire

One more day among the elephants.

A full day in Tarangire National Park. The Tarangire River draws wildlife from across the surrounding country, especially in the dry season. Look out for giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, lions, and a wonderful variety of birds.

We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and return to the lodge in the late afternoon for a final evening together in the bush.

Where we stay: Elephant Lodge

Day 14: To Arusha, afternoon city tour

Easing back into the world.

We drive to Arusha, a journey of a couple of hours, and settle in at Arusha Haradali.

In the afternoon we take a gentle tour of the city, visiting local markets and seeing everyday life in northern Tanzania’s busiest town. It’s a good way to ease back from the quiet of the bush and pick up any last gifts before you travel home.

Where we stay: Arusha Haradali Home

Day 15: Departure

Carry the quiet with you. Kwaheri.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Thank you for travelling slowly with us. I hope you take home more than photographs, and that some of the stillness comes with you. Safe travels, and come back soon.

Thank you for giving us a chance to be part of your safari experience in Tanzania

Plan Your Next Trip here

Includes & Excludes

Inclusions

  • Full board accommodation throughout the safari,
  • Exclusive use of safari vehicle with fridge and charging device
  • Service of professional English speaking Safari Guide
  • All park Entry fees
  • Crater fees
  • Drinking water in the car
  • Coffee and Tea in the car
  • All Airport Transfers

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Any item for personal use such us telephone bills
  • Tips to safari guides Hotel staff and porters
  • Health / travel insurance
  • Masai boma visit and Olduvai Visit ( costs $ 50 per person)

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