The tour to the extensive plains around longido mountains, 80 km north of Arusha, features an insight into the traditions of Maasai culture. The lush area is home to rare birds and animals.
The tour includes:
A nature trail to spot birds
A climb to the impressive Longido mountain through a dense natural forest
Walking safari through the Maasai plains and over the slopes of Longido mountain
A visit to a traditional Maasai village
A tour of historical sites dating back to British colonial times
Tour options: Half day tour Longido is rich in birdlife. Some of the birds seen in this area starling Major, Red and Yellow Barbet, Masked Weaver, Silver Bill and Secretary Bird. A birdwalk through the Maasai plains starting from the town of Longido to the bomas of OI Tepesi allows you to see birds as well as trees and plants used by the locals to make food and medicines. Later, visit a Maasai boma to see the Maasai lifestyle.
Full day Tour
Add to th e birdwalk, a walking safari from OI Tepesi to Kimokouwa along a cattle trail . Gradually climb to an altitude of 1,600m to get panoramic views of Mt.Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. Descend to Kimokouwa's green "vallley of wells" and nearby historic British grave. On Wednesdays, you can extend your stay by visiting the bustling and colourful cattle market.
A new attraction is a four day trekking trip -from Longido to the Big Rock and Kitumbeine, on to lake Natron.
Longido mountain climb
Day 1
Walk to the campsite of Kimokouwa and go for the full day tour.
Day 2
Early next morning , follow narrow footpaths through dense natural forests for three hours to reach the beautiful 'dawa ya supu' or medicine soup viewpoint. Another t wo hours' climb leads you to the top of Longido mountain to enjoy fantastic views of the other mountains of northern Tanzania. The descent back to the campsite takes about three hours. Finish with a meal with the FARAJA women's group.
Getting there:
Longido is on the way to Nairobi. Buses or shared taxis going to Namanga from the Arusha bus stand take 1 1/2 hours to reach Longido Police Station. Follow the pathfrom here to the co-ordinator's office.
(Income f rom tourist visits will be used to improve the primary and secondary school classrooms,teachers' houses and water projects.)
