[ADDITIONAL The trip will take place in August 2024 - look here]
Active vacation in Africa!
This Tanzania adventure trip offers the joy of discovery for those who have been to Kilimanjaro, the "roof of Africa", or who don't want to - amazing natural views in national parks, unique experiences visiting the Masai tribe, and a decent mountain hike are guaranteed!
We will experience the real Africa and see the most characteristic things: the "Big Five" of Africa in a national park, giant baobab trees, the oldest tribe, a delicious and nutritious Swahili meal, and the Meru hike with its enchanting natural views.
The program is suitable for people without much physical preparation, so feel free to get up from your desk and let's meet on a Tanzanian discovery trip! For those with a greater thirst for discovery, we also offer the opportunity to extend the trip on the true paradise island of Zanzibar.
To start the trip, we climb a little higher to get a proper perspective of the destination of the next few days' experiences. This time, we will not climb the most popular and therefore unfortunately overcrowded peak of Kilimanjaro with the incessant other hikers, but instead visit Mount Meru, which is also called Kilimanjaro's "younger brother". Mount Meru, with its peak at 4565 m, is a completely manageable conquest for any slightly mobile traveler and offers equally unforgettable views of Tanzania as its higher "brother". We believe that Meru is the ideal choice for those who want to make the most of their African trip and still manage to summit one peak, but who at the same time feel that a week in a tent to the top of Kilimanjaro is not quite for them 😊.
The Mount Meru hike is a four-day moderate-paced trek that does not require participants to have special skills, climbing training, or specific equipment (ropes, crampons, etc.). Meru is ideal for a first mountain experience, as you can walk to the top at a leisurely pace and feel the effects of altitude on your body. On the hike, you can see African wildlife from a different perspective than on the plains. Namely, on the way to the top, if you are lucky, you will encounter exotic animals in their natural habitat. The hiking trail also offers a lot of visual pleasure, as you travel through varied landscapes in wasteland, rainforest, and giant heathlands. We will notice Africa in its amazing diversity!
The highlights of the trip are definitely safaris in Tanzania's national parks. You can't find a better place for a safari than Tanzania! The largest country in East Africa has preserved a significant part of its nature as national parks and protected areas, which is why Tanzania's nature and local residents are repeatedly in front of the cameras of National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. But we can now see these places with our own eyes! Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve and Tarangiri National Park await us with their breathtaking views and fascinating inhabitants. To give us a little thrill and also get some experience accommodation, we will stay in national parks in tents and huts adapted for tents. These travel stories will be the envy of everyone afterwards!
Who is this trip for?
Beginners and more experienced adventurers who enjoy a moderate challenge and a worthy reward in a beautiful and interesting environment.
Nature lovers looking for spectacular views and exciting encounters with flora and fauna.
Those interested in active vacations who have time to relax from office work.
Overview – short & sweet
Goal: let's discover Tanzania!
Dates: 11.02.2024-22.02.2024 (or until 25.02.2024 with Zanzibar holiday)
Activity: Mountain hiking and safari
Adventure guide: Sergei Kleidov
Technical difficulty level: 1/5 (suitable for beginners)
Physical difficulty: 2/5 (requires average physical fitness)
Group size: 14 (including locomotive)
Early bird (until 30.11.2023) – €3090 (€3890 with Zanzibar)
Less dizzy chicken (from 01.12.2023) – €3390 (€4190 with Zanzibar)
Please note: For community members discount of -5% applies (early risers 2935)€/3695€)
(I.e. If the trip is canceled due to circumstances caused by the pandemic, we will refund the advance payment in full!
Travel cost
Price includes
Entire trip organization and on-site guidance
Elamus+ group leader
Local guides on both safaris and Meru treks
All overnight stays during the trip (including in Zanzibar for those going there)
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (including in Zanzibar for those going there)
Porters to carry equipment on the mountain
Mountain permits
Safari trip with an English-speaking guide
Airport transfers
Domestic flight for those going to Zanzibar
Zanzibar Spice Tour excursion
Stylish Elamus+ designed sports shirt
Image material
Group pharmacy
Price does not include
Flight tickets (~750€) and visa (~50€)
Travel insurance and sports insurance/additional protection suitable for mountain hiking
Personal hiking equipment (climbing equipment is not needed)
Tips for local helpers on the mountain and on safari
Personal hygiene products and medications
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, you must pay an advance payment (3€) within 400 working days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by e-mail; 2 months before the trip, 50% of the trip cost and 1 month before the trip, the remaining cost. If there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule and activities
Day 1 – We arrive in Tanzania
On February 11th, we will meet the tour group in Tanzania. Everyone has to get there on their own, but you can ask the tour guide for advice about flight tickets so that everyone arrives on time and maybe even together. From the airport, a transfer will take us to the town of Moshi. Those who want to can explore the town of Moshi on their own, but in the evening there will be a briefing with our local guides, who will make sure with their own eyes that we have everything we need for the Meru hike.
The day ends with a fun get-together dinner.
Overnight stay at Park View Inn (or similar).
Dinner is included in the price.
Day 2 – The Meru adventure begins! From Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
We have a proper breakfast and then we meet the team who will help us on the mountain hike. So that we can enjoy the views and have our hands free to take pictures, we only carry a light daypack, while the team carries all the rest of our equipment up. Such luxury on a mountain hike – when we arrive at camp, the food is steaming and everything is ready!
On this day, we will have a 3-hour drive to the starting point of the route, Arusha National Park. The drive will be very exciting, as there is a hope of meeting African wildlife: giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes will be encountered right at the beginning of the road. Then, upon reaching the Momella gate, the guide and the escort team will complete the necessary formalities to enter the route, and now the adventure officially begins!
On the first day, we will be accompanied by a local national park ranger to the Mirakamba Hut camp (at an altitude of 2520 m). Along the way, in addition to beautiful natural views, we will also have the opportunity to meet warthogs, zebras, monkeys and even elephants. Upon arrival at the camp, a warm dinner awaits us.
We hike for 5-7 hours during the day.
Overnight stay in Miriakamba Huts camp huts
The price includes breakfast, dinner, and a picnic lunch.
Day 3 – We hike from Miriakamba Camp to Saddle Huts Camp
After breakfast we leave Miriakamba Huts and hike to Saddle Huts. We take plenty of photo breaks to capture all the stunning strawberry views that open up before us. The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is short, but there is a steep climb ahead. The walk slowly takes us along the ridge, from where we have a great view of Meru crater and the impressive cinder cone.
By lunchtime we will reach Saddle Huts, have a nice warm lunch and then make a short climb to the top of Little Meru (3820 m), from where a magnificent view opens up just before sunset. Something for romantic souls 😊. In addition to vivid impressions and panoramic views, this gives the body additional acclimatization, which is very important when you are at altitude.
We'll be shopping early in the evening, because the climb to the summit begins at midnight!
We hike for 3-5 hours during the day.
Overnight stay at Saddle Hut.
The price includes breakfast, dinner, and a picnic lunch.
Day 4 – Climb to the top of Mount Meru – Socialist Peak
The day promises to be very busy! We will wake up at midnight and then start the climb to the top of the Meru volcano, the 4565-meter-high Sotsialism peak. We will prepare our minds for a proper hiking day, which should be within the reach of any slightly mobile hiker. No climbing skills or special equipment are required, the main thing is to be careful and follow the guide's instructions.
At sunrise, we reach the top of Socialism, where an incredible view opens up before us, as if as a reward for a successful summit. The Kilimanjaro volcano towering above the clouds, the magnificent crater of Mount Meru, and the sun shining on the horizon are incredibly beautiful.
After the obligatory photo session, we have a rather long walk down. Before continuing our descent to Miriakamba Huts camp, we will have a short break and a light meal at Saddle Hut. Upon reaching Miriakamba Huts camp, a warm dinner awaits us and we will stay there for the night.
We hike for 10-12 hours during the day.
Overnight stay at Miriakamba Huts.
The price includes breakfast, dinner, and a picnic lunch.
Day 5 – We descend to the Momella gate and drive to the hotel
In the morning we wake up, eat and start a pleasant walk through open grassland and mixed forest to the Momella Gate. Our driver will be waiting at the Momella Gate to take us to the hotel to rest. Here you can also buy souvenirs if you wish.
We hike for 2-3 hours during the day.
Overnight stay at Park View Inn (or similar).
The price includes breakfast and a picnic lunch.
Day 6 – Visiting the Masai tribe
Now that we have reached the peak, let’s enjoy the culture! After breakfast, we leave the hotel and travel to visit Tanzania’s most famous tribe. For many who visit Africa, and especially Tanzania, meeting the Masai tribes is almost a must. The Masai, who wear traditional red clothes, consider two things important in life: livestock and children. When two Masai meet, the greeting might sound something like this: “How are the children? How are the livestock?” During the day and evening, we have the opportunity to join in the daily activities of the tribe members. In the evening, we dance around the campfire with community members and listen to their stories about previous generations and their lives.
Overnight at Amini Maasai Lodge.
The price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7 – Tarangire National Park
A multi-day safari journey with incredible views begins, during which we will see the immense natural beauty of Tanzania in a traditional safari vehicle.
After breakfast, we drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its huge baobab trees and large herds of elephants. It is named after the Tarangire River that flows through the park. Tarangire National Park truly gives you an idea of what a real African savannah is like. It is home to giant baobabs and herds of elephants roaming among them. You can also see almost all the large animals of East Africa (the “big five” or lion, leopard, East African black rhinoceros, African buffalo), tall termite mounds and hundreds of species of beautiful birds. The sparse vegetation of the national park offers easy viewing pleasure for herds of elephants (we can even meet up to 300 elephants) that search for underground streams in the dry riverbeds. It is also a paradise for ornithologists, as over 500 species of birds nest there.
On the safari day, we will also enjoy a picnic lunch. We will spend the night in the wild to get the most out of the safari experience.
Overnight at Haven Nature Campsite.
The price includes breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner.
Day 8 – We drive to Serengeti National Park
Today we travel to one of Africa’s most famous and oldest national parks, the Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. The vast plains of the Serengeti are known to be the site of one of the most amazing natural spectacles - the great migration of wildebeest and zebras. The Serengeti is also home to other wildebeests: lions, cheetahs, leopards and many other predators. As we drive around in a safari vehicle, we observe the animals in their natural habitat. Be prepared to be constantly amazed by the abundance of animals… this is not your ordinary European zoo with its three elephants!
During the day we enjoy a picnic lunch during the safari.
Overnight stay at Nyan campsite
The price includes breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner.
Day 9 – Full day in the Serengeti
We wake up early, have a quick breakfast and set off to see the Serengeti at dawn, which offers us a great opportunity to watch the predators in action. Waking up early also allows us to see the stunning Serengeti sunrise as the sun sets the savannah on fire. During the day we will stalk huge herds of zebra and wildebeest, look for lions sunbathing on the rocks, watch shy leopards in the acacia trees and admire the majesty of elephants and giraffes moving in herds. Our local guide will help us spot and identify the animals. He will never lose sight of anyone. We will also enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
Overnight stay at Nyan campsite.
The price includes breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner.
Day 10 – From Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Early in the morning we start the safari again, watching the rising sun. We have the last few hours left to look around the Serengeti. The melodious song of birds accompanies the trip, while dangerous predators await their prey and lazy hippos wallow in the cool water. After an early morning exploration of the Serengeti National Park, we return to our accommodation at 9 am to enjoy a fresh hot breakfast and then head towards the Ngorongoro Crater. The journey from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater is like a safari in itself, because we also pass through places where many animals walk, typical of Africa. At the appropriate moment, we have a picnic lunch.
Overnight stay at Simba campsite.
The price includes breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner.
Day 11 – African natural wonder Ngorongoro
After breakfast, we drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, named by the indigenous Maasai herders after the sound of a cowbell (ngoro ngoro). The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is mainly known for the Ngorongoro Crater, which was formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago. It is 610 meters deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometers - a huge natural "zoo" where elephants, hippos, lions and other animals are surrounded by a natural fence - the wall of the ancient volcanic crater. The crater was voted one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in Africa and is a World Heritage Site.
After a short stop at the observation deck, which offers a stunning view of the Ngorongoro Crater, we descend to the bottom of the crater itself, where 120 species of mammals are waiting to meet us. In Ngorongoro, you can see many hippos, predators looking for prey, dozens of wild animals living their daily lives, which we can now witness. The sight that will definitely be remembered is the cloud of pink flamingos covering the entire Soda Lake. But the highlight of the reserve is, of course, the black rhino. Even those who are not particularly interested in birds will certainly be positively surprised by the rich variety of birds.
During the day we have a picnic at the park's famous hippo pool. Where else can you get the experience of eating while watching hippos go about their business? Unprecedented? Exactly!
Then we drive back to Moshi.
Overnight stay at Park View Inn (or similar)
The price includes breakfast and a picnic lunch.
Day 12 – Is it a return flight? Or not?
Those who want to limit themselves to mountain and safari trips can now head home to make the whole family jealous with sunny and incredible adventure experiences. But those who feel like they still want something more, you and the locomotive can extend your adventure and take a look at the island of Zanzibar. So how can you go somewhere warm in February and not swim and bask on the hot beach sand?
After breakfast, we will drive to Kilimanjaro Airport and head to Zanzibar or Estonia.
Arriving at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a driver will be waiting for us to take us to a beach hotel. We check into the hotel and in the evening we go for a walk in Stone Town. Stone Town is a unique blend of Portuguese, British, Omani, African and Indian architectural and cultural heritage, and due to its uniqueness, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. You have never seen anything like it anywhere! Where else can you visit a 15th-century Portuguese fort, an 18th-century Omani palace and a modern restaurant with a harbor view in one walk? Pop culture lovers will also find a museum in Stone Town dedicated to the island-born pop icon Freddy Mercury. There is plenty to keep you up to date!
Overnight stay at Hotel Tembo (or similar).
The price includes breakfast and dinner.
Day 13 – Enjoying Zanzibar
After breakfast, we will go on a Spice Tour, one of the most popular tours in Zanzibar. The tour takes us to an organic farm, where there are many different plants all year round. We can not only see, but also touch, smell and taste. We will feel and taste spices, herbs and tropical fruits, such as cloves, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jackfruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges. After the tour, we will enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch on the farm. Here we will get a truly authentic experience of how different spices can be used! The tour ends with a stop at a spice stall, where fresh packaged spices are sold (cash only) and everyone can buy some spice to take home if they wish.
Later, we will drive to a beach hotel to spend the evening at leisure with a nice dinner.
Overnight stay at Sunshine Marine Hotel (or similar)
The price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 14 – we continue to enjoy Zanzibar
Today is a day of relaxation. Those who wish can continue exploring the island on their own, and the guide will be happy to share ideas and tips. Zanzibar offers a variety of sea trips to explore the island's rich culture and history, from snorkeling to prison island excursions. There is something for every taste!
Overnight stay at Sunshine Marine Hotel (or similar)
The price includes breakfast and dinner.
Day 15 – Now it's definitely time to go home!
All done. After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar airport to start your journey home!
NB! There may be minor changes to the schedule and planned activities. for example, due to weather and conditions or the wishes of passengers.
Tanzanian specificities
Tanzania has two official languages: Swahili and English.
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (1€ = 2324 TZS), but many places also accept US dollars. It is cheaper to pay in the local currency, but larger purchases are made in dollars. Also, make sure that the banknotes are not older than 2006.
The sockets are different from those in Estonia (like the English plug) and an adapter is required.
Tap water is not drinkable and only use bottled water (make sure the bottle caps are closed, as it may happen that the bottles have been refilled with tap water).
Tipping safari and mountain guides is strongly recommended (almost mandatory), and hotel/restaurant staff also expect tips.
The safari costs approximately $25 per car per day.
The support staff will be very grateful if you leave them your old clothes or hiking equipment as a gift, or if you have brought some souvenirs from Estonia.
Keep $1 or 1000 shillings in your pocket, you never know when you might need to tip.
On safari, it is recommended to wear clothing in colors that will not attract attention or scare away animals.
People are very friendly.
Dare to trade!
Medical information
In Tanzania, there is falciparum Malaria risk is present throughout the year in all areas of the country below 1800 m above sea level. It is recommended that people travelling to malaria-prone areas take antimalarial medication as a prophylaxis. Read more: https://www.kliinikum.ee/patsiendiinfo-andmebaas/malaaria/
Vaccination:
Check that you have received the national immunization schedule vaccines and their booster doses, as well as seasonal recommended vaccines (including the flu and Covid vaccine).
It is highly recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A when traveling to Tanzania.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all travelers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a yellow risk level (including those who have transited through an airport in a country with a yellow risk level within the last 12 hours). The certificate will become valid 10 days after the vaccine.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
passport;
visa, which can be formalized at the Tanzanian border (~50€);
sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy (or additional travel insurance coverage) must be carried and is a prerequisite for participating in the mountain hike.
travel insurance.
At least one month before the trip, we will make a decision whether the trip is possible under Covid-19 conditions. If the trip is canceled due to circumstances caused by the pandemic that make the trip impossible (e.g. closing of national borders), we will refund the advance payment in full.
Plan your trip early and start training for it. We will organize several trial trips, training sessions and recommend training plans beforehand. It would be a shame if the peak was only behind the physique. Also a good opportunity to get in shape. ;)
Summits are not guaranteed. As you might expect, weather is king in the mountains. So it is entirely possible that weather or dangerous conditions will prevent us from even attempting the summit. Nevertheless, it will definitely be an awesome experience!
Although at the end of the day everyone is still responsible for their own actions and consequences, we do our best to mitigate the risks associated with mountaineering. As a result, the group leader has the right to make ongoing decisions about the competence of the participants, the suitability of their equipment, physical/mental capacity, etc. and, if necessary, for example, to prohibit participation on summit day if it endangers the health of the group or the participant themselves. Hopefully, of course, there will be no need for this.
Read more also travel conditions or feel free to ask the adventure locomotives.
Don't worry, let's do it!
My altitude record is Munamägi. Can I still do it?!
Yes, you can. Going straight to the top of such a high peak may seem daunting at first glance, but it's not that bad at all – especially if you have a good hiking guide at your side. You have to train and mentally prepare yourself for the effort. However, no mountain should be underestimated.
But I don't have any hiking gear, who can afford to buy it?
You'll still have to spend a little, but not much. Hiking equipment can be rented for a very reasonable price and, of course, borrowed from friends. In addition, you can use any kind of clothing you have – for example, a ski jacket is also very good for the mountains. The more resourceful can manage with almost no additional expenses.
Okay, I registered. Now what?
Well, theoretically you could just vanish into thin air and appear on a plane. That's possible, but we highly recommend taking part in preparatory events - it's part of the fun. We organise preparatory hiking training, advise on suitable insurance and equipment, where to rent cheaply, what to train for, etc. We will definitely review the equipment you have collected just before the start of the trip and send reminders about important things.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
