Longido

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  the 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 two  hours'  climb   leads you  to  the  top  of  Longido  mountain  to  enjoy  fantastic  views  of  the other mountains  of   northern  Tanzania.  The descent to the campsite takes about three hours. Finish with a meal with the FARAJA women’s group.