Longido

Longido: Africa Natural Tours

AFRICA NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)

Specialized in: Mountain climbing, Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays

Contact +255 653 679 958 OR +255 692 436 113

Email-info@africanaturaltours.com

 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 mammals.

* 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 an over the slopes of Longido mountain

* A visit to a traditional Maasai village

* A tour of historical sites dating back to British colonial times

Half-day tour

Longido is rich in bird life. Some of the birds seen in this area are starling major, red and yellow barbet, masked weaver, silver bill and secretary bird. A bird-walk through the Maasai plains starting from the town of Longido to the bomas of Ol 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 bird walk, a walking safari from Ol 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 green ‘valley of wells’ and a nearby historic British grave. On Wednesdays, you can extend your stay by visiting the bustling and colourful cattle market. Another popular activity for the people with enough time is a four-day trek - from Longido to the Big Rock and Kitumbaine, on to Lake Natron.

Longido mountain climb

Day One

Walk to the campsite of Kimokouwa and go for the full day tour.

Day Two

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 view 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 path from here to the co-ordinator’s office.

(Income from tourist visits will be used to improve the primary and secondary school classrooms, teachers’ houses and water projects.)

For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com