In July 2024, working as Expedition Leader for World Challenge, I lead a group of 18 people on an expedition to Northern Tanzania.
For photographs of this expedition see Tanzania – July 2024
This expedition is arranged by World Challenge
Tanzania expedition
DAY 1 – 8 JUL 24 – ARRIVAL
We arrive in Dar-es-Salaam after a long flight from London via Addis Ababa. We are met by our local guide and transfer to our accommodation.
DAY 2 – 9 JUL 24 – DAR-ES-SALAAM
Admin day in Dar es Salaam.
DAY 3 – 10 JUL 24 – TRAVEL TO LUSHOTO
Today is a travel day. We leave Dar es Salaam this morning and spend the afternoon exploring Lushoto.
DAY 4 – 11 JUL 24 – USAMBARA MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 1
Trek out to the viewpoint in the Usambara mountains, just 1-2 hours walk from Lushoto. On the way back pass the village of Irente juu. Eat lunch at the Irente Biodiversity Farm in their flower garden. Visit to a nearby waterfall and the viewpoints of Kambe and Kwa Mkeke.
DAY 5 – 12 JUL 24 – USAMBARA MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 2
Starting from Lushoto we walk through the farmlands of Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”), to the village of Vuli. After an extensive explanation about farming in the Usambara Mountains, we return via another route to Lushoto. Today includes a hike to Vuli peak (2100 metres).
DAY 6 – 13 JUL 24 – USAMBARA MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 3
Today we walk through villages and farm land to the lush rainforest where we see black-and-white Colobus monkeys. On the way back we pass by the historic royal village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and an old German bunker dug during World War I.
DAY 7 – 14 JUL 24 – USAMBARA MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 4
Today we start from Soni and walk through the villages of Shashui and Kwemula to the foot of KwaMongo Peak (“God’s Peak”) which we climb in under 30 minutes. We stop by the Soni waterfalls on our way back to Lushoto.
DAY 8 – 15 JUL 24 – USAMBARA MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 5
Beginning at Mbuzii, we walk along river valleys, sometimes wading through the water and descend down the steep slopes of the Bangala River Valley to the village of Bangala. In Bangala we visit the tree nursery at the primary school and afterwards walk back via Vuga hill.
DAY 9 – 16 JUL 24 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – MOITA
Today we travel to the community initiative and settle in.
This initiative contributes to the UN’s SDG4 Quality Education. The organisation’s key focus is empowering Masaai students with development opportunities through infrastructural improvements and access to quality and equitable education. They aim to provide clean, friendly and environmentally sustainable spaces for schoolchildren who live in rural areas and do not receive much financial support from the government. A lot of the schools in the area are run down and are in desperate need of renovation, which is a financial struggle for the local communities. Over the next few days, we will be helping to renovate, clean and paint classrooms to provide the children with a nicer learning environment. We will also be doing some maintenance around the school grounds to help create a space where the children can play during break times, repairing desks and chairs and building book shelves for the classrooms.
Today we meet the community, explore the area and learn more about the initiatives and why they are important.
DAY 10-13 – 17-20 JUL 24 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – MOITA
For the next few days we assist with ongoing infrastructure programmes and participating in cultural activities.
DAY 14 – 21 JUL 24 – TRAVEL TO MOSHI
Today is a travel day. Leave your initiative this morning and spend the afternoon exploring Moshi when we arrive.
DAY 15 – 22 JUL 24 – ADMIN DAY
We have a free day admin and exploring Moshi. I go, as always when in Moshi, to the Coffee Union for a drink and snack.
DAY 16 – 23 JUL 24 – TRAVEL TO NGORONGORO CRATER
Today is a travel day – make the journey to Karatu Forest Tented Camp.
DAY 17 – 24 JUL 24 – NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI
Today we have full day safari and the return to Karatu Forest Tented Camp.
DAY 18 – 25 JUL 24 – TARANGERI N.P. SAFARI
Today is another safari travel day then we travel to Moshi for an overnight camp..
DAY 19 – 26 JUL 24 – TRAVEL TO SAME
Today is a travel day. We leave Moshi this morning and spend the afternoon exploring Same when we arrive.
DAY 20 – 27 JUL 24 – SOUTHERN PARES MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 1
Today we visit the hilltop Ranzi Dam, a natural spring water lake. The trek takes us through lush rainforests taking in Malameni Rock and entering Tona Moorland, where there are the ruins of German missionary presence in the Mbaga Hills. We return to Tona lodge mid-afternoon for a rest and dinner.
DAY 21 – 28 JUL 24 – SOUTHERN PARES MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 2
Today we trek out to the Heiganda Duma Viewpoint reached by passing through Mbakweni village. We also visit the Mlamba Natural caves on the way and from the viewpoint look onto the Mkomazi Game Reserve. We then return to Tona Lodge Camp.
DAY 22 – 29 JUL 24 – SOUTHERN PARES MOUNTAINS TREK DAY 3
The Red Reservoir is a famous location for the ritual practices of local villagers. The path takes us through thick vegetation filled with bird life and through the tiny and beautiful village of Ikongwe. From the nearby Mperera View Point we have amazing views towards Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
DAY 23 – 30 JUL 24 – TRAVEL TO DAR ES SALAAM
Today is a travel day. We leave Same this morning and spend the afternoon exploring Dar es Salaam.
DAY 24 – 31 JUL 24 – TRAVEL TO ZANZIBAR
Today we take the ferry to Zanzibar and explore the island.
DAY 25-26 – 01-02 AUG 24 – ACTIVITIES IN ZANZIBAR
The next two days we we undertake a few activities.
Snorkelling, which takes place in the morning. Then sightseeing in Stone Town. We visit the slavery exhibition at the Old Slave Market and Anglican Basilica to learn more about the history of the slave trade on the island. We also visit Prison Island, a day trip by boat and explore the markets and architecture of Stone Town including Darajani Bazaar and the Old Fort.
DAY 27 – 03 AUG 24 – TRAVEL TO DAR ES SALAAM
Today we travel on the ferry to Dar es Salaam.
DAY 28 – 04 AUG 24 – DAR ES SALAAM
Today we explore Dar for the final time.
DAY 29 – 05 AUG 24 – DEPARTURE
Today we depart for our flight back to Londo
