
Longido Cultural Tourism | Tours to Longido
- September 30, 2020
- 54
- Arusha Travel Blog
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
Tour options:
Half day tour
Longido is rich in birdlife. Some of the birds seen in this area are Starling Major, Red and Yellow Barbet, Masked Weaver, silver Bill and Secretary Bird. A bird walks through the Maasai plains starting from the town of Longido to the bomas of Ol Tepesi allow 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 busting and colorful cattle market. Another popular activity for the people with enough time is a four days trekking trip – from Longido to the Big Rock and Kitumbaine, 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 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 11 /2 hours to reach Longido Police Station. Follow the path from here to the co-ordinator’s office.
How to get to Arusha
There are two airports near Arusha. Arusha Airport is a domestic airport with only a few daily flights. It is 15 minutes from the town centre, and it is often the starting point for safaris.
Kilimanjaro International Airport receives daily flights from domestic, African, and international airlines. This airport is around 45 minutes from the centre and a taxi to the airport will cost around $50. Some drivers may accept a cheaper fare, but you will need to haggle.
If you are travelling from Kilimanjaro Airport to the local Arusha airport, allow at least one hour for the journey.
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