the footsteps of mankind - 5 days
WHY THIS ADVENTURE?
This is a trek back through millennia of evolution from the relatively recent hominid footprints right by our Lake Natron Camp, all the way to Olduvai, commonly known as “one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world”, and home to evidence of our earliest ancestors. Each camp location and design is being targeted at guests that are looking for an off the beaten track experience, entirely respectful of the environment, and yet just enough comfort to ensure a superlative well balanced adventure. If you think this is for you read further!
HOW TO BOOK
All our adventures can be booked through a tour operator near you. Just ask them about Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and our range of activities and adventures and specify the “The Footsteps on Mankind” trek. You can add this adventure into your dates – all trips are customised to your dates.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hiking the Gregorian Rift Valley, Sanjan Gorge, Gol, Olduvai Gorge, witnessing untouched Maasai culture, being immersed into places people have never been before, stunning views, the migration (if timed right), off the beaten track, going back in time from old footsteps to new.
DESCRIPTION
This is a 5 day itinerary with 2 nights spent at Lake Natron Camp. Olduvai gorge is known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ and this trekking expedition courses routes either to or from this area incorporating the history of mankind, geology and landscapes spanning 250 million years. You can time this expedition with the migration in the short grass plains, or append a migration experience post / pre trek.
ITINERARY IN SHORT
Day 1: Drive to Lake Natron Camp, overnight Lake Natron Camp (fb)
Day 2: Overnight at Lake Natron Camp and taking part in activities (fb)
Day 3: Trek to Sanjan, overnight Sanjan (fb) Trek 6km. Drive 22km
Day 4: Trek to Piyaya, overnight Piyaya (fb) Trek 10km. Drive 4km
Day 5: Transfer to Nasera Rock gate & depart Drive 4km
ITINERARY IN FULL
DAY 1 – LAKE NATRON CAMP
Lake Natron has a number of activities that are very easily combined with dawn walks and sundowners and in the middle of the day there is the nearby Ngare Sero gorge that you can walk to and options of long hikes to the source or shorter hikes to waterfalls. The staff are on hand to make your stay as adventurous or as relaxing as you want. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
DAY 2 – LAKE NATRON CAMP
We have a natural pool at camp and fish that love to give you a free fish pedicure! Just the thing to pamper your feet before you set off on a hike up the rift valley tomorrow. The staff are on hand to make your stay as adventurous or as relaxing as you want. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
DAY 3 - SANJAN GORGE
After breakfast you depart to the bottom of the rift valley and start your trek to Sanjan. The hike this morning is up the rift valley, following the migration routes of the Maasai and their cattle as they move to find pasture. Once on top of the rift valley you trek to meet our vehicle and transfer across the vast Salei plains to Sangan Gorge (note that the wildebeest migration is often here from December – May). Picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed. You will be met by your camp crew when you reach your destination and you can go trek deep into Sanjan Gorge or just relax by the camp fire with a glass of wine! Dinner & overnight Sanjan Camp (full board).
DAY 4 - PIYAYA
The camp is set at the base of the Gol mountains and faces east, which affords a stunning sunrise! Bush coffee is served right from the fire and after a filling breakfast you set of with your Maasai guides along the sides of the Sanjan gorge. It is very rocky underfoot in places and so good shoes are a must and at certain points be sure to look back for stunning views. Once through the gorge you meander your way and then transfer to camp to relax. For those that arrive early there are options to visit local attractions. Dinner and overnight Piyaya Camp (full board).
DAY 5 – NASERA ROCK
When you get to Nasera Rock you will be met by your driver who will then take you on to your the next part of your itinerary via Olduvai Gorge !
END OF SERVICES
FEES / INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
please refer to your contract rates.
WHAT TO WEAR
Sun hat
sunglasses
head torch
buff or lightweight neck gaiter (for keeping out dust)
rain shell
light fleece
long sleeve t shirt x 2
hiking trousers (zip off style are recommended so you have shorts too)
waterproof trousers
socks x 3 pairs
hiking shoes preferably with some decent ankle support
teva or flip flops for in camp
walking poles
gaiters for those that have low cut hiking shoes
water bottles x 3 enough to hold 3 Liters
