This barren land, is scattered with old acacia forests and seasonal swamps on the pans of the ‘embosel’ ecosystem which extends from the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is this region, away from the busy tourist areas of northern Tanzania, elderly elephants retreat to spend their final years – in peace and harmony, away from the maddening crowds. On foot with Maasai warriors or in open vehicles we will approach Africa’s largest mammals. Timeless moments. Sensing the peace and beauty of these magnificent creatures that calmly share the habitat with the Maasai and their cattle, a true original part of Africa.

Activity (depending on the season):
As a half-day trip (mostly during summer): Early in the morning, set out for a game drive with a wonderful packed breakfast to southern Amboseli by the Kenya border. Explore the Sinya area and later on head back to the camp for lunch.

As a full-day trip (mostly during winter):
With this tour you are out in the bush for the whole day. After a nice breakfast at the camp set out for a game drive to southern Amboseli with a wonderful packed lunch, which you will have out in the bush. Continue the game drive and in the early evening head back to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Starting from Shu‘mata Camp, this is a relaxing 2,5 hours drive up Mount Kilimanjaro to a height of 3.400 metres. Pass through varied vegetations zones: region of the steppes, lush greens at the entrance to Kilimanjaro National park and finally enter an alpine scenery. The goal is to reach Shira Plateau at a level of 4.000 metres. When the clouds open, enjoy magnificent views of the summit of Kilimanjaro. Hike for about one hour on a designated Shira Day Trial through grass, heather and moorland landscapes with up to 10 metres high groundsel herbs.

Eland antelopes,  will cross our way on the mountain's cliffs. Colobus monkeys swing through the branches and buffaloes lurk in the thickets. With a little luck, you might encounter elephants.  Stop for a picnic-lunch on the open plains of the plateau and enjoy the fresh air and wonderful views  of the highest mountain in Africa and the plains below. 

Water is more precious than diamonds in an area as dry and arid as the Sinya Steppe. The Maasai living in this area are threatened by drought and often carry water from distances of many kilometres. Most of the Maasai living here do not have permanent access to drinking water. It is often difficult, sometimes even impossible, to find water for livestock or domestic use. Every day, Maasai women and girls have the daunting task of locating and transporting water to their homes and villages. The Maasai have to return to being the guardians of nature. To us, the land came first, then came the animals, and in the end came man. Balance is the key word - balance with nature, but also a new balance for the Maasai people, between old and the new. Let's protect the environment - man, land and beast.” (Ole Molloimet -Maasai Elder).

On this tour, the Maasai share with us their wide knowledge of herbs and medicines, and introduce us to their unique lifestyle and land, where they have been living for centuries in spite of long dry seasons. Experience and gain an insight into their lifestyle off the beaten track. In the late afternoon you will return to the camp, where a sundowner on the hill is waiting for you. Here you can enjoy beautiful views across Masailand.

The Maasai share their knowledge of herbs and traditional medicines with us and introduce us to their unique lifestyle, where they have been living for several centuries in spite of the long dry seasons. Experience and gain insight of their daily lifestyle off the beaten track. In the late afternoon you will return to the camp, where a sundowner on the hill is waiting for you. Here you can enjoy beautiful views across the wide open savannah.

 At night the nocturnal animals come out and make their way through the wild. After a relaxing sundowner on the plains at Shu'mata you will take a night game drive by jeep. On a night game drive you will get the possibility to see wild animals and take amazing pictures at close range. Return to the camp for late dinner and enjoy a relaxing glass of wine of your choice!