This barren land, scattered with “islands” of old acacia forests and seasonal swamps on the pans of the ‘embosel’ ecosystem which stretches to the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is this region, away from the busy tourism areas of northern Tanzania, where the elderly elephants retreat to spend their final years – in peace and harmony and away from the maddening crowds. On foot with Maasai warriors or in open vehicles we will get within arms reach of Africa’s largest mammals. Timeless moments. Sensing the great peace and beauty of these magnificent creatures and calmly sharing 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 to southern Amboseli with a wonderful packed breakfast, which you will have out in the bush. 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 in the open caron a relaxing 2,5 hours drive right to Mount Kilimanjaro up to a height of 3.400 metres. We cross different climate- and vegetations zones: region of the steppes, lush greens on the entrance to Kilimanjaro Nationalpark and finally alpine scenery. Our goal is the Shira Plateau at the level of 4.000 metres. When the clouds open, we enjoy a magnificient view of the immidiate summit of Kilimanjaro. We hike for about one hour on the designated Shira Day Trial through grass, heather and moorland landscapes with up to 10 metres high groundsel herbs. Eland antelopes, the biggest antelopes of Africa will cross our way on the mountains cliffs. A colobus monkey swings through the branches and we see buffaloes. With a little luck even elephants. On the way we stop for a picknick-lunch on the vast plains of the plateau and enjoy the wonderful views of the summit of the highest mountain in Africa.

Water is more precious than diamonds in an area as dry and arid as the Sinya Steppe. The Maasai living in this area are constantly threatened by drought and often have to carry water from distances of many kilometers. Most of the Maasai living in this steppe in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro 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 guardian 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,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 several centuries in spite of the long dry seasons. Experience and gain an insight intotheir 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. On this tour the Maasai share their wide knowledge of herbs and medicines with us and introduce us to their unique lifestyle and land, 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.

During the day the diversity of species is very high in the Maasai steppe. You will see a lot of these wild animals during your game drives and have the possibility of taking a lot of amazing pictures. However, if you have the chance of doing a Late afternoon game drive , you should take it. At night the nocturnal animals come out and make their way through the wild. Animals that you will not see during the day, animals that not everybody gets the chance to see. After a relaxing sundowner on the plains at Shu'mata you will take a Late afternoon 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.