Nature Walks

Maasai guides escort our guests on a selection of walks, ranging from moderate to strenuous exertion that provide a wonderful natural experience in this secluded area of Tanzania:

Guided walk to the Waterfall 2.5 to 3 hours moderate exertion
This trek takes you along a nature trail where you will have a chance to see indigenous plant species and learn how important their roots, barks, leaves and fruits are to the Maasai. Some plants you will encounter include the Yellow Barked Acacia (Acacia Xanthophlea), Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana), Cycomore Fig (Ficus Cycomorus), Tamarind Tree (Tamarindus Indica) and the Quinin Tree (Rauvolfia caffra). You may also see Vervet Monkeys, Baboons, Marabou Storks, Red Headed Agamas and a variety of other animals, reptiles and birdlife. A picnic lunch can be arranged in advance with your butler.

Guided walk around Lake Miwaleni 3.5 to 4 hours moderate exertion
Walking around this naturally formed, docile lake is yet another interesting activity. Lake Miwaleni is fed with many underground inlets, seeping in 20 million litres of fresh water daily. You will have the opportunity to see plants including the Wild Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Poison Grub Tree (Commiphora Africana), Wandering Jew (Commelina benghalensis) and the White Thorn Acacia (Acacia seyal). You will pass through the banana and rice plantations and may have the chance to speak with local villagers who live so close to the animal that has killed more humans than any other in Africa the hippopotamus.

Guided trek up the Great Rift Escarpment 3 to 4 hours strenuous exertion
For those who seek a memorable adventure, our guides will take you trekking to the top of the Great Rift Escarpment. Starting early in the morning under the massive Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata), your journey will take you through ancient volcanic rocks, past numerous trees and shrubs and past a variety of flora and fauna. As you start your ascent, guides will enlighten you with the importance of the natural environment and its inhabitants. The climb is also a treat for birdwatchers, with more than 350 species in the area (refer Bird Watching). You may also spot one of the very shy Rock Hyraxes or Dwarf Mongoose as you continue upwards. Once you finally reach the top of the escarpment, a powerful atmosphere awaits you. The panorama is majestic and on clear days, you may even see the tip of Kilimanjaro in the distance. Once you are refreshed and ready to descend, your walking stick will assist you with the return journey to E Unoto Retreat.