See More Tanzania #8:

Yaeda Valley

Facts:

• Departing from: Arusha, Northern Tanzania
• Transport: private 4 x 4 vehicle
• Accommodation: mobile camping
• Adventure meter: high
• Suitable for: those prepared to rough it a little
• When to go: dry season, June through October. You might catch Datoga festivals if you travel in May.
• Watch for it or request it: MT escorted trip to Yaeda.

Summary:

Yaeda can be visited in five days, the most comfortable pace, or in four days if absolutely necessary. You travel in a circular route, beginning in the town of Karatu (two hours drive from Arusha), through the Yaeda Valley to the top of the ancient escarpment of Endesh which overlooks the southern end of Lake Eyasi, and finally down the to the lake's peaceful shores itself where a relaxing and pampered finish to the previous three nights of fly-camping can be two nights at the wonderful Kisima Ngede Tented Camp. (Or you can continue to bush camp.) I suggest that you time your arrival at Lake Eyasi to coincide with the colorful, once-monthly market in Mang'ola town. Since you pass through Karatu town going to and from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti, Yaeda provides an ideal extension for travelers seeking a rewarding cultural component to their wildlife safari program. This is not a destination for everyone. Camping must be kept simple. Tsetse flies can be a nuisance. However, the trade-off is that you will be truly remote and have an opportunity to encounter the Datoga and Hadzabe peoples as they struggle to live their traditional lives.

Price: begins at $2268.00 USD pp, based on two people sharing. Includes transportation in private 4 x 4 vehicle; separate supply car; all camping equipment and food; guide fees. Excludes: gratuities.