Serengeti Ecotourism Program
Experience Authentic Africa in Mara - Africa's Best Kept Secret
Where to Stay
There are fine hotels in Musoma and other towns in Mara region.
Check out for more information on where to stay, eat and do shopping in Musoma.
Opportunities
Mountaineering
Apart from wildlife viewing in the Serengeti, mountaineering is another prime attraction of Mara. The mountains of Mara have stood as irresistible landmarks for the world's adventures since the Serengeti ecosystem opened its doors to visitors. However these opportunities have not been exploited fully. Mountaineering can range from from climbing the highest peak to the lower peaks. Although compared to Kilimanjaro and Meru standards, trekking peaks are considered minor peaks, they nonetheless provide and are technically quite challenging.
Trekking
Trekking is the highlight of a visit to Mara. On account of the wide range of geographical features, the region nurtures a variety of of vegetations and landscape. In addition to the natural endowments is the rich Mara culture derived from over 20 ethnic tribes.
Visitors can trek to different parts of Mara to experience its rustic charm of nature and culture. Most treks go through areas between 100 to 1800 meters. Kwirera mountain which is pyramid in shape and an island provides excellent view in the Lake Victoria and nature as it is still as natural as ever.
Outdoor Region
Mara is a blend of ancient history, vibrant cultures and scenic grandeur. Located between Lake Victoria and Serengeti National Park; Mara's geographical features include lower mountains, mid hills and fertile plains of tropical jungles.
Mara's popularity as a tourist destination has increased vastly over the last decade. While trekking and mountaineering have long been popular, the entire range of other activities can also be carried out.
Key eco-tour attractions in Mara are:
Mara river forests
Ikoma open area
Mara river water falls
The Maji Moto hot springs
Scenic hills and woodlands
Local villages with attractive traditional homes and markets
Mtiro 'dancing' mountain
The Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere museum
Historical/memorial sites
Self magnifying rock paintings
The natural crocodile zoo and the Iron Age ruins
Town tours
Cycling
Viewing of pygmy hippos
Visit a school that nurtured Mwalimu Nyerere
Boating
Mara provides fine options for boating from south to up north and the east where Mara river ease into Lake Victoria (the second freshwater Lake in the world). This is one of the most popular destination for recreational boating and Victoria has remained largely pristine.
In Mara one can go canoeing on Lake Victoria and on Mara river. Boats and tents can be rented on hourly basis.
Fishing and Angling
Sport fishing is also gaining popularity in Mara. There are approximately 400 varieties of freshwater fish species in the lake Victoria and Mara river ranging from the much sought after Nile Perch to Sardines (Dagaa) varieties.
Itinerary
This is one of our itineraries:
Day 1: arrive at Musoma -Stay at:
Option 1- Hotel
Option 2- Home stay
Option 3- Guesthouse
Option 4 - Camping
Day 2 to Day 5
- Leave to the Kuria Territory- (Brief social profile of the Kuria)
- Participate in their daily and cultural activities
- stay in Kuria homesteads
- eat Kuria food
- See heritage features of the Kuria people
Accommodation options
-stay with Kuria Family
-stay at a camp run by the Kurias
Day 6- Day 10
- Another package- a territory with nomads/pastoralists
- Join the pastoralists for a 3 day trek
- live the pastoralist lifestyle
- Visit rock paintings
Day 11- Excursions in Lake Victoria
Day 12. Serengeti (Boundary communities)- Leave to the Ikoma Territory- (Brief social profile of the Ikoma)
- Participate in their daily and cultural activities
- stay in Ikoma homesteads
- eat Ikoma food
- See heritage features of the Ikoma people
Accommodation options
-stay with Ikoma Family
-stay at a camp run by the Ikomas
Please contact us for your full customized itinerary to suit your interests.