Tour Guide, Arusha, Tanzania
| 2 mins read
The Masai named Longido Mountain so because they got sharpening stones for the tools from this mountain. It is located on Arusha - Nairobi road, 30 kms from the border of Namanga and 80 kms from the town of Arusha. Mt Longidi is at the heart of the Masailand with Longido town sitting at its base. The Mountain rises up steeply from the plains and forms an important point of orientation for the people in the the region. Longido is home to over 126 tribes found in Tanzania. Masai have rich cultural values and a unique lifestyle. Staying here for a couple of days can add value to one's understanding of the Masai culture. values of the Masai.
There are a number of things do in Longido town and bird watching is one of those. There is an abundance of colourful birds in this town which includes the starling, the red and yellow barbet , the masked weavers, the silver bill, secretary birds, and more. Longido is also known for the presence of rare mammals that are rarely seen in the national parks. Take a walk in the Masai plains from Longido to the bomas of Ol Tepesi and enjoy bird-watching. The Masai guides can help you spot many colourful birds and also show you the trees and plants that they use for making food and medicine. At Ol Tepesi, which is the Masai word for the Acacia tree, the guides will invite you to the Masai bomas to help you learn more about their everyday life.
Wildlife viewing is another exciting thing to do in Longido. The slopes of the mountain form refuge for the gerenuk, the lesser kudu and the Klipspringer. Other animals that can be spotted in the vicinity of Longido are giraffes, zebras. gazelles, buffaloes, mongoose, ostriches, impalas and more.
One can also enjoy a walking safari from Ol Tepesi to Kimokouwa along narrow Masai cattle trails that wind over the slopes of Longido Mountain. In just around two hours, you gradually climb from the plains to an altitude of 1,200 meters. On a clear day, you can soak in the mesmerizing views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Great destination, isn't it! Experience it yourself.