Wildgem Expeditions believes Tanzanite deserves to be aclaimed as one of the major tourist attraction in Tanzania and not just for its beauty but also for the fact that the gemstone is only located in one place here on earth. Been the pioneers of the "Tanzania Gemstone Tour" we would like to welcome you to a special gemstone tour where you will get the opportunity of touring the Merelani area where the Tanzanite is birthed, you will also get the opportunity of learning about its history, mining method, identification method, why people wear the gem, you will also get to interact with the local minners, learn how it benefits them mining the gem and lots of other topics also most importantly you will get the opportunity of buying an original natural Tanzanite right from the source meaning whatever money you will spend on this precious Gem is going directly to the local Miners and dealers and ofcourse it also means you will get the top quality natural gem.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
- A tour in the tanzanite mining area through the different mining zones in mererani from Block A to Block D where you will also learn of how mining is done and the types of equipment used.
- A tour on the shores of the beautiful lake kidawashi on the way to lemshuku
- Camping at Lemshuku area
- A tour through different mining sites and the local village in Lemshuku
- An underground mine tour in a tsavorite mine. Learn more about tsavorite, how its mining is done, the equipments used, and its rock formation
- Beautiful sundown with barbecue, socializing and interacting with local miners
TOUR DESCRIPTION
DAY ONE
In the morning guests shall be picked from their hotel. At 9 am we will depart a short journey to the mererani hills where the rare blue gem Tanzanite is found. It is a 1-hour journey filled with adventure as we pass through local villages and terrains with beautiful landscapes.
On arrival in mererani we will visit different mining zones divided into blocks from A to D. You will learn the history and formation of tanzanite, how it was discovered, how its mined, equipments used in mining, and how it has changed the lives of the locals, you will get to visit a mine that has had multiple productions.
Lunch will be served after the mererani tour then we will depart on a 2-hour journey to the hills of Lemshuku where the Tsavorite/Green Garnet gemstone is found and also where you will camp for the night, on our way we will pass through some Maasai local villages on the shores of Lake Kidawashi. On arrival in lemshuku we shall settle for a sundown and have Nyama choma in the evening.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY TWO
On the second day of the gemstone tour, breakfast will be served early in the morning as you enjoy a beautiful sunrise. After breakfast, you will learn and discuss the history and formation of tsavorite, how it was discovered, how it is mined, the equipments used in mining, and how it has changed the life of the locals of the area. You will tour around where you will be shown different mining sites that have had massive production you will get to have a chance to tour in one of the mines for those who wish to have an experience in the depths of the earth and get their hands dirty . They will be provided with safety gear and guidance all the way. Lunch will be served after the tour and then we get ready for our departure back to town where you will be dropped at your accommodation and that will be the end of the tour with wildgem
Meals: Lunch
what's included:
- Tour according to the itinerary
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Overnight accommodation according to the itinerary
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Mineral water, beers, soft drinks( For any special enquire on specific drink please notify when making your booking )
- Flying doctors services
- All the mentioned activities
- All government fees
Items excluded:
- flight
- Optional activities
- Visa fees
- hints
- Personal spending money on souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance