14 Days Ngorongoro Walking Safari

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, a warm welcome awaits you from your dedicated Driver/Guide and our representative. Your journey will commence with a transfer to the Outpost Lodge, a charming country house nestled on the outskirts of Arusha Town against the picturesque backdrop of majestic Mount Meru. As you settle in, our experienced safari manager will personally greet you, offering a comprehensive safari briefing to ensure you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, provided as part of your stay. Get ready to embark on a safari experience filled with excitement and discovery.

Embark on a full-day excursion to Nkoaranga Village, a commendable fair-trade coffee growers’ cooperative that represents a consortium of small-farm coffee cultivators united in their commitment to establishing a sustainable, naturally grown, and fair-trade coffee enterprise. Immerse yourself in the intricate process of coffee cultivation as you explore the lush coffee plantations.

Gain firsthand knowledge of the various stages of coffee production, from bean collection to meticulous processing, roasting, grinding, and careful packaging. This engaging experience provides a deeper understanding of the journey from coffee plant to cup. Notably, all proceeds from coffee sales contribute directly to local farmers, supporting ongoing project development and the cultivation of organic farming practices. Anticipate the first organic bean harvest within the next two years, marking a significant milestone for the community.

Extend your exploration to the heart of the village, where you’ll visit the local school or orphanage, fostering a connection with the community’s educational and social initiatives. Take a leisurely walk through the village, gaining valuable insights into the daily lives of local farmers.

A delectable lunch awaits in the village, offering a taste of local flavors and culinary traditions. Following this enriching experience, return to the comfort of Blues & Chuntey Country B&B for an overnight stay, with all meals thoughtfully included. Your day unfolds as a blend of cultural immersion, sustainable practices, and the warm hospitality of the local community.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure after breakfast as you drive to Arusha National Park, where the savannah unfolds with herds of zebra, buffalo, and giraffe grazing against the scenic backdrop. Immerse yourself in the natural spectacle during a game drive, reveling in the diverse habitats of this captivating park.

Pause for a delightful picnic lunch at Momella Lake, renowned for its vast flocks of vibrant flamingos and offering breathtaking views of majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Your journey continues with a comprehensive game drive, providing opportunities to spot black and white colobus monkeys, unique to this northern Tanzanian park, as well as Sykes’s and vervet monkeys, elusive forest duikers, majestic leopards, and sizable herds of antelope.

Guided by an armed ranger, embark on a hike along the slopes of Mt. Meru. Traverse the buffalo meadow and venture into dense forests, unveiling hidden waterfalls along the way. This trek promises an intimate connection with the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

As the day concludes, settle in at a campsite within Arusha National Park for an overnight stay. All meals are thoughtfully included, allowing you to relish the serenity and natural wonders of this unique environment. Your experience combines the thrill of a safari, the beauty of nature, and the tranquility of a campsite nestled within the heart of Arusha National Park.

Embark on an early morning game drive in Tarangire to witness the magic of the African wilderness, including a glimpse of nocturnal animals as they conclude their nightly activities. After this immersive experience, enjoy a leisurely late breakfast before packing up and bidding farewell to Tarangire.

Your journey continues via Mto wa Mbu to Karatu Town, situated on the outer rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the vibrant local farmer’s market, an opportunity to shop for essentials for the upcoming days of your adventure away from civilization.

Proceed to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, where you’ll pitch your tent before indulging in an afternoon Nature Walk (subject to weather conditions) at the Northern Crater Rim of Ngorongoro Crater. This area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, baboons, monkeys, and various bird species. Accompanied by a ranger or Maasai guide, traverse animal paths through the bush, gaining intimate insights into the natural behaviors of the local inhabitants.

The driving time, without game viewing, is approximately 2 hours, allowing you to soak in the scenery along the way. Your overnight stay unfolds at a campsite at the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, where all meals are included. This day seamlessly blends the thrill of a morning game drive with the cultural exploration of a local market and the serene beauty of a Nature Walk at the northern rim of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater.

After a satisfying breakfast, embark on an extraordinary adventure as you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a remarkable game drive, accompanied by a delightful picnic lunch. Widely regarded as one of the wonders of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater stands as the largest intact volcanic caldera, providing a natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s most concentrated animal populations.

The crater is a rare haven where the elusive black rhino can be observed in its natural habitat. Due to the towering 2,000-foot-high walls that encircle the crater, only a few animals migrate in and out, creating a unique and contained ecosystem. Anticipate sightings of iconic African wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, various antelope species, and an array of birds.

With luck on your side, you may even spot the renowned ‘Big Five’—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—during a single game drive. This exceptional experience is complemented by the stunning landscapes and the wealth of biodiversity within the crater.

As the day concludes, return to the campsite at the Ngorongoro Crater Rim for an overnight stay. All meals are included, ensuring you can fully appreciate the splendor of the Ngorongoro Crater and its diverse inhabitants. This day promises an unforgettable encounter with some of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife in a truly unique setting.

Embark on a captivating five-day excursion to the Northern Highlands, guided by a local expert and accompanied by an armed ranger (until Naiyobi, where the armed ranger will leave). Following breakfast, commence your journey by driving to Lemala Gate, the starting point for your walk to Olmoti. Arrive at your camp around noon, where you’ll pitch your tent and indulge in a satisfying lunch.

After settling in, explore Olmoti Crater, a shallow grassy expanse that serves as the source of the Munge River. This river gracefully flows through a gorge in the rim, culminating in a breathtaking waterfall on its way to Ngorongoro Crater. Embark on a hike up the Crater Rim, descending to the Crater Floor, where the captivating natural wonders of Olmoti unfold.

The driving time, without game viewing, is approximately 1.5 hours, allowing you to appreciate the changing landscapes along the way. Spend the night at Olmoti Campsite, where all meals are included. This day sets the stage for a deeper connection with the Northern Highlands, immersing you in the beauty of Olmoti Crater and the surrounding landscapes.

Descend from Olmoti, traversing the outer hills of the Great Rift Valley and venturing across the expansive plains of the Embulbul Depression. As you make your way, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the region, including antelopes, wildebeests, and zebras, creating a picturesque backdrop to your journey.

In the late afternoon, arrive at Bulati, a quintessential Maasai Village. Here, you will spend the night at Bulati Campsite, immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Maasai community. All meals are included, providing an authentic experience that blends the natural beauty of the surroundings with the vibrant traditions of the local inhabitants. This leg of your journey promises not only a scenic adventure but also a cultural encounter that adds depth to your exploration of the Northern Highlands.

Departing from Bulati Campsite, your journey continues as you walk through Bulati Village and ascend the Bulati Ranges, arriving at Empakai Crater around midday. Traverse the crater rim, providing panoramic views of Kerimasi Mountain and Oldonyo Lengai in the distance, creating a stunning backdrop to your exploration.

In the afternoon, reach your campsite, situated high above Empakai Crater. The surrounding thicket serves as a habitat for buffalos and hyenas, offering a unique wildlife experience. After pitching your tent and enjoying a cup of tea, you have the option to descend the forested crater slopes to reach the crater floor. The majority of the crater floor is covered by a salt lake, providing a serene environment. Witness the migratory journey of water birds and flamingos between the crater lakes of Ngorongoro and Lake Natron. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake shore, appreciating the tranquility and natural beauty of this unique landscape.

Overnight at a campsite at Empakai Crater, perched at an altitude of approximately 3,200 meters. All meals are included, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the captivating surroundings of Empakai Crater. This day promises an immersive experience in the highlands, showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the region.

Embark on a picturesque trail around Empakai Crater Rim, offering continuous breathtaking views of the crater bottom and the serene lake. The surrounding forest teems with life, providing a habitat for buffalos and porcupines, enhancing the natural beauty of your journey. Around midday, you reach Naiyobi village, a charming Masai Village located at the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Here, you bid farewell to your armed ranger, having ventured together through the highlands. Continuing your expedition with your Maasai Guide, proceed to the Acacia Forest behind Naiyobi Village. The Acacia Campsite serves as your overnight retreat, nestled in the heart of the Acacia Forest. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, enhanced by the guidance and insights shared by your Maasai Guide.

All meals are thoughtfully included, allowing you to savor the flavors of the journey and appreciate the unique atmosphere of the Acacia Forest. This segment of your adventure not only showcases the beauty of the natural landscape but also provides a cultural connection with the vibrant traditions of the Masai Village and its people.

Conclude your trek with a longer hike downward towards the edge of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Navigate through volcanic landscapes sculpted by the latest eruption of Oldonyo Lengai in 2008, creating a unique and dynamic terrain. Your trail takes you along the geological wonders until you reach Pembe ya Swala, a distinctive landmark that marks the beginning of a steep descent down to the plains surrounding Lake Natron.

During this final stretch of your trek, revel in splendid views of the Lengai volcano (Oldonyo Lengai for the Maasai) and Mount Kerimasi, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop to your journey. As you approach Lake Natron, the vastness of the plains unfolds, providing a striking contrast to the rugged landscapes you’ve traversed.

Your day concludes at Ngare Sero Campsite at Lake Natron, where you’ll spend the night. All meals are included, allowing you to reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences of your trek. This last leg of your journey showcases the diverse geological features of the region and offers magnificent views of iconic volcanic landmarks, providing a fitting conclusion to your adventure in the Northern Highlands.

Today’s exploration revolves around the captivating highlights near Lake Natron, renowned for its vast population of flamingos and other water birds drawn to the high concentrations of sodium carbonate, algae, and zooplankton. A knowledgeable guide accompanies you, revealing the nesting places of the flamingos and providing insights into the unique ecosystem.

Venture to the Ngare Sero River, which flows into Lake Natron. In stark contrast to the arid surroundings, this area presents a small paradise. Embark on a strenuous walk up the stream, unveiling the source of the river. Here, cascading waterfalls emerge from the mountain, creating a serene and picturesque setting. The pools beneath the waterfalls offer an excellent and refreshing bath, providing a delightful cool-down from the sun’s warmth. Keep an eye out for baboons and other wildlife that may inhabit the gorge, adding a touch of natural wonder to your journey.

Spend the night at Ngare Sero Campsite, where all meals are included. This day blends the marvels of Lake Natron’s birdlife with the serenity of the Ngare Sero River, creating a harmonious and enriching experience in the heart of this unique and diverse landscape.

Embark on your return journey to Arusha, traversing a partly bumpy and dusty road. The drive may be challenging at times, but it provides an opportunity to reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences of your trek. Anticipate reaching Arusha Town late in the afternoon, where you can enjoy some well-deserved rest at Ilboru Safari Lodge.

The driving time, without game viewing, is approximately 7 hours. Your overnight stay at Ilboru Safari Lodge includes all meals, offering a comfortable and rejuvenating conclusion to your adventurous trek through the Northern Highlands. Take this time to unwind and relish the memories of your remarkable journey before your departure from Arusha.

Enjoy a leisurely day, taking in the tranquility and amenities of your surroundings until it’s time for your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, and perhaps take some time to relax or explore the nearby attractions.

When the time comes, your transfer will take you to Kilimanjaro Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely journey for your departure. Cherish the memories of your Tanzanian adventure as you bid farewell to this captivating region. Safe travels!