Discover the Ngorongoro Highlands through our 5-day-4 Nights Trek, an immersive journey into the captivating landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater Highlands and Lake Natron. Traverse diverse terrains, from expansive plains to lush woodlands and rugged highlands, experiencing the rich Maasai culture in authentic villages. This trek unfolds from Ngorongoro to Lake Natron, providing a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the Maasai culture, guided by knowledgeable Maasai guides.
Embark on an unforgettable trek into the rarely explored depths of a volcanic crater, starting at Empakaai Crater, the termination point of the gravel road. Immerse yourself in the distinct landscapes and cultural heritage of the Maasai people, making this an enriching off-the-beaten-path escapade. Witness breathtaking savannah vistas of the Great Rift Valley, delving into hidden volcanic landscapes accessible only by foot and donkey. This trek offers a genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure, unveiling the untouched splendor of northern Tanzania.
Embark on a quintessential off-the-beaten-path Tanzanian adventure with this thrilling 5-day trek through the enchanting Ngorongoro Highlands. Our other off-the-beaten-path packages include the 10 Days Northern Tanzania Safari circuit.
The 5-day Ngorongoro trek includes visits to remarkable destinations such as Ngorongoro Crater, Olmoti Crater, Empakaai Crater, Nainokanoka Village, and Lake Natron, allowing you to traverse the volcanic terrains of Northern Tanzania.
Allocate two nights in this area for ample exploration. Lake Natron is known for breeding flamingos, ancient hominid footprints, hikes to Ngare Sero waterfalls, and various shorter walks.
We recommend spending a few nights in the Ngorongoro Highlands before a game drive in the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This approach enables full immersion in local Maasai villages, preliminary ascents up Olmoti Crater, or alternative accommodations within the Ngorongoro or Karatu regions.
Experience the 5 Days Ngorongoro Highlands Trek with the Maasai and Donkeys, partly led by an armed ranger within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a trained guide and Masai warriors outside the NCAA. Enjoy basic camping with dome-shaped canvas tents, sleeping mattresses, and sleeping bags provided.
Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking – How it works: Food is prepared by our trained safari cook, and donkeys carry most of your belongings while you carry only your day pack. This expedition complements game drives in Ngorongoro Crater and seamlessly integrates into an extended safari tour of Northern Tanzania, incorporating iconic parks like Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park for a harmonious fusion with a classic northern circuit safari.
5 Days 4 Nights Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking Itinerary
Arusha – Olmoti Crater – Nainokanoka, Ngorongoro Highlands
Commence your adventure with an early morning pickup from your Arusha hotel. Your journey begins on a well-paved road, heading towards the village of Mto wa Mbu, where the splendor of the Great Rift Valley escarpment unfolds before you. Positioned above the town, revel in a sweeping panoramic view of the expansive Maasai plains, extending to the horizon, with the glistening Lake Manyara nestled below. Continuing on, a short drive will bring you to the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The scenic exploration continues as you follow the crater road, guiding you to the enchanting Maasai village of Nainokanoka. While the camp is being set up, seize the opportunity to embark on an afternoon hike to the rim of Olmoti Crater, with the added option of visiting a charming waterfall along the trail. A hearty dinner awaits at the camp, considering the camp’s altitude of 2,650 meters, which may bring cooler temperatures, especially during certain times of the year. Enjoy a satisfying lunch and indulge in a delightful dinner, creating enduring memories throughout this extraordinary journey. Lunch and dinner are included.
Nainokanoka – Bulati Village, Ngorongoro Highlands
On the second day, the trek advances from Nainokanoka to Bulati, commencing with the early arrival of a Maasai guide and his team of donkeys, marking the start of your day’s adventure. Following a hearty breakfast and the loading of supplies onto the donkeys, the expedition begins. The trail takes you past traditional Maasai bomas and herds of cattle. Soon, you’ll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including Thompson and Grant’s gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests. Nearby, curious jackals follow your trail, while majestic eagles keenly observe the unfolding spectacle from above.
Covering approximately 16 kilometers of hiking, your journey leads to a campsite conveniently positioned near the Maasai village of Bulati in the Ngorongoro Highlands. All meals are included, ensuring you are nourished for the memorable experiences that lie ahead. All meals are included.
Bulati – Empakaai Crater
Following a nourishing breakfast, the journey resumes its ascent, providing a final panoramic view of the vast grass plains below. The trek then guides you through the undulating terrain of the bushy landscape until it unfolds to reveal the captivating spectacle of the active volcano, Oldonyo Lengai. The path ahead treats you to breathtaking vistas of this majestic volcano and glimpses into the awe-inspiring Empakaai Crater, gradually revealing itself as you advance. Finally, you’ll reach the designated campsite for the night.
At this campsite, an opportunity awaits for you to explore the crater. Descend along a well-maintained path towards Lake Empakaai nestled within the crater’s depths. This alkaline soda lake serves as a crucial food source for resident flamingos, offering year-round opportunities for observation. Upon returning to the camp, a delectable supper is prepared for you. As the night descends, you might even catch the calls of the flamingos as they journey back to their breeding nests at Lake Manyara and Lake Natron. All meals are included.
Empakaai Crater - Acacia Camp
On this day, your hiking adventure guides you to the Maasai village of Naiyobi. Following a clearly defined trail, you’ll have the opportunity to catch glimpses of both the village and Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano, in the distance. After relishing a satisfying lunch in Naiyobi, the trek leads you beyond the boundaries of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and you’ll notice a notable shift in the landscape, transitioning to a drier and warmer environment. As the day concludes, your camp for the night will be set up within a tranquil acacia forest. All meals are thoughtfully provided, ensuring you have the sustenance you need for the day’s ventures.
Acacia Camp – Engare Sero/Lake Natron – Arusha
The concluding stretch of your journey is relatively short, primarily characterized by a descent. Along the way, you’ll be treated to captivating vistas of Oldonyo Lengai, Lake Natron, and the Rift Valley, serving as the trek’s highlights. The rugged terrain takes on an almost otherworldly appearance, adorned in the gray ash remnants from the last eruption in 2007. Progressing on the trail, you’ll descend further into the arid and scorching Rift Valley, providing a close-up view of the landscape draped in ash.
By lunchtime, you’ll reach the awaiting vehicle, where your driver will be ready to transport you back to Arusha. This day’s meals include both breakfast and lunch, ensuring you have the sustenance needed for the final leg of your remarkable journey.
End of Our 5 Days 4 Nights Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking
We can customize the program according to your interests and budget.
The Price Includes:
- 05 days private safari for 02 – 06 persons
- Transport and wildlife drives in a modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser with a photographic roof hatch
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
- All wildlife reserve entry fees
- All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
- 03 x 0.5 L mineral water per person/day during game drives
- 04 x Full Board at safari lodges or tented camps as per the itinerary
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority
The Price Does Not Include:
- International Flights
- Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff (please tip separately)
- Travel insurance if needed
- Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
- Hot Air Balloon Safari at Serengeti (549 USD per person), including concession fees
- All Airport pick up and transfers in a private car
- Accommodation at Arusha on arrival
Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or if you’d like to customize your safari experience.
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