NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS TO LAKE NATR…

OVERVIEW:

5 DAYS – 4 NIGHTS

Ngorongoro Crater, Empakai Crater, Acacia Camp and Lake Natron

This 5-day trekking tour takes you through the diverse landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. You will hike through grassy plains and the mountainous countryside as well as thick mountain forest and the savannah landscape of the Rift Valley. Apart from unique landscapes and seeing wild animals, this trek allows insight into the daily routine of the Masai people.

Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

Today you will be picked up at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands. There you will descend the 600m high walls to the floor of the crater and get up close with one of Africa’s seven natural wonders! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered one of the most beautiful and unique places in Africa. Here you will find a haven of African wildlife and you might also be lucky enough to witness the endangered Rhino! Enjoy a game drive and lunch by the hippo pool before driving up to the crater rim.

Overnight stay at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Highlands to Empakai Crater

This morning, you will drive 2-3 hours to Empakai crater and enjoy a nice walk there. Your Masai guide will arrive with his donkeys to meet you there. You will be able to explore the crater and descend to Lake Empakai on a well-maintained path. This alkaline soda lake is an important food source for flamingos, which can be seen throughout the year. Returning to the camp, a campfire and supper will be waiting for you. During the night, you might hear the flamingos call as they fly back to their breeding nests at Lake Manyara and Lake Natron.

Dinner and overnight at Empakai Crater rim campsite.

Day 3: Empakai Crater to Acacia Camp

After breakfast and loading the donkeys, the journey continues. Today you will hike to the Masai village Naiyobi following a good path. The village as well as Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano, can be seen from the distance. After lunch in Naiyobi, the trek leaves the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the landscape becomes drier and warmer. Tonight’s camp will be

set up at amongst an acacia forest. Today you will be walking with the donkey for about 5 to 6 hours.

Dinner and overnight at Acacia campsite.

Day 4: Acacia Camp to Lake Natron

The last stage of the journey is not too long and it goes mainly downhill. The highlights of the trek are the great views of Oldonyo Lengai, Lake Natron and the Rift Valley. The rugged countryside looks almost surreal covered by grey ash of the last eruption in 2007. The trek descends into the dry and hot Rift Valley, where the ash can be seen up close. Today you will walk around 3 hours in total. In the afternoon, you will walk to the lake and visit the waterfalls.

Day 5: Lake Natron to Moshi/Arusha

After breakfast, drive back to Moshi/Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.

Last modified:  20:22