5 Days Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking to Lake Natron

5 days

Duration

Join us on a captivating 5-day Ngorongoro Highlands Trek that will guide you through the remarkable landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater Highlands and Lake Natron. Experience the diverse range of terrain, from vast plains to lush woodlands and rugged highlands. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture as you journey through authentic villages of the Ngorongoro Highlands, leading to the expansive Lake Natron Plains.

Embark on a captivating journey from Ngorongoro to Lake Natron, where you’ll engage deeply with the captivating Maasai culture under the guidance of knowledgeable Maasai guides. Embark on an unforgettable trek, venturing into the seldom-explored depths of a volcanic crater, commencing at Empakaai Crater, where the gravel road terminates. Immerse yourself in the distinctive landscapes and rich cultural legacy of the Maasai people, making this an authentically enriching off-the-beaten-path escapade. Witness the 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, revealing the untouched splendor of northern Tanzania.

Embark on a quintessential off-the-beaten-path Tanzanian adventure with this thrilling 5-day trek that will guide you through the enchanting Ngorongoro Highlands. One of our other off-the-beaten-path packages includes our 10 Days Northern Tanzania Safari circuit.

The 5-day Ngorongoro trek encompasses visits to remarkable destinations, including Ngorongoro Crater, Olmoti Crater, Empakaai Crater, Nainokanoka Village, and Lake Natron, allowing you to traverse the volcanic terrains of Northern Tanzania.

We have allocated two nights in this area to allow ample time for exploration. Lake Natron is renowned for its profusion of breeding flamingos, ancient hominid footprints, exhilarating hikes to Ngare Sero waterfalls, and an array of shorter walks.

We recommend spending a few nights in the Ngorongoro Highlands before embarking on a game drive in the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This approach provides an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in local Maasai villages, embark on a preliminary ascent up Olmoti Crater near the camp, or opt for accommodations elsewhere within the Ngorongoro or Karatu regions.

5 Days Ngorongoro Highlands Trek with the Masai and Donkeys

The trek is partly led by an armed ranger while within the boundaries of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and while outside the NCAA, you will be led by a trained guide and a crew of Masai warriors. The trek is done as a basic camping safaris accommodation will be in dome-shaped canvass tents with sleeping mattresses and sleeping bags provided by Tanzania Safari Supremacy.

Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking – How it works

Food is prepared by our trained safari cook who will come along, and most of your stuff will be carried by donkeys as you carry only your day pack which will include your packed lunch and water as well as your personal stuff that you may need during the trek.

This 5-day expedition beautifully complements game drives in Ngorongoro Crater and can also be seamlessly integrated into an extended safari tour of Northern Tanzania, incorporating other renowned parks like the iconic Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park, facilitating a harmonious fusion with a classic northern circuit safari.

Additional information

Destination	Tanzania
Location	Empakaai Crater, Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Highlands
Dates	Year-round
Physicality	Easy

5 Days Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arusha – Olmoti Crater – Nainokanoka, Ngorongoro Highlands

Pick up early in the morning from your hotel in Arusha. Your journey kicks off with a journey along a good tar road toward the village of Mto wa Mbu, with the grandeur of the Great Rift Valley escarpment unfolding before you. Perched above the town, you’ll be treated to a sweeping panoramic view of the vast Maasai plains stretching out to the horizon, with the shimmering Lake Manyara nestled below. Continuing onward, a brief drive will bring you to the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The scenic expedition persists as you follow the crater road, leading you to the captivating Masai village of Nainokanoka. While the camp is being prepared, take the opportunity to embark on an afternoon hike to the rim of Olmoti Crater, with the added possibility of visiting a quaint waterfall along the trail. A hearty dinner awaits at the camp, bearing in mind that the camp’s altitude of 2,650 meters may bring cooler temperatures, particularly during certain times of the year. Relish in a satisfying lunch and indulge in a delightful dinner, creating lasting memories throughout this remarkable journey. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 2

Nainokanoka – Bulati Village, Ngorongoro Highlands.

As the trek continues from Nainokanoka to Bulati on the second day, your day begins with the early arrival of a Masai guide and his team of donkeys. This signals the commencement of your day’s adventure. After a hearty breakfast and the loading of supplies onto the donkeys, the expedition sets off. The path leads you past several traditional Masai bomas and herds of cattle. Before long, you’ll have the opportunity to cross paths with a diverse array of wildlife, such as Thompson and Grant’s gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests. Nearby, curious jackals follow your trail, while regal eagles keenly observe the unfolding spectacle from above.

Covering approximately 16 kilometers of hiking, your journey brings you to a campsite conveniently situated near the Masai village of Bulati, in the Ngorongoro Highlands. All meals are included, ensuring you’re nourished for the memorable experiences that lie ahead. All meals included.

Day 3

Bulati – Empakaai Crater.

After a nourishing breakfast, the journey continues its ascent, providing a final sweeping view of the expansive grass plains below. The trek then proceeds, guiding you through the undulating terrain of the bushy landscape until it unfolds to unveil 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 the 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.

Day 4

Empakaai Crater - Acacia Camp

On this day, your hiking adventure guides you to the Masai 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.

Day 5

Acacia Camp – Engare Sero/Lake Natron – Arusha

The final segment of your journey is relatively short, mainly descending in nature. En route, you’ll be treated to captivating vistas of Oldonyo Lengai, Lake Natron, and the Rift Valley – all of which stand out as the trek’s highlights. The rugged terrain takes on an almost otherworldly appearance, cloaked in the gray ash remnants of the last eruption in 2007. As you progress on the trail, you’ll descend further into the arid and scorching Rift Valley, affording you the chance to closely observe the landscape draped in ash.

By lunchtime, you’ll reach the waiting vehicle, where your driver will be prepared to transport you back to Arusha. This day’s meals encompass both breakfast and lunch, ensuring you have the sustenance needed for the final leg of your remarkable journey.