Travelers who want to experience more of Ngorongoro than only the impressive Crater should consider the awesome Ngorongoro Highlands Trek, from Empakai to Lake Natron. The trek is led by a Maasai guide who knows the terrain and grew up in the region.
The trek covers a total of 25 kms and passes through the beautiful trails of the highlands. No cars involved – this trek uses donkeys to carry equipment. You will not use a car again until you reach Lake Natron.
This tour may be combined with a Day Tour to Ngorongoro Crater and then the Trek begins the following day for a combined Safari Game Drive and exciting adventure in the Highlands of Tanzania.
Day 1: Empakai Crater to Empakai Special Camp Start off with a hearty breakfast, then transfer from your hotel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After registration, drive to the trailhead of Empakai Crater.
Begin descent into the Crater, and enjoy views of pink flamingos and other waterfowl that make their phone in the alkaline lake that lines the crater floor.
Continue toward Empakai Camp where you will overnight.
The trek this day covers 15 km and is considered moderate to easy.
Dinner and overnight at Empakai Special Campsite.
Lunch and Dinner Provided.
Day 2: Empakai Special Campsite to Acacia Campsite After breakfast the tents will be taken down and the donkeys will be prepared.
Hike through Naiyobi Village, a local Maasai community that lives within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
In the afternoon, you will depart the Conservation Area and enter more arid landscape.
Overnight in the shade of Acacia Camp, which sits at a lower elevation than the prevoius night and you may find it increasingly warmer, too.
The trek covers 10 kms and takes approximately 5 hours.
Overnight at Acacia Camp.
All meals provided.
Day 3: Acacia Camp to Lake Natron After breakfast, dismantle tents and prepare the donkeys once again.
Today’s hike is easier, mostly descending to Lake Natron. The views of the lake and the impressive volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai are stunning. It is approximately 8 kms of hiking.
Upon arrival at your campsite in Lake Natron, you will have the option to rest, walk to the river for refreshment, or complete a 2-3 hr trek to the nearby waterfall where you may swim and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Overnight at a Lake Natron Campsite.
Day 4: Visit Lake Natron and Transfer to Arusha Enjoy a relaxing morning at the campsite. When you transfer vehicle arrives, you may visit Natron’s Lakeshore. It is usually full of pink flamingos (its is the largest nesting site in the world for Lesser Flamingos), but you may not swim in its waters.
Drive to the nearby acacia grove, where sometimes groups of giraffes may be spotted, or visit the geological site of Hominid Footprints, which have been studied by the likes of Discovery Channel and National Geographic.
In the early afternoon, return to Arusha via Natron-Longido road. The drive takes 5-6 hrs, depending on the road conditions.
Breakfast and Lunch provided.
Tanzania Adventure Expert
