Ngorongoro Highlands
One of our most popular treks is the Empakai Crater to Lake Natron trek. In three days and two nights, you will experience the misty forests and rolling hills, ancient craters and the noble Maasai who inhabit the area.
Discover a land only dreamed of in fantasy, where a communion of contrasts awakening the senses and rejuvenating the spirit of adventure that we are all born with.
Your guides, Emmanuel and Petro, will unveil the mysterious beauty of emerald crater lakes and cool-lava volcanoes, amongst some of the Great Rift Valley’s most stunning landscapes.
High on Oldony’o Lengai’s northeast ridge
Day one: Drive to Empakai and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. You will be met by Petro, your guide, and trek down the Empakai Crater floor, where you will overnight at a special campsite.
Descending into Empakai Crater
Day two: Your team of donkeys and their handlers load up all your equipment and together you will trek to Elerai where you will bed down for the night at Acacia private camp. Immerse yourself in Tanzanian hospitality in the bush and experience nyama choma (BBQ meat) like the Maasai.
Longido, donkey in doorway
Day three: On your final day, you will trek to the base of Ol ‘Doinyo Lengai, where you will be met by your safari vehicle to take you to one of the camps in the Lake Natron area. We recommend that you extend your trip with 2 nights at Lake Natron to fully immerse yourself in the environment.
Descending the Great Rift Valley escarpment, near Oldony’o Lengai
Activities may include a half or full-day walk to the Ngare Sero waterfalls or even trace the source of the river. A full-day Rift Valley hike, a leisurely stroll on the flats to see the flamingos or a beautiful sunset with sundowners. If you are energetic enough we will assist with your climb up Ol ‘Doinyo Lengai from the early morning hours to mid-morning.
Top attractions you can enjoy on this trek:
- Empakai Crater, a forested crater with an emerald green lake at its bottom.
- Highland meadows
- Nayobi, a small Maasai village
- Rift Valley escarpment
- Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Lake Natron
The Ngorongoro Highlands trek is suitable for people of many ages and abilities, but the minimum age recommended is 10 years. The daily trekking time ranges from 4 to 6 hours, and trekkers are only required to carry a daypack.
Book your trek today!
The Nature Discovery team is super knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions you have when planning your perfect Tanzanian experience.
Booking is essential as our treks and safaris are popular, so contact us now to avoid disappointment.
