Ngorongoro Highlands, Lake Natron, and Maasai culture

5 days

Experience the majestic Ngorongoro Crater without the crowds. Local Maasai tribesmen will guide you on a trek on the crater’s remote northern rim through the stunning Great Rift Valley forest.

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Itinerary

In most cases, travelers for this adventure will arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to a lodge in Arusha for your first night.
That evening, your guide will give you an introduction to Tanzania and show you maps of the area, and give you an overview of your trek.
Many travelers choose to go on wildlife game drive in Arusha National Park, seeing the sites around Arusha or going on a cultural tour of Mto wa Mbu village. You can expect to spend your second night in Tanzania at a lodge in Karubu, Mto wa Mbu or Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
You will start your journey early in the morning from Karatu, Mto wa Mbu or Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive to the trailhead for Empakaai Crater is very scenic with panoramic views of Oldoinyo Lengai volcano. At the park entrance, you will meet your armed park ranger who will lead your descent into the Empakaai Crater. There will be plenty of time to explore the crater floor, enjoying the stunning views and observing diverse birdlife. Flamingos can be seen flying into the crater and feeding in the lake. The hike is five kilometers and takes about two hours round trip. You will spend the night at Empakaai Camp

Enjoy breakfast as the sun rises over Empakaai Crater and then begin the trek through the Ngorongoro highlands. Our crew will break down the camp and send your gear and bags to your destination with Maasai led donkeys. Your hike will be led by local Maasai tribesmen guides. You will have a picnic lunch along the way.
You’ll pass through areas with lush vegetation and enjoy stunning views of the highlands, and will see various wildlife along the way. You’ll pass through Maasai lands where tribesmen are tending to their herds and living in sync with the natural world. Maasai bombas (traditional houses) dot the landscape and you’ll visit a Maasai village and have a chance to speak with members of the tribe with the help of a translator.
Today's trek will conclude at Lerai Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
At Lerai Camp, you will enjoy another delicious breakfast before departing just before sunrise. You’ll hike down the magnificent Rift Valley wall as the sun rises over Oldoinyo Lengai Volcano. The views are breathtaking. Along the way, your Maasai guide will discuss the local flora and fauna, Maasai culture, and history.
Your safari vehicle will be waiting for you at the end of the trail to take you to Lake Natron Camp.
Fun fact: Oldoinyo Lengai (nicknamed Mountain of God) is the only volcano in the world to emit cool (950 degrees Fahrenheit) lava. It is a sacred mountain to the Maasai where they worship and offer sacrifices.
There are various hikes, tours and and places to relax around Lake Natron/
There is a mildly adventurous hike to the Ngare Sero waterfall just below the foot of Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain where you can swim. The hike is five kilometers roundtrip and takes about two hours. Several Maasai villages are found nearby and your guide will most likely be Maasai. This is another opportunity for a cultural tour of a Maasai village.
This is a relatively easy hike, but the trail crosses the river a few times and the rocks can be slippery. Hiking boots or water shoes are recommended.
There are two hot springs about 1.5 hours drive from Lake Natron. You will likely see many zebras, wildebeests, ostriches, flamingos and other wildlife along the way. You can also choose to go on a bike tour starting near Lake Natron and heading to the Orpul caves.
In the afternoon, your guide will drive you to Arusha for your flight or to your choice of National Parks for game drives.

Our tours are tailored to your interests and you will be able to chose from several possible excursions, including game drives in the national parks, wild river safaris, chimpanzee trekking, and white sand beaches of Zanzibar.