NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS TREK

Journey to the Ngorongoro Crater all day in the Crater. You can stay on the Crater rim for the night, or make your way to Nainokanoka village where the hike begins.

You meet your Maasai guide and donkey porters at Nainokanoka Village on the slopes of Olmoti Crater. The hike proceeds to Empakaii Crater (4-6 hrs). At Empakaii, you will have time to explore the rim of the Crater. Camping will be on the Crater rim to minimize the environmental impacts on the Crater floor ecosystem.

This day is spent exploring the Empakaii Crater floor. The lake is a primary breeding ground for flamingos, the forest is full of birds, buffalo and hyena inhabit the plains, and there is a good chance of spotting a leopard in the early evening. Camping will again be on the crater rim.

You cross the Crater Highlands and arrive at Naiyobi Village. Here you will have an opportunity to visit a Maasai school, a clinic, talk with local elders, and immerse yourself in Maasai Village life. If we are lucky we will find a cultural activity, i.e., a marriage, or circumcision ceremony in progress and will be free to participate. Camping will be in a Yellow Acacia forest on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment.

You descend down the Rift Valley escarpment to Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano and the home of the Maasai God. We will camp at the base of Lengai and start our 5 hour ascent of the volcano that night at 02:00 a.m. in order to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the highlands.

After our descent, we will go to a permanent campsite on the Ngare Sero River where there is a sacred waterfall famous for its healing properties. After a traditional Maasai meal, we will relax at the camp and visit the waterfalls.

Morning walk around the shores of Lake Natron, and after lunch return to Arusha.