Trip Description
This eight-day walking safari through Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Highlands offers a rare blend of high-altitude trekking, wildlife encounters, and authentic Maasai cultural experiences. The journey crosses dramatic volcanic landscapes, remote highland plateaus, and the Great Rift Valley, ending at the surreal Lake Natron.
Trip Highlights
- Trekking Olmoti, Bulati, and Empakaai craters
- Close encounters with Maasai herdsmen
- Safari in the iconic Ngorongoro Crater
- Witness thousands of flamingos
- Camp under star‑filled skies
Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and receive a warm Tanzanian welcome from your professional guide. Transfer to Kibo View Farm Lodge, set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and attending a comprehensive briefing covering trekking routes, safety measures, and what to expect during your highland adventure.
Depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a full-day game drive across grasslands, forests, and soda lakes teeming with wildlife. Expect close encounters with lions, elephants, black rhinos, wildebeest, zebras, and flamingos. In the evening, ascend to the crater rim for dinner and overnight camping with spectacular views.
istance: 16 km | Duration: ~5 hours
Begin your walking safari at Olmoti Crater, a beautiful volcanic landscape used by Maasai herdsmen for grazing. Trek across rolling highlands, passing traditional Maasai bomas and meeting local communities along the way. Keep an eye out for antelope, birds of prey, and other wildlife. Arrive at Bulati Camp in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner under the stars.
Continue trekking through open grasslands and forested sections as you make your way toward Empakaai Crater. Reach the crater rim for one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Africa. Descend to the crater floor to visit the soda lake, where thousands of flamingos gather, creating a striking contrast against the deep green crater walls. Camp near Empakaai Crater.
Leave Empakaai behind and trek toward Acacia Campsite, following ancient footpaths used by Maasai for generations. Stop at a local Maasai village for lunch and cultural interaction. As you continue, notice the gradual transition from cool highlands to warmer, drier lowlands. Arrive at Acacia Campsite for an evening of rest and reflection.
Begin your final trek with a descent into the Great Rift Valley, enjoying dramatic views of the valley floor and the imposing Oldoinyo Lengai volcano. After completing the walk, transfer by vehicle to Lake Natron. Settle into camp and enjoy the remote, otherworldly atmosphere of this unique landscape.
Spend the day exploring Lake Natron, one of the most alkaline lakes on Earth and the primary breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa. Walk along the lakeshore to observe the birds and striking red-hued waters. In the afternoon, hike through a narrow gorge to reach a hidden waterfall and refreshing natural pool beneath the escarpment.
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Kilimanjaro International Airport, following the dramatic line of the Great Rift Valley. Stop for lunch along the way and enjoy final photo opportunities before your onward journey, bringing an unforgettable trekking adventure to a close.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Emergency evacuation insurance
- Armed ranger (Days 3–5)
- Professional driver‑guide
- Safari chef and all meals (half board Day 1, full board Days 2–7)
- 4x4 Landcruiser transport with amenities
- Complete camping equipment
- Two Maasai guides per passenger with donkeys (Days 3–6)
- Lodging at lodge (Night 1) and specified campsites
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- All park entrance fees and VAT
- Game drives, guided treks, waterfall hike
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and personal insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, chefs, and camp staff
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary