8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands
Trip Description
8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands Walking Safari | Tanzania Trekking Adventure
The 8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands walking safari is a unique Tanzania adventure that combines high-altitude trekking with unforgettable wildlife encounters and authentic Maasai cultural experiences. Journey across dramatic volcanic landscapes, remote highland plateaus, and the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, culminating at the striking shores of Lake Natron. This immersive safari offers a rare opportunity to explore Tanzania’s wild beauty on foot while connecting deeply with nature and local traditions.
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 before beginning your 8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands adventure. Transfer to Kibo View Farm Lodge, set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the peaceful surroundings and attend a comprehensive briefing covering trekking routes, safety measures, and what to expect during your unforgettable 8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands walking safari experience.
Depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as part of your 8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands adventure and descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a full-day game drive across vast 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, continuing your unforgettable 8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands walking safari experience.
Distance: 16 km | Duration: ~5 hours
Begin your 8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands walking safari at Olmoti Crater, a beautiful volcanic landscape used by Maasai herdsmen for grazing. Trek across the 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 that thrive in this stunning environment. Arrive at Bulati Camp in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner under the stars, fully immersed in the authentic experience of the 8 Days Ngorongoro Highlands adventure.
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