7 Days Ngorongoro Highlands Safari

On Request

Overview

Walking with Maasai guides and baggage donkeys, camping on crater rims, climbing a still-active volcano, visiting Lake Natron and nearby waterfalls which have a natural rock pool where you can discard your hiking boots, take a dip and cool off.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Simba Campsite at the Crater rim (Driving)

Morning departure from Arusha for Ngorongoro and game drive on the Crater floor. Overnight at Simba Campsite on the Crater rim (full board) .

Day 2: Simba Camp – Olmoti Crater – Nainokanoka Camp (Walking)

After breakfast drive to Nainokanoka village to meet your guide, camp staff (and donkeys) before setting up camp. After lunch, take a walk to the rim of Olmoti Crater and visit the Mange waterfalls. Overnight at Nainokanoka Camp (full board).

Day 3: Nainokanoka – Empakaai Crater Camp (Walking)

Today your serious hiking starts, with a trek through the Embulbul Depression, the trail winds through bush and grasslands, gradually reaching upward through the forest to the rim of Empakaai Crater where you will camp. Take a stroll around the Crater lake, with its wide variety of bird species. Overnight at Empakaai Crater Camp (full board) .

Day 4: Empakaai Crater – Naiyobi Acacia Tree Camp (Walking)

This morning, we follow the trail through Empakaai up to the rim on the northwestern side, then continue our trek amongst wildlife to Naiyobi where we camp under the Acacia trees near to this Maasai village. Overnight Naiyobi Acacia Tree Camp (full board).

Day 5: Naiyobi – Lake Natron Camp (Walking/Driving)

Trekking today takes 6 – 7 hours, as we wend our way towards Lake Natron – the last remaining breeding ground of lesser flamingo. Retire early in preparation for your ascent of Oldonyo Lengai at midnight. Overnight at Lake Natron Camp (full board).

Day 6: Lake Natron – Oldonyo Lengai – Lake Natron Camp (Climbing)

Lake Natron – Oldonyo Lengai – Lake Natron Camp (Climbing)

Day 7: Lake Natron – Arusha (Walking/Driving)

Enjoy a morning walk to the nearby waterfalls and take a dip in the natural rock pool at their base, watched only by disinterested baboons and birds both large and small. After lunch, we break camp and commence our drive back to Arusha.