Walk the Ngorongoro highlands

Our Walk the Ngorongoro highlands breakaway explores some of the popular calderas of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This itinerary offers fidgety travellers the opportunity to explore the highlands as part of a larger safari itinerary. But hiking and exploring does not have to mean giving up comfort. This program runs from remotely-located luxury camps, thereby ensuring you will not be jostling with tourist crowds for premium encounters.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers more than 8000 square kilometres of volcanic craters, grassy plains, rivers, lakes and wetlands. It contains a complex mix of human, wildlife and livestock activities, which include increasing tourism numbers and growing Maasai communities. But it is this mix of activities that permits a greater level of freedom to explore the highlands and engage with the communities.

Crater walks

Firstly, visit Olmoti Crater, with an easy climb on an ancient cattle trail to look down into the crater. From quiet paths snaking through lichen-covered forests to rocky outcrops with endless views, this is the perfect first walk in the Ngorongoro highlands.

The second day is spent exploring Empakaai Crater, known for its blue lake and flocks of flamingos. The descent to the lake through thick montane forest is a favourite amongst birders, while the walk out offers the chance to see some of the resident big game.

The final hike is one of our favourites, namely, the Ngorongoro Crater rim hike. This 20km route follows Maasai cattle trails through Acacia forests and montane thickets, to the drier west of the crater.

Opportunities abound to engage with local Maasai communities; a formal visit can be arranged through the camp and there are many casual interactions on the trails. In order to gain an understanding of life in these communities and their role in the environment there is no better way to experience it than on foot.

Highlights

Appreciate

the vastness of the highlands

Experience

the life of the Maasai

Breathe

fresh, clean air

Feel

the energy of the ancient ground

Experiences

Day One

Ngorongoro Highlands

Transfer by road from your last camp or from the Lake Manyara airstrip to the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Check into your luxury camp, before heading out on a hike on the Olmoti Crater. Enjoy refreshments at the Munge Waterfall before returning to camp.

Day Two

Empakaai Crater

Transfer to the crater after an early breakfast this morning.

Meet your NCA ranger and start the descent into the crater.

Spend time at the lake, a great opportunity to see flamingos and many other birds.

Enjoy refreshments or a picnic lunch before starting the climb out of the crater (approx 90 mins).

There is a chance you may encounter elephants, buffalo and hyenas on the way out.

Return to camp for lunch, before an afternoon of cultural excitement with a local Maasai community.

Day Three

Ngorongoro Crater hike

Check out after an early breakfast and transfer to the start of today’s trail.

The hike starts near a Maasai community and winds around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for 20km / 12 miles.

Expect to encounter Masaai herders and young girls collecting water along the way. This is the real Tanzania – no tourist shows and contrived villages.

Transfer the last few miles to tonight’s luxury camp

Day Four

Ngorongoro Crater continued

After breakfast this morning, head off from camp for the last section of the crater rim hike.

Your vehicle will meet you at the end of the hike and continue with your onward arrangements or return to the Lake Manyara airstrip.

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!

HOTELS AND LODGES
This program spends two nights at The Highlands on the slopes of Olmoti crater. This camp is perfectly located to access the hikes and activities included.
The last night is spent at Entemanu, Nomad Tanzania’s elegant camp on the western side of the Ngorongoro Crater.
PRICE
Please note regarding all Active Africa trips:
- Unless otherwise specified, the price shown is based on shoulder season rates. These will change for travel in low / high season
- Specials may apply to one or more of the hotels in this itinerary. The price shown does not take these into account. Please contact us for a date-specific quote
- Unless you’re looking at a scheduled departure or founders’ trip, all itineraries are customisable. Tell us how we can make it perfect for you.
INCLUDED
Transfers from/to a nearby camp or Lake Manyara Airstrip
Private walking guide
Accommodation, meals, drinks, snacks for 3 nights
Park, conservation and walking fees and permits
National park rangers
NOT INCLUDED
Premium drinks
Personal purchases and donations
Gratuities
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
This program can be enjoyed year-round; however, few people like to hike in the rain for hours on end.
So we typically don’t recommend it during the long rains which run from late March through May.
We like this part of Tanzania when the weather is mild in June and November and the short dry season in January and February.
And of course, the dry season (July – October) is a good time for outdoor activities
YOU SHOULD KNOW
This excursion can only be booked as part of an Active Africa safari itinerary.
This trip is rated moderate to hard. Generally the walking is moderate to easy, but the steep slopes of Empakaai Crater and the distance of the Ngorongoro Crater rim hike over rough terrain and at altitude, require good walking fitness.
Given the chance of encountering dangerous game and the length of the hikes, we recommend that this program is suitable for children 14 and over.
We cannot control the weather – this is an outdoor, nature based itinerary and indoor alternatives are limited. Come prepared to take on the elements if the weather is not playing fair.