This 7-days walking safari in the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands is a great way to get close to nature. Your senses thrum to life on this hike through hilly grasslands, craters, valleys, lakes, waterfalls and local Maasai villages. Immerse yourself in the Tanzanian nature and culture. Experience serenity, solitude and the beauty Ngorongoro Conservation Area has to offer. From the active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai to the wildlife at the Empakai Crater lake and the amazing views of the colorful Lake Natron.

Day 1:  Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, your driver will meet you at the exit of the arrivals area, to transfer you to the luxurious Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. This hotel is located on the foothills of Mount Meru. Settle into your accommodation, relax and enjoy dinner, before your safari starts in the morning.

Day 2: Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning we drive from Arusha towards the Ngorongoro Crater in about 3 hours. The view from the rim into the crater floor is simply unreal with its pastel-coloured landscape and wildlife roaming the floor. Enjoy a half day game drive in the crater. Animals spotting is easy in this largely flat and open crater floor. Leopards, lions, hyenas and jackals can be found on the savannah as well as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, ostriches and rhinos. Lunch will be served at a lovely lakeshore in the crater. At the end of the afternoon we drive to Nainokanoka village for dinner and overnight at the campsite. This campsite is located at the rim of the Olmoti Crater. If there is time left we can take a short walk around the crater.

Day 3:  Nainokanoka – Kamnana

After breakfast your walking safari in the Ngrongoro Highlands starts. We walk through the Embulimbuli Depression at the rim of Ngorongoro and follow the animal trails passing grasslands and forests. After an exciting day we arrive at Kamnana village where we will overnight and have dinner at the Kamnana campsite.

Day 4:  Kamnana – Empakai Crater

Early morning we rise up and follow the trail through the forests, open grassland and bushland to the rim of the Empakai Crater. From this point the views are spectacular. On a clear day you can see the active volcano Oldoinya Lenga, the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron. The Empakai Crater has a large deep lake on the crater floor and is about 6 km wide.  We descent into the crater following a trail through a thick forest. The serenity of this place is amazing. Here you can still experience solitude and peace. Down at the crater floor you can game big animals like elephants, buffaloes and hyenas but also beautiful birds. In the afternoon we return to the rim of the crater for dinner and an overnight stay at the Empakai Campsite.

Day 4:  Empakaai – Naiyobi Maasai village

After a good breakfast we depart for a walk around the crater rim to descend to the Maasai village Naiyobi. Later afternoon we spend time with the local Maasai people who are very friendly and show you their culture, traditions and daily way of life. Overnight will be at Yellow Acacia Campsite, the Acacia trees forest near the village.

Day 5:  Naiyobi – Mounwongoni village

Today we walk downhill to Mounwongoni Maasai Village in about 6 hours (11 km). The trail is dusty and goes primarily downhill, off the crater highlands. We overnight at the camp on the edge of the village.

Day 6:  Mounwongoni – Oldoinyo Lengai

In the morning we leave the camp to walk to the floor of Mount Lengai where we set the camp near the Ngare Sero River. Spend the day relaxing at the waterfall, taking a refreshing bath.

Day 7:  Oldoinyo Lengai – Arusha

Rise up very early in the morning (3 or 4 am) to summit Oldoinya Lengai (Mount Lengai).  This is a volcanic mountain and the third highest mountain in the Tanzania (2,886 m/9,469 ft). Due to the heat the volcano produces, it is only possible to climb it at night when the air is much cooler.  At the summit you can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Natron and the surrounding area. In the Maasai language the name Oldoinyo Lengai means ‘ Mountain of God’.  Around lunchtime we arrive at the camp and head out on game drive around Lake Natron. Unwind at the lake, famous for the huge flocks of pink flamingos, before returning to Arusha.

Note. We can create a customized itinerary exactly the way you wish. You like to add game drives or extend your safari with a beach holiday on Zanzibar? Contact us to design your ideal safari.