Tanzania NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS WALKING SAFARI

Available year round for minimum 2 persons
This is an energetic trek, which starts with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park and a game drive across the Ngorongoro Crater to reach Nainokanoka, a tiny Maasai village lying just below Olmoti Crater in the heart of the Crater Highlands. Walk up to the Munge Waterfalls before driving to a drop-off at the Embakai Crater. From here the main trek to Lake Natron starts.

At Lake Natron there are two alternatives: the first is to relax at the shady Ngare Sero Campsite and visit Lake Natron itself. The day temperatures by the lake often exceed 40°C (100°F), few animals survive here and only the flamingo makes the lake its home, nesting on the salty surface on upraised mounds where slightly cooler air stops its eggs getting fried!

The second is to ascend of the active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai, 2878m (9650ft), in the heart of Masaai country, and locally regarded as a sacred mountain. Looking north from its summit crater the hot barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretch into the distance, beyond lies the Kenyan border. To the south stretch the Crater Highlands, Ngorongoro being one of the prime game parks in Africa. The eastern horizon is dominated by Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments and hills comprising the western slopes of the Great African Rift Valley. Almost without fail, about every seven years Lengai erupts and plumes of smoke billow out of the crater. At other times it is possible to walk down into the crater, almost to the edge of the molten lavas. The ascent of Lengai is demanding on account of the day time heat, lack of water, steep and unstable slopes of ash and crumbly rocks. An early start is recommended and the best approach is from the west where the morning sun can be avoided for a while.

With either alternative, if time permits, a walk to the dramatic source on the Ngare Sero River provides a complete contrast to the hot plains leading to Lake Natron.

Equipment
You only need to carry a light daypack with you. Other than normal safari and camping equipment you should have a tough pair of walking boots, a sun hat offering neck protection, sun glasses, sun cream, water bottle, tough trousers or shorts and shirt made of a light material (if wearing shorts take long socks or light (preferably) canvas gaiters). A walking pole or two would be useful for the ascent of Lengai.

Ngorongoro Crater – a photographer’s paradise. The largest intact crater in the world covering some 265 sq. km. from the rim to the crater floor is a drop of 600 metres. An abundance of wild game including elephants, rhino, cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, cats, jackals, bushbucks, eland, waterbuck, wildebeest, antelope and a large variety of birds. A sight you will always remember.

Day 1
Arrive Moshi and overnight at Springlands Hotel B&B

Day 2
Depart from Moshi in the morning and drive to Ngorongoro Crater with lunch box enroute. Dinner and overnight at Simba campsite.

Day 3 After breakfast drive across Ngorongoro Crater to Nainokanoka Village, prepare the Maasai donkeys with all the equipment and commence the trek towards the Embulmbul village, Dinner and over night at Embulmbul campsite.

Day 4 We start our trek from Embulmbul village walking towards Empakai crater (2300m). After lunch, walk down the crater to view the flamingo population and back to the camp on the crater rim for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: After breakfast we depart towards Naiyobi village with lunch box on route. Dinner and overnight at Naiyobi campsite.

Day 6: Early Morning climb Oldonyo Lengai (5 hrs) and down to Lake Natron. Dinner and overnight at Lake Natron campsite.

Day 7: After breakfast, tour around Lake Natron. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 8; Early morning after breakfast drive to Mto wa mbu in Manyara area Dinner and overnight at Twiga camp site.

Day 9 ; After breakfast continue game drive and later return to Arusha or Moshi. End of tour.

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

Included in the Package:
Ground transportation with driver/guide
National Park entry fees
All meals whilst on trek
Camping fees
Camping Equipment
Cook
Government Tax

Remember to bring along:

Sleeping bag
Sun hat
T shirts
Shorts
Socks
Sweater
Raincoat
Walking shoes
Long cotton trousers
Water bottle
Torch and batteries
Small pocket knife
Personal medication