Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking
Ngorongoro Highlands trekking takes you through the diverse landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. You will hike through grassy plains and the mountainous countryside as well as thick mountain forest and the savannah landscape of the Rift Valley. Apart from unique landscapes and seeing wild animals, this trek allows insight into the daily routine of the Masai people.
All prices are per person sharing a double room, prices for single rooms on request.
Prices depend on the number of travelers.
Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking, This 5-day trekking tour takes you through the diverse landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. You will hike through grassy plains and the mountainous countryside as well as thick mountain forest and the savannah landscape of the Rift Valley. Apart from unique landscapes and seeing wild animals, this trek allows insight into the daily routine of the Masai people.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1Arusha – Olmoti Crater – NainokanokaIn the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and you will travel on a good tar road to the village of Mto wa Mbu with the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley towering up ahead. From a viewpoint above the town you will see the Masai plains stretch to the horizon with the alkaline Lake Manyara down below. A short drive further and you will reach the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey continues along the scenic crater road, to the Masai village of Nainokanoka. While the camp is being set up, you will hike to the rim of the Olmoti Crater during the afternoon. There is also a possibility to visit a small waterfall along the way. Dinner will be served at the camp. Depending on the time of year, it might be cold (the camp is at an altitude of 2,650 m). Lunch; DinnerMeals: Lunch; Dinner
- Day 2Nainokanoka – BulatiIn the early morning a Masai guide will arrive with his donkeys. After breakfast and loading the donkeys, the journey begins and you will pass many traditional Masai bomas and cattle herds. Soon, you might also see wild animals such as Thompson and Grant’s gazelles, zebras and wildebeests with hungry jackals not far behind and majestic eagles observing the situation. After approximately 16 km of hiking you will reach a campsite not far from the Masai village Bulati. Breakfast; Lunch; DinnerMeals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Day 3Bulati – EmpakaiAfter breakfast, the journey goes up a hill from where you have a last panoramic view of the grass plains below. The trek continues up and down through the bushy landscape which finally opens up to the active volcano, Oldonyo Lengai. The trek gives you great views of the majestic volcano as well as into the impressive Empakai Crater before reaching the campsite for the night. You can explore the crater and on a well-maintained path you descend to Lake Empakai inside the crater. This alkaline soda lake is an important food source for flamingos, which can be seen throughout the year. Returning to camp supper will be waiting for you. During the night you might hear the flamingos call as they fly back to their breeding nests at Lake Manyara and Lake Natron. Breakfast; Lunch; DinnerMeals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Day 4Empakai Crater – Acacia CampToday you will hike to the Masai village Naiyobi and following a good path, the village as well as Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano, can be seen from a distance. After lunch in Naiyobi, the trek leaves the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the landscape becomes drier and warmer. Tonight’s camp will be set up at amongst an acacia forest. Breakfast; Lunch; DinnerMeals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Day 5Acacia Camp – Engare Sero – ArushaThe last stage of the journey is not too long and it goes mainly downhill. The highlights of the trek are the great views of Oldonyo Lengai, Lake Natron and the Rift Valley. The rugged countryside looks almost surreal covered by grey ash of the last eruption in 2007. The trek descends down into the dry and hot Rift Valley, where the ash can be seen up close. Around lunchtime you will reach the waiting vehicle and your driver will take you back to Arusha. BreakfastMeals: Breakfast
FAQS
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SAFARI
Preparing for East Africa safari can be a daunting prospect at first glance.
Figuring out when to visit, which parks to include, where to stay, and how long to spend in each location can be a stressful task, but we’re here to help!
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is first aspects for Preparation of safaris. All travelers will need a current passport with an expiration date of at least six months from the time of entry into Tanzania. Tanzania tourist visas can be purchased in advance through the nearest Tanzanian embassy, or upon arrival at the airport or border crossing.
VACCINATIONS
Proper health preparations for the trip are your responsibility. You may be able to get your vaccinations from your own physician, but a travels clinic will be more familiar with the necessary vaccines and can also provide other helpful information. Be sure to also discuss malaria prevention with the travel clinic.
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
East Africa Choice Safaris does not provide insurance for travelers. Speak with your travel agent or airline about options for travel insurance to cover personal accident, medical expenses and medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation and loss of personal effects.
CLOTHING
The weather may vary considerably throughout your trip, or even throughout the day, so plan on clothing that can be layered if it’s cool, or removed if it’s warm. Choose separates that can be mixed and matched, and avoid fabrics that require special care. Neutral colors are good for safari; avoid black and blue clothing as tsetse flies are attracted to those colors. Accessorize with modest jewelry. To respect cultural norms, avoid sleeveless blouses and short shorts or skirts.
Depending on your itinerary, consider a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes in case of mud or rough terrain. Sandals will be appropriate for safari. Most days will be sunny, so bring appropriate sun protection: hat (wide-brim is best to protect the neck and ears), sunscreen, sunglasses.
MONEY ON SAFARI IN EAST AFRICA.
While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris itineraries cover the important things such as accommodation, meals, park entry fees, and game drives – there are always additional costs that might pop up.
Things such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and tips for your driver are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your safari.
Tanzania uses the US Dollar for tourism. We recommend budgeting around $30 – $50 USD per day for incidental expenses and tips.
TIPPING IN EAST AFRICA
Tipping is customary.
We recommend tipping $20 USD per day to your safari driver (per group, not per person), $10 – $15 USD per day to your safari cook (when camping), $20 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing guide, and $10 – $15 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing porters.
You can pay this all at once at the conclusion of your safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI:
Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.
- A backpack;
- Comfortable clothing for daily wear;
- A warm sweater or light fleece;
- A windbreaker or waterproof jacket;
- Walking shoes or boots;
- A dress shirt and trousers or dress for wearing to dinner;
- Sunglasses;
- Hat;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Insect repellent;
- Camera and charger;
- Binoculars;
- A flashlight or headlamp;
- Guide books;
- Phone and charger.
You may also wish to bring your own first aid kit. While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.
- Anti-malarial medication;
- Painkillers;
- Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites;
- Cold and flu medication;
- Anti-Diarrheal medication;
- Medicines for rehydration after diarrhea or sunstroke;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Eye drops;
- Moisturiser for treating sunburn;
- Antiseptic lotion;
- Rubbing alcohol;
- Bandages and plasters;
- Scissors.
You may also wish to bring along water purification tablets and any medications you take for any existing medical conditions.
Don’t let the above list daunt you. Many of these items are only necessary in extreme cases, but it’s better to have something and not need it than it is to need something and not have it!
Any Questions?
Have we missed anything?
Don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your safari dream a reality.
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