Program Highlights
8 Days Tanzania Walking Safaris to Ngorongoro & Lake Natron, Experience the spectacular scenery of the Ngorongoro Highlands where indigenous Maasai people live in their traditional ways and climb the Maasai Mountain of God, an active volcano.
For active types, Tanzania has a lot to offer and this is one of the most dramatic hikes in East Africa. As well as the amazing scenery there is also the chance to witness the changing lives of the Maasai in both Ngorongoro and Natron.
Program Description
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania.
Arrive any at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will meet us at the arrival point with the signboard written your names on it. We will arrange a pick up transfer from the airport to Arusha at Masailand Safari Lodge to prepare for your safari adventure.
Dinner and overnight at Masailand Safari Lodge : Bed, and Breakfast.
Day 2: Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater.
Today we visit the largest intact volcanic crater in the world, the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. At more than 2,000 feet deep and 12 miles in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater has one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. 30,000 animals make their home in this crater, making it an ideal place for sightings of the ‘big 5′ – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. We enjoy a game drive and picnic lunch in the crater, also known as the ’8th Wonder of the World’.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Simba Campsite: Full board.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Empakaai Crater.
After breakfast, we drive to Olmoti Crater for a half-day walk. Often we meet Maasai on the way. We walk to the waterfalls at the crater for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we drive to our base camp at Empakaai Crater Rim (If you have an extra day this part of the journey could also be done on foot.) You will experience the serenity and quiet beauty of this wild spot. Surrounding the lake are many springs, where the wildlife is plentiful. In the lake, there are many flamingos.
Dinner and overnight at Empakaai Campsite: Full board.
Day 4: – Rift Valley Scarp.
Dawn rises and our lofty position affords a great sunrise. As we take breakfast our camp crew break camp and depart to send the camp ahead with donkeys. We then set off hiking with Maasai guides following a route that takes us through picturesque Maasai villages and rolling hills. Lunch can be taken on the route as a picnic or if guests are very fit a late lunch can be had in camp. In the late afternoon a hike up to a nearby viewpoint is highly recommended and a great place for sundowners.
Dinner and overnight at Engaresero Campsite: Full board.
Day 5: Empakaai Crater – Olmoti Crater.
Today we walk from Empakaai to Acacia Campsite. We descend the outer hills of the Great Rift Valley, walk through the open plains of the Embulbul depression, and pass through Nairobi village. We again have the opportunity to meet the local Maasai. Ol Doinyo Lengai and Mount Meru are seen along the way. Donkeys carry our luggage or it will be shuttled by car.
Dinner and overnight at Engaresero Campsite: Full board.
Day 6: Walking Oldonyo Lengai Mountain.
Today we walk to Oldonyo Lengai, the single active volcano mountain in Tanzania. The name means the Holy Mountain or mountain of God in Maasai. The steep trail will lead us down into the Rift Valley escarpment. After 5-6 hours of walking, we reach the foot of the inspiring mountain. Here you can decide if you want to camp at the Chini Ya Mlima campsite, or want to proceed to the Engaresero campsite, which is much more comfortable (showers!) and less hot both campsites are in the Lake Natron area.
After hot lunch at the camp proceed to Lake Manyara for a night.
Dinner and overnight at Nsya Campsite: Full board.
Day 7: Game Drive Lake Manyara National Park.
We depart from the Camp in Mto Wa Mbu Village and proceed to Lake Manyara National Park. Although small in size, this park is one of the most diverse reserves in the country. Lake Manyara covers two-thirds of the park. At the backdrop is the wall of the Great Rift Valley, before which lies the groundwater forest, areas of open grassland near the lake foreshore, and the Soda Lake. We enjoy a picnic lunch in this area, which consists of open grassy areas, hot springs, dense woodlands, and steep mountainsides. Lake Manyara National Park is a birding paradise that has more than 350 species of bird. The park is also famed for its unique and elusive tree-climbing lions.
Dinner and overnight at Masailand Safari Lodge : Bed, and Breakfast..
Day 8: Departing Day.
Today we continue with a morning visit in Arusha town there is an opportunity to shop and visit the Cultural Center, Maasai Market and then transfer to the Airport for the afternoon/evening flight for the next adventure or fly back home.
8 Days Tanzania Walking Safaris to Ngorongoro & Lake Natron Includes.
• WFR Trained guide
• Ngorongoro entry fees
• NCAA Empakai private campsite fees
• Ranger fees
• Meals as described
• Limited stock of red wine/beers/ sodas
• Tea / coffee / hot chocolate
• Donkeys to carry guest luggage to Natron
• 2 nights Expedition ‘Fly-camping’
• 2 nights Lake Natron Camp
• Activity fees Ngare Sero
• Village fees Ngare Sero
• Wildlife Department fees
• Gate fees Longido
• Gate fees Engaruka
• Gate fees Ngorongoro District
8 Days Tanzania Walking Safaris to Ngorongoro & Lake Natron Excludes.
• Any changes to the itinerary requiring the change of route or accommodation
• Items of a personal nature
• Personal evacuation insurance/travel insurance
WHAT TO WEAR
• Sun hat
• sunglasses
• head torch
• buff or lightweight neck gaiter (for keeping out dust)
• rain shell
• light fleece
• long sleeve t-shirt x 2
• hiking trousers (zip-off style are recommended so you have shorts too)
• waterproof trousers
• socks x 3 pairs
• hiking shoes preferably with some decent ankle support
• Teva or flip flops for in the camp
• walking poles
• gaiters for those that have low cut hiking shoes
• water bottles x 3 enough to hold 3 Liters
