Ngorongoro Highlands Trek

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation at Ameg Lodge. Take time to relax and recover from your journey.

Pre-Trek Preparation: Meet your experienced guide for a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming highland adventure. Review equipment, discuss the itinerary, and receive important cultural insights about the Maasai communities you'll visit.

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge - half board with dinner and breakfast included.

Depart from your hotel and travel to the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a spectacular game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

Wildlife Viewing: Experience incredible wildlife density in this natural amphitheater, including elephants, rhinos, lions, and countless other species in their natural habitat.

Evening Arrival: Ascend from the crater and drive to Nainokanoka Village, your first campsite. Settle into camp and prepare for tomorrow's trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Camping at Nainokanoka Village (basic facilities).

Begin your trekking adventure with guides, cooks, and donkeys carrying your supplies. The trail offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife including Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, zebras, and wildebeest.

Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for jackals following the herds and majestic eagles soaring overhead. Your guide will share knowledge about the ecosystem and animal behavior.

Cultural Experience: Arrive at Bulati Village and experience authentic Maasai hospitality. Learn about traditional ways of life in this highland community.

Trek to the spectacular Empakaai Crater, enjoying panoramic views of volcanic mountains including Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Olmoti Crater, and Lolmasin along the way.

Empakaai Crater: This magnificent crater is 300 meters deep with nearly half the floor covered by a beautiful soda lake. The crater rim offers stunning views and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wildlife & Views: Spot bushbuck, buffalo, and blue monkeys on the rim. On clear days, enjoy superb views of Ol Doinyo L'Engai, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Lake Natron.

Evening Sounds: Listen for flamingo calls as they return to their breeding grounds at Lake Manyara and Lake Natron.

Morning Crater Descent: Descend into the Empakaai crater via a well-maintained track. The alkaline soda lake is an important feeding ground for flamingos visible throughout the year.

Wildlife Viewing: The crater floor hosts various antelope species and aquatic birds. Take time to photograph and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Trek to Acacia Camp: Return to the crater rim and continue trekking away from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Notice how the landscape becomes drier and warmer as you head towards Acacia Camp.

Highest Point: Tonight you'll sleep at the trek's highest elevation of 3,200 meters.

Rift Valley Views: The final trekking stage travels mainly downhill with fantastic views of Ol Doinyo L'Engai, Lake Natron, and the dramatic Rift Valley.

Volcanic Landscape: Much of the rugged countryside is covered by ash from the 2007 eruption, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.

Arrival at Lake Natron: Reach the waiting vehicles and transfer to the foot of Mount Ol Doinyo L'Engai, the world's only active carbonite volcano.

Waterfall Visit: In the late afternoon, hike to beautiful waterfalls around the area for a refreshing experience.

Camp Facilities: Enjoy good shower and toilet facilities at Kamakia Camp tonight.

Sacred Mountain: Start climbing Ol Doinyo L'Engai shortly after midnight - the Maasai's "Mountain of God" and the world's only active carbonite volcano.

Challenging Ascent: This climb requires excellent fitness levels as the track is very steep, ascending from 800m to 3,000m with no shade along the route.

Summit Experience: Witness sunrise from the summit of this sacred mountain and explore the unique carbonite lava formations that make this volcano so special.

Return Journey: Descend back to camp around 11:00 AM for a well-deserved brunch and afternoon rest to recover from your incredible achievement.

Optional Activity: The volcano climb is optional based on fitness level and weather conditions.

Departure from Lake Natron: Begin the scenic drive back to Moshi, which takes the majority of the day. Enjoy views of the diverse landscapes you've trekked through.

Reflection Time: Use the journey to reflect on your incredible highland adventure and the cultural experiences you've gained.

Return to Comfort: Arrive back at Ameg Lodge for a comfortable night's rest with proper facilities after days of camping.

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge - half board with dinner and breakfast included.

Final Day: Enjoy your final morning in Tanzania with time to rest, purchase souvenirs, or explore Moshi town before your departure.

Airport Transfer: Our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departure flight.

Extend Your Adventure: Consider adding a safari or Zanzibar beach extension to complete your Tanzania experience!

Take home incredible memories of your cultural highland adventure and the warm hospitality of the Maasai people.