6 Days Ngorongoro Highlands Trek
Tour Overview
The 6 Days Ngorongoro & Beyond Safari is a captivating adventure that combines game drives, scenic highland trekking, and cultural encounters. Beginning in Arusha or Moshi, the journey starts with a visit to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five, hippos, and colorful flamingos. From there, the adventure shifts into the Ngorongoro Highlands, where walking safaris reveal landscapes that few travelers experience.
At Olmoti Crater, enjoy a guided trek along its lush rim and witness cascading streams flowing into the plains below. The journey continues with hikes across rolling hills, Maasai settlements, and volcanic terrain leading to Empakai Crater, a hidden jewel with its pristine forested walls and flamingo-filled lake. These immersive walks offer a chance to connect deeply with nature and the Maasai way of life.
The adventure continues with a trek to Acacia Camp, set against sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. From here, descend toward the striking landscapes of Lake Natron, a dramatic alkaline lake known as one of East Africa’s most important flamingo breeding grounds. The nearby waterfalls at Engare Sero add to the area’s rugged beauty, creating a perfect finale for this wilderness journey.
With its balance of wildlife encounters, active trekking, and cultural immersion, this safari goes beyond traditional game drives, offering a deeper exploration of Northern Tanzania’s most remote and spectacular regions. It is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking raw natural beauty and an authentic connection to the land and people of Tanzania.
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, where your driver-guide will warmly welcome you. You’ll be transferred to your lodge in Arusha or Moshi, where you can relax after your journey. Depending on arrival time, you may explore the town, enjoy the lodge gardens, or simply rest.
- Meals: Dinner included
- Accommodation: Midrange, Luxury, or High-End Lodge in Arusha/Moshi
Day 2: Arusha/Moshi – Ngorongoro Crater – Nainokanoka – Walk to Olmoti Crater
After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive on its wildlife-rich floor. Spot elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions, and possibly black rhinos, along with flamingos on the crater lakes. After a picnic lunch, continue to Nainokanoka Village. From here, take a guided trek to Olmoti Crater, where lush vegetation and cascading streams create a striking contrast to the crater floor.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Nainokanoka Camp (tented campsite)
Day 3: Nainokanoka – Bulati Camp
After breakfast, begin your trek across the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Bulati. The walk takes you through rolling hills, grasslands, and Maasai villages. Along the way, enjoy cultural interactions with Maasai herders and breathtaking views of the highlands. A picnic lunch is served en route, and by late afternoon you’ll arrive at Bulati Camp, nestled in a remote and scenic location.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bulati Camp (tented campsite)
Day 4: Bulati – Empakai Crater – Empakai Camp
Today’s trek leads you to the enchanting Empakai Crater, one of the hidden treasures of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Descend into the crater with your guide, walking through forested slopes to reach the crater lake. Flamingos and other birdlife are often seen along the shoreline, creating a serene atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the crater before returning to camp near the rim.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Empakai Camp (tented campsite)
Day 5: Empakai – Acacia Camp
After breakfast, continue trekking east toward the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The landscapes open up to sweeping views of dramatic valleys and volcanic peaks. The trek is both scenic and rewarding, offering occasional wildlife sightings and encounters with Maasai communities along the way. By evening, arrive at Acacia Camp, a wilderness campsite set in a quiet natural environment.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Acacia Camp (tented campsite)
Day 6: Acacia Camp – Lake Natron – Engare Sero – Return to Arusha/Moshi
On your final day, descend toward the Rift Valley floor, reaching the surreal landscapes of Lake Natron. Famous for its high soda content, the lake provides a vital breeding ground for thousands of flamingos. Enjoy a guided walk along the lake shore and visit the nearby Engare Sero waterfalls, a refreshing highlight of the area. After lunch, begin your drive back to Arusha or Moshi, arriving in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: End of tour (hotel in Arusha/Moshi can be arranged on request)
This Tour Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha/Moshi
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof (for crater/game drive days)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entry fees and conservation fees
- Guided trekking with Maasai rangers/local guides in Ngorongoro Highlands
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, tables, chairs)
- Full support crew including cook and camp assistant during trekking days
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary (lodges/hotels in Arusha & camping during trek)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during game drives and trekking
- Government taxes and service charges
This Tour does Not Includes
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel insurance and visa fees
- Sleeping bags (can be rented on request)
- Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips for guides, cooks, and camp crew
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Ol Doinyo Lengai climb at Lake Natron)
- Accommodation in Arusha/Moshi after the safari (available at extra cost)
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Accommodation Options
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Arusha Planet Lodge offers chalet-style rooms designed with a blend of African architecture and modern comfort. Each room is surrounded by lush
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Mount Meru Hotel is a luxurious retreat located in the heart of Arusha Town, offering easy access to Arusha National Park and
- Arusha NP
Gran Meliá Arusha is a five-star luxury hotel set at the foothills of Mount Meru, offering spectacular views of the mountain and
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