Embark on a 5-day private adventure through Ngorongoro Highlands to Lake Natron. Discover secluded landscapes, climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, and explore Maasai villages.
Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Start your day with an early breakfast in Arusha, then set off for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey to the Ngorongoro Gate takes about three hours. Once you arrive at the gate, continue around the Crater Rim to the Crater descent road. It takes approximately 45 minutes to drive to the Crater floor, where you will enjoy a game drive.
Spend around 6 hours observing wildlife on the Crater floor. Key sightings during your game drive may include lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, flamingos, hippos, and elephants. Have lunch within the Crater. After the game drive, exit and head to Simba Campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.
Ngorongoro Crater - Most of your day will be dedicated to wildlife viewing in this renowned safari destination.
Walking from Embulbul Village to Empakai Crater
Empakai Crater to Acacia Campsite
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Embark on a full-day walking safari from Empakai Special Campsite to Acacia Campsite. You’ll be accompanied by donkeys, a Maasai guide, and your cook. Upon reaching Lake Natron, you will meet your driver and vehicle. The hike will take you through several Maasai villages on the way to Acacia Campsite. This area is one of the least crowded in Northern Tanzania, allowing you to enjoy the journey in relative solitude and experience the ancient Maasai culture. Overnight at Acacia Campsite.
Acacia Campsite to Lake Natron
Lake Natron - Hike from Acacia Special Campsite to Lake Natron, passing by Oldonyo Lengai, the mountain of God. Your driver will meet you at Lake Natron. In the afternoon, you can visit a Maasai village, explore Lake Natron, or hike through a river to a waterfall. Dinner will be at World View Campsite. Meet your local guide and begin your climb of Oldonyo Lengai in the middle of the night (2am). Reach the summit around dawn (October 10) and then descend. Return to World View Campsite for brunch and rest.
Ol Doinyo Lengai - Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano and the only one in the world that produces carbonatite lava. This lava erupts at lower temperatures than other volcanoes, making it appear black instead of red. The unique composition and temperature of the lava create a landscape unlike any other volcanic area in the world.
The climb to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai is considered one of the most challenging in East Africa. The trail is extremely steep and must be ascended at night to avoid the high daytime temperatures. Those who reach the summit will have the chance to look into the molten lava below.
Lake Natron to Arusha
Lake Natron - After the volcano hike, return to the campsite for rest and brunch. If you have the energy, hike to the Ngare Sero river gorge to see the waterfall. Due to the high temperatures in Lake Natron, cooling off in the river and waterfall is a refreshing activity. Drive back to Arusha at the end of the day.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Gratuities
The trek through the Ngorongoro Highlands into Lake Natron is one of the most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Northern Tanzania. The hugely popular parks of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are just around the corner, but you will have this area largely to yourselves. Additionally, you have the opportunity to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, the world’s only active carbonatite volcano. The landscape surrounding Lake Natron is unique in the world, as are the relatively untouched Maasai villages in this area.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
