11-Day Best of Ngorongoro Highlands Walking - Trek & Safari Tour

As you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) our dedicated driver will be eagerly awaiting you with a sign bearing your name, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, you’ll enjoy a seamless and comfortable transfer to Karatu Campsite and Lodge. Later, our experienced safari coordinator will provide a pre-safari briefing, offering an exciting preview of the wonders that await you. Relax and unwind in the serene environment of our partner accommodation n Karatu waiting for adventure coming next day.

After breakfast from the camp we drive to nainokanoka village at where you will start a day walking and hiking to Bulati village with our guides, cooks and donkeys. Wild animals can be seen, such as Thompson and Grants gazelle, zebras and wildebeest. Where there are many animals, hungry jackals are not far away and high in the sky majestic eagles watch their every move. Approximate trekking time of 5 hours, covering 16kms. Tonight, you will sleep at an elevation of 2,650m.

Leave this morning to trek to Empakaai. The walk offers spectacular views of both recent and ancient volcanic mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Meru, Olmoti Crater, and Lolmasin. The Empakaai Crater is 300m deep with almost half the floor covered by a soda lake. Bushbuck, buffalo, and blue monkey can be seen on the rim, which on a clear day boasts superb views to Ol Doinyo L’Engai, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Lake Natron. During the night you may hear flamingo calls as they return to their breeding ground at Lake Manyara and Lake Natron. Approximate trekking time 4-5 hours covering a distance of 9kms. Tonight, you will sleep at an elevation of 3,100m.

Morning descent into the Empakaai crater. A well-maintained track goes to the crater floor. The alkaline/soda lake found there is an important source of food for flamingos, which can be seen throughout the year. The crater floor is also home to a variety of antelope and aquatic birds. Return to the crater rim, where the trek will begin to move away from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the landscape becomes drier and warmer, as we head towards Acacia Camp. Approximate trekking time 5 hours over a distance of 13kms. Sleep at an elevation of 3,200m.

The last stage of the journey is not too long and travels mainly downhill. The highlights of the morning are the fantastic views of Ol Doinyo L'Engai, Lake Natron, and the Rift Valley. A big part of the rugged countryside is covered by ash from the last eruption in 2007, which adds to the surreal nature of the landscape. The trek descends deep into the dry and hot Rift Valley, where the dried-out ashes can be viewed up close. Just before lunch you will reach the waiting vehicles and transfer the short distance to the foot of Mount Ol Doinyo L'Engai, which is the only active carbonite volcano in the world. Settle into camp for a few hours’ sleep, before the optional activity of climbing the volcano tonight. Approximate trekking time 5 hours, covering 6kms. Sleeping elevation 2,600m. In the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to hike to the beautiful waterfalls around the area.

Shortly after midnight, you start climbing Ol Doinyo L’Engai, the Maasai’s Mountain of God. This ascent requires good levels of fitness, as the track to the top is very steep, climbing in altitude from 800m to 3000m. The ascent can take anything from 8-14 hours with no shade, hence an early start. Return to camp around 11:00 is for brunch. Once back at camp, you have an afternoon to sleep and recover from your climb. Approximate trekking time 8 to 14 hours covering a distance of 15kms. Sleeping elevation tonight will be 2,600m.

After an early breakfast, enjoy a guided hike to the beautiful Ngare Sero Waterfalls, located within a narrow gorge surrounded by lush vegetation. Relax by the waterfall and take in the stunning natural scenery. After the hike, return for lunch and begin the drive to Serengeti, arriving in evening.

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations. Explore the park’s vast plains and diverse habitats while searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species. Accompanied by an experienced safari guide, you will have excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and learning about the Serengeti ecosystem. A picnic lunch is enjoyed at a scenic location within the park before continuing your safari adventure and returning to the camp for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.

After breakfast you'll leave the campsite early morning for game drive in the heart of Serengeti, while enjoying the Morning beautiful sun rises though, it’s going to be a bit chill in the morning don’t forget your warm clothes, get on with the game drive till on the mid-day drive back to camp for full breakfast and Lunch which means a Branch, Then later leave the camp for Ngorongoro Conservation area while you are having a game drive en route towards to Simba A camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Today, descend into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. This ancient volcanic caldera is home to over 25,000 large animals, including black rhinos, lions, zebras, hyenas, and elephants, all thriving within its fertile, enclosed ecosystem. Enjoy a half-day game drive through this unique landscape, where every turn offers exceptional wildlife sightings against a backdrop of soda lakes, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands. After your crater safari, you’ll head off to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport depends on your departure flight time. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trips page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion.