Ngorongoro Highlands Trek — 5 Days
Overview
Trek through one of Africa's most spectacular landscapes — the volcanic Ngorongoro Highlands. Visit the Empakaai crater lake, Olmoti waterfall crater, interact with Maasai villages, and witness the Great Rift Valley from the rim of ancient calderas.
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive through the highlands to the Empakaai Crater (3,200 m). Trek around the rim with views into the soda lake below. Camp on the crater rim.
Descend into Empakaai Crater to the flamingo lake. Visit a traditional Maasai boma. Trek to Acacia Camp (2,800 m) through highland meadows.
Day hike into the Olmoti Crater to its spectacular waterfall and pasturelands. Buffalo and eland frequently seen. Return to camp.
Trek along the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater (2,286 km² caldera) with views into the "Garden of Eden" below. Spot the Big Five from above. Camp at Ngorongoro rim.
Morning wildlife viewing walk on the crater rim. Drive back to Arusha via the highland villages.
Route Map
Map shows approximate camp locations along the route. Elevation data shown in meters and feet.
About This Package
The Ngorongoro Highlands offer one of Africa's most unique trekking experiences. This 5-day circuit traverses ancient volcanic calderas, including the Empakaai Crater (filled with a soda lake and visited by flamingos), the Olmoti Crater (with its spectacular waterfall), and the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater itself — the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The trek passes through authentic Maasai boma communities, forests of giant Podocarpus trees, and open highland meadows. Wildlife encountered on foot includes buffalo, waterbuck, eland, and occasionally lion and elephant. A truly off-the-beaten-track Tanzania experience.
What's Included
- Airport/hotel transfers
- All park and conservation fees
- Professional certified lead guide
- Assistant guides (1 per 2 climbers)
- Porters for group and personal luggage (up to 15 kg)
- All meals during the trek
- Drinking water throughout
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
- Emergency oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter
- Rescue evacuation insurance
- First-aid kit and emergency medication
- Pre-climb briefing and gear check
- Summit certificate
- Hotel accommodation (1 night pre + 1 night post)
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
- Armed Maasai guide escort
- Cultural visit fees to Maasai bomas
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania/Kenya visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal hiking gear and sleeping bag (rentals available)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal snacks and energy bars
- Extra hotel nights
$1,295
per personFree cancellation up to 90 days before departure
Quick Facts
Ready to Book This Adventure?
Contact us now and start planning your Ngorongoro Highlands Trek — 5 Days expedition.