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Ngorongoro Highland Trekking
7 Days from $2,100$1,420
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- Holiday Type
- Activity Level Child
- Group Size Small Group
All about the Ngorongoro Highland Trekking.
Ngorongoro crater highlands trekking is the trekking adventure that takes place in the highland between the four main features of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. For trekkers looking for a trekking experience in the heart of Masai land. Olmoti crater will be their testing for this experience when they will take a 4hrs up and down the beautiful crater. The hiking from Olmoti via Embubuli Depression will take trekkers past the Masai villages and Bomas, experience the Masai traditions, culture, and their life. You will spend the night in this depression which was formed by Lolmansin Mountain, Olmoti Crater, and the footsteps of Empakai Crater. The scenery during Ngorongoro crater highlands trekking has amused everyone but it’s also full of different wildlife. Mountain woodland, and the magic craters with pink flamingo right at the live volcanic mountain Mount Oldonyo Lengai.
Of course, Emapakai crater descent is the spiritual tour, a trip highlight for the majority of Tourists! It starts from Ngorongoro Crater by a game drive in the crater to the Trekking base of Nainokanoka Camp. You will descent down the crater floor to see flamingos and have a new experience of this. Nevertheless, we always start with Olmoti crater nature walks and through ancient Masai cattle path through mountain forest and rocky outcrops.
Without leaving the Masai community living in a small village of Nainokanoka and cultural visits to see the local Masai village in Bulati and their school. Accommodation during the trek is wilderness camping and facilities like a shower and toilet are available. Bathing is taken in the rivers and the call of nature in the bush (we set a toilet tent on request). Low impact camping is practiced throughout the trek and environmental awareness is the order at the day
Although, this is mostly a scenic area and a pure geographical feature in The Ngorongoro Highlands. It makes this place with no comparison. It is camping trekking all along from the first day to the last day on the base of Mount Oldonyo Lengai. The clear view of Oldonyo Lengai from Empakai crater while leaving the Empakai camp will always shock your mind. A picture that not always in your library of images. This mountain is a live volcanic mountain that throws its ashes up to Serengeti. The climb of Mt. Ol ‘Doinyo Lengai is the climax of this trek. The climb takes from 3 to 5 hours up and 2 to 3 hours descent.
The trekking takes place in northern Ngorongoro Crater. The trekking cover about 145km and each day we expect one to hike for 4-7hrs. The average trekking distance per day is about 25km at about 2000m above sea level. Any reasonably fit person can do this trek, including kids above 10 years old. 7-day Ngorongoro crater highlands trekking takes you through the diverse sceneries of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. Our specialist trekking guide with full of experience will lead the trekking. Although, together with the team cook and Masai donkey handler make it easy. During the evening campfires, they will readily impart their immense knowledge of the wilderness to you. Our guides on this trek are Masai too. They have received training in reputable Outdoor guiding college and have long field experience. A great company to be with.
PREPARATION:
Anyone who is physically fit can do this trekking. The trek can be done throughout the year but the best trekking months are Jan to May (green season) and the end of August to December (dry season). Visibility is not good between June and August months. Temperatures range from 13’C on the highlands to about 35’C on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Empakai Crater is highland so you should expect the temperature to below all year round.
During Ngorongoro crater highlands trekking, donkeys carry all supplies and gears. In fact, the team will have 5 donkeys or less depending very much on the amount of baggage that you have. We suggest that you bring the necessary gear only. 5 Masai donkey handlers, a cook, and a Special Walking Safari Guide. He is a native of this area and has done extensive Outdoor training.
During the trek, you’ll carry your own day pack. In this pack, you’ll put all your items of personal nature and a water bottle. A walking "pole pole" will be useful for Mount Oldonyo Lengai ascent/descent.
You can also combine this Safari with A week in Zanzibar or 10 Days safari and Beach
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania-Arusha Airport/Kilimanjaro Airport
Day 2
Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Day 3
BULATI MAASAI VILLAGE – EMPAKAAI CRATER.
Day 4
EMPAKAAI CRATER – NAIYOBI MAASAI VILLAGE
Day 5
LERAI FOREST CAMP (NAIYOBI) – NGARASERO MAASAI VILLAGE.
Day 6
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Concervation Area
Day 7
LAKE NATRON – ARUSHA
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania-Arusha Airport/Kilimanjaro Airport
Our driver guide will be at the airport waiting for you. He will carry a signboard with your names on it. He will drive you from the Airport to the Lodge situated in Arusha. We will meet you at the hotel for a briefing and sort out other questions just in case you will have some.
Arusha Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 2
Ngorongoro Crater Tour
In the morning the driver guide will pick you and drive you to Ngorongoro Crater. A protected area and a World Heritage Site- located 195km west of Arusha (2hours drive). The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The crater which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago is 610metres (2000 feet). Deep and its floor covers 260square kilometers (100 square miles). Estimates of the height of the original volcano range from 4500 to 5800 meters (14800 to 19000 feet) The crater floor is 1800metres (5900 feet) above sea level. The crater was voted by Seven Natural Wonders as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in Arusha-Tanzania in February 2013. You will descend into the crater for a game drive till lunchtime (picnic lunch boxes served near the hippo pool) The crater is home to the endangered black Rhinoceros, so-termed the garden of Eden. You will see many other animals too.
Simba Campsite
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 3
BULATI MAASAI VILLAGE – EMPAKAAI CRATER.
Hike to the rim of Empakaai Crater and down to the Crater floor. The Empakaai Crater is one of the most beautiful places on the Crater Highlands. Much of the crater floor is covered by a jewel-like lake. Walk along the lakeshore teeming with thousands of pink flamingos. Picnic lunch in the Crater. The eerie lake, the occasional hyenas chasing flamingoes, the wild sounds...will make your spirit join with the body. Evening climb back to the rim.
Special Campsite
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
EMPAKAAI CRATER – NAIYOBI MAASAI VILLAGE
Trek to NAIYOBI MAASAI Village. (Picnic lunch en route). Visit a local primary school. Later on, walk on to your overnight campsite at Lerai Forest. One of the most beautiful campsites in Tanzania.
Seronera Campsite - Serengeti
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
LERAI FOREST CAMP (NAIYOBI) – NGARASERO MAASAI VILLAGE.
Hike down off the Great Rift Valley wall to the base of Mt. Ol’ Doinyo L’Engai. (Your pick-up Safari jeep will meet you hereafter dropping you at Ngorongoro Nainokanoka village on Day 1. From the base of Mt. Oldonyo Lengai, you'll be transferred to Kamakia Camp. (Picnic lunch en route). Visit a nearby waterfall for your first real soothing bath after 3 days of going without one. Evening free at the campsite or. visit the nearby Maasai village or the waterfalls
Seronera Campsite - Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Concervation Area
Shortly after midnight, the jeep transfer to the base of Mt Ol’ Doinyo L’Engai for the climb to the peak of this live volcano. The climb takes about 3 hours at a normal pace. The climb is strenuous and requires a physically fit person. Arrive at the Peak just before sunrise.
L'Engai volcanic crater looks like a field infested with red firelight insects just before sunrise. An amazing site to visit! Tour of the active Crater after sunrise. Later in the morning descend to the base and transfer to camp for brunch. Later you will visit lake Natron on the way to Manyara for dinner and overnight
Simba Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7
LAKE NATRON – ARUSHA
Lake Manyara national park – Arusha Airport for flight to Zanzibar.
Early morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park, morning game drive in the park. When you approach it from the east, the Rift Valley escarpment looms on the horizon forming an impressive backdrop to the lake. In the tall trees of the groundwater forest, monkeys leap from branch to branch, and on the escarpment, elephants stand in the shade. Other animals frequently seen are zebras, impalas, monkeys, giraffes, buffalos, hippos, and others. At 1100am, drive back to Arusha to catch an afternoon flight to Zanzibar.
Hotel of your Choice
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch only
| People | Green Season (1st April To 31st May) | Should Season (1st Nov – 14th Dec & March) | Peak Season (1st June – 30 Oct & 15th Dec-28th Feb) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Person | US$ 1670 |
US$ 1889 |
US$ 2100 | |
4 | Person | US$ 1540 |
US$ 1800 |
US$ 1930 |
6 | Person | US$ 1420 |
US$ 1766 |
US$ 1874 |
The Calabash team would be delighted to work with you to help you and your family, friends or organization build the best possible safari to match your interests and budget. We can organize custom safaris for professional photographers, honeymoon couples and families. Simply ask us! need help? click here
YES! Calabash Adventures has a personal understanding and deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. Our trips are well suited for children. We have designed our unique family safari programs to allow you and your children to experience the wonders of Africa together. Please outline your particular family’s interests, so that we can incorporate them. You and your family will have a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of cultural diversity, discover the many miracles of nature, and at the same time play, laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of one another.
Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your interests and budget. Please scroll the website for a description of the different types of accommodation available or click here.
Small. Our scheduled safaris vary in size depending on the nature of the safari. In general, we keep our groups small (minimum 1 to 7 people, and occasionally up to an absolute maximum of 25). We feel strongly that the small size allows a more intimate connection with the African wilderness
Pack lightweight, washable clothes, plus a sweater for early morning game drives; a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly advised as well. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Modest length shorts for women are perfectly acceptable, but women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in rural villages and towns since clothes that are too revealing can cause offense especially in Zanzibar and in Muslim dominated areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear (but not nudity) is acceptable.
Safari dress is basically comfortable and casual - layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don`t mind getting dusty. We have included several web links to guide you in your preparation.
You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety of food available on safari. In most lodges, meals are served buffet-style, so you can choose what you like. The food is generally prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included. If you choose a camping safari, fresh meat and produce are prepared to the highest sanitary standards by our team’s expert chefs. Indeed, most returning guests rave about our camp food! Request for local food is certainly welcome. Your guide and chef will generally purchase all the food before the safari starts, so get your orders in on time!
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can easily be arranged with advance notice. If you are vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you will definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as soon as possible.
We provide two liters of bottled water per day for each client, and you can purchase more bottled water at all the lodges and camps or before the Safari. Overall, we recommend you consume only bottled water.
For medical Travel tip, it is always best to consult your doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your departure. The minimum requirements for entry into Tanzania are proof of a yellow fever vaccination and an anti-malarial medication. Bear in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges oriented to meet the needs of North American and European guests.
Calabash Adventures is responsible for sending a rescue vehicle(s) within 4 to 5 hours (depending on your location) upon receiving notification of a vehicle breakdown. The vehicle shall be replaced and compensation awarded by way of additional time allotment (extra half day or full day), or a refund of up to 30% of a full day tour deducted from the total daily tour cost.
If necessary, an emergency evacuation can be arranged by “flying doctors” (included in the trip package, on your request), or a simple transfer to nearby Hotel or lodge for accommodation and catering services.
Overall Rating
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