Ngorongoro, back to the roots
A trekking through one of world’s most pure and magical landscapes
Ngorongoro, named after the sound of a cowbell. To be here and to walk here is beyond imagination. Ngorongoro is untouched, pure and of a divine beauty. From day 1 until the end it shows you a different landscape, which is unique. You will pass through savannah, rainforest, a depression area, mountains, desert, craters, vulcanos, an acacia forest and more. Masaï are living in the area and their colourful appearances make the scenery complete.
After visiting the big crater of Ngorongoro with its abundance of wild animals, you will be walking an old Masaï trail for four days (5-6 hours a day). You will sleep under the stars in lightweight tents for 3 nights, enjoy delicious meals conjured up by your safari cook, witness a romantic sunset, wake up by the sound of a roaring leopard or scrabbling hyenas and listen to a symphony of birdsongs coming from the bush or total silence. After your trekking you will reward yourself with an extra day in the warm and peaceful arms of Lake Natron which hosts the largest colony of flamingos in the world and the most romantic and playful waterfall of Tanzania where you can swim and relax.
For 7 days in row, you may realize that life is beautiful
There is nothing to do for you but to receive life’s exceptional gift of Ngorongoro Crater Highlands.
Day 1 On your way to the famous Ngorongoro Crater
You will depart from Arusha and you are picked up at your hotel after breakfast. Our cook will provide a lunchbox for you. It will take two hours to drive to the gate of Ngorongoro. You will probably be welcomed by a big baboon family. From there you will enter the famous Ngorongoro Crater, with all of its wildlife for a spectacular gamedrive. You will sleep in the luxury Farm of Dreams lodge in Karatu.
Day 2 First hike from Endonyowas to Bulati
The touroperator has a very personal relationship with Masaï in this region. Their company came to existence because of the involvement of the owner with Masaï in Ngorongoro. They sponsor the little village Endonyowas where your first hike starts in many ways. Your Masaï guides Daniël or Muran are picked up here and also their donkeys will be prepared to carry your luggage to Akesha and Lake Natron.
This afternoon you will make your first walk from Endonyowas to Bulati. It will take about 6 hours to reach this Masaï boma situated at the rim of Embulbul depression. You will sleep at the rim and enjoy a more then beautiful view. Try to open your tent in the middle of the night. Big chance you will see something spectacular especially if there is a moon and only a few clouds.
Day 3 Second hike from Bulati to Empakai Crater
In the morning it will be cold. Nevertheless the morning light is magical. We recommend to come out of your tent between 7.00 and 7.30 am to watch the sunrise. Your walk to Empakai Crater will be about 3,5 hours. You can take your lunch at the crater rim. After lunch you are invited to walk into the crater (about one hour) to enjoy a nice path down, admire some very huge, ancient trees and wonderful lake views. Stay as long as you like at the lake and if you’re lucky a group of flamingos will parade in front of you. In the evening your guide will make a big fire to share the stories with Masaï.
Day 4 Third hike from Empakai to Akesha
In the morning you will start the beautiful walk to Akesha. It will take about 6 hours. On the way you will pick up with the deep crack which is a part of the Great Rift Valley. You will pass Nayobi village where you need to take a break. It is possible to take a soda here, while you relax and enjoy the view on Oldonyo Lengai (the Mountain of God) or the village activities. The women of Nayobi will approach you to sell their jewellery. After this rest you will continue your walk. You will pass some bomas and children are herding the cows and goats. Finally you will enter a lovely, peaceful area where acacia trees are growing. A typical starry sky will watch over you this night.
Day 5 Fourth hike from Akesha to Lake Natron
The guide will tell you to wake up very early. You best leave at 6.00 am. Your walk will be about 5-6 hours again and you are descending the highlands to enter the gorgeous desert of Lake Natron. This trip is breathtaking in many ways and it is the icing on the cake. After you have crossed the (dry) river, you will be picked up by our land cruiser and brought to a nice campsite with swimming pool. You can have lunch here and relax.
Day 6 Relaxing at Lake Natron
In the morning the guide of Lake Natron will pick you up to drive or walk with you to the lake. When you walk it is very possible you will meet some animals on the way, like giraffes or zebras. At the lake you can witness the largest colony of flamingos in the world. Their funny sounds, beautiful colours and typical movements are great to see. Also the scenery is wonderful.
After lunch you will be taken on a funny, playful trip over rocks and through the river to a romantic waterfall. Don’t forget to have a look behind it.
Day 7 Back to Arusha
Today is a travel day. It is time to start your journey to the modern world. In the early afternoon you will travel to Mto wa Mbu. After 3 to 4 hours you will reach this lively village. You can have lunch here and go for a short walk in town. There is a great Masaï market where for sure you will find some souvenirs to take home. You will be taken to a hotel of your choice in Arusha, dropped at Kilimanjaro Airport or another destination.
Costs (in euro)
€ 1.555 pp (group of 4 people or more)
€ 1.739 pp (group of 3 people)
€ 2.102 pp (group of 2 people)
€ 3.340 pp (one person)
included:
* pick up and return to your hotel in Arusha or connect you to another destination
* all transport with a Toyota Landcruiser 4WD
* rental donkeys 2 days
* all entry fees for Ngorongoro and Lake Natron
* entry fees to Ngorongoro crater
* walking fees Ngorongoro
* guide/driver, cook, local guide and donkeymen
* all food and drinks (coffee, tea, juice and water) during camping
* food Farm of Dreams lodge half board
not included:
* visa
* soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks
* tips for guides and cook
* sleeping bag and pillow
discount: please contact us if you are travelling with children, if you are a Tanzanian or have a resident permit
