NGORONGORO CRATER HIGHLAND

DAY 01:
Depart Arusha at 0700am. Drive to Ngorongoro Crater.Descend into the Crater floor for the morning Game viewing. Lunch at the campsite.Drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim and proceed to Nainokanoka Maasai village. Picnic Lunch en route. More than a 100 species of bird not found in the Serengeti have been found in the crater rim.  With the help of donkeys carrying the luggage proceed to Bulati Village visiting Olmoti Crater and waterfalls passing the Embulmbul depression. The Olmoti Crater is a shallow grassy crater and is the source of the Munge river, which pours through a notch in the rim in a spectacular waterfall on its way to Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight at Bulati Campsite.

DAY 02:
After an early breakfast hike to Empakai Crater (4 Hours). Descend into the crater to watch the flamingos and other animals – this beautiful little crater contains forests and a deep lake. At Empakai, the scenery is spectacular at every point. From the northern and eastern side you can look out to the dramatic cone of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron . Dinner and overnight on the Empakai Crater rim.

DAY 03:
The crater rim is about 6km wide. From the western side of the crater rim the view is spectacular, the steep inner walls are densely forested and drop to the flat crater floor, which is partly submerged under a lake and surrounded by huge flocks of flamingoes. Descending the crater can take 20-30 minutes to the lakeshore. Here you can see shore birds and some animals. After Embakai we will follow tracks which descend gradually to a village called Naiyobi, which means "spring" or "bubbling water". People here are more agriculturist than pastorals, and this is a good opportunity to meet and talk with the locals. Overnight at Lerai campsite beyond the village.

DAY 04:
Another early start (07.00) as we set off and hike through Emouro Engoilil (Pembe ya Swala) to the bottom of Ol Doinyo Lengai . A 5-6 hour trek from Naiyobi village. We will follow paths through beautiful grass hills along a ridge running parallel to the Great Rift Valley . This point is called Ongoilei, which means "gazelle horns" in the Masai language. The trail is rough due to remaining volcanic gravel. The Ol-Doinyo-Lengai, which has dominated your view since leaving, becomes increasingly impressive. Stay at the base of Ol-Doinyo-Lengai to start climbing late evening. The walk is 5-6 hours to the summit and 3 hours down. Sun hats, lotion and enough water for drinking is important for this climb!. Stay overnight at the summit depending on the weather.

DAY 05:
Breakfast at around 0700am. Descend to the foot of the mountain for the transfer to the Ngare/Sero River which flows north from the crater highlands into Lake Natron . After a long hot walk, a swim in the clear running water is very refreshing. You will spend the night at a campsite on the shore of Lake Natron.

DAY 06:
At 05.30 we drive to Lake Natron to view the sunrise and the flamingos and then depart to Arusha via Engaruka village where you will see the ruins. Breakfast will be served after a visit at the Lake . Picnic Lunch en route. Arriving in Arusha late afternoon where your adventure ends.

Included :

• National Park entry fees, camping fees, crater fee
• English speaking guide(s), cook and porters/donkey's
• Full board camping accommodation during the climb
• Camping equipment  ie Tents + Form mattress/walking fee
• Mineral water for the first day, boiled and filtered water on the other days
• Transfer to the starting point and return to Arusha

Not included :

• Other drinks
• Meals and accommodation in Arusha – We can arrange this one too.
• Sleeping bag