Arusha - Lake Manyara - Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha

 The crater highlands trek is a unique career break trip that takes you from the plains of Ngorongoro to the shores of the lake in Empakai Crater, down the Great Rift Valley wall to spectacular Lake Natron, where a swim in the cool waterfall pools awaits you. On this adventure you will get close to nature and taste authentic local culture; trekking with Maasai guides, your belongings are transported on pack animals in the traditional way - just as tribesman have done for centuries.

Is this journey right for me?

This is an adventurous trek taking career break travellers well off the beaten track, with walking of 9 hours per day through some rugged terrain. You need to be physically fit, own good comfortable walking boots and enjoy the outdoors. There is no high altitude on this trip apart from a summit of 2878m on the optional climb.

When can I go?

Other dates may be available on request please ask us if the above do not suit your plans.

Where do I join and end the journey?

This career break journey starts and ends at a central meeting point in Arusha.

What’s Included?

• Accommodation: You will camp in two man tents.
• Travel: You walk with your own day sack – porters carry your main luggage and camp provisions.
• Food: A cook travels with you and prepares three good meals a day for you.
  Energy snacks and safe drinking water are also provided. Bring your own water bottle.

What’s Extra?

• International Flights
• Entry Visas
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

The itinerary

Day 1 - Ngorongoro Crater to Olmoti

Your career break travel journey starts with a drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Then you descend into the Crater for a game drive. Travel onwards to Nainokanoka. Here you take a short trek to Olmoti Crater which takes you through the rain forested slopes of Olmoti Crater to the rim viewpoint.

Overnight: Olmoti Special Campsite.         Approx. Walking: 3hrs

Day 2 - Olmoti Crater to Empakai

The trek continues to the distant Empakai Crater across open grassland through a natural amphitheatre created by encircling volcanoes. Maasai rush out of their traditional homes (Boma’s) to greet trekkers as they pass by. The steep walk up Empakai affords inspiring views, especially from the top where the sheer sided sunken crater can be seen. You camp on the Crater Rim, with Empakai on one side and Ol Donyo Lengai, the holy Maasai volcano, on the other.

Overnight: Empakai Special Campsite.      Approx. Walking: 8 to 9 hrs

Day 3 - Empakai to Nayobi

From the overnight camp, you scramble down the sheer-sided slopes of Empakai onto the crater floor for a foot safari. Empakai Crater is a sunken volcano with a soda lake covering most of the crater floor. Flamingos nest here during the day to escape the blazing heat of the Rift Valley. A large forest on the western shore is home to antelope, buffalo, leopard and lion, with large seasonal zebra and wildebeest populations when they pass through on their migratory circuits.

Overnight: Acacia Campsite.                    Approx. Walking: 9 hrs

Day 4 - Nayobi to Ngaresero

The Maasai Mountain of God, “Ol Donyo Lengai” looms out of the sunrise as you head out early today to avoid the heat. You arrive at the escarpment, the sheer wall that looms out of the Rift Valley floor, to admire one of the finest views in Africa. Take in the sweeping vistas of the Rift Valley below, and the scattered active volcanoes, primitive rock formations, glimmering soda lakes and clustered Maasai bomas. The final six kilometres are across the tough uncompromising terrain of the valley floor in extreme heat. Our shaded camp is perched above a refreshing stream, a half-hours walk from a paradisiacal waterfall.

Overnight: Kamakia Campsite.               Approx. Walking: 10 hrs

Day 5 – Ngaresero

Very early this morning there is chance for an optional ascent of Ol Donyo Lengai (2878m) ***, an active carbonated volcano with spiritual significance to the Maasai. Then visit Lake Natron (short afternoon visit if Ol Donyo Lengai trek is taken), one of the soda alkaline lakes that jewel the East African Rift, here there is an array of water birds including hordes of resident flamingos. There is also the opportunity to walk up a gorge carved into the Rift Escarpment to a waterfall to wash off five days of dust!

Overnight: Kamakia Campsite

Day 6 – Arusha

 A long driving day will return you back to Arusha. *** Optional ascent of Oldonyo Lengai An optional ascent of Ol Donyo Lengai (2878m), an active carbonate volcano with spiritual significance to the Maasai, is offered. This is a very demanding trek, which starts around 3 am in the morning so as to avoid the fierce midday heat. There is no shade on the mountain, and the terrain underfoot consists of tough scree, lava and volcanic ash, with steep furrows and gullies to negotiate. At the summit, there are two craters (one of which is still active) which can be explored, with due care, and the views across the Rift and towards Lake Natron are breathtaking. This trek is only recommended for serious trekkers in good physical condition. A large water intake and a sunhat are essential.

Project photos