5 Day Ngorongoro Highlands Trek and Oldoinyo Lengai Climb

Arusha, Tanzania
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Duration5 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Adventurous travelers will relish this immersive 5-day trek through Tanzania's stunning Ngorongoro Highlands. Guided by a knowledgeable Maasai, explore the picturesque trails leading to the serene Lake Natron before conquering Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s only active volcano. Experience the thrill of trekking with donkeys, while enjoying the breathtaking views and cultural insights unique to this region. The journey concludes with a convenient transfer back to Arusha, ensuring you maximize your adventure while minimizing travel hassle.

- Trek through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands with a Maasai guide
- Climb Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s only active volcano
- Enjoy the tranquil beauty of remote Lake Natron
- Limited vehicle use, with transfers only at the start and end of the trek

What's included

  • Porters, chef and waiter for trek.
  • Medical/first aid kit.
  • Professional trekking guide.
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Donkeys to carry luggage during trek.
  • Breakfast
  • Ranger.
  • Park fees and Entrance fees.
  • Visa
  • Domestic and international flights.
  • Trekking gear. (Available for hire)

What to expect

Day 1: Day 1: Empakai Crater to Empakai Special Camp
  1. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
    Pass by
    Start off with a hearty breakfast, then transfer from your hotel (either in Karatu area, Manyara or Aurhsa) to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
    After registration, drive to the trailhead of Empakai Crater. approx 1 hr drive)

    Start off with a gentle descent into the crater. Animal sightings are possible, so keep your eyes open.
    An alkaline lake covers most of the crater floor, and it is home to flocks of pink flamingos.

    After a picnic lunch, continue toward Empakai Camp where you will overnight.

    Due to the altitude, it may be chilly this evening, so be prepared with warm layers.

    The trek this day covers 15 km and is moderate to easy.
Day 2: Day 2: Empakai Special Campsite to Acacia Campsite
  1. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
    5h
    After breakfast, start trekking with donkeys.

    Your group will hike through Naiyobi Village, a local Maasai community that lives within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

    After enjoying a picnic lunch, hike out of the Conservation Area and enter more arid landscape. Despite the change of landscape, the views throughout are stunning.

    Overnight in the shade of Acacia Camp, which sits at a lower elevation than the previous night (it is likely to be warmer).
Day 3: Day 3: Acacia Camp to Lake Natron
  1. Lake Natron
    4h
    After breakfast, dismantle tents and prepare the donkeys once again.

    Today’s hike is 8 kms and is mostly descent toward Lake Natron. It takes 3-4 hours only.

    Once the tents are set up, the group is recommended to rest early, as the climb up Oldoinyo Lengai begins around midnight.
Day 4: Day 4: Climb Mount Oldoinyo Lengai
  1. 5h
    Climbers usually wake around 11 pm the previous day to have a light snack and prepare headlamps and trekking poles for the upcoming climb.

    A vehicle will transfer you to the base of the sacred mountain and you will begin the climb around midnight.

    Oldoinyo Lengai translates to “The Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, and is an important place in the local culture.

    The peak of the volcano stands at just under 3000 m. While this doesn’t rank it as a necessarily high mountain, it is an incredibly steep mountain, which is part of the challenge but up and down.

    The climb to reach the top generally takes 6 hours, while the descent takes 4-5 hours, as well. Trekking poles are highly recommended.

    The goal is to reach the summit in time for sunrise. The epic views of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Natron are a reward for all climbers who reach the top.

    Begin descent and return to campsite for a hearty brunch and well-deserved rest.
Day 5: Day 5: Visit Lake Natron and Transfer to Arusha
  1. Lake Natron
    5h
    Enjoy a relaxing morning at the campsite.

    After breakfast, visit Natron’s Lakeshore. It is usually full of pink flamingos (its is the largest nesting site in the world for Lesser Flamingos), but you may not swim in its waters.

    When you’re ready, breakdown camp and begin drive back to Arusha via the Natron-Longido Route.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

At main entrance of Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha. Look for a guide holding a sign of your name near the reception or driveway wearing RA Safari gear.

End point

At main entrance of Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha. Look for a guide holding a sign of your name near the reception or driveway wearing RA Safari gear.

Pickup details

At the main entrance of Hotel, Arusha. Look for a guide holding a sign with your name near the reception area or driveway and wearing RA Safari gear.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$2,506.00 per person
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Operated by RA Safaris · Booked through Viator
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