Maasai guide with a bow on a bush walk
Mountain Trek · Moderate

10 Days Crater Highlands Trek to Lake Natron

10 Days / 9 NightsNgorongoro · Lake Natron
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TOUR OVERVIEW

Into Tanzania's wild heart.

This is one of East Africa's great walks: several days across open Maasai highlands, past Olmoti and Empakaai craters, then down the Rift Valley wall to Lake Natron. It starts with a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater itself, and no technical climbing is involved.

Walk with Maasai guides and pack donkeys, from the rim of Ngorongoro down to the flamingo shores of Lake Natron. This sample itinerary is a strong starting point and can be refined around your dates, interests and preferred accommodation level.

The climb, in altitude

  1. 2,300 mNgorongoro Rim
  2. 2,350 mNainokanoka
  3. 3,100 mOlmoti
  4. 3,000 mEmpakaai Rim
  5. 2,500 mNaiyobi
  6. 1,500 mAcacia Camp
  7. 610 mEngare Sero
Approximate altitudes. Your guide adjusts the pace to how you feel.

Highlights

Olmoti and Empakaai cratersMaasai guides and pack donkeysNgorongoro Crater game driveViews of Ol Doinyo LengaiLake Natron's flamingos
DAY BY DAY

Your full itinerary.

Arrive in northern Tanzania, where a Hartebeest Safaris representative welcomes you and provides a private transfer to your Arusha accommodation. Settle in, recover from the flight and go through the plan for the days ahead.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
  • Personal airport welcome
  • Private transfer
  • Briefing and route review
Travel rhythm
Approximately 45–75 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on traffic.
Meals
Dinner, depending on arrival time
Accommodation
Hotel in Arusha, confirmed in the final quotation.

What's included.

Private vehicle and driver-guide

Maasai walking guides, armed ranger and pack donkeys

Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees

Tents and shared camp equipment

All meals and treated drinking water while trekking

Airport transfers

Not included.

International flights

Tanzania visa and travel insurance

Personal walking clothing and boots

Crew tips and personal expenses

Drinks not listed as included

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

Comfort in the wild.

Maasai herder driving goats across the plains
Mid-range · Crater Highlands and Lake Natron

Fly camps, a highland lodge and Natron camp

Simple, mobile fly camps on the trek, with a lodge at the start and a camp at Lake Natron. Exact properties are confirmed in your tailored quotation.

YOUR ROUTE

Follow the journey across Tanzania.

Arusha → Ngorongoro → Lake Natron

View Larger Map
Journey start Stop By roadIllustrative map, not to be used for navigation.
  1. 01ArushaJourney start
  2. 02NgorongoroSafari destination
  3. 03Lake NatronSafari destination
REQUEST A QUOTE

Make this journey yours.

Tell us who is traveling and when. A safari specialist can then tailor the route and provide confirmed availability and pricing.

Maasai herder driving goats across the plains
7days
Moderate
Mountain Trek

Empakaai to Lake Natron Trek

Arusha · Ngorongoro · Lake Natron

The heart of the Crater Highlands on foot, then a drive down the Rift Valley to Lake Natron.

Highest point3,100 mPrice on request
View into the Ngorongoro Crater from the rim
4days
Moderate
Mountain Trek

Olmoti and Empakaai Crater Walks

Arusha · Ngorongoro

Day walks at two highland craters and a Ngorongoro game drive, with a comfortable lodge bed every night.

Highest point3,100 mPrice on request
Kilimanjaro rising above high moorland
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Challenging
Kilimanjaro Trek

Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek

Arusha · Kilimanjaro

The classic scenic climb to Uhuru Peak, with an extra day on the mountain to help you adapt to altitude.

Highest point5,895 mPrice on request