7-Days Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking
From $. 2,018 USD* / 24/7 service / 7 days.
Price p.p. incl. guide, safari-jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (Based on 6 persons).
7-Day Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking – An Unforgettable Adventure in Tanzania’s Hidden Wilderness
Discover the untouched beauty of Tanzania on a 7-day Ngorongoro Highlands trekking adventure, an immersive journey through one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. This trek takes you through the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where towering volcanic peaks, lush rolling hills, deep craters, and vast open plains create an awe-inspiring backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
Unlike traditional safaris, this adventure allows you to explore on foot, taking in the stunning scenery at a slower pace while encountering diverse wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and even predators from a safe distance. You’ll traverse the highlands, visiting spectacular locations like Empakai Crater, Olmoti Crater, and the remote Maasai villages, where you’ll engage with local communities and learn about their fascinating traditions and way of life.
The trek is both challenging and rewarding, offering a mix of gentle walks and moderate hikes across grassy plateaus, forested slopes, and volcanic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley and, ultimately, reach Lake Natron, a serene alkaline lake home to thousands of flamingos and stunning, otherworldly scenery.
This journey is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Tanzania. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a deeper connection with nature, Ngorongoro Highlands trekking offers a rare opportunity to experience Africa’s wilderness in its purest form.
DAY 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will meet our team and after meet and greet you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Overnight at Kahawa House Lodge, Half Board.
DAY 2: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
After having your breakfast you will be introduced to your trekking crew (guide, cook and driver) for a full briefing and equipment check before departing from your hotel and travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoy a full day game drive in the crater. Later on in the late afternoon, you ascend from the crater and drive to your first campsite near a Maasai village of Empakai. Settle-in and prepare for your first trek in the next day morning. Overnight camping at the rim of Empakai crater. (No showers & limited toilet facilities).
DAY 3: Visit Empakai Crater & Walk from Empakai to Acacia Camp
Morning descent into the Empakaai crater. A well-maintained track goes to the crater floor. The alkaline/soda lake found there is an important source of food for flamingos, which can be seen throughout the year. The crater floor is also home to a variety of antelope and aquatic birds. Return to the crater rim, where the trek will begin to move away from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the landscape becomes drier and warmer, as we head towards Acacia Camp. Approximate trekking time on this day is 5 hours covering a distance of 13kms. Camp at an elevation of 3,200m above the sea level. Overnight camping at Acacia Camp (no showers & limited toilet facilities)
DAY 4: Walk from Acacia Camp to Lake Natron
The last stage of the journey is not too long and it mainly goes downhill. The highlights of the morning are the fantastic views of the great Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron, and the Rift Valley. A big part of the rugged countryside is covered by ash from Lengai’s last eruption in 2007, which adds to the surreal nature of the landscape. The trek descends deep into the dry and hot Rift Valley, where the dried-out ashes can be viewed up close. Just before lunch you will reach the waiting vehicle that will transfer you the short distance from the foot of Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai to Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge. Settle into camp for a few hours’ sleep or swim in a pool, before an optional activity of climbing the volcano tonight. Approximate trekking time on this day is 5 hours, covering a distance of 6kms. Camp at elevation of 2,600m above the sea level. On this day in the late afternoon, you will have an opportunity to hike to the beautiful Engaresero waterfalls for a natural swim before returning to the camp for evening rest and dinner. Overnight in a double/twin room at Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge, Full Board (good showers and toilet facilities tonight + swimming pool + Wi-Fi services).
This day you will have an early dinner to be followed by 4hours sleep to gain strength for a mid-night activity.
DAY 5: Night Hike to the top of Ol Doinyo Lengai
Shortly after midnight, our driver guide will transfer you to the foot of the mountain where you will start climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai’s Mountain of God. The ascent requires good levels of fitness, as the tracks to the top are very steep, climbing an altitude of 800ms to 3000ms. The ascent & descend takes 8-12 hours (depending on one’s fitness and experience) with no shade, hence an early start. This morning you will wake up at the top of the mountain and see its boiling lava down the crater while enjoying beautiful scenery of Lake Natron and the surrounding landscape. Our cook will prepare a packed breakfast for you to have picnic breakfast at the top of Lengai. Upon your descend you will meet your driver just where you left him at around 10:00am to drive you back to the camp. Once back at camp, you will have an early lunch and the whole afternoon to sleep and recover from your climb.
Later on in the evening, there will be a traditional ceremony to mark the end of your trekking days. A goat will be slaughtered and barbecued around an open wood fire to be part of your dinner. As the meat cook, a group of not less than twenty Maasai warriors will perform a one hour and a half traditional dance around the fire. They will tell you many stories of their families and ways of life. You will allowed to dance with them, take photos and exchange stories. Dinner and overnight in a double/twin room at Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge (good showers and toilet facilities tonight + swimming pool + Wi-Fi services).
DAY 6: Transfer back to Arusha
This day morning you start driving back to Arusha which will take the majority of the day with several stops to study any eye-catching thing on your way. Overnight in a double/twin room at Kahawa House Lodge – Arusha, Full Board.
On this day there can also be an option to skip your overnight in Arusha and board your flight back home.
DAY 7: Departure
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you have decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey.
- Trip Safety: AMREF Flying Doctor Insurance. A Flying doctor Insurance to Air transfer you before dark from nearest airstrip to hospital during Emergency
- Transport: 4X4 Custom built – Toyota Landcruiser – Pop-up Roof, Opening Sliding windows, Seat Belts, Heavy duty wheels and Extra Fuel tanks. Refrigerator for cooling drinks, one pair of binoculars per couple, Eco friendly Trash Bag. Wi- Fi on board during safari, Charging Outlets type Plug G for charging Cameras and smart phones
- Trip Crew: Professional English-Speaking Driver guide – A Friendly, Experienced and Passionate Driver Guide expert at a wide variety of skills: Flora and Fauna, Tanzania’s cultural and natural history.Professional and totally committed Safari Chef – A Friendly, Experienced and Passionate Safari Chef committed in maintaining the very highest of standards at every meal.An Armed Ranger from Ngorongoro Conservation Area from Day 3 to Day 5 and 2 local Maasai Men per passenger to Guide the Donkies from Day 3 to Day 6
- Camping Equipment: Camping Tents, Table and Chairs, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Mattress, Bed Sheet and Pillow
- Treat: A Special Safari Hamper – Soft drinks, Coffee/tea and Water during game drives A bottle of Wine
- Arrival and Departure Transfer: TO/FROM Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport –One arrival Transfer and One departure Transfer
- Accommodation: 1st night in Arusha Planet Lodge on Half Board (Dinner, Breakfast), 2nd night Ngorongoro Simba Campsite on Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast, picnic lunch box), 3rd night Bulati Public Campsite on Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast, picnic lunch box), 4th night Empakaai Public Campsite on Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast, picnic lunch box), 5th night Acacia Public Campsite on Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast, picnic lunch box), 6th night Lake Natron Camp on Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast, picnic lunch box), 7th night Lake Natron Camp on Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast, picnic lunch box)
- Photographic Safari: Experience Wildlife with 4X4 Safari Vehicle – Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
- Walking Safari: Walking Safari in Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Natron
- Waterfalls: Waterfalls Walk in Lake Natron
- Park Entrance Fee: Park fee for Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Natron
- Taxes: 18 % VAT (Value Added Tax)
Serengeti Hot Air balloon Safari
A hot air balloon safari in Serengeti is an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Being up in the air and soaring above the picturesque landscape while watching the wildlife is an experience that you won’t soon forget. From the moment you launch to the time you touch back down, the entire excursion will leave you in awe.
From the comfort and safety of the balloon basket, guests enjoy an unparalleled aerial view of the world-renowned wildlife reserve. They can appreciate the vast herds of wildebeest and zebra as they march across the savannah, watch lions and cheetahs stalking their prey down below, or even spot a rare black rhinoceros bull browsing in the distance.

Interaction with Maasai Tribe
The Maasai people have intriguing traditions that are worth exploring. From their unique style of dress, to their love for cattle and unique way of life, there is so much to learn and appreciate about this fascinating tribe. By delving deeper into Maasai culture and understanding their unique way of life, we can develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and enrich our own perspectives.
The Maasai people are one of the most fascinating cultural groups in the world. They live a traditional way of life that is steeped in tradition and ceremony. The Maasai are known for their skills in cattle herding and for their stunningly beautiful culture and lifestyle.

Walking Safaris
A Tanzania Walking Safari is a unique and exhilarating way to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Tanzania’s national parks and reserves. Unlike traditional safari tours, on a walking safari, travelers slowly explore the wilderness on foot while accompanied by experienced guides. This allows for more intimate and immersive experiences with the wildlife and ecosystems of Tanzania.

Community Development Projects
Incorporating community development projects into your African safari is a meaningful way to connect with local cultures, support sustainable tourism, and give back to the communities that make these regions so vibrant. Many safari destinations in Africa have integrated community-driven initiatives, allowing visitors to experience the cultural richness while contributing to lasting positive change.

Canoeing at Lake Momella
This peaceful activity offers a unique perspective of the park’s diverse wildlife. From the water, you may spot buffalo, giraffes, bushbucks, and other animals grazing along the shore. The lake is also a haven for birdwatchers, hosting an impressive array of waterfowl, including flamingos, herons, pelicans, and kingfishers.

Night Game Safari
A night game drive is a thrilling and unique safari experience, offering the opportunity to explore the African wilderness under the cover of darkness. Unlike daytime safaris, night drives reveal a completely different side of the bush, where nocturnal creatures emerge, and the rhythm of life takes on a new pace.
Equipped with spotlights, your guide will illuminate the surroundings, unveiling the secrets of the night. You might encounter elusive predators like leopards and lions on the hunt.

- A deposit of 20% is required to confirm the booking; this amount is for booking accommodations and domestic flights if applicable. (Refundable up to 30-days before Departure date).
- Children under 6-years must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- A small amount of walking May involved, carry with you hiking shoes.
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
BOOK NOW
Explore More Exciting Travel Offers Below
Embark on a journey of discovery with our curated travel experiences designed to suit every kind of adventurer. From breathtaking safaris across Africa’s iconic parks to tranquil beach escapes on pristine coastlines, our offers promise unforgettable moments. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersions, or luxurious getaways, there’s something for everyone. Dive into our travel packages and let your next adventure begin!
Get started with our Holiday Deals
Get In Touch
Its never too soon or too late to get in touch, we are always eager to help out