Crater Highlands Trek
11 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the natural wonders of the world, an area so full of wildlife and cultural treasures that it has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
We have created a very special itinerary that involves a unique trek through wild scenery, passing small, isolated Maasai settlements, game and cattle into the remote Empakaai crater 'like no other place on earth'. This is a pristine forested crater with no human inhabitants where the wildlife is really wild. You will walk through rugged and inspiring landscapes, past waterfalls, steep escarpments, and the peaks of seven extinct volcanoes then descend into the rift valley to Lake Natron with its stunning cliffs, gorges and a sea of flamingos plus a welcome tented camp with pool!
You can then take the challenging but rewarding climb up Oldoinyo Lengai, 'Mountain of God' (2878 metres), the only active volcano in Tanzania, for breathtaking views of the entire Ngorongoro area and over into Kenya.
Supported by vehicle most of the way and walking in the presence of an armed ranger, this trek offers an intimate insight into the traditional Maasai way of life, fantastic game-viewing opportunities and exciting trekking in some truly inaccessible areas.
It promises to be a totally and utterly memorable trip. Why not use it as a warm up before tackling one of the routes up Kilimanjaro or add it onto a successful ascent as a way of exploring more of this fascinating country?
- Days 1 and 2. Outbound
- Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha.
- Days 3 and 4. Ngorongoro
- Drive to Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions lounging in its scenic acacia trees. Into the Ngorongoro Crater, the extinct volcanic caldera famous for its numerous animals - elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and countless bird varieties. It really is a sight to behold and the views from the crater rim looking down onto the expanse below are unforgettable. Camp at a small Maasai village.
- Days 5 to 7. The Empakaai Crater
- Walk across the Embulbul depression through beautiful desolate scenery following cattle trails along grasslands to the Empakaai Crater rim. Again, the views from here looking down into the crater are stunning with densely forested walls dropping steeply to the turquoise lake filling the floor below. Descend into the crater - there is a good chance of some excellent wildlife spotting as the Maasai's herds are not allowed to graze here and the lake is often surrounded by huge flocks of flamingos. Walk on to Naiyobi, a chance for close contact with the locals in this isolated village. This is an area seldom visited with no vehicular access. Continue along grassy ridges, and rocky escarpments passing remote Maasai huts through really harsh, wild and beautiful landscapes to the soda lake, Lake Natron and its colourful resident birdlife.
- Day 8. Oldoinyo Lengai
- Optional climb up Oldoinyo Lengai. For those that feel fit enough it is an early start (in darkness to avoid the midday heat) up the challenging, hot climb along exposed paths and gullies to the ashy rim of the volcano. The views of the Crater Highlands are awe-inspiring and the 360 degree landscape creates a very beautiful setting. Alternatively, there are some wonderfully refreshing waterfalls and the whole of the Lake Natron area to explore.
- Days 9 to 11. Homeward
- Return to Arusha through further rugged scenery. A chance to relax in civilisation again before returning home.
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- Tour grade: C (D if climbing Oldoinyo Lengai).
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Cost per person:
£1,880. - Single supplement: £150
- CO2 Offset Cost: £14.87.
- What is included: Flights, accommodation, transfers, most meals, guide, park fees, camping equipment, safari vehicle.
- Accommodation: Hotels, camping.
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Departure dates:
Thursday, 12 June 2008.
Thursday, 4 September 2008.