Empakai to Lake Natron Trek & Migration

For active types Tanzania has a lot to offer and this is one of the most dramatic hikes in East Africa. As well as the amazing scenery there is also the chance to witness the changing lives of the Maasai in both Ngorongoro and Natron.

A 1 night trek combined with 2 nights in Lake Natron. The trek starts with a night on the edge of the Gregorian rift. You then trek down the rift valley with stunning views throughout and once at the base are transferred for 2 nights at Lake Natron Camp and use this as a base for activities such as seeing the flamingoes on Lake Natron, visiting the hominid footprints, delving deep into the Ngare Sero gorge or even just relaxing in camp and enjoying the natural plunge pools. For the very active you can also climb Oldonyo Lengai. The finale of this trip is heading into the world famous Serengeti to witness one of the planet’s most incredible animal spectacles, the Great Migration.

Excellent habitat variety; massive volcanoes, Maasai culture, Lake Natron and the Serengeti.

Empakai to Lake Natron Trek & Migration Itinerary

 

Day 1 / ARUSHA
Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport you are personally met and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. You relax and rejuvenate before your adventure ahead.

Overnight Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge (Dinner)

Day 2 / NGORONGORO CRATER
After breakfast you head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After formalities at the gate you drop down into the 2000ft caldera to game drive in the crater floor. Here you have chances of seeing the Big Five including endangered black rhino! After some lunch you then head back out of the crater and head towards your well-appointed accommodation in the hills of Ngorongoro. You arrive in time for dinner.

Overnight Kirurumu Manyara Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 / NGORONGORO
Pick up from Ngorongoro Highlands or Manyara airstrip, transfer to Empakai. On arrival at Empakai there is an option to descend into the crater. This is around 40 minutes down and depending on season can be quite slippery but certainly a great hike with stunning views. Lunch is set for us while we enjoy seeing flamingoes flying into the crater or feeding in the lake at the base. We then set back into our vehicles and drive to Naiobi village and then set out for a short hike of 3 hours into camp. A hot shower is available before dinner.

Overnight Lerai Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 / LAKE NATRON
The final section of hiking has two options of a shorter hike or a longer more strenuous option right along the rift wall. The views are spectacular with the active volcano Oldonyo Lengai dominating the foreground. This volcano affects almost everything from hydrology to lifestyle, as will become apparent. Once down on the rift valley floor we are picked up and transferred to Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and here have the chance to jump in the natural pools to cool down. Sundowners are served at any number of beautiful points close to camp and the lake.

Overnight Lake Natron Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 / LAKE NATRON
Lake Natron has a number of activities available today. For those who are seeking something mild but adventurous, the nearby Ngare Sero gorge has a number of hikes to waterfalls, an oasis in the middle of a harsh environment. For those feeling fit and super adventurous, we depart early at 100am and transfer to the base of Lengai. The ascent takes around 5 hours to reach the summit where there are stunning views (weather dependent) of the surrounding volcanoes and often Kilimanjaro is seen away to the east. The descent takes as long as the ascent and once at the base you transfer back to camp for a late lunch and rest. Late afternoon is relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Overnight Lake Natron Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 / SERENGETI
This morning we transfer to Manyara airstrip to catch a schedule charter flight to Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival you are personally met and taken to your accommodation. You enjoy lunch and outline the rest of the day’s activities at leisure.

Overnight Chaka Mobile Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 & 8 / SERENGETI
The Serengeti is a vast ecosystem that is contiguous with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Your camp is set according to the best game locations. From our camp we head out and game drive looking for elusive leopard and depending on the time of year, the migrating herds of wildebeests. Typically, your days are spent game driving in the morning and afternoon with time for lunch and a siesta in camp during the heat of the day. There are options to go further afield and take packed breakfasts and lunches. Time is your own in the African wilderness!

Overnight Chaka Mobile Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 / ARUSHA / DEPART
In the morning we head to the airstrip to connect with a scheduled charter to Arusha airport. Here we transfer to a day room for you to freshen up, relax, re pack and have lunch. In the late afternoon you transfer to connect with International departures at Kilimanjaro airport.

Dayroom Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch)

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