The great rift valley trek 4 nights, 5 days
Itinerary Details
WHY THIS ADVENTURE?
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.
HOW TO BOOK
All our adventures can be booked through a tour operator near you. Just ask them about Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and our range of activities and adventures and specify “The Great Rift Valley Trek” OR “Empakai to Lake Natron Trek”. You can add this adventure into your dates – all trips are customised to your dates.
HIGHLIGHTS
Ngorongoro volcanoes – Empakai crater – Stunning vistas – Walking with Maasai Warriors – Learning about local tribes and customs – Being a witness to a changing times and culture – The unique habitat of Lake Natron – Flamingoes feeding & preening in fresh water streams.
DESCRIPTION
A 2 night trek combined with 2 nights at Lake Natron Camp.
Starting on the rim of Empakai Crater, in the Ngorongoro Highlands, with stunning views inside the crater, you spend a cosy night at Empakai Camp. You then trek to Leonotis Camp, through picturesque Maasai villages, to a remote camp just on the edge of the Gregorian Rift. After a magical night at Leonotis Camp, camping underneath the stars and golden acacia trees, you trek down the Rift Valley, with breathtaking views throughout. You are collected at the base of the rift, by car, and transferred to Lake Natron Camp, where you can relax by the natural pool, have a massage and take part in activities such as waterfall gorge hikes, flamingo walks and seeing hominid footprints…and not to forget well deserved sundowners!
This is easily combined with a game drive in Ngorongoro, before the trek.
ITINERARY IN SHORT
Day 1: Drive to Empakai. Empakai Crater trek. Overnight Empakai Camp (fb)
Day 2: Trek to Leonotis Camp. Overnight Leonotis Camp (fb) Trek 16km
Day 3: Trek to Lake Natron Camp with a pick up at the bottom of the rift valley. Overnight Lake Natron Camp (fb) Trek 12km, Drive 14km
Day 4: Relax and take part in activities at Lake Natron Camp. Overnight Lake Natron Camp (fb)
Day 5: Depart
Day by Day Itinery
DAY 1 – EMPAKAI CRATER
On arrival at Empakai crater there is the 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. Flamingoes are often seen flying into the crater or feeding in the lake at the base. A hot shower is available before dinner. PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 3PM TO BE MET AT EMPAKAI CAMP BY YOUR GUIDE. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU BRING AT LEAST 3 LITRES OF WATER. Overnight Empakai Camp (full board).
DAY 2 – LEONOTIS CAMP, RIFT VALLEY SCARP
Dawn rises and our lofty position affords a great sunrise. As we take breakfast our camp crew break camp and depart to send the camp ahead with donkeys. We then set off hiking with Maasai guides following a route that takes us through picturesque Maasai villages and rolling hills. Lunch can be taken on route as a picnic or if guests are very fit a late lunch can be had in camp. In the late afternoon a hike up to a nearby viewpoint is highly recommended and a great place for sundowners! Dinner & overnight Leonotis Camp (full board).
DAY 3 – 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 Oldoinyo 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 transfer 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. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
DAY 4 – LAKE NATRON
Lake Natron has a number of activities that are very easily combined with dawn walks and sundowners and in the middle of the day there is the nearby Ngare Sero gorge that you can walk to options of long hikes to the source or shorter hikes to waterfalls. The staff are on hand to make you stay as adventurous or relaxing as you want. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
DAY 5 – DEPART
After breakfast you can do some additional activities before departure and picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed