Ngorongoro Highlands Walking Safari
This is very much an adventurous trek as you walk on the wild side of Africa! A walking safari in the Ngorongoro Highlands offers a completely different kind of wildlife experience, one that is immersive, intimate, and deeply connected to the landscape. Rather than observing animals from a vehicle, you’ll explore on foot, guided by experts, discovering the smaller details of the local people, the scenery and the wildlife, alongside the quiet moments that make this region so special.
Overview
A walking safari isn’t about ticking off the “Big Five”; it’s about feeling the scale of the landscape, learning tracks, plants, and Maasai survival knowledge, alongside experiencing wildlife at eye level rather than from a vehicle. You step back in time, your senses develop a primeval instinct and connection to your surroundings. You hear every snapped twig, smell every sent on the breeze, feel the wind directional change on your skin, as your eyes, alert, scan the trees and bush ahead.
As you trek through open grasslands, forests, and volcanic terrain, you’re likely to encounter a variety of plains game. Herds of zebra and wildebeest graze across the highlands, often alongside gazelles and the impressive eland, the largest of all antelope. Buffalo can sometimes be seen in the distance, while warthogs dart through the bush with their unmistakable energy.
In wooded areas, keep an eye out for giraffes browsing the treetops and, on occasion, elephants moving quietly through the forest. The highlands are also home to smaller wildlife, including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and rock hyrax, often spotted among rocky outcrops.
Birdlife is abundant and adds another dimension to the experience. You may see birds of prey soaring overhead, colourful sunbirds and weavers in the vegetation, and—near crater lakes—flocks of flamingos gathering along the water’s edge.
While large predators such as lions and hyenas inhabit the wider Ngorongoro ecosystem, walking safaris are carefully guided and take place in areas where close encounters are unlikely. However, you may come across tracks, hear distant calls, or learn how to identify signs of their presence—adding a sense of excitement and authenticity to your journey.
This is not just about what you see, but how you experience it: on foot, at nature’s pace, fully immersed in one of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes.
Your armed Ranger is with you throughout the journey
What Our Adventurers Think:
Our family had a great trip to Tanzania including visiting a couple of tribes which was well worth the visit. From the minute we arrived on the safari itself we saw every animal you could wish to see, including the elusive Rhino. Trip of a Life Time!!
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Itinerary
Ngorongoro Walking Safaris are typically chosen by nature and the natural world enthusiasts, who want to unplug from hectic lives and explore this ancient region from a new perspective, a perspective that has not changed for thousands of years. While the crater floor offers exceptional wildlife viewing, it can be busy with tourists and safari vehicles. In contrast, our walking safaris take you along the quieter route where you can take in breath-taking views, intimate wildlife experiences and encounter remote local communities.
Walking the crater itself is not permitted due to conservation regulations, so we explore off the usual trail and camp in areas that allow us to explore nearby calderas and volcanic cones such as Olmoto and Empakai; places that are rarely accessible to most visitors.
At camp, you’ll enjoy a private setup with our dedicated team who will freshly prepare your meals; it offers a peaceful atmosphere and the stars at night are literally out of this world.
Temperatures along the crater rim can be quite cool, making this experience ideal for those seeking a more adventurous and unique safari. It also allows a good temperature to sleep and whilst enjoying the stunning stars in the evenings under canvas. Along the way, we commonly meet Maasai communities guiding their herds to grazing areas, adding a rich cultural element to our journey. The landscapes and sense of remoteness are truly remarkable.
Extensions are also possible, including hikes into Empakai, Lake Natron, or even down toward the Serengeti.
Your adventure begins as you leave Moshi, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro Airport behind and head toward the wild beauty of northern Tanzania. The road winds past the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, with the towering escarpment of the Great Rift Valley rising dramatically ahead. We enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and follow a breath taking crater road into the highlands, arriving at the remote Maasai village of Nainokanoka. After camp is set up, we stretch your legs with a hike to the rim of the famous Olmoti Crater, where sweeping views set the tone for the journey ahead. Dinner and overnight at camp under the African sky.
Step into a timeless landscape as you trek through the Ngorongoro Highlands. Pass traditional Maasai bomas, encounter herders guiding their cattle, and keep an eye out for wildlife roaming the open plains. This 16 km hike offers a true sense of connection to the land and its people. By late afternoon, arrive at your campsite near Bulati village, where the vast wilderness surrounds you.
Today’s trek is nothing short of spectacular. We traverse rolling hills and dense bushland before the landscape opens dramatically to reveal Oldonyo Lengai—an active volcano revered by the Maasai as the “Mountain of God.” We continue toward the awe-inspiring Empakai Crater, where your camp awaits on the rim. Descend into the crater to discover the shimmering Empakai Lake, often tinged pink with flocks of flamingos feeding along its shores. Return to camp for a well-earned dinner with unforgettable views.
Empakai Camp to the Empakai Crater floor and back is a wonderful 2–3 hour trip offering stunning views of thousands of flamingos and waterbuck on the soda lake. The hike features a 30-45 minute steep descent, dropping 300m in height through mountainous forests. At the bottom we have plenty of time to relax and explore the crater floor and all it has to offer us. Later in the day we’ll meander back toward camp through the lush wilderness.
We leave vehicles behind and embrace a more traditional way of trekking as we transfer your kit bags to donkeys to carry them along the rugged trails. We hike toward Naiyobi village, set beneath the striking silhouette of Oldoinyo Lengai. As you leave the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the terrain transforms becoming drier, hotter, and more dramatic. Your camp is nestled in an acacia forest, offering a true wilderness experience. For those with energy to spare, a short hike rewards you with panoramic views stretching across the Rift Valley, Lake Natron, and beyond.
This is our dramatic final days trek as we descend into the heart of the Great Rift Valley on striking hike through a harsh, volcanic landscape scattered with ash from past eruptions. We have a couple of trek options depending on the distance that you’d like to cover, and at the journey’s end, we meet your driver and transfer to Engaresero village near the shores of Lake Natron and check in for a night of relaxation and pampering in the Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge.
After breakfast we can visit Lake Natron or you can choose your own adventure such as exploring hidden waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs, cycle to the mysterious Orpul caves, or immerse yourself in Maasai culture and traditions. After lunch we’ll start our journey by road, back to Arusha, Moshi or the airport.
Ready for an Adventure of a Lifetime?
This walking safari is organised for your specific dates. Please contact us to set up private dates or to further develop your bespoke itinerary. If you are doing the walking safari after a climb of Kilimanjaro, please book your climb and let us know, so that we can add the safari to your climb booking. The minimum deposit is £200.00, but this is not required if you have already paid a Kilimanjaro deposit and the balance is due six weeks before travel.
Fixed Itineraries
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Private Itineraries
Our Ngorongoro Highlands – Walking Safari Experts
Moses Kamau joined Adventure Alternative back in the late 90’s as a driver for our smaller safari min-vans and 4×4’s, establishing himself as a firm favourite with the other staff, children that we were working with and supporting at that time and with our visitors to Kenya who could clearly see the wealth of knowledge that he possessed for the wildlife, National Parks and Game Reserves across Kenya.
Having spent over a year living wild in Samburu Game Reserve,...
Ngorongoro Walking Safari Cost From £1650.00
This price is based on a minimum of 6 people and twin occupancy. A team of 4 people would be £1750 per person. The safari tents are for two people, almost head height with mattresses and sewn-in mosquito nets.
Upgrade options: A dawn climb of Ol Doinyo, or a multi-day climb of Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru. We can also assist with accommodation in Moshi, Arusha or elsewhere if required.
INCLUDES
- Ngorongoro Park entry fees (6 days) & Lake Natron as per the itinerary
- Park Camping fees
- Armed Ranger Guide throughout your journey
- Donkeys and donkey guide
- Safari vehicle and its driver/guide and their entrance park fees
- Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge (twin rooms)
- All local gate and WMA govt fees
- 3 meals a day and chef / kitchen equipment
EXCLUDES
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Accommodation outside of the itinerary
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Additional activities not stated on the itinerary
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International travel costs, insurance or visa
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Airport transfers (can be arranged if required)
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Drinks of a hard / soft nature
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Personal costs – Wifi, laundry, medical costs etc
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Staff tips ~ $50 usd / visitor
Payments
A deposit of £200 is required on booking to secure your place (not required if this is being added to your Kilimanjaro climb) and we ask that the remaining balance (trip price minus the deposit) is paid in full 6 weeks prior to your departure. When you book with us you’re given your own secure online account which you can access 24/7. Through this account you can edit your booking, add flight, health, insurance and dietary details and also make interim payments. We make payments as flexible as possible and you can choose, if you wish, to pay a bit off your trip fee whenever it suits you.
Insurance
We advise you to take out your insurance as soon as possible to cover potential events that might cause you to cancel your trip.
You should bring with you a copy of your policy and ensure your someone else on the safari knows where you keep it. It is also worth bringing a photocopy of your passport and to keep it separate to your own documents just in case you lose your passport.
Local Providers
Whilst in Tanzania you will be looked after by our very own company – Adventure Alternative Tanzania which is headed up by our director Castro. Castro will look after you as if you where his own family. All of the staff in AAT are very experienced, professional, trained and proven experts in their field. They will ensure you are looked after very well and that you have a wonderful time.
Adventure Alternative does not outsource or subcontract our clients to anyone. This way we can ensure that our clients get the best experience possible. It also allows us to ensure that our local staff are well trained, professional and that they earn a proper wage so that they can in turn look after their own families.
Driving on Safari
Any safari takes you into the wild! This means that once entering the reserves / parks you are usually driving / walking on dirt / sand tracks and not tarmac. If conditions are wet this can lead to adventurous driving but be assured that our drivers are well versed in safe and professional driving skills. If the weather is very dry then the terrain can be dusty so it’s worth bringing a shawl or light scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
The vehicles are well maintained and professional safari vehicles. Our staff will look after you very well and their knowledge will make your experience safe and enjoyable but do please take all their advice.
Ngorongoro Walking Safari - Clothing Suggestions
For your safari you need normal, general trek clothes but you should consider the elements and ensure you have clothing which will suitably protect you from the sun (suncream, hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, loose fitting and a neutral colour), rain (light jacket) and dust (bandana or scarf). Colour is also a consideration so that you blend in with the wildlife. Strong smelling deodorants or perfumes are not advised for day time trek use.
If you are visiting some of the local villages then ladies should ensure that shoulders are covered and shorts are not too short, perhaps bring a sarong.
Ngorongoro Crater can be cooler than the surrounding areas so a light jumper or thin fleece may be needed in the evenings. A small set of travel binoculars are also handy.
Ngorongoro Walking Safari - Why Us?
All our guides and safari staff are professionally trained and have years of proven experience.
- We do not contract out our trips, we employ full time staff, offering job security and good benefits, and we are continually improving our quality service year on year.
- All the staff in our UK office have spent time in Tanzania so you can chat to people who understand what it’s like to go for the first time, before you go.
- We are passionate about responsible tourism and our company supports sustainable development in Tanzania and Kenya in a real way. Adventure Alternative underwrites the charity Moving Mountains.
- We run our own company in Tanzania and have a complete set up including equipment, vehicles, offices, stores and staff in place all year round so we can facilitate any safari or trip which you may require. Do contact us if you have a specfic requirement or if you would like to plan a bespoke itinerary for perhaps a group or a special occasion such as a honeymoon or birthday.
Adventure Alternative Tanzania is a fully registered and licensed tour company based in Moshi. Our staff are professionally trained, experienced and speak excellent English. Castro Capelo is our operations manager in Moshi and Director of Adventure Alternative Tanzania. He organises all the staff, equipment, permits and hotel arrangements. You will have his telephone number, or the staff at the hotel desk can call him for you. He is organiser, translator, problem-solver, advisor and the main link between you and the UK office.
Parks and Animals
Ngorongoro
World renowned as a place of absolute wonder, Ngorongoro Crater is a deep volcanic crater, dramatically beautiful and permanent home to nearly 25,000 animals with ideal game viewing opportunities all year round.
Covering 300 square kilometres in the largest unbroken caldera in the world, Ngorongoro supports a large resident population of wildlife including huge grazing herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, eland and gazelle. Near the swamps and forest there are hippo, elephant, waterbuck, reedbuck, and bushbuck, baboons and vervet monkeys. Predatory animals include leopard, cheetah and large prides of lion. The rare black rhino can be seen, as can a wide range of birdlife.
Inside of the Ngorongoro Crater, you can’t explore it on foot but you will be able to see the grassy crater floor, the forests, the lakes and the marshes around it and the surrounding lakes that are a favourite hunting grounds for golden jackal, lion and hyena. Lerai Forest is named after the tall yellow barked acacia trees, where you will find many elephant, while the Gorigor Swamp is home to hippo and many water birds. But it is on the grassland where the sheer proliferation of animals is overwhelming, a safari spectacle that is truly worthy of the description of the 8th wonder of the world.
A photographers paradise, you can find all the major grazing animals such as kudu, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland and impala. Leopard, lion and cheetah are therefore also not far away, and during the dry season it offers a superb game viewing experience against an azure blue sky and the backdrop of dun hills and green forest.
Key Information & Guides
General Tanzania Information
Health and Safety Guides
Preparation & Kit Guides
Planning Your Trip
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