NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS
The Ngorongoro Highlands is a vast expanse of verdant grasses with significant areas for walking safaris and hiking. It is 3,088 meters above sea level. It is home to the Maasai, whose bomas (igloo-like dwellings) are scattered through this lush panoramic expanse, where they graze cattle among the wildlife.
The Ngorongoro highlands are home to a significant population of Maasai people. They relocated to this area when Serengeti was declared as a World Heritage site. The village of Nainokanoka, situated in the Ngorongoro highlands, is the central location where Maasai people exchange goods and engage in conversations. Visiting this village will offer a unique opportunity to experience Maasai culture.
Features & Wildlife Species
Empakai Crater is a stunning geological feature situated within the Ngorongoro region. It is located approximately 2 hours’ drive from Ngorongoro entry Gate. The crater’s rim offers a breathtaking view of the active volcanic mountain, Oldonyo Lengai. The crater floor is home to a large number of seasonal flamingos, making it appear pink from a distance. Additionally, the walls of the crater are adorned with a diverse range of colorful flowers. Trekking to the crater floor can be challenging, and it requires a certain level of fitness. The hike down to the floor takes approximately 45 minutes, while the hike back up takes around an hour. Armed guards always accompany hikers.
Olmoti is a sunken caldera that gets its name from the Maasai language, meaning “Cooking Pot”. To reach its rim, you can take about 45-minute footpath from the ranger post at Nainokanoka. This shallow crater is covered in grass and is divided by a river valley. Although it might not be as scenic as Ngorongoro or Empakai, it is still a beautiful place that provides good grazing to the local Maasai cattle and various antelope. If you head to the main viewpoint, there’s a short footpath that leads to the seasonal Munge Waterfall, where you can see the river cascading out of the crater.
- Authentic Maasai cultural experience
- Olmoti and Empakai Crater hikes
- Walking and hiking safaris on the highlands
- Camping on the rim of Empakai Crater and general camping safaris
- Olmoti and Empakai craters
- Soda Lake in Empakai Crater that supports seasonal flamingos and other birds on the Empakai crater floor
- Scenic landscapes made of hills and small mountains
- Hundreds and hundreds Maasai cattle grazing close to wildebeests, zebras amongst others
- Maasai igloo homes
- Munge waterfall
- Recommended times to visit Ngorongoro highlands are between June to October and January to February (dry season) and the short rainy season which is November to December.
-
By Road: It’s about an hour drive from the Crater floor to Olmoti Crater. Empakai Crater is 30min further.