Ngorongoro Highlands Hikes: A Blend of Nature and Culture

Beyond the famous Ngorongoro Crater floor, the Ngorongoro Highlands offer a completely different safari experience, one that is best explored on foot. Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, the highlands are a stunning landscape of lush mountains, volcanic craters, and rolling hills. Hiking here provides a serene and intimate journey through a beautiful wilderness, where you can escape the safari vehicle and immerse yourself in the natural world and the local Maasai culture.

All hiking in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area requires a qualified local guide and is often accompanied by an armed ranger for safety.

Key Hikes in the Highlands

The two most popular hikes in the Ngorongoro Highlands take you to the stunning Olmoti and Empakaai Craters.

1. The Olmoti Crater Hike

• The Experience: This is a relatively easy and short hike, often taking just a few hours. The trail leads you through a beautiful montane forest and open grasslands, where you might encounter wildlife such as buffalo, bushbucks, and a variety of birds.
• The Destination: The path takes you to the rim of the Olmoti Crater, which is known as the “source of water” for the local Maasai. The crater floor is a beautiful, grassy depression that acts as a natural water catchment, feeding the Munge River and ultimately supplying water to the Ngorongoro Crater floor. The view from the rim is breathtaking.

2. The Empakaai Crater Hike

• The Experience: This hike is more challenging but is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the region. The trail descends into the caldera of the Empakaai Crater, a lush and beautiful forest. The hike to the crater floor takes about an hour, and the path can be steep and slippery.
• The Destination: The crater floor is home to a beautiful, deep soda lake that often has a huge population of flamingos. The scenery is simply spectacular, with a backdrop of a lush forest and the massive crater walls rising around you. The views from the crater rim and the floor are simply incredible.

Other Hiking Opportunities

Beyond the main craters, the Ngorongoro Highlands offer a variety of other walks and multi-day treks.

• Maasai Village Walks: Hiking through the highlands gives you an unparalleled opportunity to visit traditional Maasai bomas (villages). You can learn about the local culture, traditions, and way of life, providing a meaningful and personal cultural encounter that is not possible from a vehicle.
• Highlands to Lake Natron Treks: For the most adventurous trekkers, there are multi-day hikes that take you from the Ngorongoro Highlands all the way to Lake Natron. This challenging trek passes through a variety of landscapes and offers an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Why Hike in the Highlands?

Hiking in the Ngorongoro Highlands is a fantastic contrast to the classic game drive. The high altitude means a cooler, more comfortable climate. The walks provide a quiet, serene way to experience the wilderness and offer a chance to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. Most importantly, it is a rare opportunity to step out of the vehicle and connect with both nature and the Maasai people, adding a profound and personal dimension to your safari.