Day 1 - Ngorongoro Crater to Olmoti
Your gap year journey starts with a drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Then you descend into the Crater for a game drive. Travel onwards to Nainokanoka. Here you take a short trek to Olmoti Crater which takes you through the rain forested slopes of Olmoti Crater to the rim viewpoint.
Overnight: Olmoti Special Campsite. Approx. Walking: 3hrs
Day 2 - Olmoti Crater to Empakai
The trek continues to the distant Empakai Crater across open grassland through a natural amphitheatre created by encircling volcanoes. Maasai rush out of their traditional homes (Boma’s) to greet trekkers as they pass by. The steep walk up Empakai affords inspiring views, especially from the top where the sheer sided sunken crater can be seen. You camp on the Crater Rim, with Empakai on one side and Ol Donyo Lengai, the holy Maasai volcano, on the other.
Overnight: Empakai Special Campsite. Approx. Walking: 8 to 9 hrs
Day 3 - Empakai to Nayobi From the overnight camp, you scramble down the sheer-sided slopes of Empakai onto the crater floor for a foot safari. Empakai Crater is a sunken volcano with a soda lake covering most of the crater floor. Flamingos nest here during the day to escape the blazing heat of the Rift Valley. A large forest on the western shore is home to antelope, buffalo, leopard and lion, with large seasonal zebra and wildebeest populations when they pass through on their migratory circuits.
Overnight: Acacia Campsite. Approx. Walking: 9 hrs
Day 4 - Nayobi to Ngaresero
The Maasai Mountain of God, "Ol Donyo Lengai" looms out of the sunrise as you head out early today to avoid the heat. You arrive at the escarpment, the sheer wall that looms out of the Rift Valley floor, to admire one of the finest views in Africa. Take in the sweeping vistas of the Rift Valley below, and the scattered active volcanoes, primitive rock formations, glimmering soda lakes and clustered Maasai bomas. The final six kilometres are across the tough uncompromising terrain of the valley floor in extreme heat. Our shaded camp is perched above a refreshing stream, a half-hours walk from a paradisiacal waterfall.
Overnight: Kamakia Campsite. Approx. Walking: 10 hrs
Day 5 - Ngaresero
Very early this morning there is chance for an optional ascent of Ol Donyo Lengai (2878m), an active carbonated volcano with spiritual significance to the Maasai.
Then visit Lake Natron (short afternoon visit if Ol Donyo Lengai trek is taken), one of the soda alkaline lakes that jewel the East African Rift, here there is an array of water birds including hordes of resident flamingos. There is also the opportunity to walk up a gorge carved into the Rift Escarpment to a waterfall to wash off five days of dust!
Overnight: Kamakia Campsite.
Day 6 - Arusha A long driving day will return you back to Arusha.
Optional ascent of Oldonyo Lengai. An optional ascent of Ol Donyo Lengai (2878m), an active carbonate volcano with spiritual significance to the Maasai, is offered.
This is a very demanding trek, which starts around 3 am in the morning so as to avoid the fierce midday heat. There is no shade on the mountain, and the terrain underfoot consists of tough scree, lava and volcanic ash, with steep furrows and gullies to negotiate.
At the summit, there are two craters (one of which is still active) which can be explored, with due care, and the views across the Rift and towards Lake Natron are breathtaking. This trek is only recommended for serious trekkers in good physical condition. A large water intake and a sunhat are essential.
Tour ends in Arusha.