Tanzania · Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater Highlands
Olmoti and Empakaai rims, up to 3,648 m · Moderate · from $690 per person
About the trek
Multi-day walking between craters with Maasai warriors and donkeys carrying camp. Empakaai's flamingo lake, Olmoti's waterfall, and an optional finish walking down into the Rift.
Health & safety
Altitude & acclimatisation
- This trek tops out at 3,648 m — altitude sickness (AMS) is the main risk, not fitness.
- Ascend slowly: our itineraries never gain more than 500 m of sleeping altitude per night above 3,000 m.
- Hydrate to 3–4 litres a day and avoid alcohol for the duration of the climb.
- Report any headache, nausea or dizziness to your guide immediately — descent is the only cure that matters.
Medical & insurance
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover to the trek's maximum altitude is a condition of booking.
- Carry a personal first-aid kit plus any prescription medication in your daypack, not your main bag.
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country (including long transits via Kenya); malaria prophylaxis recommended for the lowlands before and after the trek.
- Tell us about any heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions at booking — we will flag the right itinerary pace and, where needed, request a doctor's letter.
On the trail
- Every trek is led by a licensed, Wilderness First Responder-trained guide; hard routes carry a second guide or porter-medic.
- Stay behind the lead guide and in front of the sweeper — never walk ahead of the group alone.
- Pole-pole: the slow, steady Swahili pace is how summits are reached. Walk slower than feels necessary.
- Wildlife on the lower slopes is handled by your guide (armed ranger where required by the park) — follow instructions without discussion.
Weather & exposure
- Mountain weather changes in minutes: carry a waterproof shell every single day, whatever the forecast.
- UV intensity at altitude is roughly double sea-level — SPF 50+, a brimmed hat and Category 3–4 sunglasses are essential.
- Leave a copy of your route plan with your emergency contact; our office tracks every group daily.
Guidance is indicative and not medical advice — consult your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Routes
Empakaai to Lake Natron Traverse
4 days · 55 km · Moderate · 94% success · Mobile camping
From $1,890 pp
- Flamingos on Empakaai
- Maasai donkey caravan
- Finish under Ol Doinyo Lengai
Reserve with 50% depositBest for: The signature Tanzanian walk
Olmoti & Empakaai Day Walks
2 days · 20 km · Easy · 99% success · Crater-rim lodge
From $690 pp
- Munge waterfall
- Crater rim viewpoints
- Easy pairing with crater game drive
Reserve with 50% depositBest for: Safari guests who want to walk