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 the 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 a 45-minute footpath from the ranger post at Nainokanoka. This shallow crater is covered in grass and is divided by a river valley. Although offering a different scenic view from the 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.
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 a 45-minute footpath from the ranger post at Nainokanoka. This shallow crater is covered in grass and is divided by a river valley. Although offering a different scenic view from the 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.
AREA ACTIVITIES
- 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
WHEN TO VISIT
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.
WHAT TO SEE
- 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
HOW TO GET THERE
By Road: It’s about an hour drive from the Crater floor to Olmoti Crater. Empakai Crater is 30min further.
