Great Trek Tanzania: Lights of Africa. Trekking and Safaris.
Ngorongoro, Lake Natron... mythical places we will explore by 4x4 and on foot, in search of their wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and people. To observe Africa's splendid fauna, we will embark on a 4x4 safari in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, where we can spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and many other species that abound in this unique location, home to the highest concentration of large wild animals in Africa. In the central part of the trip, our trek will take us from south to north through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in the heart of Maasai country. Here, the landscape is defined by volcanoes and lush green grass that feeds the wild animals and the Maasai herds, and the air is cooled by the altitude of over two thousand meters. The slender figures and colorful clothing of this warrior-herder people are a striking feature of the magnificent scenery. As we trek along the trail, several volcanoes appear in succession: Ngorongoro, Olmoti, Lolmalassin, Empakai... and finally, Ol Doinyo Lengai (optional climb) reveals its impressive form. At the end, Lake Natron awaits. A million flamingos have chosen this lake as their nesting ground, but there are also giraffes, gazelles, zebras... and stunning pastel colors. In short, we will embark on safaris and walking tours that will reveal one of the most amazing places on the planet, offering an experience filled with encounters with local tribes, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, all in one of the most beautiful regions of Africa. An unforgettable experience...
11 days from €2,890
Confirmed from 4 people
Difficulty: 2/5
The pluses of this program
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Program
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Program 〰️
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Flight to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Flight departure from Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona (Departures from other airports are also possible -please inquire-).
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Kilimanjaro Airport – Mto Wa Mbu
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by our team and transferred to the charming, colorful village of Mto Wa Mbu, where many ethnic groups live together in harmony. Our comfortable campsite is located right in the village.
Accommodation: in a tent
Transfer: 4x4, 3h or 3h30, 190km.
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Ngorongoro Safari – Nainokanoka/Olmoti (Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
Early in the morning, we transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the natural wonders of the planet. There, we embark on an unforgettable safari. Thousands of wild animals roam the largest intact caldera in the world. A truly unique and breathtaking spectacle. In the afternoon, we depart from the crater for the nearby Maasai village of Nainokanoka and set up camp at the foot of Mount Olmoti.
Accommodation: in a tent
Transfer: 4x4, 2h30, 90km
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Olmoti – Nbulbul – Bulati Depression (Trek in Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
Today we begin our multi-day trek. Ascending towards the Olmoti crater and Mungo Falls, where some Maasai still graze with their herds, we discover this vast expanse of mountains and plains. Later, we'll cross the great volcanic depression of Nbulbul to the village of Bulati—a magnificent landscape at the foot of Tanzania's third highest mountain, the impressive Lolmalassin at 3,680 meters. Our camp is next to the Bulati Maasai school, which we'll visit in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: in a tent
Walking time: 6h
Elevation difference: +/- 600m
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Bulati – Empakai Crater and Lake (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Trek)
Through hills frequented by zebras and past bomas (Maasai dwellings), we reach the rim of the great Empakai crater. We descend to the lake at the bottom of the crater, often home to pink flamingos and antelope, while crossing an equatorial forest of monumental trees. Overnight at the crater rim.
Accommodation: in a tent
Walking time: 5 hours
Elevation difference: +/- 450m
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Empakai – Naiobi – Acacia camp (Trek in Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
From today onwards, donkeys will replace the SUV for transporting our belongings. The trail leads us to the Maasai village of Naiobi and the foothills of one of the most beautiful volcanoes, Lengai, the sacred mountain of the Maasai. After visiting the Naiobi viewpoint, overlooking several important volcanoes, we descend to the camp called "Acacia Camp," nestled among magnificent yellow-trunked acacia trees.
Accommodation: in a tent
Walking time: 5:30 hours
Elevation difference: +150 / -1000m
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Acacia Camp – Lake Natron – Ngare Sero Waterfall. End of Trek.
Lake Natron shimmers at the foot of Mount Lengai. We descend the final valleys from the volcano's base to the lake. Our vehicles await us to take us the last few kilometers to our next campsite overlooking the vast Lake Natron. In the afternoon, we hike up a small canyon to Ngare Sero waterfall, where we can swim. Overnight at a campsite with views of Lake Natron and Mount Lengai.
Accommodation: in a tent
Hiking time: 3:30 hours of walking + 1h30 in the canyon in the afternoon
Elevation difference: -1200m
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Exploring Lake Natron.
Transfer to the lake to observe some of the Natron flamingos (a million of them nest here every year), then we walk back to our camp. During this walk, we visit the village of Ngare Sero. Second night at the Ngare Sero camp.
Accommodation: in a tent
Walking time: 2:30 hours
Elevation difference: +/- 150
Optional ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano: Those who wish can climb the 2960m high and active Old Onyo Lengai volcano. This ascent requires a very good level of fitness (11 or 12 hours of hiking and 1650m of elevation gain and loss), but the panorama from the summit is well worth the effort: magnificent. This ascent is not included in the price and has a supplement of €100, payable in Ngare Sero. The ascent is done at night to avoid the heat, allowing you to reach the summit at dawn and enjoy this magical moment. We will begin at midnight and finish tomorrow morning around 11 or 12 am.
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Natron – Mto wa Mbu
Sunrise from a small hill overlooking the lake, followed by a hike in search of the large Maasai giraffes that often feed among the acacia trees surrounding the lake. After breakfast and packing up camp (including any overnight ascents of Ol Doinyo Lengay volcano), we travel in our 4x4 to the village of Mto Wa Mbu. We'll visit local Makonde artisans from Mozambique and spend the night in a comfortable campsite with a swimming pool.
Accommodation: in a tent
Walking time: 1 hour
Elevation difference: 0 m
Transfer: 4x4, 3h, 90 km
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Mto Wa Mbu – Kilimanjaro Airport – Return Flight
We departed from the village according to our flight schedule. Return flight.
Accommodation: overnight on the plane.
Transfer: 4X4, 3h30, 190 km.
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Arrival.
This trip can be combined with:
-Safaris in Serengeti National Park. On day 10, depart from Mto Wa Mbu in a 4x4 vehicle for the Serengeti, where you will enjoy several safaris in this legendary national park, one of the best in Africa for viewing lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The safari can be extended to 3 or 4 days depending on your return flight schedule. Please contact us for details.
-Ascent of Kilimanjaro (see our trip dedicated to the ascent of Kilimanjaro and consult us as the price of the ascent is reduced by needing only one flight for the two combined trips).
Important information
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Comfortable safari-style tents. These are 3-person tents, but only suitable for 2 people (there's plenty of room). The mattresses are comfortable. Some of the campsites during the trek are not equipped with facilities, so our team will set up chemical toilets, a shower, and a large tent with tables and chairs for this part of the trip, which will serve as a dining area.
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Vehicles: For a comfortable safari, we use large SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser or similar. The pop-up roof allows you to observe the animals from all sides of the vehicle. Each person has their own window, whether during safaris or while traveling. Electronic devices, such as mobile phones or cameras, can be charged using the power outlets provided in the vehicle.
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An Exploramunt guide will be present throughout the trip. The 4x4 drivers are expert wildlife guides and will take us to observe lions, elephants, and many other animals. A cook will also be with us for the entire journey. He's the first one up and the last one to go to bed! Fresh produce, fruits, and other ingredients will be on our table. During part of our hike, a park ranger will accompany us, as the presence of buffalo makes it advisable. Finally, some Maasai from the surrounding villages will help us set up and take down our tents and will also serve as our guides.
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Between 4 and 15 people
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For walking, pack light clothing, but also a fleece and a good windproof and waterproof jacket (like Gore-Tex). A rain poncho. A small backpack. Hiking boots. For safaris, pack light clothing in light colors (but not blue or gray, which attract tsetse flies). A sleeping bag (at night, on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius). Hats, sunglasses, a headlamp, a camera, binoculars for wildlife viewing. Swimsuit, towels, toiletries, and personal first-aid supplies. A comprehensive list of recommended equipment will be provided upon registration.
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We will be spending a lot of time above 2000m where malaria is not present. However, this parasite, transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, is present in the Arusha and Natron regions. Therefore, it is best to follow a preventative treatment such as the one based on Malaronne (the generic version is also available and is much cheaper). Consult your doctor. There are no mandatory vaccinations apart from the yellow fever vaccine, which is only required if you have previously been to a country where the disease is present. Recommended vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, as well as hepatitis A and B.
Prices and conditions
PRICE FROM €2890
Included in the price: Round-trip flights from Palma, Maó, Ibiza, Barcelona or Madrid (other airports please inquire), full board from day 1 to 11 mornings. All services and activities described in the program.
Not included in the price: Entrance fees to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Natron Area: Currently $885.25 USD (but this may vary until the day of departure), payable in cash upon arrival in Tanzania. Visa (€50). Gratuities. Drinks (except for bottled water, which is included) and insurance: Insurance is mandatory; you must purchase repatriation and medical assistance insurance such as Mondial Assistance or similar. EXPLORAMUNT can arrange this or advise you – please contact us at the time of registration.
Single room supplement and plane tickets: please ask us