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Empakai to Lake Natron Trek & Migration

Africa > Tanzania

For active types Tanzania has a lot to offer and this is one of the most dramatic hikes in East Africa. As well as the amazing scenery there is also the chance to witness the changing lives of the Maasai in both Ngorongoro and Natron.

 

A 1-night trek combined with 2 nights in Lake Natron. The trek starts with a night on the edge of the Gregorian rift. You then trek down the rift valley with stunning views throughout and once at the base are transferred for 2 nights at Lake Natron Camp and use this as a base for activities such as seeing the flamingoes on Lake Natron, visiting the hominid footprints, delving deep into the Ngare Sero gorge or even just relaxing in camp and enjoying the natural plunge pools. For the very active you can also climb Oldonyo Lengai. The finale of this trip is heading into the world famous Serengeti to witness one of the planet’s most incredible animal spectacles, the Great Migration.

Excellent habitat variety; massive volcanoes, Maasai culture, Lake Natron and the Serengeti.

Pricing starts at:

$5,700

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 2 PEOPLE

$6,500

per person

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 4 PEOPLE

$5,700

per person

All of our adventures are private, customizable and individually tailored just for you! Please fill out the REQUEST QUOTE  form to connect with one of our Adventure Architects to plan your next journey!

Sample Itinerary. All of our journeys are individually custom tailored.

1

Day 1: ARUSHA

Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport you are personally met and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. You relax and rejuvenate before your adventure ahead.

Overnight Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge (Dinner)

2

Day 2: NGORONGORO CRATER

After breakfast, you head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After formalities at the gate, you drop down into the 2000ft caldera to game drive in the crater floor. Here you have chances of seeing the Big Five including endangered black rhino! After some lunch, you then head back out of the crater and head towards your well-appointed accommodation in the hills of Ngorongoro. You arrive in time for dinner.

Overnight The Highlands (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

3

Day 3: NGORONGORO

Pick up from Ngorongoro Highlands or Manyara airstrip, transfer to Empakai. On arrival at Empakai there is an option to descend into the crater. This is around 40 minutes down and depending on season can be quite slippery but certainly a great hike with stunning views. Lunch is set for us while we enjoy seeing flamingoes flying into the crater or feeding in the lake at the base. We then set back into our vehicles and drive to Naiobi village and then set out for a short hike of 3 hours into camp. A hot shower is available before dinner.

Overnight Lerai Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

4

Day 4: LAKE NATRON

The final section of hiking has two options of a shorter hike or a longer more strenuous option right along the rift wall. The views are spectacular with the active volcano Oldonyo Lengai dominating the foreground. This volcano affects almost everything from hydrology to lifestyle, as will become apparent. Once down on the rift valley floor we are picked up and transferred to Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and here have the chance to jump in the natural pools to cool down. Sundowners are served at any number of beautiful points close to camp and the lake.

Overnight Lake Natron Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

5

Day 5: LAKE NATRON

Lake Natron has a number of activities available today. For those who are seeking something mild but adventurous, the nearby Ngare Sero gorge has a number of hikes to waterfalls, an oasis in the middle of a harsh environment. For those feeling fit and super adventurous, we depart early at 100am and transfer to the base of Lengai. The ascent takes around 5 hours to reach the summit where there are stunning views (weather dependent) of the surrounding volcanoes and often Kilimanjaro is seen away to the east. The descent takes as long as the ascent and once at the base you transfer back to camp for a late lunch and rest. Late afternoon is relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Overnight Lake Natron Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

6

Day 6: SERENGETI

This morning we transfer to Manyara airstrip to catch a schedule charter flight to Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival you are personally met and taken to your accommodation. You enjoy lunch and outline the rest of the day’s activities at leisure.

Overnight Chaka Mobile Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

7

Day 7: SERENGETI

The Serengeti is a vast ecosystem that is contiguous with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Your camp is set according to the best game locations. From our camp we head out and game drive looking for elusive leopard and depending on the time of year, the migrating herds of wildebeests. Typically, your days are spent game driving in the morning and afternoon with time for lunch and a siesta in camp during the heat of the day. There are options to go further afield and take packed breakfasts and lunches. Time is your own in the African wilderness!

Overnight Chaka Mobile Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

8

Day 8: SERENGETI

The Serengeti is a vast ecosystem that is contiguous with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Your camp is set according to the best game locations. From our camp we head out and game drive looking for elusive leopard and depending on the time of year, the migrating herds of wildebeests. Typically, your days are spent game driving in the morning and afternoon with time for lunch and a siesta in camp during the heat of the day. There are options to go further afield and take packed breakfasts and lunches. Time is your own in the African wilderness!

Overnight Chaka Mobile Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

9

Day 9: ARUSHA / DEPART

In the morning we head to the airstrip to connect with a scheduled charter to Arusha airport. Here we transfer to a day room for you to freshen up, relax, repack and have lunch. In the late afternoon, you transfer to connect with International departures at Kilimanjaro airport.

Dayroom Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch)

Accommodations

 NGARE SERO MOUNTAIN LODGE

is set in lush gardens amid forest and crystal clear waters on the slopes of Mt Meru. The lodge has been adapted from an early colonial farmhouse built in the early 20th century and it one of the oldest family lodges in Arusha. It offers 10 garden rooms and pool cottage with 2 bedrooms.

THE HIGHLANDS

combines a cutting-edge, open design with an intimate setting within the lush forest that sprawls along the slopes of the Olmoti volcano. Stylish and contemporary, The Highlands balances its striking design with a deeply authentic wilderness experience in an exclusive setting. Just eight canvas-and-glass domed suites draw their inspiration from the enchanting Maasai bomas that dot the landscape. Guests can expect warm and contemporary interiors that offer the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a successful day of game viewing.

LERAI CAMP

is set up every step of the way on the trip. Complete with guest tents, cots, duvets, pillows, wash basins outside, and shared toilet and showers for every 2 tents. The camp has a crew and cook to look after your every need with food and drinks. A very comfortable point-to-point trekking & safari camp!

LAKE NATRON CAMP

is located on the very edge of Lake Natron, this 10 tent luxury tented camp is perfectly situated for amazing adventures! Located within walking distance are the hominid footprints and Lake Natron where over 1 million flamingoes come to breed. It is also ideally situated as an ending point for the Empakai to Lake Natron Trek as well as a number of other activities and expeditions combined with northern Tanzania safaris.

CHAKA MOBILE CAMP

moves throughout the Serengeti as it follows the Great Migration. The camp covers hundreds of kilometres as it moves from Ndutu to Kogatende while the herds follow the rains, and offers guests a wonderful bush experience in the heart of Tanzania’s most famous park. The camp consists of 11 tents, including one two-bedroom family tent, each with their own private veradnah from where you can gaze out across the plains. En-suite bathrooms feature a flush toilet, double wash basins and a safari-style bucket shower. There is a separate dining and lounge tent where you’ll enjoy your meals and in the evening, you can congregate around the camp fire and exchange stories from your game drives.

  • Professional guides and fully equipped 4 x 4 safari vehicles (w/ water & drinks)
  • All relevant Park fees & village fees
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • All accommodation and meals as described in the itinerary
  • Transfers as described in the itinerary
  • Porterage and all water, coffee, teas on trek
  • Soft drinks, beers & house wine at Lake Natron Camp
  • International flights
  • Entry visas
  • Gratuities (suggested; $15 per person per day for guide / $15 per person per day for staff at property)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Alterations to this itinerary (i.e. if different accommodations and services are provided then the price will most likely vary up or down)
  • Laundry (unless stated by hotel)
  • Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle or unless stated)
  • Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency

Pricing starts at:

$5,700

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 2 PEOPLE

$6,500

per person

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 4 PEOPLE

$5,700

per person

All of our adventures are private, customizable and individually tailored just for you! Please fill out the REQUEST QUOTE  form to connect with one of our Adventure Architects to plan your next journey!