Great Rift Valley- The most well-known rift valley on Earth is probably the so-called "Great Rift Valley System," which stretches from the Middle East in the north to Mozambique in the south. The area is geologically active, and features volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent earthquakes.
Starting on the rim of Empakai Crater, in the Ngorongoro Highlands, with stunning views inside the crater, to Lake Natron Camp, where you can relax by the natural pool, have a massage and take part in activities such as waterfall gorge hikes, flamingo walks and seeing hominid footprints…and not to forget well-deserved sundowners!
For Nature Loving Adventurers, The Great Rift Valley has a lot to offer and 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. This is a trek back through millennia of evolution from the relatively recent hominid footprints right by our Lake Natron
On arrival at Empakai crater there is the 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. Flamingoes are often seen flying into the crater or feeding in the lake at the base. A hot shower is available before dinner. PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 3PM TO BE MET AT EMPAKAI CAMP BY YOUR GUIDE. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU BRING AT LEAST 3 LITRES OF WATER. Overnight Empakai Camp (full bo
Dawn rises and our lofty position affords a great sunrise. As we take breakfast our camp crew break camp and depart to send the camp ahead with donkeys. We then set off hiking with Maasai guides following a route that takes us through picturesque Maasai villages and rolling hills. Lunch can be taken on route as a picnic or if guests are very fit a late lunch can be had in camp. In the late afternoon a hike up to a nearby viewpoint is highly recommended and a great place for sundowners! Dinner & overnight Leonotis Camp (full board).
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 Oldoinyo 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 transfer 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. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
Lake Natron has a number of activities that are very easily combined with dawn walks and sundowners and in the middle of the day there is the nearby Ngare Sero gorge that you can walk to options of long hikes to the source or shorter hikes to waterfalls. The staff are on hand to make you stay as adventurous or relaxing as you want. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
fter breakfast you can do some additional activities before departure and picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed. ( Depart - They can go straight to JRO If they want additional night at Arusha extra Ilboru Lodge is $70 per person per night on sharing basis)
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