Trekking with the Maasai: Ngorongoro to Lake Natron Trekking

Today’s trek starts with a 15-kilometer hike around Lake Empakaai in the Ngorongoro Highlands. This is a beautiful hike at approximately 3000 meters above sea level. The hike can easily be added to any safari package that includes Ngorongoro Crater.

The lake hike starts with a 300 meter descent into the collapsed caldera. The hike around the lake is flat, and you view flamingos, geese, baboons and other wildlife as you make your way around the lake. Finish the trek with an ascent up the Crater wall, and continue your trip to the Maasai village of Naiyobi.

On this day, hike another 15km from Empakai Camp to Acacia Camp. After following the dirt road for several kilometers around the Empakai Crater Rim, descend into Nayobi Village, reaching the end of the road and the last village inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

This village was evacuated during the 2008 Oldoinyo Lengai eruption as the wind blows over this area from Lake Natron, carrying ash.

Hike through Nayobi Village and exit Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Walk through acacia woodland and maize fields, following livestock trails until reaching the campsite. Enjoy a Maasai bonfire and if you are up for it, a traditional Maasai goat roast.

The Maasai teach you how to start a fire with sticks and dung. Be sure to look up! The night sky is amazing from this location!

Hike 8km down the Rift Valley Escarpment into Lake Natron. This hike is full of dramatic scenery as you hike on top of the escarpment before making a quick descent into Lake Natron. For most of the hike you have views of Oldoinyo Lengai to the right.

The temperature rises quickly as you descend into Natron, and it is best to start the hike as early as possible to avoid hiking during the middle of the day.

The vehicle meets you at the start of the Natron road, after you have hiked all the way down the escarpment. Once you meet the vehicle, say goodbye to the Maasai guides and donkeys and make your way to Lake Natron Camp for dinner and overnight. For those climbing Oldoinyo Lengai, rest early as the climb begins at 1am.

Overnight at the beautiful Lake Natron Camp.

Oldoinyo Lengai is the world's only active volcano to erupt carbonatitic lava, a lava that is rich in sodium, potassium, and calcium carbonate, but low in silica. Lava with less silica has a lower viscosity, causing Lengai to have some of the fastest flowing lava in the world.

Known as East Africa's hardest 1-day trek, the Lengai climb is extremely steep. The few who make it to the summit are rewarded with the views and sounds of the volcano's active lava. The lava cones change regularly, so each visit to the summit is different.

At 1am, the trek starts as you drive from your hotel to the base of the mountain. Climb 1650 vertical meters (5419 feet) for 4 - 6 hours before reaching the summit at 2960 meters (9711 feet). Natron is hot during the day, so the hike up must be completed at night. The trek gets harder as you ascend, and a good part of the climb requires climbing up on your hands and knees. The descent is just as hard as the ascent, as you have to sit and scramble down the mountain in many places. It is also scary as you can see how steep the slope is unlike when you climb the mountain in the dark.

Return to Lake Natron Camp after the trek for lunch and a rest. At 3pm, walk to the hominoid footprints and have a sundowner on a nearby hilltop. Celebrate a grueling climb up Oldoinyo Lengai.

After breakfast, drive to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls trailhead. Hike through Ngare Sero Gorge following the river until you reach the first waterfall. There are actually three waterfalls during the hike, two of which are suitable for swimming.

Cross the river several times during this hike and hike along rocks. It is best to hike in water shoes or tennis shoes (removing your tennis shoes when crossing the river).

The first waterfall has a pool for swimming and it is possible to stand underneath the falls and to slide down the rocks. Follow a shallow water channel to a second, more powerful waterfall. Swim in the channel and enjoy the sounds of pounding water before returning to the first waterfall and hiking out.

Return to Lake Natron Camp for lunch. Depart for Arusha at 2pm.