Tanzania Trekking – Oldoinyo Lengai Climbing
Oldonyo Lengai (2870 (9650 ft) is an active volcano on the southern shore of Lake Natron. This impressive peak is revered by the Maasai as the sacred home of God. A nearly perfect cone, it still erupts occasionally and you may have the opportunity to walk on still-steaming new ground. It is a tough drive about 3 hours off the main road between Arusha and Ngorongoro. Once at camp, you can go to a waterfall and relax in the river, or drive out to the shoreline of Lake Natron and see the massive flamingo colonies wading in the shallows.
Oldoinyo Lengai is the only active Sodium Carbonate Volcano in the world. This trip will take you to Lake Natron to view the flamingo breeding centre as well as taking you to the summit of this amazing volcano. This trip is 4 days long and is perfect to take either before or after a Kilimanjaro Climb.
Oldonyo LeNgai Climb – 2 Days we will try to go to sleep early (maybe 6:30 or 7pm) because we must get up at midnight and get to the trailhead by 1:15am. It is an exhilarating climb to the summit and we should reach the caldera floor just in time to see the sun rising behind Mount Meru far, far in the distance. Further still, on the edge of our view, is Mount Kilimanjaro. Stay a while and bask in the incredible beauty of the place before starting our descent.
Combination of Tanzania safari itinerary with an optional Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai – Lake Natron:
A long trek across the volcanic Masailands north of Ngorongoro Crater scrambles down game-filled craters and up active volcanoes to the Rift Valley and Lake Natron where there are swathes of pink flamingos. Nights are spent at wilderness camps, open to the elements and passing wildlife and equipment is carried by backup 4wd vehicles and/or pack-animals.
Day 1 – Arrive at JRO/ Arusha Town:
Arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport/ Arusha Airport or arrive by shuttle bus from Nairobi, Meet and assist at the airport and after going through Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs, Transfer to Planet Lodge Arusha or similar hotel in order to stay overnight at on Bed and Breakfast basis. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance as well.
Day 2 – Lake Manyara National Park:
After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park for game drive, Lake Manyara is a shallow freshwater lake in Tanzania. It is said to be the “loveliest (lake) … in Africa,” Lake Manyara is covering 127 square miles (329 km2) of Lake Manyara National Park, the lake’s alkaline waters cover approximately 89 square miles (231 km2). It is famous for a good number of baboons and birdlife, also home to herbivores such as hippos, impalas, elephants, wildebeests, buffalo, warthogs, and giraffes, giant fig trees and mahogany seen in the groundwater forest immediately around the park gates, and then proceeds to Haven Nature Campsite in order to stay overnight on Full Board basis.
Day 3 – Serengeti National Park:
After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park with an optional – via Olduvai Gorge (Millions of years ago, the site was that of a large lake, the shores of which were covered with successive deposits of volcanic ash. Excavation work there was pioneered by Louis and Mary Leakey beginning in 1931. The Serengeti National park covers 14,763 km² (5,700 square miles) of grassland plains and savanna as well as river trine forest and woodlands. The park lies in the north of the country, bordered to the north by the national Tanzania and Kenyan border, where it is continuous with the Masai Mara National Park reserve. Stay overnight at Seronera Campsite in order to stay overnight on Full Board basis.
Day 4 – Full Day at Serengeti National Park:
Spend a full day game drives in Serengeti plains; the endless, almost treeless grassland of the south is the most emblematic scenery of the park. . Other hoofed animals – zebra, gazelle, impala, hartebeest, topi, buffalo, and waterbuck – also occur in huge numbers thru out the year. Stay overnight at Seronera Campsite – on Full Board basis.
Day 5 – Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority:
Wake ups call at 6:00am, in order to have just a cup of hot coffee then proceed for the early morning game drive, this morning game drive is very important as you will be able to witness the early morning kills from the big five only if you will be lucky enough. After the game drive back to the camp/Lodge at 9:30am in order to have your main breakfast, there after you will check out the Lodge and proceed with game drives en–route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. Stay overnight at Simba Campsite – with fascinating view of the crater floor!
Day 6 – Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive:
Head for the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater – a wonder of the natural world – and descend into the crater for the park maximum 6-hour tour of the Crater floor. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest caldera measuring 600 meters in depth and covering 250 square kilometres in area. The crater is a stunning setting and contains an abundance of wildlife with over 20,000 large animals including Tanzania’s few remaining black rhino. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique in that over 40,000 Masaai pastoralists with their cattle, goats and sheep live alongside the abundant wildlife in relative harmony. Return to Simba Campsite for dinner and overnight on Full Board basis.
Day 7 – Drive to Nainokanoka/ Trek to Bulati:
Early this morning, we head for Nainokanoka by 4WD, where you will commence a spectacular 4-day walking safari with your private Maasai guide, a cook plus donkeys to carry supplies. We leave Nainokanoka for a full day’s walking to Bulati Village Campsite in order to stay overnight on Full Board basis.
Plan on approx 5 to 6 hours of walking each day over the next 4 days. This special trek offers you fresh air, peace and serenity in the wilderness, along with authentic cultural interaction with the Masaii, plus panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Olmoti and Lolmasin. Other sights include Empaki crater, the famous Lake Natron flamingos, and for those who are very fit, the optional opportunity to climb the “Mountain of God” (Ol Doinyo Lengai). This trek can be combined with a northern circuit lodge or camping safari, please inquire if you are interested in more game viewing or encounters with different tribes. Stay overnight at Bulati Village Campsite on Full Board basis.
Day 8 – Trek to the Empakaai Crater Rim:
Today we continue our walking to Empakaai Crater. Dinner and a scenic overnight stay tonight on the rim of Empakaai Crater. Bushbuck, buffalo and blue monkey can be seen on the rim, which boasts splendid views on a clear day to Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Natron. Stay overnight at Empakaai Crater Rim Campsite on Full Board basis.
Day 9 – Empakaai Crater Hike / Trek to Nayobi village:
This morning we’ll descend into Empakaai crater. The crater is 300 meters high with almost half of the floor filled by a pristine soda lake. Later, we hike to Nayobi village. Dinner and overnight will be camping on the grounds at the Nayobi school. Stay overnight at Ngaresero Campsite on Full Board basis.
Day 10 – Finish Trek / Drive to Surreal Lake Natron:
For those interested in climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai, we can arrange your trek for an extra fee of US$ 120 per person and you can start the ascend approximately 2:00am). Our 4WD will drop you off at the base of the mountain starting point and your driver will be waiting for you until you descend so that you can proceed to Ngaresero Campsite where you will stay overnight on Full Board basis.
Day 11 – Return Back to Arusha / Kilimanjaro International Airport:
Early this morning, You are free to relish at the sight of the million or more Lesser Flamingos that flock here (the best time for the flamingos on Lake Natron is between August to October, when breeding behaviours are peaking) and the dramatic desert scenery all around you. At the right time, you will begin your drive back to Arusha town. For those departing on the evening KLM flight tonight, you have the choice of either a direct drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or we can arrange an overnight Arusha at Planet Lodge Arusha on Bed and Breakfast basis.
End of Service
Tanzania Adventure Camping Safari and trekking Ngorongoro Crater Highlands
2 people – Price cost US$ 3,160 per person
4 people – Price cost US$ 2,616 per person
6 people – Price cost US$ 2,516 per person.
Price includes:
All park fees, Budget Camping Safari, 2 nights in Arusha, Airport pick up transfer, Ngorongoro Crater Highlands Trek, Service of Donkeys, Camping Fees, 3 meals a day whilst trekking, Maasai Trekking Guides, Support Vehicle, Donkeys , Services of a cook, Tents, Mattresses.
Price Excludes:
International flight, Visas, Airport tax– but it can be paid direct by client(s), Driver guide, Tips, Climbing gears – if required it can be hired locally, Sleeping bags, Walking sticks, Drinks, Personal travel and Baggage insurance, Airport departure transfer, Telephone bills, Laundry and any items of personal nature.
Additional Remarks about your travel to Tanzania:
We may have to re–route the itinerary or accommodation in similar hotels or lodges in case we don’t availability.
Price for domestic fights, airport taxes and park /entry fees can change without prior notice. Our guests should be aware that this will be beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
Passenger travel information:
Passenger should bring only soft sided bags on safari while duffle bags and bigger backpacks are suitable for the Kilimanjaro climbing as well as for Mount Meru climb.
All passengers must have identification card or international passport with them for internal flights.
Luggage for internal flights is strictly limited 15 kilograms per person including hand luggage. Any excess baggage will be changed by the airline company during check–in.
All passengers landing in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.