Day 1: Arusha
We'll await you in Arusha (for those who arrive by shuttle or bus) or Moshi (for those who arrive by plane) and continue straight to Karatu where we'll spend the night. On the way we stop briefly at the Lake Manyara National Park viewpoint.
Overnight: Karatu guesthouse - HB (lunch and dinner)
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
After an early rising and breakfast we drive of to Karatu to stock up for the next three days in the bush. We'll continue to the gate of Ngorongoro Conservation Area and get down to the craterfloor for a whole day of game spotting. The garden of Eden hosts a surreal variety and quantity of animals and is considered as one of the best places in the world to spot the endangered black rhino in the wild. Buffaloes, elephants, lions, hyena's and many species of antelopes are common and can be sighted at close range. The more elusive leopard is also present but rather difficult to spot. The two picnic sites, inhabited by steeling monkeys and acrobatic black kites, provide a real spectacle. Take care of your belongings! Around 5 p.m. we'll climb the steep crater rim again and head for a fresh shower. We'll spend the night in the guestrooms of the Endulen Mission, a spectacularly located hospital served by the flying doctors and used for the treatment of the local Masai. Ready for a cool but quiet night.
Overnight: Endulen Mission (Simba campsite if Endulen Mission is fully booked) - FB
Day 3: Empakaai Crater
After breakfast we'll drive along the Ngorongoro crater rim to Empakaai Crater. The road is a bit long and mostly bumpy but the views are great and you'll meet many Masai villages on your way. At Empakaai Crater we'll put up our tents on the crater rim campsite, meet with our Masai guides and the donkeys who will join us the next two days and have lunch. In the afternoon we'll descent to the crater floor, accompanies by a Masai guide and an armed ranger. The crater floor is still inhabited by buffaloes, hyena's and even leopards are not uncommon (though seldom spotted). We climb up the crater wall again in time for dinner and prepare for a quiet but ice cold night.
Overnight: Empakaai Crater Rim campsite - FB
Day 4: Empakaai - Acacia
Those who wake up early today will enjoy great views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru (before they're covered by clouds). After breakfast we'll mount our luggage on the donkeys and leave for a 2 days trekking accompanied by Masai guides. Since the 'road' to Lake Natron is no more than a chain of goatpaths, our jeep is leaving us and will meet us again next day in the evening at the lake. We're on our own now, in good hands of the local Masai. Today's hike is exhausting and impressive at the same time. Our Masai will explain us about their way of living and culture and show you all they can. They're 'at home' here and we have the honour to hike through their homeland in their company. Good pictures are guaranteed! We overnight at Acacia campsite, run by ... Masai.
Overnight: Acacia Campsite - FB
Day 5: Acacia - Ol Doinyo Lengai
Today we continue on our way to Lake Natron. The hike is easier since we're descending the escarpment, but the temperatures raise dramatically as we get closer to the semi desert area that surrounds the lake. Again we'll enjoy great views over Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai. You can't get much closer now. Those who are planning to climb the volcano better take a close look. The road up goes straight and is as steep as you can get it. In the late afternoon we'll arrive at Kamakia Waterfalls campsite, a bright and green oasis with a cool mountain river in the middle of semi-desert. We'll put up our tents and enjoy a good shower and some well deserved drinks.
Overnight: Kamakia Waterfalls Campsite - FB
Day 6: Mosoniki Mountains
After breakfast we'll leave for a day trip to Mosoniki Mountains. Our Masai guide will be with us the whole day and explain us about the medicinal use of plants. We'll also pass the natural breeding ground of vultures, who make their nests high up on the cliffs. The trip takes a whole day and we carry our packed lunch with us. Again great views and narrow tracks on the menu! In the late afternoon we'll return to Kamakia Waterfalls Campsite for dinner.
Overnight: Kamakia Waterfalls Campsite - FB
Day 7: Kapito, the Source of the Engare Sero River
This day can be as relaxing as you want it. There's time to visit the flamingos at the lakeshore, undertake a wonderful hike to the waterfalls where we'll have a cool swim and/or visit a real Masai village. Those who are interested can hike to Kapito, the source of the Engare Sero River, well hidden in the escarpment. On their way they'll meet the place where the young Masai worriers hold their Olpuls and barbecue fresh cow meat once a year. The most adventurous and fit better take it easy and prepare for the ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai at night. Ol Doinyo Lengai, known by the Masai as the Mountain of God, is a still active volcano (the last eruption took place only two years ago) with a beautiful almost perfect cone. The ascent is pretty tough and steep and is done at night to avoid the heat of the day. The ascent takes about 6 hours, descending will take you about 3 hours. Those who reach the top will never forget the experience!
Overnight: Kamakia Waterfalls Campsite - FB
Day 8: Lake Natron - Arusha
After breakfast we'll depart for the last stage of our trip: the road back to Arusha. The drive is very scenic and the landscapes are simply breathtaking. We'll take a short break at 'Shimu la Mungu' (the crater of God) and for lunch in Mto wa Mbu. In the afternoon we'll arrive in Arusha again. Dinner will be at Khan's Barbecue or Njiro Hill (where they serve the best tilapia in the wide region).
Overnight: Arusha guesthouse - FB
Day 9: Arusha
After breakfast we say goodbye and drop you of at your place of destination in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro Airport. But before we say goodbye we'll pick a new date for next year because you'll certainly want to come back!
Overnight: / - Breakfast