Nainokanoka to Bulati
Nainokanoka is an important trading centre for the Masai of the Ngorongoro. Great rolling grassy plains dotted with Masaai manyattas stretch for some 20 kilometers north and east of Nainikanoka. It is possible to walk (allow a full day) or drive to Bulati - a cluster of manyattas, primary school and dispensary located at the base of Empakaai (Embakai). This walk crosses the Embulbul depression home to a variety of plains game sharing these highlad pastures with the Maasai and their herds.
From Bulati it is possible to walk on to Empakaai and hence past Ol Donyo Lengai to Lake Natron. Other possible walks include a fine forest walk down to Engaruka ruins or on ascent of Lolmalassin at 3700m the highest point in the Ngorongoro. Both these walks require donkey support and an overnight stop.
Empakaai Crater
This is arguably the most beautiful area in the Ngorongoro. It boasts some of the most magnificent views including those of the two outlying volcanoes of Keremasi and Ol Donyo Lengai. The latter the only active volcano in Tanzania occasionally sports a plume of smoke rising from its summit. From any point on the crater rim, which rises to 3200m there are beautiful views down onto Lake Empakaai which often takes on an emerald green colour and is home to a rich birdlife including many flamingo. The slopes and rim are a botanists paradise. The recent construction of a trail to the crater floor has made the lake accessible to the average walker. It starts at the lowest point on the eastern side of the rim at 2590m and takes you down to the lake floor at about 2200m. Allow 30 minutes for the descent and an hour for the ascent. When the water is low it is possibe to walk easily around the lake.
Starting early from the Highview the crater can be reached in about 4 hours making this a long but very worthwhile day trip from the hotel.
Bulati to Empakaai
This airy walk takes you from the grassland areas surrounding the Embulbul depression to the beautiful, partly forested slopes and rim of Empakaai. The walk provides a fine panorama of the lowlands east of the Ngorongoro Community Association, towards Engaruka. To the north Gelai, Lengai and Keremasi dominate the skyline. The walk along the rim is through beautiful hagenea woods and parklands similar to those on the Chogoria Route of Mt Kenya. Numerous flowers, a rich birdlife and spectacular views down to the Crater Lake make this an enjoyable walk. Allow 5 hours for the walk.
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 Ngorongoro Crater Highland Walks
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