3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk & Empakaai Crater Hike

About This Activity

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Departure: Moshi or Arusha
Destinations: Ngorongoro Crater Rim, Embulbul Depression, Empakaai Crater
Activity Level: Moderate (walking + hiking)
Suitable For: Budget travelers, adventurous couples, families with teens, backpackers, small groups, students, photographers, and nature lovers
Accommodation: Shared twin/double rooms or tents by default (private rooms/tents available upon request)
Refund Policy: Free cancellation if requested at least 24 hours in advance
Price Note: Final price may vary depending on accommodation level and group size.

Overview

This 3-day adventure is designed for travelers who want more than a classic game drive — it’s for those who crave deep immersion in nature, authentic local encounters, and breathtaking highland scenery that you can only experience on foot.

Walking along the Ngorongoro Crater rim gives you a rare front-row view of the world’s largest unbroken caldera from a perspective most visitors never see.

The hike continues into the Empakaai Crater, an untouched volcanic basin with a shimmering soda lake, thousands of flamingos, and ancient forests echoing with the sounds of highland wildlife.

Led by professional Maasai guides and certified walking rangers, this journey combines culture, wilderness, scenic hiking, and budget-friendly comfort — making it one of the most rewarding short trekking experiences in Tanzania.

Gallery

What to Expect

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi → Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk

Your journey begins early with a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley landscape as you ascend to the lush Ngorongoro Highlands.

On arrival, meet your local Maasai walking guide and ranger, then start your Crater Rim Walk — a gentle hike offering panoramic views of the crater floor, forests, and grasslands.

Along the way, spot wildlife such as buffalo, eland, olive baboons, and an extraordinary variety of birds.

Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders before continuing your walk through the highland forest.

Overnight: Simba Campsite / Budget Lodge (FB)

Learn more about Ngorongoro Crater

Day 2: Ngorongoro → Empakaai Crater Hike

After breakfast, drive deeper into the highlands toward the mystical Empakaai Crater.

The road itself is an adventure — winding through remote villages, volcanic slopes, and open plains where Maasai pastoralists graze their cattle.

Begin your hike down into Empakaai Crater, descending through thick montane forest alive with bird calls and lush vegetation.

At the bottom lies a stunning alkaline lake often covered in pink flamingos.

Enjoy quiet moments on the lakeshore, photography, and guided nature exploration.

Later, hike back to the rim and relax at your campsite or lodge while admiring the sweeping views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Overnight: Empakaai Campsite / Budget Lodge (FB)

Day 3: Drive Back via Ngorongoro Highlands → Arusha/Moshi

Wake up to crisp highland air and enjoy breakfast before starting your return journey.

The drive takes you across scenic Maasai land, open plains, and forested slopes — perfect for photography.

Expect to arrive in Arusha or Moshi by early afternoon, marking the end of your refreshing highland hiking experience.

Price

Price per Person 2026

Price Includes

  • Transfer go and return
  • Proffesional Guide
  • Soft drinks and drinking water
  • 4X4 Safari Vehicles
  • All park fees & Service fees
  • Medical Kit and Thermos with hot Tea/Coffee
  • All game drives as outlined in the itinerary
  • Accommodation & Meals

Please Note:

At Affordable International Travel, we want you to have a clear understanding of how safari accommodations work so you can choose the experience that fits your travel style and budget.

Room Type & Sharing Policy

Our tours are priced based on shared accommodation in twin or double rooms as the default option. If you prefer your own room, a single supplement can be arranged upon request.

Meals Included

Hotels in Arusha and Moshi typically provide breakfast only, unless a different meal plan has been arranged for your booking. Your itinerary will clearly indicate what is included each night.

Drinks at Safari Lodges

Most safari lodges do not include drinks such as tea, coffee, sodas, wine, or beer. This helps keep package costs fair—you only pay for what you choose to drink. Beverages are available for purchase at lodge restaurants and bars.

About Tented Lodges (Common in Safari Areas)

Tented camps are the most authentic way to experience the savannah. Many operate with solar power, so you may find:

  • Bucket showers instead of pressurized hot-water systems

  • Limited or slower Wi-Fi

  • No hair dryers or high-voltage appliances

These eco-friendly practices help protect wildlife habitats and reduce the lodge’s environmental footprint. We kindly recommend reading about the camps in your itinerary to ensure their style matches your comfort preferences.

Pricing Transparency

Your final safari cost may vary depending on:

  • The type of accommodation you choose (budget / mid-range / luxury)

  • Availability during your travel dates

  • Room configuration (shared or single)

We’ll always share options clearly and help you choose what fits your budget best.

Related Safaris

Tarangire 2 (1)
3 days Safari

3 Days Arusha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Starts from $1,100 Per Person

Lake Manyara (1)
4 days Safari

4 Days Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Starts from $1,800 Per Person

Plan Now

Quickly plan this tour through a form below, or reach us directly through our contacts

WhatsApp

+255740453344

Phone Numbers

+255740453344

Email Address

info@affordableinternationaltravel.com

We will use this number to get back to you quickly
The date you expect to do this activity
Enter the total number of people you will tour with.
How would you like us to get back to you?