Many visitors to Tanzania ask about the possibility of trekking within the famous Ngorongoro caldera, only to be inevitably disappointed when they learn that trekking is not permitted within the crater.
However, it is possible for adventurous visitors to explore the surrounding highlands with visits to sites such as Olmoti Crater, which offer limited game-viewing but fantastic trekking.
About Olmoti Crater
All that remains of the once proud Olmoti Volcano responsible for creating Oldupai Gorge and sending our ancient ancestors on to safer pastures, Olmoti Crater is a popular spot for hiking and walking safaris.
Accompanied by an armed ranger, it is possible to spend anywhere between two hours and seven hours wandering the crater floor in search of the Bohor reedbuck, cape buffalo, and eland.
Also found within the Olmoti Crater are a number of impressive waterfalls, a diverse array of plant-life, and birds such as the Golden-Winged Sunbird, the Eastern Double-Collared Sunbird, and the Mountain Greenbul.
A Safari for the Adventurous Trekker
For those visiting the Ngorongoro region and wanting something more adventurous than a conventional game drive, the opportunity to get out and stretch one's legs with a hike through Olmoti Crater is a godsend.
With the crater floor being inhabited by such diverse creatures as reedbuck, buffalo, and a variety of bird life, it is actually the crater's many streams and spectacular waterfalls that make it an attraction with hikers. In particular, Munge Falls are a popular stop along the hike with visitors.
Adding Olmoti Crater to your itinerary
A day trip to Olmoti Crater can be arranged in conjunction with an itinerary including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and can be combined with Empakai Crater hiking as part of an extended overland adventure such as the one below.
Sample Hiking Itinerary
Day 1: Begin your trek at the Lemala Gate of Nainokanoka Village. Spend 2-7 hours within Olmoti Crater exploring its falls and streams before overnighting at Nainokanoka Camp.
Day 2: After breakfast, you'll drive past Bulati en route to Empakai Crater Rim, where you'll camp for the evening.
Day 3: Spend the day trekking within Empakai Crater.
Day 4: After breakfast, you'll return to Lemala Gate to continue your safari.
We can also arrange longer trekking adventures for those wanting to see Olmoti Crater, Empakai Crater, and beyond.
