Great Rift Valley Trek
From Empakaai to Lake Natron
If there’s one trek in northern Tanzania that feels like walking through a living, breathing geography book, it’s the hike from Empakaai Crater down to Lake Natron. This route takes you right through the Great Rift Valley, where Africa is slowly pulling apart — though don’t worry, you won’t feel the earth move under your feet.
The adventure begins high in the Ngorongoro highlands at Empakaai Crater, a lush green bowl with a shimmering soda lake inside. From here, you set off on foot, leaving behind cool forests and rolling hills as the trail gradually drops into the vast Rift Valley floor. Along the way, you’ll pass remote Maasai villages, cross volcanic landscapes, and soak up endless views that make you feel like the horizon never ends.
By the time you reach Lake Natron, the landscape feels almost otherworldly — dry, stark, and dramatic. The lake itself glows pink from millions of flamingos that nest here, and in the distance, Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God,” towers over everything like a watchful guardian.
This isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey across cultures, ecosystems, and climates. It’s demanding at times (especially with the heat closer to Natron), but every step feels like part of an epic story — and you’re right in the middle of it.
Travel Tips
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Guides matter: Our local Maasai guides know every path, water source, and village along the way, ensuring your safety while also opening doors to authentic encounters and deeper experiences.
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Pack light but smart: Good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential. We’ll provide enough water and a drinking bottle to keep it cool.
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Stay hydrated: The heat builds as you descend into the Rift Valley — drink often.
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Respect the land: You’ll pass through Maasai villages and grazing lands; tread respectfully, leave no waste and take time to connect.
The Route
Day 1 – Empakaai Crater
Your trek starts at 3,000 meters above sea level in the lush Ngorongoro Highlands. Empakaai Crater is quieter than its famous neighbor Ngorongoro, and its turquoise soda lake often shimmers with flocks of flamingos. You can hike down to the crater floor before beginning the descent, taking in views that stretch all the way to Ol Doinyo Lengai in the distance — your final destination.
Day 2 – Highlands to Maasai Villages
Leaving Empakaai, the trail winds through forest and open grasslands, gradually moving into drier terrain. You’ll pass through remote Maasai villages, where life feels unchanged for centuries.
Day 3 – Descent into the Rift Valley and end at Lake Natron
This is the day the landscape shifts dramatically. As you descend, the air grows warmer, the greenery fades, and the wide, barren plains of the Great Rift Valley open up before you. Towering escarpments loom behind you, while Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron draw closer ahead. It’s tough going at times under the sun, but the reward is one of the most iconic panoramas in East Africa. You'll spend the afternoon relaxing in or beside the natural hot springs of Lake Natron and the evening and night sharing stories about your journey while enjoying all the amenities of a luxury tented camp.
Why do this Trek?
Because it’s not just about reaching Natron. It’s about moving slowly through landscapes, connecting with Maasai communities, and really feeling the shift from highland forest to Rift Valley desert. Few other treks in Tanzania offer such diversity in such a short time.