Empakaai Crater is the green paradise found at Ngorongoro conservation Area Authority. This lake-filled Empakaai Crater is 23km northeast of Olmoti Crater, may not be as famous as Ngorongoro but many travelers consider it to be its match in beauty. This crater has a width of about 6 km and almost half of its floor is covered by a lake. The depth of the lake is about 85m and its water is alkaline, unusually deep for soda lakes in East Africa. The Lake, which draws flamingos and other water birds, fills most of the crater floor, which is surrounded by steep-sided, forested cliffs at least 300m high. The view from the crater rim is one of the most appealing in northern Tanzania, but hiking down into the crater is a wonderful experience as well.
The road from Ol Doinyo Lengai runs along part of the eastern crater rim, which varies in altitude from 2700m to 3200m, and a steep, well-kept trail descends from the road through montane forest rich in bird life; also keep an eye out for hyenas, buffaloes, blue monkeys and even elephants. En route to the crater floor, watch for views of the turquoise lake down below and the perfect volcanic cone of Ol Doinyo Lengai away to the northeast. Count on around 30 minutes down to the lakeshore, and an hour for the climb back up. It's possible to circumnavigate the lake on foot, which will take at least four hours.
This special trek offers you fresh air, peace, and serenity in the wilderness, along with authentic cultural interaction with the Masaii, plus panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Olmoti and Lolmalasini. Other sites include Empaki crater, the famous Lake Natron flamingos, and for those who are very fit, the optional opportunity to climb the “Mountain of God” (Ol Doinyo Lengai). Ol Doinyo Lengai (2870 (9650 ft) is an active volcano on the southern shore of Lake Natron.
If you're planning on hiking, you are, in theory, required to pick up an armed ranger from the ranger post at Nainokanoka (next to Olmoti Crater) en route to Empakaai.
This trek can be combined with a northern circuit lodge or camping safari, please inquire if you are interested in more game viewing or encounters with different tribes.
