Grant Telfer, &Beyond Regional Ranger Trainer for East Africa, and &Beyond rangers Erick Nyamohanga, Salimu Mustapha and Erasto Gurty recently visited Empakai Crater, which is just north of Ngorongoro Crater, to assess some walking safari routes for our guests. The walk was incredible, the views absolutely mind-blowing, and &Beyond is delighted to now offer guided walks to guests visiting &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
A maximum of six guests per walk are escorted by a fully-qualified &Beyond guide that has been specially trained to provide a safe, interpretive and holistic experience. As per national park requirements, there is also an armed national park ranger who walks ahead of the group, but who does not guide the walking safari.
There are three different routes to choose from, all of which entail a scenic and energetic hike:
1. EMPAKAI CRATER: this full-day hike explores the dense forest that surrounds the Crater walls. Observe impressive strangler fig trees and witness a fantastic array of birdlife. A hearty picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way.
2. LAKE EYASI: this scenic half-day afternoon walk offers magnificent views of the lake and ventures through the Maasai communities. Guests can observe the Maasai way of life and also have an opportunity to visit the Mokilail School, a project supported by Africa Foundation (&Beyond’s social development partner).
3. NGORONGORO CRATER: a 2½ hour late afternoon excursion on the western rim of the Ngorongoro Crater along a well-used Maasai trail.
These picturesque walks are offered to guests at an additional cost, which includes the use of a private safari vehicle to transfer guests to and from the start/end point.