Crater Highlands

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

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The Crater Highlands are home to a surprising diversity of wildlife, though the animals are not as concentrated as in the Ngorongoro Crater floor. On a Tanzania safari, the Empakaai Crater is a hidden gem. The crater rim is forested, and the walls are steep. At the bottom, a deep, green lake attracts flocks of flamingos. The forest on the rim is home to blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and bushbucks. You can hike down to the lake, but the trail is steep. On a Tanzania safari, the area around Ol Doinyo Lengai is much drier and more barren. But the volcano itself is the main attraction. The slopes are home to zebras, wildebeests, and Grant's gazelles. The Lake Natron area is famous for its flamingos. The lake is too caustic for most animals, but flamingos nest on the salt islands. On a Tanzania safari, you can see thousands of lesser flamingos, their bright pink feathers contrasting against the red water. The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry season from June to October, when the animals gather around the remaining water sources.

The Crater Highlands are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially for waterbirds. On a Tanzania safari, Lake Natron is the star. It is the most important breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa. Between August and October, over one million flamingos gather on the lake to nest. The sight is incredible. The lake also attracts other waterbirds, including greater flamingos, pelicans, storks, and avocets. On a Tanzania safari, the Empakaai Crater lake also hosts flamingos, though in smaller numbers. The forests on the crater rims are home to forest birds, including turacos, barbets, and sunbirds. The open savannah areas have ostriches, kori bustards, and secretary birds. The best time for birding is the dry season, when the birds are concentrated around the remaining water sources. But the flamingo breeding season is from August to October. On a Tanzania safari, bring a spotting scope. The flamingos are often far from the shore.

The best time to visit the Crater Highlands is during the dry season from June to October. On a Tanzania safari, the roads are dry and passable. The skies are clear, and the views of the volcanoes are spectacular. The temperatures are comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. This is also the best time to see the flamingos at Lake Natron, as the birds breed between August and October. The short dry season from January to February is also a good time to visit. The landscape is green and lush. On a Tanzania safari, the wet seasons from March to May and November to December bring heavy rains. The roads become muddy and dangerous. Some areas, like the Empakaai Crater rim, can be slippery and difficult to access. For most travelers, the sweet spot is June through October.

The weather in the Crater Highlands varies dramatically with altitude. On a Tanzania safari, the lower elevations around Lake Natron are hot and dry, with daytime temperatures exceeding 35°C. The higher elevations, on the rims of the craters, are much cooler. At Empakaai Crater rim, at 2,600 meters, daytime temperatures are 15°C to 20°C, and nights can be freezing. On a Tanzania safari, the key is to pack layers. You will start the day in a warm jacket and end it in a t-shirt. The sun is intense at high altitude. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The dry season is the most comfortable time to visit. The wet season brings rain, which can turn the roads to mud. The air is dry in the rain shadow of the volcanoes. The humidity is low.

Getting to the Crater Highlands is an adventure. The area is remote, and the roads are rough. On a Tanzania safari, the most common access point is from Arusha. Lake Natron is about a four to five hour drive from Arusha. The road is paved for the first part, but the last section is rough and requires a 4x4. Empakaai Crater is inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about a three to four hour drive from the Ngorongoro Crater rim. On a Tanzania safari, you will need a 4x4 for all of these destinations. The roads are unpaved and can be rocky. Your tour operator will arrange the transport. You can also fly. There are small airstrips at Lake Natron and Empakaai. Charter flights are available from Arusha. On a Tanzania safari, the journey is part of the experience. The landscapes are stunning, and the sense of remoteness is what makes this area so special.

The Crater Highlands are a safe destination. The area is sparsely populated, and the local Maasai people are welcoming. On a Tanzania safari, the main dangers are environmental. The biggest risk is getting stuck on the remote roads. Carry a spare tire, water, and food. Do not travel alone. On a Tanzania safari, the second risk is the altitude. At Empakaai Crater rim, the altitude is over 2,600 meters. Some people experience mild altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water. Go slow. The third risk is the sun and the heat, especially around Lake Natron. Drink plenty of water. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Malaria is a risk in the lower elevations around Lake Natron. Bring insect repellent with DEET. Sleep under a mosquito net. At higher elevations, the risk is lower. Use normal precautions. Keep your valuables secure. The people are friendly, but it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings.

Accommodation in the Crater Highlands is rustic and remote. On a Tanzania safari, the best option for Lake Natron is the Lake Natron Tented Camp. It is a simple, eco-friendly camp with comfortable tents, a dining area, and stunning views of Ol Doinyo Lengai. There are also basic campsites. For Empakaai Crater, there are no lodges inside the crater. The closest accommodation is on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, or at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. On a Tanzania safari, for a truly unique experience, you can camp on the crater rim. There are basic campsites, but you must bring your own tent and supplies. For most travelers, staying in a lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim is the best option. You have easy access to Empakaai and the crater. On a Tanzania safari, book well in advance, especially during the dry season.

Booking your Tanzania safari to the Crater Highlands with Dav Safaris ensures a safe, well organized, and unforgettable adventure. Our local guides know the remote roads, the best viewpoints, and the safest routes. They have grown up in the shadow of these volcanoes. On a Tanzania safari with Dav Safaris, we handle everything including transport from Arusha, park fees, guides, and accommodation. You just show up with your camera and your sense of adventure. Their itineraries are flexible. Want to focus on the flamingos at Lake Natron? We can do that. Want to hike to the rim of Empakaai Crater and combine it with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater? We can arrange it. Dav Safaris supports local communities by hiring Maasai guides and using locally owned camps. You focus on the red lakes, the active volcano, and the ancient craters. We handle everything else on your Tanzania safari.