Explore the Empakai Crater in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Explore the Empakai Crater in Ngorongoro Conservation Area  : Empakai crater is on the highlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). It is the second largest Crater in Northern Tanzania after the Ngorongoro Crater. The size measurements of the Empakai crater are 300 meters in height, 6 kilometers in width, and 8 kilometers in diameter. Something unique about the Empakai Crater is that it separates you from crowds of other safari visitors in Ngorongoro Craters. Therefore, it is a world wonder of great privacy. The Crater is not worldwide famous but has favorite nature vegetation and some activities to experience. Hiking the Empakai Crater

The hiking activity usually takes 40 minutes. It can somehow be challenging but beautiful. The guide usually offers great help in most difficult stretches by pulling you up once you have a pause. Safari travelers frequently hike down the Empakai crater rim to catch its beautiful scenery. For sure, taking a hike on the crater offers unique experiences. While taking hiking experiences, you will have a fantastic view of the green forest, mount Oldoinyo Lengai (active volcanic mountain), the Great Rift Valley, and sometimes Lake Natron at a distance. On a clear morning day, you will make a perfect spot for the snow on the peaks of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Mountain (the highest mountain in Africa and free-standing volcanic mountain in the world) found in Moshi. All in all, the crater hike has a unique experience to share with friends and family, Explore the Empakai Crater in Ngorongoro Conservation Area .

Exploring lake Empakai

On walking down the Empakai Crater, you will have a magnificent view of the lake Empakai. The Empakai lake water is alkaline and has a depth of about 85 meters. It covers almost three-quarters (75%) of the crater’s floor. Crater lake is relatively small, and you can go around it in less than 5 hours. Exploring the shores of lake Empakai offers a calm feeling as you enjoy watching plenty of bird species. This crater lake is home to many pink flamingoes and some water birds. The masses of flamingoes create a pink edge to Lake Empakai and give a beautiful view from the top of the rim. As a result, a safari to Lake Empakai forms an adventure for bird lovers.

Luxurious Game drive

On the Empakai crater, the viewing opportunities for wildlife are best explored only by a vehicle drive. The game drives usually take only 3-4 hours a day but pure happiness. The crater drive is unique. During the game drive, the crater will be only for you, the ranger, and the driver. While enjoying the vehicle drive, you will make a perfect spot on various wild animals such as vultures, buffaloes, water bucks, blue monkeys, baboons, bushbucks, augur buzzards, and even leopards.

Most importantly, the game drive offers a chance to visit the Maasai community. The Maasai are a pastoral community of east Africa living in Rift Valleys grazing livestock. On your drive to the crater, you must pass the Maasai land. It is interesting to see the Maasai villages along the route and the youths herding livestock in the crater’s forest. The Maasai are unique people with some amazing culture. You can get off the car to interact with them, dance together, and take beautiful photos. The tour guides will also tell you more about their way of life. In short, it is a fabulous experience.

Best Time to Visit the Empakai Crater

Up consideration, the great adventure on Empakai Crater is good during the dry seasons from June to October. However, the Crater has cool weather throughout the year. That proves the Crater to always open for everybody.