Embark on a full-day adventure to the serene Empakai Crater, a hidden gem in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Hike through lush forests to reach the tranquil soda lake at the crater’s base, where flamingos and wildlife thrive. Enjoy breathtaking views, a picnic lunch, and a peaceful escape into nature before returning to Arusha by evening.
Tour Features
| Mid-Range Tour: | This tour includes mid-range camping and lodges. |
| Can be Customized: | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Private Tour: | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
| Solo traveller: | Solo traveller can book this tour. |
| Can start any day: | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age not required: | There is no minimum age for this tour. |
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1Day Trip Safari to Empakai Crater from Arusha
Early Morning: Depart from Arusha Departure: Leave Arusha early, typically around 5:30 AM to maximize your time at Empakai. The drive is approximately 3 to 4 hours (about 150-160 km), depending on the route and road conditions. Route: The journey will take you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing beautiful savannah landscapes and Maasai villages along the way. Mid-Morning: Arrive at Empakai Crater Arrival Time: You should arrive at Empakai Crater by 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM, depending on stops and travel time. Empakai Crater Overview: Empakai is a beautiful 6 km wide caldera formed by a collapsed volcano, creating a lush, forested environment with a large lake in the bottom. It is less touristy than the Ngorongoro Crater but just as stunning. The caldera is home to a wide range of wildlife, including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species, and is also a prime spot for birdwatching, especially flamingos that often frequent the lake at the bottom. Midday: Explore Empakai Crater Hike Down to the Lake: After arrival, you’ll embark on a guided hike down to the lake, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your pace. The trail is steep but manageable, with beautiful views over the caldera walls, dense vegetation, and an ever-changing landscape. Along the way, you may spot various wildlife grazing in the area. The hike provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area up close, with panoramic views over the caldera and its lush forested slopes. Lake Empakai: Upon reaching the bottom, you’ll find a beautiful soda lake, often home to flamingos and other bird species. The sight of the birds in this tranquil setting is a unique experience. This is a great spot for photos and a short rest, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere of the crater. Afternoon: Lunch and Scenic Views Lunch: You will have a picnic lunch, either at the lake (if accessible) or back at a viewpoint overlooking the crater. Your guide can provide a packed lunch, or you can enjoy it at one of the designated picnic areas. Optional Walking Safari: After lunch, if you have time, you can take a short walk around the crater's rim or through the forest, depending on your energy levels. Late Afternoon: Departure and Return to Arusha Departure from Empakai Crater: After your visit, begin the drive back to Arusha, leaving around 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM. Arrival in Arusha: You should be back in Arusha by 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, depending on traffic and stops.
| Includes |
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| Excludes |
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Important to Know
- This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 14 people.
- Rates are per person and exclude the international flightfrom/to your home country.
- This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older.
| Start Dates |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 room |
4 people 2 room |
4+ people 3 room |
| Feb 20 2025 to Jul 19 2025 | $447 | $290 | $243 | $ | $ |
Getting There
Tanzania is a beautiful East African country with neighbours Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. It is known for its vibrant culture, wonderful national parks, diverse fauna and flora and of course the great wildebeest migration. If you are planning a safari trip to Tanzania then you should find out all about flights to Tanzania, passport and visa requirements.
Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. The latter is the entry point for visitors to the southern parks.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 46km/29mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s most popular Northern safari circuit.
No, is not included, but can be arranged for an extra cost
Tiem Tours And Safaris
-
Offices In :
Tanzania -
Size :
10+ -
Member Of :
TATO -
Tour Types :
Safaris And Tours In Tanzania, Mountain Trekking And Beach Holidays -
Destinations :
Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda -
TIEM TOURS AND SAFARIS is an African safari specialist and tour operator, offering a full service for arranging and booking safaris, mountain climbing expeditions, Car hire and beach holidays around Tanzania. Tiem tours offers you a wholesome and distinct insight into the wonders of Tanzania amazingly diverse landscape, wildlife, history and cultural heritage. Our expeditions are crafted by a diverse family and team born-bred in Tanzania, who love the country and care to deliver the finest tour experiences from a native perspective.
| Mid-Range Tour: | This tour includes mid-range camping and lodges. |
| Can be Customized: | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Private Tour: | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
| Solo traveller: | Solo traveller can book this tour. |
| Can start any day: | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age not required: | There is no minimum age for this tour. |
-
1Day Trip Safari to Empakai Crater from Arusha
Early Morning: Depart from Arusha Departure: Leave Arusha early, typically around 5:30 AM to maximize your time at Empakai. The drive is approximately 3 to 4 hours (about 150-160 km), depending on the route and road conditions. Route: The journey will take you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing beautiful savannah landscapes and Maasai villages along the way. Mid-Morning: Arrive at Empakai Crater Arrival Time: You should arrive at Empakai Crater by 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM, depending on stops and travel time. Empakai Crater Overview: Empakai is a beautiful 6 km wide caldera formed by a collapsed volcano, creating a lush, forested environment with a large lake in the bottom. It is less touristy than the Ngorongoro Crater but just as stunning. The caldera is home to a wide range of wildlife, including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species, and is also a prime spot for birdwatching, especially flamingos that often frequent the lake at the bottom. Midday: Explore Empakai Crater Hike Down to the Lake: After arrival, you’ll embark on a guided hike down to the lake, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your pace. The trail is steep but manageable, with beautiful views over the caldera walls, dense vegetation, and an ever-changing landscape. Along the way, you may spot various wildlife grazing in the area. The hike provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area up close, with panoramic views over the caldera and its lush forested slopes. Lake Empakai: Upon reaching the bottom, you’ll find a beautiful soda lake, often home to flamingos and other bird species. The sight of the birds in this tranquil setting is a unique experience. This is a great spot for photos and a short rest, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere of the crater. Afternoon: Lunch and Scenic Views Lunch: You will have a picnic lunch, either at the lake (if accessible) or back at a viewpoint overlooking the crater. Your guide can provide a packed lunch, or you can enjoy it at one of the designated picnic areas. Optional Walking Safari: After lunch, if you have time, you can take a short walk around the crater's rim or through the forest, depending on your energy levels. Late Afternoon: Departure and Return to Arusha Departure from Empakai Crater: After your visit, begin the drive back to Arusha, leaving around 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM. Arrival in Arusha: You should be back in Arusha by 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, depending on traffic and stops.
Includes & Excludes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of 56 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
| Start Dates |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 room |
4 people 2 room |
4+ people 3 room |
| Feb 20 2025 to Jul 19 2025 | $447 | $290 | $243 | $ | $ |
Getting There
Tanzania is a beautiful East African country with neighbours Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. It is known for its vibrant culture, wonderful national parks, diverse fauna and flora and of course the great wildebeest migration. If you are planning a safari trip to Tanzania then you should find out all about flights to Tanzania, passport and visa requirements.
Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. The latter is the entry point for visitors to the southern parks.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 46km/29mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s most popular Northern safari circuit.
No, is not included, but can be arranged for an extra cost
Tiem Tours And Safaris
-
Offices In :
Tanzania -
Size :
10+ -
Member Of :
TATO -
Tour Types :
Safaris And Tours In Tanzania, Mountain Trekking And Beach Holidays -
Destinations :
Kenya Tanzania Uganda -
TIEM TOURS AND SAFARIS is an African safari specialist and tour operator, offering a full service for arranging and booking safaris, mountain climbing expeditions, Car hire and beach holidays around Tanzania. Tiem tours offers you a wholesome and distinct insight into the wonders of Tanzania amazingly diverse landscape, wildlife, history and cultural heritage. Our expeditions are crafted by a diverse family and team born-bred in Tanzania, who love the country and care to deliver the finest tour experiences from a native perspective.
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