The Eastern Highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater, also known as the crater highlands, is a remote area that may be accessed in a 4×4 vehicle by driving around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and then descending into Nainokanoka and the Olmoti Crater.

These gently undulating volcanic highlands, strewn with craters and volcanic lakes, are less frequented than the more famous Ngorongoro Crater, yet they hold priceless jewels worth exploring for their natural beauty.

These highlands are located to the east of the Ngorongoro Crater and are bordered by the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the south and east, and the Northern Plains and Serengeti National Park to the west.

Volcanoes, craters, and mountains of volcanic origin, such as the Olmoti and Empakaai Craters, Mount Loolmalasin, and the active volcano of Lengai, may be found in this isolated location; a geological wonder with all-around stunning vistas.

The attraction of Eastern highlands of a volcanic origin

These gently rolling highlands of a volcanic origin are scattered with craters and volcanic lakes and are less visited than the better-known Ngorongoro Crater, but they hide precious gems that are definitely worth discovering for their natural beauty. These highlands lie to the east of the Ngorongoro Crater and border to the south and east with the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and to the west with the Northern Plains and the savannah of the Serengeti National Park.

The Olmoti Crater & Nainokanoka Village

Volcanos, craters, and mountains of volcanic origin, such as the Olmoti Crater and the Empakaai Crater, Mount Loolmalasin, and the active volcano of Lengai can be found in this remote area. The Olmoti Crater is a breathtaking sight with a diameter of 3.5 km and is situated at an altitude of 3,188 meters above sea level. The crater is surrounded by pristine forests and is a great spot for hiking and bird-watching. You can reach the Olmoti Crater after a scenic 4×4 jeep ride along the road on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and then descend towards Nainokanoka and the Olmoti Crater.

If you’re up for more adventure, you can explore the Olmoti Crater, which is also in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. To reach the rim of the Olmoti Crater, you can follow an ancient path used by the Maasai leading their cattle to grazing. The route winds up through thick mountain woods, grasslands, and rocky outcrops and leads to the rim of the crater from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the highlands and the inside of the crater itself.

The Olmoti Crater is a true wonder of nature, home to a wide variety of fauna and flora. The Northern side offers the possibility of spotting wild animals, including buffalos, wildebeests, zebras, porcupines, hartebeests, bushbucks, hyenas, leopards, and even elephants, though only at certain times of the year. There are also many birds, especially pink flamingos in the salty lake of the crater, and many species of butterflies can be seen.

The Empakaai Crater

After a two-hour drive across these remote lands, you come to the Empakaai Crater. It is smaller than the better-known Ngorongoro, but just as beautiful and definitely less crowded. Its caldera measures 6 km in diameter and nearly half of the bottom hosts an emerald-colored alkaline lake. The sides of the crater are covered with a pristine forest, and you can go on a walking safari to reach the rim of the crater. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the crater and, in the distance, the Ol Doinyo Lengai, the mountain sacred to the Maasai. In very clear days, you can even see Mount Kilimanjaro and Natron Lake.

One of the most exciting excursions in the area is descending to the Empakaai Crater, with its famous alkaline lake usually populated by flamingos, giving the banks of the lake an intense pink color.

From the rim of the Empakaai crater, you can descend to the bottom with its famous alkaline lake, usually populated by flamingos giving the banks of the lake an intense pink colour.

The Empakaai Crater is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Tanzania, offering visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the African savannah and witness the incredible natural beauty of the region. The crater is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a protected area in northern Tanzania that is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa.

To reach the bottom of the crater, there are two roads you can take. The first road is on the Southern slope, and it is 1 km long, with a vertical drop of 700 meters. It takes around an hour and a half to descend one way. The other road is on the Eastern slope, and it is 2 km long, with a vertical drop of 300 meters. It takes around two hours to ascend one way. Both roads offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are an adventure in themselves.

Once you reach the bottom of the crater, you will be greeted by the famous alkaline lake, which is usually populated by flamingos, giving the banks of the lake an intense pink color. The lake is a sight to behold, and the sound of the flamingos is an unforgettable experience. The lake is also home to other bird species, such as pelicans, storks, and ducks. The Empakaai Crater is also home to various animals, such as buffalos, bushbucks, hyenas, and leopards, among others.

The Mount Loolmalasin

The Mount Loolmalasin is another volcanic mountain that is part of the highlands of craters. It is located at an altitude of 3,648 meters above sea level and is a popular spot for hikers who want to experience a challenging climb. The mountain is a dormant volcano, and the summit offers magnificent views of the surrounding area.

The Ol Doinyo Lengai

The Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano located in the Rift Valley region of Tanzania. It is also known as the “Mountain of God” and is considered a sacred site by the Maasai people. The volcano’s last eruption was in 2008, and it is known for its unique black-spewing lava.

The only active volcano in the region, Ol Doinyo Lengai, is located on the northeastern edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Unlike Mount Kilimanjaro, which has a snow-capped summit, Ol Doinyo Lengai’s summit is made of lava, which turns white when it cools and solidifies.

Ol Doinyo Lengai, which translates to “Mount of the Gods” in Maa, the language of the Maasai, is revered as a holy mountain by the Maasai, who endure arduous climbing to reach its summit and offer offerings to the gods.

Safety in the Eastern Highlands of Ngorongoro

It’s important to remember that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected area, and the safety of the wildlife is paramount. When exploring the area, it’s mandatory to be escorted by an armed ranger of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as it is quite common to encounter wild animals.

The main regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

  • Central Plains
  • Eastern Highlands
  • Southern Highlands
  • Northern Plains