Into the Heart of the Ngorongoro Highlands

As a wildlife photographer with a penchant for adventure, the Ngorongoro Highlands Trek to Lake Natron was a siren call I couldn’t resist. The allure of exploring one of the most secluded regions in Northern Tanzania, away from the bustling crowds of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, was too tempting. The journey began in Arusha, where the anticipation was palpable. Our guide, Ebenezer, a seasoned local with an infectious passion for Tanzania’s rich history and wildlife, was our compass through this untamed wilderness.

The drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was a visual feast. The landscape unfolded like a living tapestry, with every turn revealing a new vista. As we descended into the Crater, the sheer diversity of wildlife was staggering. Lions lounged in the sun, cheetahs prowled the grasslands, and the elusive black rhino made a rare appearance. It was a photographer’s paradise, each moment a frame-worthy capture. Lunch in the Crater was a surreal experience, surrounded by the symphony of nature.

Walking with the Maasai

Leaving the Crater behind, we embarked on a walking safari from Embulbul Village to Empakai Crater. This was a journey not just through landscapes, but through time. Accompanied by a Maasai guide, we traversed ancient paths, the rhythmic sound of donkey hooves our constant companion. The Maasai villages we passed were a testament to a way of life that has endured for centuries, untouched by the relentless march of modernity.

The trek was a sensory overload. The air was thick with the scent of wild sage, and the distant call of a hornbill echoed through the valleys. At Empakai Crater, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. The crater lake shimmered like a jewel, its surface a mirror reflecting the sky. As night fell, the Acacia Campsite became our sanctuary, the stars above a dazzling canopy.

The Ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai

The final leg of our journey was the ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Mountain of God. This active volcano, the only one in the world to produce carbonatite lava, was a formidable challenge. We began our climb in the dead of night, the path illuminated only by the glow of our headlamps. The air was cool, a stark contrast to the searing heat that would come with dawn.

Reaching the summit as the first light of day broke was a moment of pure euphoria. The view from the top was otherworldly, the landscape below a testament to the raw power of nature. Peering into the molten heart of the volcano was a humbling experience, a reminder of the earth’s untamed spirit.

As we descended, the promise of Lake Natron awaited. Its alkaline waters, home to thousands of flamingos, were a vibrant splash of color against the arid backdrop. The journey back to Arusha was a time for reflection, the memories of this incredible trek etched into my mind. This adventure was not just a journey through Tanzania’s wild heart, but a reaffirmation of my commitment to sustainable travel and conservation. I left with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to return and continue my work in this extraordinary land.