Ngorongoro Conservation Area Beyond the Crater: Empakaai, Olmoti, Maasai Villages and Walks
The crater is only one part of a larger highland landscape of lakes, volcanoes and Maasai pastureland.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a multi-use area where wildlife and Maasai pastoralists share the land. Most visitors descend into the crater for a half-day game drive, but there are other craters, walking routes and cultural experiences in the highlands.
Empakaai Crater has a deep lake with flamingos and a steep path to the crater floor. Olmoti Crater has a shallow rim walk. The southern plains of Ndutu host the calving season. See the Ngorongoro Crater guide for the crater itself.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Highlights: Empakaai, Olmoti, Ndutu
- People: Maasai pastoralists
- Activities: Walks, cultural visits
Empakaai and Olmoti
Empakaai is a caldera lake framed by forest, with views to Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai "mountain of God". A guided walk takes you to the crater rim or floor. Olmoti has a small waterfall and is a gentle half-day trip.
Maasai Culture
Visits to bomas or walks with Maasai guides give insight into pastoral life. Choose community-run experiences and ask before taking photographs. See the Maasai culture guide.
Planning More Time
Spend two nights in the highlands to combine the crater with a rim walk. Our Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti safari covers the key stops.
Adding Tanzania to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will arrange one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Ngorongoro Crater: What It Is, Wildlife and How to Visit
- Olduvai Gorge and the Cradle of Humankind: Tanzania's Early Human Site
- Serengeti National Park: Location, Wildlife, Migration and Best Time
- Tarangire National Park: Elephants, Baobabs and Dry-Season Wildlife
- Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-Climbing Lions, Flamingos and Rift Valley Forest
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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