7 Days Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walking Safari & Maasai Village Visit

An activity-filled 7-day safari to the Ngorongoro Crater, where you get to actually get out of your vehicle and walk around the crater rim, giving you a panoramic aerial view of the nature and wildlife of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If that is not enough, this trip is an added advantage to meet and greet the residents of the Ngorongoro, the Maasai tribe. Over seven unforgettable days, this intimate journey trades endless game drives for the quiet rhythm of walking the wild Ngorongoro Highlands alongside Maasai guides whose families have roamed these lands for centuries. You’ll trace the crater’s untouched rim at sunrise, sleep to the distant roar of lions echoing up from the caldera floor, and descend into the crater itself for one of the continent’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Between Tarangire’s ancient baobabs, the boundless Serengeti plains, and the soda-pink shores of Lake Manyara, you’ll share tea inside a manyatta with red-robed Maasai warriors, learn to read the savannah through their eyes, and feel the earth beneath your boots in places few visitors ever reach. This isn’t just a safari; it’s a chance to walk quietly through one of the most beautiful corners of the planet and come home with stories no photograph can fully tell.

Best Time for This 7-Day Ngorongoro Rim Walking Safari & Maasai Tour

June to October (dry season) is the absolute sweet spot.

Clear, cool mornings (8–12 °C) make walking the highland rim pure pleasure—no mud, no sweat-soaked shirts.
Golden grass and perfect visibility from the crater rim stretch all the way to the Serengeti on clear days.
Animals are concentrated in the crater floor below, creating an unbelievable backdrop while you walk above them.
Maasai cattle herds move across the highlands in dramatic red-and-black silhouettes against blue sky—peak photo season.

January to mid-March is the beautiful green-season alternative.

Lush emerald hills, newborn calves in the crater, dramatic storm clouds, and almost no other walkers on the rim. Rates drop 20–30 % and you often have the entire highlands to yourself.

Avoid April–May (heavy rains turn trails slippery) and the December short rains if you want reliably dry feet.

Walking the Ngorongoro Crater Rim with the Maasai

Imagine this: at 6 a.m., you step out of your lodge on the crater rim wrapped in a fleece, the air crisp and smelling of wild sage. A small group (never more than 6–8 guests) sets off with two Maasai guides—tall, red-shuka-clad warriors named ole Ndupai and Saitoti, whose grandfathers once hunted lions here with nothing but spears. There are no vehicles for the next 4–5 hours. Just your boots, the wind, and the vastness. You walk along the crater’s forested rim at 2,400 m, following narrow elephant trails through yellow-barked acacia and giant heather trees dripping with old-man’s-beard lichen. Below you, 600 m straight down, the entire 260 km² crater floor spreads out like a living diorama: black dots of buffalo, pink smudges of flamingo, and tiny specks that are actually lion prides. The guides stop often, crouch, and read the savannah like a book—fresh leopard prints crossing the path, the alarm calls of hyrax telling them a martial eagle is overhead. Every ridge brings a new “wow.” One moment you’re looking west across the Gol Mountains and the distant Serengeti; the next you’re staring into the perfect cone of extinct Olmoti volcano or the soda-blue crater lake of Empakaai. Maasai cattle bells echo in the valleys. A herd of eland ghosts across a meadow. Sometimes you walk in total silence except for the crunch of volcanic gravel underfoot. Halfway through the morning, you reach a clearing where the guides’ families have set up a private breakfast under an acacia—hot chai spiced with ginger, fresh mandazi doughnuts, and fruit, served on a red Maasai blanket with the entire crater as your dining-room view . Later, you descend on foot into a traditional Maasai boma hidden in the highlands. Women in bright beaded collars welcome you with a leaping adumu dance. You sit inside a cool cow-dung-walled manyatta while the village elder explains (through your guide) how they still pay bride price in cattle, how the young moran learn to read weather in the stars, and why they paint their faces with ochre before ceremonies. Kids crowd around giggling as you try (and fail spectacularly) to make fire with sticks and a handful of dried zebra dung. By the time you leave, you’re wearing a beaded bracelet they made for you on the spot and promising to send the photos you just took of everyone. When you finally drop into the crater itself by vehicle the next day, it feels different—because you’ve already seen it from above, walked its edges, and shared tea with the people who call these highlands home. The lions and rhinos below suddenly feel like neighbours instead of exhibits . That is the magic of a Ngorongoro rim walking safari with the Maasai: it turns one of the world’s greatest wildlife arenas into a place you don’t just visit—you belong to, for a little while.

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Upon your arrival at the airport, a warm welcome awaits you from a Tranquil Kilimanjaro representative who will take you to your accommodation in Arusha. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, Arusha is a city renowned for its scenic beauty. Your overnight stay will be in the tranquil and verdant surroundings of the Mount Meru Hotel, resting on 15 acres of captivating landscape.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge
Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

Embark on an exhilarating morning journey as our personal safari guide collects you from your lodgings in Arusha. We venture towards Tarangire National Park, traversing the gently rolling Masai plains adorned with scattered acacia trees. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the Masai people in their vibrant attire, walking along the roadside, riding bicycles, herding cattle, and even driving donkey carts. Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, also hosts a myriad of other fascinating creatures. From the open roof of our safari jeep, you’ll witness the seasonal swamps, expansive savannahs, and the life-giving Tarangire River, providing encounters with an abundance of wildlife. Zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and many more await your arrival. With luck, you might even witness lions stealthily stalking their prey or leopards leisurely resting in the treetops. After an exhilarating game drive, we’ll head to one of our carefully chosen mid-range partner lodges for a delightful dinner and a restful night’s sleep, allowing dreams of encountering the wild cats to whisk us away.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge

Day 3

Serengeti National Park

Following a scrumptious breakfast, we continue our journey towards the fertile highlands where the Iraqw people cultivate wheat, coffee, and corn. As we pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, be prepared to be captivated by the breathtaking sight of the Ngorongoro Crater. Our adventure then leads us to the Serengeti National Park, a vast expanse covering an astounding 15,000 square kilometers. The Serengeti boasts diverse landscapes and habitats, including grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannahs, and mountains. It is also home to the incredible phenomenon of the great migration, where wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes undertake their annual search for food and water. Depending on the season, you may witness thousands of animals on this awe-inspiring journey. After an extensive game drive, we’ll head to Seronera Valley for an evening meal and spend the night at the Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp. With its newly renovated facilities, including tents raised on wooden platforms, a splendid buffet dining tent, captivating musicians, and a warm fire on the plains, you’re in for a truly memorable experience.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp

Day 4

Serengeti National Park

Dedicate this entire day to thrilling game drives within the Serengeti. As the habitat of a rich variety of wildlife, including impalas, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, and countless others, the Serengeti is renowned for its vast herds of migrating zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests. Their migration patterns are determined by rainfall, resulting in their movement from the woodlands and hills of the northern region to the grassy plains of the south from November to December. During the longer rainy season from April to June, they journey back to the north. In addition to observing these magnificent migrations, you may also have the chance to witness resident predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions carrying out their roles in the circle of life. As the day comes to a close, return to the Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp to unwind, savor a delectable dinner, and drift off to sleep on the endless plain.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp

Day 5

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Maasai Village & Walking on the Crater Rim

Following an early breakfast, embark on another thrilling game drive across the Serengeti. This may be your opportunity to spot the renowned “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. Afterward, we continue our journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll pass by a Maasai village. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you learn about their customs, including fire-making and beadwork. You might even have the chance to interact with the villagers in their homes, with your guide readily available for interpretation if needed. This fascinating activity takes approximately one hour. Following the village visit, we proceed directly to the rim of the crater for a mesmerizing walking safari at sunset. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll explore extinct volcanoes, captivating landscapes, and astonishing wildlife in these beautiful highlands. The views and scenery will leave you breathless as you spend around 2 to 2.5 hours immersed in this remarkable experience. As the evening descends, we head to your accommodation for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Mid-range: Rhino Lodge / Angata Ngorongoro Camp

Day 6

Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu

Rise early to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the sun rising over the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we embark on an adventurous journey down the crater’s rugged track. This UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Africa’s seven wonders, was formed approximately three million years ago and plunges 610 meters deep, covering an expansive area of around 260 square kilometers. With its dense population of approximately 25,000 ungulates, the Ngorongoro Crater provides unparalleled game viewing opportunities, surpassing all other parks in Tanzania. Within minutes of entering the crater, you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife, including wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and over 500 species of birds. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive black rhino grazing in the grasslands. Following an extensive game drive and a delightful picnic lunch, we bid farewell to the crater in the afternoon and make our way back to Karatu, where we’ll spend the night at one of our carefully selected mid-range partner lodges, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge

Day 7

Karatu - Airport - Depart

On the final day of your 7 days safari walking on the Crater Rim and a visit to the Maasi Villages, you will be picked up from your accommodation and driven to the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s magnificent national parks.

The cost for the whole 1 week Tanzania walking safari + Maasai culture includes and excludes the following items

Tanzania Safari Price includes

Park fees

Game drives and activities

All accommodation

A professional driver/ safari guide

All transportation

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals

Water / Coffee / Tea or Soft Drinks

Price Excludes

International flights

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

The best time for this safari is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, with lower chances of rain and comfortable temperatures. The dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them during game drives. Additionally, the Great Migration of wildebeest and other herbivores occurs in the Serengeti from June to July, offering a remarkable spectacle to witness. However, it’s important to note that wildlife sightings can still be excellent during other months, and each season has its own unique advantages. It’s recommended to consult with a local safari expert or tour operator to plan your trip based on specific preferences and wildlife interests.