ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Empakaai Crater

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Empakaai Crater

Team Member Headshot

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

Safari Enquiry

the highlands game drive lion ngorongoro tanzania safari

The second-largest crater in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Empakaai is almost 8km in diameter and its floor is dominated by a saline crater lake and enclosed by sheer 300m high walls that rise to an elevation of 3,200m on the eastern rim. On of East Africa’s most underrated and seldom-visited scenic gems, the crater lies about 90 minutes’ drive northeast of Ngorongoro Crater via the Embulbul Depression, a grassy bowl that which dips to below 2,350m at the base of the 3,260m Mount Losirua and 3,648m Lolmalasin (the highest point in the Crater Highlands). The view from the forested crater rim is fabulous, whether you look inward to the emerald green crater lake, its shallows frequently tinged pink by thousands of flamingos, or east across the Rift Valley to the ashen slopes and smoking fumaroles of volcanic Ol Doinyo Lengai, a scene that also takes in Lake Natron and snow-capped Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Empakaai offers a welcome opportunity to break the safari regime of twice-daily game drives with a stiff steep guided hike to the crater floor. The steep but scenic descent along a tolerably well-maintained footpath takes 45-60 minutes, longer if you’re looking out for the plentiful birds that inhabit the forested crater walls, and there’s also a chance of spotting bushbuck, buffalo, blue monkey and even elephant. Good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience.

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you tailor your itinerary to your perfect adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalised

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Wonderful vacation and service.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve Safari Review

David, United States
30 Jul 2021
Excellently planned custom trip that included Kilimanjaro, safaris and beach time.

Climbing Kilimanjaro Review

Beth - 56 year old adventurer, United States
29 Jul 2019
Outstanding trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Botswana and Zimbabwe Review

Chris, Austria
08 Feb 2019
Tour and lodges were amazing.

Safari Review

Shelia, Andorra
16 Sep 2016
Discover Africa organized a perfect Botswana safari for us.

Botswana Adventure Review

Friedrich, Germany
22 Jun 2015
Masai Mara goodness. Thank you Discover Africa for your amazing planning!

Great Migration Holiday Review

Jates and Hil Oettle, South Africa
01 Aug 2013

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Lana Goodwin, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan