The Eastern Highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are as a result of volcanicity. They rise in the eastern side of the Ngorongoro crater. They are boosted by the tremendous wild life that inhabits here due to the fertile soils that support the green lush vegetation. The highlands are also on the southern border of the Ngorongoro cater in the Great Rift Valley area. These include the following:
Olmoti Crater
This crater is located in the northern sector of the Ngorongoro conservation area. It’s also south of the Empakaai Crater of the Ngorongoro. This cater is the main source of water for the Munge river. The Olmoti carter is a shallow later with a lot of vegetation cover.
The olmoti Craters are not very famous in the Ngorongoro but they are worth a visit. You can visit the Empakaai crater as well since it’s also within the same vicinity. The crater stands at 3080 meters above sea level at the highest point. The crater has a diameter of about 6.5 Kilometers.
Mountains Lolmalasin and Losirua
Mountain Lolmalasin is the tallest mountain the Ngorongoro conservation area. It’s also third tallest mountain in Tanzania behind Mountain Meru and Kilimanjaro. It stands at an altitude of about 3,700 meters above sea level. The Mountain Losirua is attached to the Lolmalasin Mountain and it stands at an altitude of about 3,260 meters above sea level.
These two mountains are found on the eastern border of the Ngorongoro conservation area. They are in the vicsinity of the Olmoti Crater on the way to Empakaai Crater. You can hike these mountains in just one day.
The Empakaai Crater
The crater is not as popular as the Ngorongoro crater but trust me it’s beautiful and worth the visit.. The crater has a diameter of about 8 kilometers. The waters in the lake occupy the entire floor of the crater. This lake is about 300 meters deep with very steep sides.
The lake is at an elevation of about 3,200 meters above sea level on the western side and about 2,590 meters above sea level on the eastern side. The lake appears to have a blue color. While at this lake, you can have beautiful views of the Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. You will also have a glimpse of the Lake Natron.
There is a campsite on the rims of this lake and you can organize with your tour operator and book in advance to have this facility booked for you. But you can also have a picnic lunch here.
Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain
Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai is most times misspelled due to its complex name. This mountain stands at about 2,890 meters above sea level. It’s located north west of the Arusha City about 240 kilometers. It’s located on the rift valley and overlooking the stunning Lake Natron. The Masai people consider the Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai as a sacred place and call it the “Mountain of God”. Reaching the summit of the Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai wil take you about 6 hours an will give you great views of the rift valley and the Ngorongoro conservation area with its highland and the crater. The hiking is usually done I the day and it is so controlled give the fact that this mountain is still and active volcano.
Visit Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania with these recommended Tanzania tour operators or contact us below to book your safari directly through this website.
