Empakaai Crater at a glance
Empakaai is a volcanic crater about 6 km across, with a drop of roughly 300 m from the rim to the lake. The lake is alkaline and attracts flamingos. Official pages spell the name both Empakai and Empakaai. This guide uses Empakaai.
It is not the Ngorongoro Crater, and it is not Lake Magadi. There are no game drives on a crater floor here. The visit is on foot, in the highlands, and it needs more preparation than a day in the main crater.
What to know before you plan a hike
The rules matter more than the route.
| Topic | What applies |
|---|---|
| Ranger | The conservation authority requires an armed ranger for all walking activities in the protected area, with booking or arrangement in advance. That includes a hike at Empakaai. A local guide alone does not meet this rule. |
| Walking in the main crater | Walking safaris are not allowed in the Ngorongoro Crater itself. Walks belong on suitable highland and rim routes. |
| Fee orientation (2026) | One operator lists $23.60 per adult for short guided highland and rim walks of 1 to 4 hours. That is not a total price for Empakaai with ranger, transfer and entry to the Conservation Area. |
| Swimming | Do not plan on swimming. Health authorities advise against bathing in inland waters. |
| Walk time, minimum age, group size | Ask your operator. Check the current timetable and conditions before you go. |
Entry to the Conservation Area is charged separately. As of October 2026, the published base entry for a non-East African adult is $60 and for a child aged 5 to 15 it is $20. An operator lists $70.80 and $23.60 with VAT. More on this in the fees guide.
Our picks: Empakaai tours
Multi-day trips that include a hike to the Empakaai crater lake.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
8-day safari and volcano trekking adventure
Guided safaris in the Serengeti, Manyara and Ngorongoro, a Maasai village visit, a hike to Empakaai crater and the Oldonyo Lengai ascent. Meals outside the safari, alcohol, tips and insurance are extra.
Check availability →
4-day Empakaai, Oldonyo Lengai and Lake Natron tour
Entries and hikes as per the itinerary, a driver-guide, full board with accommodation and a free airport transfer. Alcohol, soft drinks and tips are extra.
Check availability →Tours with highland walks and Empakaai
Multi-day safaris and walking options in the Ngorongoro area, with live prices and availability.
Planning the day
Practical points for a highland walk.
Book the ranger early
The ranger is part of the rule, not an optional extra. Ask your operator to arrange it ahead of the walk, and do not count on sorting it out at the gate. Permits for the area are handled through an online portal, and payments are made before the safari date.
Dress for the rim
The crater rim can be much cooler than the crater floor. At about 2,300 m on the Ngorongoro rim, mornings can feel cold. Bring warm layers for an early start, and people with heart or breathing conditions should get medical advice about altitude before the trip.
Seasons and weather →Keep distance from wildlife
A walk is not a game drive. Follow the ranger's instructions at all times, including where to stop and how far to keep from animals.
Fit it into a longer trip
Empakaai is rarely a stand-alone day. It works as one stop in a multi-day Ngorongoro itinerary alongside the main crater and other highland destinations. Check what the route adds in driving time with your operator.
Safari options →How Empakaai differs from the main crater
The two craters are easy to mix up on a map, and they offer very different days. Use this to decide which one you want, or whether you want both.
- Ngorongoro Crater: about 260 km² and roughly 20 km across, visited in a four-wheel-drive vehicle on a game drive. Walking is not allowed on the crater floor.
- Empakaai Crater: about 6 km across, visited on foot with a ranger. The lake is alkaline and known for flamingos.
- Lake Magadi: the shallow lake on the floor of the main crater. It is a different lake from the one at Empakaai.
Because the two are different activities, they need different permits and different arrangements. A crater safari booking does not include an Empakaai hike unless your operator adds it. If you want a walk, say so when you ask for a quote, so that the ranger and the timing can be built in from the start.
Also keep in mind that a hike changes the pace of your trip. Plan some rest around it, especially if you arrive from a long drive from Arusha.
More from the area
Other places to combine with Empakaai.
Empakaai Crater: frequently asked questions
Do I need a ranger to hike Empakaai?
Yes. The conservation authority requires an armed ranger for all walking activities in the protected area, with prior booking or arrangement. A local guide alone does not meet that rule.
How much does an Empakaai hike cost?
There is no fixed Empakaai price. One operator lists $23.60 per adult for short guided walks of 1 to 4 hours, as of October 2026, but ranger, transfer and entry fees come on top. Ask for a full quote.
Can I swim in the lake?
Do not plan on it. Health authorities advise against swimming in inland waters in Tanzania.
Is Empakaai the same as the Ngorongoro Crater?
No. It is a separate, smaller crater of about 6 km across. The Ngorongoro Crater has game drives on its floor, while Empakaai is visited on foot.
Will I see flamingos?
The lake is known for flamingos, but numbers depend on the season and the water. No fixed count or sighting can be promised.