Walk in the tracks of the earliest humans

Guided by local Maasai, this journey from the Greogory Rift into the Serengeti hinterland is fascinating for its anthropological history. It begins at Lake Natron, the site of the preserved footprints of early humans (tens of thousands of years old), and ends at Olduvai Gorge, renowned as the discovery site of some of the earliest hominid ancestors (millions of years old). Along the way, there's the chance to spot wildlife, especially as the Serengeti fringelands are reached in the final days. 

There's an option to add a couple of days at the start to take in the classic Crater Highlands walk from Empakai Crater to Lake Natron, skirting the dramatic and volcanically active Mount Lengai. For the fit, this can be scaled by night while staying at Lake Natron.

The hike takes in the Sanjan Gorge and Gol mountains, with guests walking slackpacking style as the camp is relocated by vehicle. The walking ends at Nasera Rock, an inselberg some 40km north of Ngorongoro crater. As well as being an important archaeological location, from December to May its short grass plains are a key calving area for wildebeest and zebra, and if rains have been good the grasslands attract prolific numbers of game, including eland, giraffe, gazelle, hyena and – if lucky – lion.

From Nasera, the itinerary ends with vehicle transfer to Olduvai, the 'Cradle of Mankind', with the option of a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater before transfer to Arusha.

This experience is suitable for children from 12 years, and can be booked for anything from 2 to 18 guests.

Day 1 – Lake Natron Camp

Pick up at 08:00 and transfer to Lake Natron Camp. In the afternoon walk to the nearby Ngare Sero gorge. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).

By night there's the option to scale the 2,962m sacred peak of Oldonyo Lengai. This is a tough and steep climb on loose sand, which is undertaken at night to avail of the cooler temperatures and to appreciate dawn from the summit.

Day 2 – Lake Natron Camp

For those who do the Oldonyo Lengai ascent, the morning is spent recovering and catching up on sleep. The camp features a natural pool with fish that love to give free pedicures. In the afternoon, walk at the edge of Lake Natron to see the spectacular lesser flamingo flocks, which are usually present. Maasai roast goat meal & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).

Day 3 - Sanjan Gorge

After breakfast, depart to the bottom of the rift valley and start the trek to Sanjan. The hike up the rift valley, following the migration routes of the Maasai and their cattle as they move to find pasture, takes a couple of hours. Once on top of the rift valley trek to meet the vehicle and transfer for about an hour across the vast Salei plains to Sangan Gorge. Picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed.  You will be met by your camp crew and then walk deeper into Sanjan Gorge or just relax by the camp fire. Dinner & overnight Sanjan Camp (full board).

Day 4 –Piyaya 

The camp is set at the base of the Gol mountains and faces east, which affords a stunning sunrise. Bush coffee is served right from the fire and after a filling breakfast you set of with the Maasai guides along the sides of the Sanjan gorge. The walk is longer today, around 4-5 hours, and is rocky underfoot in places and so good shoes are a must. There are some good spots to take a brak to look back for fine views. Once through the gorge meander to camp to relax. For those that arrive early there are options to visit local attractions. Dinner and overnight Piyaya Camp (full board).

Day 5 – Nasera Rock

In the morning, take a short walk to investigate fossils in the riverbed at Piyaya before driving to Nasera Rock gate and onwards to Olduvai Gorge to view the museum. Spend the afternoon on a game drive, with a picnic lunch, before the return to Arusha by evening.

• Mixed adventure guide
• Village fees
• Village camping fees
• Trained Safari guides with 'safari library'
• Specially designed safari 4x4 with cool box and soft drinks and water
• All relevant Park fees & rescue fees
• Emergency medical evacuation
• all accommodation as described in the itinerary
• Transfers as described in the itinerary
• Trained WFR certified guides
• 4 x 4 safari vehicles w/ water & drinks and professional driver guides

• Alcholic drinks
• Changes to the itinerary
• Fees are charged as per schedule
• Lengai is additional, payable at village