Empakaai Crater, one of the iconic volcanic craters within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and a scenic lake that covers over 75% of its floor.
A major attraction is the striking presence of flamingos along the lake’s shores, whose numbers can turn the water a vibrant pink, creating a spectacle that delights every visitor.
The crater sits in the highlands of Ngorongoro, encircled by forested cliffs rising about 300 meters. Its slopes are covered in lush greenery, hosting diverse wildlife and a variety of bird species.
Spanning roughly eight kilometers, nearly half of Empakaai’s floor is dominated by a deep lake that serves as a natural habitat for flamingos and other waterbirds.
Visitors to Empakaai can enjoy breathtaking views of Oldoinyo Lengai, the Rift Valley escarpments, and Lake Natron from the crater rim.
Nature enthusiasts can hike along the rim or descend to the crater floor to experience its dense forests and the serene lake up close.
Rising to approximately 3,200 meters above sea level on its western rim and 2,590 meters on the eastern side, Empakaai is often cloaked in mist, giving the lake a shifting palette of green or deep blue depending on light and depth.
Hiking tours around the crater are popular, with a typical round trip taking about two and a half hours, depending on fitness levels.
These trails offer intimate encounters with the lake, forest, and the wildlife that call Empakaai home.
The crater is accessible year-round but is especially attractive from June to December during the dry season, when the scenery and wildlife are at their most spectacular. Empakaai Crater remains a must-visit destination for tourists seeking both adventure and natural beauty in Tanzania.