October 3-11, 2027 Group Departure

Pairs with our Tanzania Safari and Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

• • International airfare

  • Tanzania entry visa

  • Travel and medical evacuation insurance (required)

  • Personal hiking equipment and clothing

  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty beverages, and snacks outside included meals

  • Laundry, telephone, internet, and other personal expenses

  • Tips and gratuities for guides, camp staff, and local support crew

  • Airport taxes (if applicable)

  • Excess baggage fees

  • Required or recommended immunizations

While Kilimanjaro is a summit challenge, the Great Rift Valley Trek is an immersive expedition through some of Tanzania's most remote and culturally significant landscapes. You'll hike with Maasai guides, explore volcanic craters and dramatic gorges, visit Lake Natron and Olduvai Gorge, and walk through the birthplace of humanity while experiencing authentic Maasai culture and traditions.

For active types Tanzania has a lot to offer and this is one of the most dramatic hikes in East Africa. As well as the amazing scenery there is also the chance to witness the changing lives of the Maasai in both Ngorongoro and Natron. This is a trek back through millennia of evolution from the relatively recent hominid footprints right by our Lake Natron Camp, all the way to Olduvai, commonly known as “one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world”, and home to evidence of our earliest ancestors. Each camp location and design is being targeted at guests that are looking for an off the beaten track experience, entirely respectful of the environment, and yet just enough comfort to ensure a superlative well balanced adventure. If you think this is for you read further!

The trek is moderately challenging and suitable for active travelers with a good level of fitness. Daily hikes typically range from 3–8 hours over varied terrain including highlands, escarpments, savannah, rocky trails, and gorges. Unlike Kilimanjaro, there is less concern about high altitude, allowing you to focus on the incredible scenery and cultural experiences.

The Great Rift Valley Expedition can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, with each season offering a different experience. The dry seasons (June–October and January–March) generally provide the best hiking conditions and clear views. Depending on timing, you may also have the opportunity to witness the Great Migration on the nearby Salei Plains or see large flocks of flamingos gathering along the shores of Lake Natron.

Daily hikes typically range from 5–12 miles (8–20 km) and take approximately 3–8 hours, depending on the day's terrain and route. The itinerary is designed to balance rewarding trekking with time to enjoy cultural experiences, wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and camp life.

Previous multi-day trekking experience isn't required, but you should be comfortable hiking several consecutive days over varied terrain. A good level of fitness, sturdy hiking boots, and a spirit of adventure will help you get the most out of the expedition.

Absolutely. Many travelers choose to combine the Great Rift Valley Expedition with one of our Mount Kilimanjaro climbs for the ultimate Tanzania adventure. The two experiences complement each other beautifully—Kilimanjaro offers the challenge of reaching Africa's highest summit, while the Great Rift Valley provides a deeper cultural and geological journey through the landscapes where humanity began. We can also customize your itinerary with a Serengeti safari, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, or a beach extension in Zanzibar.

Lake Natron is one of East Africa's most extraordinary landscapes. Its mineral-rich alkaline waters create vivid red and pink hues at certain times of year and provide one of the world's most important breeding grounds for lesser flamingos. Surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery and the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, the lake is unlike anywhere else in Tanzania.

This expedition is best suited for active adults and older teens who enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors. Because of the length of the hikes and remote camping locations, we generally recommend the trip for travelers with a good level of fitness and an adventurous spirit.

You'll need comfortable hiking clothing, broken-in hiking boots, a daypack, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and layers for changing temperatures between the cool highlands and warmer Rift Valley. A detailed packing list is provided after booking to help you prepare.

Our Great Rift Valley Expedition is designed to support local communities while minimizing environmental impact. We work with experienced local guides and Maasai communities, stay in low-impact camps, and partner with organizations committed to conservation and responsible tourism throughout northern Tanzania.

Depending on the season, you may encounter flamingos at Lake Natron, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, gazelle, baboons, numerous bird species, and other wildlife. If timed with the Great Migration, the nearby Salei Plains can also offer spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

Olduvai Gorge is one of the world's most important paleoanthropological sites, where some of the earliest evidence of human ancestors was discovered. Combined with nearby ancient hominid footprints near Lake Natron, the region tells the story of human evolution spanning millions of years, making this expedition unlike any other trek in Africa.

Yes. One of the highlights of this expedition is walking alongside experienced Maasai guides while learning about their traditions, culture, pastoral lifestyle, and deep connection to the landscapes of northern Tanzania. These authentic cultural exchanges are conducted respectfully and directly benefit local communities.

The expedition combines comfortable lodge accommodations with fully serviced wilderness camps located in some of Tanzania's most spectacular remote settings. Each camp is designed to offer comfort while maintaining a light environmental footprint and providing an authentic safari-style camping experience.

Yes. This expedition pairs perfectly with a Serengeti migration safari, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, or a relaxing beach extension in Zanzibar. We can customize your itinerary to create the ultimate Tanzanian adventure.

This trek is ideal for adventurous travelers looking for something beyond the traditional safari experience. If you're interested in geology, anthropology, wildlife, Maasai culture, remote landscapes, and meaningful travel experiences, the Great Rift Valley Trek offers one of East Africa's most unique and rewarding adventures.