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Wednesday 14 May 2014

&Beyond launches guided walks at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge



Luxury experiential travel company &Beyond has launched three guided walking options at the elegant and romantic &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Situated on the rim of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge will now offer a choice of three unforgettable walking adventures in addition to game drives conducted on the Crater floor.
 
Guests may choose from full-day or half-day walks, all of which are led by an experienced &Beyond guide.
 
Crater View Route
This two-hour walk is the perfect ending to a day at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. This popular late-afternoon route leads along the western rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, providing excellent views of the Crater floor and its wildlife. Guests walk through a variety of habitats, including the quintessential acacia woodland, dense forest and open grassland. Meandering along a well-used Maasai trail, the local tribespeople and their cattle are frequently encountered. The route is exceptionally rewarding for birding enthusiasts, with a number of possible sightings including the Schalow's wheatear and mountain whiteye, which are endemic to the area. This walk is priced at AUD 54* (USD 50) per person and is subject to a maximum of six guests.  Please note that this walk cannot be pre-booked and is subject to availability on the day.
 
Lake Eyasi Route
This half-day panoramic walking route provides spectacular views of Lake Eyasi, as well as an authentic glimpse of traditional life. The walk leads through open grazing land and touches on a number of Maasai villages. Guests can also choose to visit the Mokilal School, a local community facility supported by &Beyond through its corporate social development partner, Africa Foundation. A beautiful viewpoint overlooking the lake is the ideal point to end the afternoon's activity with a scenic sundowner. This private tour is priced at AUD 320* (USD 300) per group, with a maximum of six participants, and includes transfers to and from the lodge.
 
Empakaai Crater Route
This full-day hiking adventure explores the dramatic landscapes of the Empakaai Crater, a scenic volcanic landmark situated within two hours' drive of Ngorongoro. With half of the Crater floor covered by a lake and the entire caldera encircled by a steep, densely forested wall, Empakaai is a scene of vast natural beauty. In addition, on clear days the Crater also offers breathtaking views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania's most recently active volcano. While the steep slope into and out of the Crater calls for a degree of fitness, the walk through the lush forest, with its ancient strangler figs and rich birdlife, is well worth the effort. The trail continues along the Crater floor and to the lakeshore, where it is possible to view numerous water birds, including flamingo. A delicious picnic lunch is enjoyed in this spectacular setting and it is possible to extend the adventure to hike around the entire lakeshore. This tour is priced at AUD 588* (USD 550) per group, subject to a maximum of six participants, and includes a private transfer to and from the Crater.
 
These guided walks are an exciting addition to the adventures available at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, which is known for its picturesque setting and fantastical Maasai meets Versailles architecture. Guests at the lodge can explore the rich wildlife haven on the Crater floor, which is home to more than 25 000 large mammals, including all of the Big Five. Authentic Maasai warriors in full tribal dress entertain with their acrobatic dances, while traditional drumming sessions can also be arranged. Private sundowners on the Crater rim or banquets on the Crater floor make the most of the magnificent scenery. Day trips venture out to the archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge, where the earliest remains of homo sapiens were discovered by Mary Leaky, or to the crescent-shaped volcanic ash dunes know as Shifting Sands, which slowly creep across the desert floor in response to prevailing winds. The lodge's award-winning sommelier offers wine tasting sessions for those who prefer to enjoy the sumptuous lodge surroundings.
 
For more information about &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or to enquire about walking opportunities at any of the other &Beyond lodges, contact your preferred travel specialist or visit www.andBeyond.com.

* Prices subject to exchange rate fluctuations 

ABOUT &BEYOND
&Beyond is one of the world's leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 15 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The company also owns and operates 33 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India's natural highspots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.

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