Olmoti crater (munge) waterfall

Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania

Altitude: 2800 m.a.m.s.l.

One of the most picturesque waterfalls inside the ngorongoro conservation area and one of few that can be seen from miles away. Unfortunately, the only way to view it up close is from above as it stands at the edge of Olmoti crater floor.

To access it one has to climb onto the crater rim, then down to the floor and walk to the point where the gorge begins, where the water drops more than 30 m through a series of stages. It takes about an hour to hike up and about 30 minutes for the descent.

At the moment this is the only route to access it, but if you could find a spot to view it from afar such as lrkeepus village, the falls look like something straight out of paradise.

What to do there?Hike up the crater rim, explore the marsh near the falls, try to get a glimpse of the falls from as close to the edge as your willing to go. There are a few cattle that normally graze in the area nearby along with one or two unique flowers and plants that grow here.

Best time to visit?Any time of the year with more emphasis towards the end when it is both dry, and the wildebeest migration is in or near Ngorongoro.

Location of Olmoti crater (munge) waterfallThe falls are located on the eastern rim of Olmoti crater - visible from a few points, while on the road from Ngorongoro crater of northern Tanzania. It also lies in the beginning stages of the Munge river that flows all the way to lake magadi of Ngorongoro crater.

For more information on its location please see the map below.

How to get there?By vehicle or hiking.
The last bit from Nainokanoka village has to be done by hiking, but there are some hiking routes from as far as mount Oldeani and Empakai crater. Otherwise a drive from Loduare gate would take about 45 minutes.

You could also get there from any point within the conservation area, but on top of the ordinary permit you would need to pay for a walking safari fee as well as have a ranger accompany you.