A new location for me and very close to Ngorongoro Caldera, Empakai is located inside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
It is a spectacular drive across fields of waving grass, with Golden Jackals hunting 'blind' gophers while Kestrels and larger birds of prey soar the heights above. Tall hills are in the distance and red-clothed Maasai stand tall while the cattle, goats and sheep graze freely.
We stopped to admire the views of 'Ol Donyo Lengai' an active volcano in the not so distant horizon. It spewed forth most recently in 2008, with ash heading out over the Serengeti plains.
As we approached, the tantalizing views of Empakai opened up as we whizzed by the lush greenery. Stopping for a short walk to stretch our legs, Donatus told us of the animals resident here including thousands of flamingoes covering the lake in soft pink during the dry season.
Visits to Empakai may be added as a half day or even a two day trip, with hikes down to the lakeside.