About This Tour
Tour Locations
Start: Arusha
End: Arusha
Tour Type
Private
Maximum group size: 6 travelers
Age Requirements
Minimum age: 5 years
Difficulty Level
Easy
Duration
1 Days
0 Nights
Important Notes
Very early departure (5:30 AM) from Arusha. Return around 7:00 PM.
Terms & Conditions
Booking requires full payment. Maximum 6 hours allowed in crater per day.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure (minus 5% processing fee).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A detailed breakdown of your 1-day adventure
Early Morning Departure to Ngorongoro
Your adventure begins with a very early morning pickup at 5:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha. After meeting your professional guide, you'll embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey takes you through the beautiful highlands, past coffee plantations, and local Maasai villages. You'll stop briefly for breakfast and to stretch your legs before continuing to the crater rim.
Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Crater Rim Viewpoint & Descent
Upon reaching the Ngorongoro Crater rim, you'll stop at a viewpoint to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the crater floor below. This is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa - a 260 square kilometer caldera teeming with wildlife. After taking photos and absorbing the view, you'll begin the descent into the crater. The drive down is an adventure in itself, with stunning scenery at every turn.
Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Morning Game Drive - Big Five Safari
Once on the crater floor, your game drive begins in earnest. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, and you have excellent chances of seeing the Big Five. Look for lions (the crater has one of Africa's densest lion populations), elephants, buffalo, and if you're lucky, the rare black rhino. The enclosed nature of the crater means animals rarely leave, creating almost guaranteed wildlife viewing.
Ngorongoro Crater Floor
Picnic Lunch at Hippo Pool
Around midday, your guide will take you to the hippo pool for a picnic lunch. This is a unique experience - you'll enjoy your meal while observing hippos in their natural habitat. The pool is also frequented by various bird species. After lunch, you can take a short walk (with your guide) to stretch your legs and get closer views of the hippos.
Hippo Pool, Ngorongoro Crater
Afternoon Game Drive - Lerai Forest & Lake Magadi
The afternoon game drive takes you to different areas of the crater, including the Lerai Forest (home to elephants and various bird species) and Lake Magadi, a soda lake that attracts flamingos and other water birds. Your guide will continue searching for wildlife, and you may see hyenas, jackals, wildebeest, zebras, and various antelope species. The diverse landscapes within the crater offer different wildlife viewing opportunities.
Ngorongoro Crater - Various Locations
Crater Ascent & Return to Arusha
As your time in the crater comes to an end (maximum 6 hours allowed), you'll begin the ascent back to the crater rim. The drive up offers different perspectives of this incredible landscape. Once at the rim, you'll begin the journey back to Arusha, arriving around 7:00 PM. You'll be dropped off at your hotel, filled with memories of one of the world's most unique wildlife experiences.
Ngorongoro to Arusha
What to Expect
Daily Schedule
Early morning game drives (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM), afternoon activities, and evening relaxation. Times may vary based on wildlife activity and weather conditions.
Meals
Enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to authentic tented camps, depending on your tour package.
Transportation
Travel in comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
What's Included & Excluded
Everything you need to know about what's covered in your tour package
What's Included
- Crater entry fees
- Professional guide
- 4x4 vehicle
- Picnic lunch
- All transportation
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Alcoholic beverages
Additional Information
Tour Highlights
Discover the amazing experiences that await you on this incredible journey
Descend into world's largest caldera
Experience this incredible highlight during your 1-day adventure.
Witness Africa's Natural Wonder
Experience this incredible highlight during your 1-day adventure.
Excellent Big Five viewing
Experience this incredible highlight during your 1-day adventure.
Why Choose This Tour?
Expert Guides
Our professional guides have years of experience and deep knowledge of the area.
Safety First
Your safety is our top priority with comprehensive safety measures in place.
Sustainable Tourism
We support local communities and conservation efforts.
Premium Experience
Carefully selected accommodations and experiences for maximum enjoyment.
Photo Gallery
Get a glimpse of what awaits you on this incredible journey
Traveler Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions
The tour price includes accommodation, meals as specified, professional guide, park entry fees, airport transfers, and all activities mentioned in the itinerary. Please check the "What's Included" tab for complete details.
We recommend packing comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure (minus 5% processing fee).
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. This ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.
The maximum group size is 6 travelers. This ensures personalized attention from our guides and a more intimate experience. Private tours can also be arranged upon request.
Yes! We offer customizable itineraries to suit your preferences, interests, and schedule. Contact us to discuss your requirements, and we'll create a personalized tour just for you.
