Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip

Safari summary

A Ngorongoro Crater day trip from Arusha is one of Tanzania’s top-rated short safaris. It’s the perfect adventure for travelers with limited time who still want to experience world-class wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its 600-meter-deep walls lies a unique ecosystem that supports over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, and even the endangered black rhino.
This full-day trip gives you the chance to witness the famous Big Five and many more species, all in a single day. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this tour delivers an unforgettable safari experience.

What to Expect on a Ngorongoro Day Safari
1. Early Morning Hotel Pickup from Arusha
Your day starts with a morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha. Sit back and enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Great Rift Valley and the lush highlands on the way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

2. Spectacular Game Drive Inside the Crater
After registration at the gate, descend into the crater floor and begin your wildlife adventure. This natural wonder is home to lions, wildebeests, zebras, flamingos, elephants, warthogs, jackals, and more. You may even get lucky and spot a black rhino.

3. Picnic Lunch at the Hippo Pool
Around midday, stop for a delicious picnic lunch at one of the crater’s scenic picnic sites, often by a hippo pool, where you can enjoy your meal while watching wildlife around you.

4. Afternoon Safari and Return Journey
Continue exploring the crater in the afternoon hours when wildlife activity is still high. After the game drive, you'll ascend the crater wall and begin your return drive to Arusha, arriving in the early evening.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Ngorongoro Crater
	Accesibility	This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Bird watching—with professional guide
• Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Accommodation
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas