What time does the trip to Ngorongoro Crater start and end?

The trip starts early in the morning with a pickup from your Arusha accommodation. It then ends in the early evening when you return.

How long does it take to reach the Ngorongoro Crater from Arusha?

The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way. Along the way, you pass the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the highlands.

What kind of vehicle is used for the game drive?

You travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof. As a result, you get excellent wildlife viewing and photography.

Is lunch provided during the trip?

Yes, a packed picnic lunch is included. You usually enjoy it near a hippo pool inside the crater.

What wildlife might I see in the Ngorongoro Crater?

You may spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard). In addition, look out for zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, flamingos and much more.

NGORONGORO CRATER DAY TRIP FROM ARUSHA

NGORONGORO CRATER DAY TRIP FROM ARUSHA

This NGORONGORO CRATER day trip is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You travel with an experienced local guide, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this NGORONGORO CRATER day trip with us

First, every NGORONGORO CRATER day trip we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Serengeti National Park tours.

Your journey to one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations begins early in the morning. First, your Serengeti Wildlife Safaris guide picks you up from your Arusha accommodation. Then you head west on a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and the green highlands. Your destination is the world-renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Game Drive on the Crater Floor

On arrival, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Many people call it the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. This natural amphitheater is home to over 25,000 large animals, so wildlife is plentiful all year round.

Next, you cruise across the crater floor in your 4x4 safari vehicle. Keep an eye out for the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. You may also see hyenas, zebras, hippos and wildebeests. In addition, countless bird species live here, including flamingos along Lake Magadi.

Picnic Lunch and Return to Arusha

By midday, you stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the crater, often near a hippo pool. Meanwhile, you can soak in the breathtaking surroundings. After lunch, the afternoon game drive brings more wildlife encounters and great photo opportunities.

In the late afternoon, you climb back up the crater walls and start the journey to Arusha. Finally, you arrive in the early evening with stories and photos from one of the most biodiverse safari spots on earth.