Duration
Full Day Trip
Location
Kigoma, Tanzania
Hidden Gems
Discover Offbeat places
Adventure Trip
Go off-road, hike, explore wild natural beauty
Overview
Explore one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders in a single unforgettable day. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera and a natural wildlife haven, home to nearly every species found in East Africa — including lions, elephants, rhinos, and flamingos. This day tour offers a deep dive into nature’s most spectacular arena, where the game is abundant and the scenery is unmatched.
Trip Highlights
- Descend into the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera
- Spot zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and many more
- See the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard) in a single day
- Visit Lake Magadi inside the crater – famous for flamingos
- Jaw-dropping panoramic views from the crater rim
- Great wildlife photography opportunities
- Comfortable round-trip from Arusha in a 4x4 safari vehicle
Itinerary
05:30 AM – Depart from Arusha / Karatu
Early morning pick-up from your hotel
Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (3–4 hours from Arusha, 45 mins from Karatu)
09:00 AM – Crater Rim Arrival
Enjoy a brief stop at the crater rim for breathtaking views and photos
Begin descent into the crater (over 600m deep)
09:30 AM – Game Drive on Crater Floor
Explore the diverse ecosystems of the crater: grasslands, wetlands, forests, and lakes
Spot lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, rhinos, buffaloes, jackals, hyenas, flamingos, and more
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch
Enjoy lunch at one of the designated picnic sites (often near hippo pools)
01:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Continue wildlife viewing and photography in different crater regions
Optional visit to the Lerai Forest or Ngoitokitok Springs
03:00 PM – Start Return Journey
Ascend the crater wall and begin drive back to Arusha or Karatu
06:30 PM – Drop-off at Your Hotel
Inclusions
✔️ 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
✔️ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
✔️ Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry fee
✔️ Crater descent fee
✔️ Picnic lunch and bottled water
✔️ Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Arusha/Karatu)
✔️ Government VAT and conservation levies
Exclusions
❌ Accommodation in Arusha/Karatu (can be arranged upon request)
❌ International or domestic flights
❌ Alcoholic drinks and extra snacks
❌ Tips and gratuities
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Optional Maasai village visit (extra fee)
Explore other options
Plan and book your trip with Wilderness Moments
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