Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania with Arusha Culture

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Big Five
  • 02 Explore diverse crater habitats from open grasslands to soda lakes rich with birdlife
  • 03 Discover Arusha's cultural highlights, including Maasai Market and the Cultural Heritage Centre
  • 04 Visit Meserani Snake Park and learn about Tanzania's fascinating reptile species

Explore the wonders of Ngorongoro Crater on this 3-day Tanzania safari adventure. Descend into the world-famous crater for exceptional wildlife viewing, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino. Along the way, discover Arusha's cultural highlights, enjoy scenic landscapes and diverse habitats, and stop at Meserani Snake Park before departure. Experience breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and authentic local encounters throughout this unforgettable journey.

Spend the day exploring this breathtaking haven, home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Karatu

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where you are warmly greeted by an Acatree Tours and Safaris representative.
  • Receive a short briefing before settling comfortably into your safari vehicle for a scenic transfer to Arusha, the vibrant safari capital of Tanzania.
  • Spend the afternoon on a guided Arusha town tour, exploring lively markets, cultural landmarks, and unique local art.
  • Visit Maasai Market, the Cultural Heritage Centre, and Arusha Coffee Lodge, where you can savour a fresh cup of Tanzanian coffee.
  • Depart Arusha and drive to Karatu, a picturesque town surrounded by lush highlands near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Check in at Bougainvillea Lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening in preparation for your safari adventure.

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Lodge - Karatu
Meals: Dinner

2
Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Safari Adventure

  • After an early breakfast, depart from your lodge and drive toward the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Africa's most stunning natural wonders.
  • Descend over 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
  • Spend the day exploring this breathtaking haven, home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino.
  • Discover diverse habitats ranging from open grasslands to acacia forests and soda lakes, offering exceptional opportunities for photography and game viewing.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the crater while observing animals gathering around waterholes.
  • Ascend from the crater in the late afternoon and return to Karatu for a relaxing evening at your lodge.

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Lodge - Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

3
Day 03

Meserani Snake Park and Departure

  • Begin your final day with an early breakfast at your lodge before departing for Arusha.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive with a stop at Meserani Snake Park.
  • Learn about various snake species, including venomous and non-venomous varieties, guided by knowledgeable staff.
  • Experience the opportunity to hold a live python under supervision for a memorable and educational encounter.
  • Continue with a comfortable transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your next destination, concluding your Tanzanian safari experience.

Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Ngorongoro Crater wildlife, Maasai Market, Meserani Snake Park encounters

Where this trip takes you

Ngorongoro Crater wildlife, Maasai Market, Meserani Snake Park encounters

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks
  • Private tourist vehicle 4x4 wheel Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$25.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Passport
  • Visa (if required)
  • Travel insurance
  • Flight tickets
  • Some USD cash (small notes for tips & small purchases)

Know before you go

  • Passport
  • Visa (if required)
  • Travel insurance
  • Flight tickets
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Light jacket or fleece
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal medications
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Extra memory cards / power bank
  • Travel adapter
  • Some USD cash (small notes for tips & small purchases)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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Starting from

USD 735.60 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $735.60 — $2,061.00
Double Sharing $735.60 — $1,374.00

When

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