1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari with Big Five Game Drive

1 Day Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 02 Look for the Big Five in a single-day safari
  • 03 Game drive in one of the world's most wildlife-dense crater ecosystems
  • 04 Spot lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, rhinos, and more
  • 05 Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater during your safari

This Ngorongoro Crater day trip is designed for travellers with limited time in Tanzania who still want an excellent chance to see a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five, in a single day. Set within one of the Northern Circuit's most remarkable destinations, the world-famous crater offers an extraordinary safari experience in a compact, wildlife-rich ecosystem. It is one of Tanzania's must-visit natural wonders and a place many travellers consider a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive from Arusha

After an early breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or lodge in Arusha. You will then drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving in the late morning.

Descend into the crater for a wonderful game drive with a picnic lunch inside the Ngorongoro Crater, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As very few animals migrate in and out of the crater because of its 2,000 ft. high walls, the Ngorongoro Crater has the highest density of wild animals in the world.

Among the species found here are lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, antelopes, many birds, and other wildlife. You can expect to see the Big Five in one day.

After enjoying your picnic lunch, you will begin the ascent from the crater floor, then drive back to Arusha and be dropped off at your hotel.

No accommodation (end of tour).

  • Lunch (breakfast and dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (other drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • A professional driver-guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • 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

What to bring

  • Warm jacket or fleece (it is cold in the morning and on the crater rim)
  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for daytime
  • Comfortable closed shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Camera or phone with extra battery/power bank
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Small backpack for essentials
  • Personal medication

Know before you go

  • Early morning departure is important for the best wildlife viewing.
  • The crater floor is cooler in the morning and warmer later in the day.
  • Wildlife density is very high, but sightings still depend on animal movement.
  • The descent into the crater is by vehicle only with a guide.
  • Roads can be steep and sometimes rough.
  • You are required to stay in the vehicle except in designated areas.
  • Weather changes quickly between the rim (cold) and the crater floor (warmer).
  • Expect limited mobile signal in most areas.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began.

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Starting from

USD 695 /person
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