Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari from Arusha with Big Five Game Drive

12 Hours Round trip from Arusha mall Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Scenic morning drive from Arusha with views across the Great Rift Valley
02 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a wildlife-rich game drive
03 Look for the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard
04 See hippos at water pools and flamingos around Lake Magadi
05 Picnic lunch in the crater surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and wildlife

Set out on an unforgettable full-day safari from Arusha to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, travelling through spectacular Great Rift Valley scenery before descending into one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries. With a half-day game drive on the crater floor, you’ll have excellent chances to encounter the Big Five and a remarkable concentration of animals in a dramatic volcanic caldera setting.

Pause for a picnic lunch inside the crater, then continue exploring its varied habitats—open grasslands, swamps, and forested areas—looking out for hippos, flamingos at Lake Magadi, and plenty of plains game before returning to Arusha in the evening.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English, Greek

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Ngorongoro Day Safari Plan

Early Morning: Departure from Arusha

5:00-6:00 AM: Drive from Arusha to Ngorongoro (approx. 3-4 hours).
Enjoy scenic views along the Great Rift Valley en route.

Mid-Morning: Crater Descent and Game Drive

Enter the crater for a half-day game drive.
Spot the "Big Five" - lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.
Observe hippos at water pools and flamingos at Lake Magadi.

Lunch: Picnic in the Crater

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site inside the crater.
Be surrounded by wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Afternoon: Continued Exploration

Explore diverse habitats, including grasslands, swamps, and forests.
Capture photos of zebras, wildebeests, and hyenas.

Late Afternoon: Return to Arusha

Ascend from the crater and begin the drive back.
Arrive in Arusha by evening (approx. 6-7 PM).

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha mall 2 cities · 12 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport: Round-trip from Arusha or Moshi in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
Professional guide: English-speaking safari guide with wildlife and cultural expertise.
Park and crater fees: Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry fees and crater service fees.
Game drives: Unlimited game drives inside the crater.
Meals: Picnic lunch box provided at a scenic spot inside the crater.
Drinking water: Bottled water throughout the safari.
Government taxes: All applicable levies and VAT.

What's Not Included

Flights: International or domestic flights to Arusha/Moshi.
Accommodation: Hotels before or after the safari.
Travel insurance: Medical or trip cancellation coverage.
Tips/gratuities: For guides and drivers (optional but customary).
Alcoholic and soft drinks: Beyond bottled water.
Personal expenses: Souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, etc.
Optional add-ons: Cultural visits (e.g. Maasai village), luxury lunch upgrades, or extra stops.

What to bring

Passport and park permits - required for entry.
Comfortable clothing - neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive) to blend in with the environment.
Warm jacket - mornings and the crater rim can be chilly.
Hat and sunglasses - strong sun at midday.
Sunscreen and lip balm - high-altitude sun can be intense.
Reusable water bottle - though bottled water is usually provided.
Packed lunch/picnic box - often included in tours, but confirm with the operator.

Know before you go

Before going on a Ngorongoro Crater day trip, you should know that it requires an early start, proper preparation for variable weather, and awareness of park rules. The crater offers intense wildlife viewing in a short time, but costs, timing, and packing essentials can make or break the experience.

Logistics