Tanzania · Safari

Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari with Big Five and Hippo Pool Lunch

9 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

Explore the diverse wildlife at Ngorongoro Crater

Witness majestic sunset views at Ngorongoro Crater

Explore the vibrant flora and fauna at Ngorongoro Crater

Marvel at the lush greenery and scenic views of Ngorongoro Crater

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world's largest calderas
02 Spot the Big Five, including the rare black rhino, on the crater floor
03 Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool while watching hippos in the water
04 See Maasai herdsmen grazing their cattle within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Experience a full-day adventure in the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world's largest and most stunning calderas. Descend into the crater for an unforgettable game drive, where you'll spot the Big Five, including the rare black rhino, across diverse landscapes of grasslands, acacia forests, and swampy areas. Savor a relaxing picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool and witness Maasai herdsmen grazing their cattle within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Experience a full-day adventure in the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world's largest and most stunning calderas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Meru, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Early Morning Pickup in Moshi or Arusha

Your guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle.
The early start helps you maximize your time in the Ngorongoro Crater and gives you a better chance to see wildlife during the cooler parts of the day, when animals are most active.

Day 02

Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Begin the journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through Tanzania's stunning countryside. You'll drive along the Great Rift Valley, with occasional views of Mount Meru and rural Maasai villages.
There will be a short stop along the way for a bathroom break and coffee, if desired, before reaching the park entrance.

Day 03

Arrival and Registration at Ngorongoro Gate

Upon arriving at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll stop briefly at the Ngorongoro Gate to register and pay the park fees.
During this time, you can take in the views of the surrounding highlands and take some photos.
After registration, you will continue the drive up to the crater rim, which stands at about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level.

Day 04

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater

Begin the exciting descent into the Ngorongoro Crater itself. The descent takes approximately 20-30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the crater floor as you wind down the steep crater walls.
As you enter the crater, you'll immediately start spotting wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and potentially lions and hyenas.

Day 05

Game Drive Across the Crater Floor

Spend the next few hours on a game drive across the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five, including elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, and the rare black rhino.
You'll drive through various ecosystems, including open grasslands, acacia forests, and swampy areas, home to a rich diversity of animals such as hippos, flamingos, and more.

Day 06

Picnic Lunch at the Hippo Pool

Stop for a picnic lunch at a designated area, usually near the Hippo Pool, where you can watch hippos wallowing in the water while you enjoy your meal.
This is a great time to relax, stretch, and enjoy the natural beauty of the crater surroundings.

Day 07

Afternoon Game Drive and Maasai Encounters

After lunch, continue your game drive on the crater floor, exploring more of the crater's diverse landscapes.
Keep your camera ready, as this time of day often brings sightings of more elusive animals such as cheetahs or leopards.
You may also see Maasai herdsmen bringing their cattle into the crater for grazing, as the Maasai people are the only human inhabitants allowed to live and graze their livestock within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day 08

Ascend the Crater and Begin the Return Journey

Begin your ascent back up the crater walls, taking in the panoramic views of the crater one last time before exiting the conservation area.
After leaving the park, you'll start the journey back to Moshi or Arusha, passing through local villages and scenic landscapes along the way.

Day 09

Return to Moshi or Arusha

Arrive back in Moshi or Arusha, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel, concluding your incredible Ngorongoro Crater day trip.
You'll return with wonderful memories of the day and, hopefully, plenty of photos of Tanzania's amazing wildlife.

Where this trip takes you

Ngorongoro Crater floor, Hippo Pool, Great Rift Valley views, Mount Meru

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Round-trip transportation from your accommodation to the crater.
Park entrance fees for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Guided safari tour.
A guided game drive in the crater with an experienced driver-guide.
Packed lunch or a picnic during the trip.
Wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to see a variety of animals such as the Big Five.

What's Not Included

Accommodation: Overnight stays are not included.
Personal expenses: souvenirs, tips, and snacks outside of meals.
Additional activities: optional activities such as guided walks or visits to nearby attractions.
Insurance: travel insurance coverage is typically not included.

What to bring

Clothing: Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary. A light jacket and sturdy walking shoes are ideal.

Plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated.
Energy-boosting snacks such as nuts, granola bars, and fruit.
A camera for capturing the stunning wildlife and landscapes.
Binoculars, which are helpful for spotting animals from a distance.
Sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun, especially at higher altitudes.
Insect repellent to ward off bugs.
A small, comfortable backpack to carry your items.

Know before you go

Timing: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) offers lush scenery but can make animal spotting more challenging.
Wildlife: The crater is home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five. Early mornings are the best time for sightings.
Guided tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a tour. They offer valuable insights and help you navigate the park.
Driving restrictions: Only use designated roads within the crater; off-road driving is not allowed in order to protect the ecosystem.
Safety: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and follow your guide's instructions. Avoid walking outside designated areas.
Accommodation: If you plan to stay overnight, book your accommodation in advance, as options range from luxury lodges to camping.
Packing essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, a camera, binoculars, and layered clothing to adapt to changing weather.
Respect the environment: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Keep the environment clean and do not disturb wildlife.
Cultural sensitivity: Be respectful of the local Maasai culture. Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
Health precautions: Check for any necessary vaccinations and consider malaria prevention if visiting during the wet season.
Experience the thrill of spotting the iconic Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater.
Witness Maasai herdsmen grazing their cattle alongside wildlife in the crater.
Enjoy a meal at the Hippo Pool while watching hippos wallow in the water.
Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater is the world's biggest intact caldera and home to 30,000 wild animals, including leopard, elephant, lion, and rare black rhinos. Grab the chance for a game drive without any worries about transportation from Arusha on this small-group excursion. Board a 4x4 to see flamingo-filled lakes and spot animals roaming the plains, all while gaining insight into Ngorongoro's wildlife and geology from your driver-guide. A picnic by a hippo pool and round-trip transfers from Arusha are included.