2-Day Adventure From Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

Witness the wildlife

Highlights

Explore the stunning Ngorongoro Caldera, one of the world's largest unbroken calderas

Encounter diverse wildlife, including the "Big Five," within a unique self-contained ecosystem

Enjoy thrilling game drives through grasslands, swamps, and acacia woodlands

Experience a cultural visit to a local Maasai village, learning about their traditions

Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

nature, safari, Wildlife

Private Tour

2 Days

Easy

English

Description

Embark on a 2-day adventure from Arusha to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Day one includes a scenic drive along the crater rim, a descent into the breathtaking caldera for a game drive teeming with wildlife, and an overnight stay near the crater. Day two offers a cultural visit to a Maasai village or a short nature exploration before returning to Arusha.

Itinerary

Day 1- Arusha to Ngorongoro - Crater Rim & Descent

Arusha to Ngorongoro - Crater Rim & Descent
- Morning (7:00 AM): Depart from Arusha in a 4x4 safari vehicle. The drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area takes about 3-4 hours.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate. Complete entry procedures and enjoy the scenic drive along the crater rim, offering breathtaking views into the caldera.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Arrive at your chosen accommodation. This could be a lodge or campsite on the crater rim for optimal views or slightly outside the conservation area for more budget-friendly options. Have lunch.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Begin your descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. This steep and winding road is an experience in itself.
- Afternoon Game Drive (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural enclosure, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a dense population of wildlife. You'll have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos (though sightings are less frequent), hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Ascend from the crater and return to your accommodation.
- Night (7:30 PM): Dinner and overnight at your chosen accommodation.
Day 2- Ngorongoro - Cultural Visit & Return to Arusha
- Morning (8:00 AM): After breakfast, you have a couple of options:
- Option 1 (Cultural Visit): Visit a local Maasai village near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This provides a chance to learn about their unique culture and traditions. This is a very common add-on.
- Option 2 (Optional Short Game Drive/Nature Walk): If you're keen for more wildlife viewing, you could take a short game drive on the crater rim or a guided nature walk (if available and pre-arranged). This is less common due to time constraints.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Begin your drive back to Arusha.
- Midday (1:00 PM): Stop for lunch en route (often a packed lunch or at a local restaurant).
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Arrive back in Arusha.

What's Included

Round-trip transportation from Arusha in a 4x4 safari vehicle

Professional driver-guide

Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees (these are substantial)

Crater descent fee (also a significant cost)

Accommodation for one night

Meals as specified (usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Game drives as mentioned

What's Excluded

Flights to and from Arusha

Visa fees

Travel insurance

Tips for your driver-guide

Drinks (unless specified)

Maasai village visit fee (if chosen)

Personal expenses

Know Before You Go

The Ngorongoro Crater is a truly unique and breathtaking natural wonder. Here's a deeper dive into what makes it so special:

Formation and Geography

Caldera, Not a Crater: It's important to clarify that Ngorongoro is a caldera, not a crater. A caldera forms when a volcano erupts and collapses in on itself, creating a large, bowl-shaped depression. The Ngorongoro Caldera is one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world.

Massive Scale: The crater floor spans about 260 square kilometers (100 sq mi) with walls rising 400-610 meters (1,310-2,000 ft) high. This creates a self-contained ecosystem.

Diverse Habitats: Within the crater, you'll find a variety of habitats, including:

Grasslands: Open plains dominate much of the crater floor, providing grazing for herbivores.

Swamps and Wetlands: Areas with permanent water sources attract hippos, waterbirds, and other aquatic life.

Forests: Patches of acacia woodland provide shade and habitat for various species.

Lake Magadi: A soda lake in the center of the crater, attracting flamingos and other waterbirds.

Wildlife

High Concentration: The Ngorongoro Crater boasts an exceptionally high concentration of wildlife. The enclosed environment has created a natural haven for a diverse range of animals.

The Big Five: It's one of the best places in Tanzania to see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). Black rhinos are particularly notable as they are endangered, and the crater provides a crucial sanctuary for them.

Predator Paradise: The crater has a high density of predators, especially lions. It's an excellent place to witness lion prides and potentially see them hunting.

Other Notable Species: Besides the Big Five, you'll find wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, hippos, hyenas, various antelope species, and a rich variety of birdlife.

Absence of Giraffes: Interestingly, giraffes are generally absent from the crater. It's thought that the steep slopes of the crater walls make it difficult for them to descend and ascend.

Ecosystem and Conservation

Unique Ecosystem: The crater's enclosed nature has led to the development of a unique ecosystem. The animals within the crater are relatively isolated, leading to distinct populations and behaviors.

Conservation Challenges: Balancing wildlife conservation with the needs of the Maasai people who live within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is an ongoing challenge.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the crater, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its natural and cultural significance.

Visiting the Crater

Descent and Ascent: The descent into the crater is a thrilling experience, with winding roads offering stunning views. However, it's important to note that only authorized vehicles are allowed to descend, and there are restrictions on the time spent on the crater floor.

Game Drives: Game drives within the crater are typically conducted in 4x4 vehicles with experienced guides

Meeting Point

Arusha, Tanzania

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
Child
1 to 10	/person
This is a private tour

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

/person

Adult

Child

Total

0.00

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

2-Day Adventure From Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1- Arusha to Ngorongoro - Crater Rim & Descent

Day 2- Ngorongoro - Cultural Visit & Return to Arusha

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

Choose Currency

2-Day Adventure From Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1- Arusha to Ngorongoro - Crater Rim & Descent

Day 2- Ngorongoro - Cultural Visit & Return to Arusha

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

Choose Currency Close modal

Choose Currency