Tanzania · Safari

12-Hour Ngorongoro Crater Safari with Big Five Game Drive

12 Hours Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the incredible wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater, home to the famous Big Five
  • 02 Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Ngorongoro Viewpoint
  • 03 Experience the rich Maasai cultural presence within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • 04 Relish a picnic lunch at the picturesque Hippo Pool Picnic Site

Embark on a full-day trip to Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable safari experience. Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the crater is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo - along with stunning landscapes and a rich Maasai cultural presence.

Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the crater is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo - along with stunning landscapes and a rich Maasai cultural presence.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Morning:

  • 5:30 - 6:00 AM: Depart from Arusha (or Karatu if staying closer) and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (3-4 hours from Arusha, 30-45 minutes from Karatu).
  • 7:30 - 8:00 AM: Arrive at the Loduare Gate and complete park formalities.
  • 8:30 AM: Stop at the Ngorongoro Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the crater.
  • 9:00 AM: Descend into the crater for a game drive.

Midday:

  • 11:30 AM: Spot abundant wildlife, including lions, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and elephants.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch at Hippo Pool Picnic Site, overlooking a scenic waterhole with hippos.

Afternoon:

  • 1:30 PM: Continue the game drive, searching for elusive species such as rhinos and cheetahs.
  • 3:30 PM: Ascend from the crater and begin your drive back.

Evening:

  • 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Arrive back in Arusha (if returning the same day) or relax in Karatu.
Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Viewpoint, Hippo Pool Picnic Site

Where this trip takes you

Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Viewpoint, Hippo Pool Picnic Site

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Entry fee
  • Guide fee
  • Lunch box
  • Crater fee
  • Safari car

What's Not Included

  • All optional activities

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha Mjini, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 hours finish where they began, in Arusha.

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