Ngorongoro Crater Itinerary
Itinerary Summary
The Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip offers an unforgettable safari experience packed into a single day. Starting with an early morning departure from Arusha or Karatu, travelers descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino.
Itinerary Overview
The Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” offers one of the most spectacular safari experiences in Africa. Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this massive volcanic caldera is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the famous Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino. A day trip to the crater begins with an early morning departure from Arusha or Karatu, followed by a thrilling descent into the crater for a full day of game viewing.
EARLY MORNING : Departure from Arusha / Karatu
Your adventure begins with an early morning departure (around 5:30–6:00 AM) from Arusha or Karatu, Drive through scenic landscapes along the Great Rift Valley and reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
MORNING : Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater & Game Drive
Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim and begin your descent into the crater (610 meters deep), Enjoy a half-day game drive inside the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to over 25,000 animals including the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and the rare black rhino, Other highlights include large herds of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, hippos, hyenas, and rich birdlife around Lake Magadi, which often hosts flamingos.
MID-DAY : Picnic Lunch in the Crater
Around 12:00–1:00 PM, stop for a picnic lunch at the designated picnic site, often near the Hippo Pool, Enjoy your meal with the sounds of nature and possible wildlife sightings nearby.
AFTERNOON : More Wildlife Viewing & Crater Exploration
After lunch, continue with a second game drive across the crater floor, exploring different habitats including forested areas, grasslands, and wetlands, Keep your eyes peeled for predators like cheetahs, jackals, and lions, as well as elephant herds and large concentrations of plains game.
LATE AFTERNOON : Ascend & Return
By around 3:30–4:00 PM, begin your ascent back up the crater wall, Start the return journey to Arusha or Karatu, arriving by early evening (around 6:30–7:30 PM), marking the end of an unforgettable day in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife havens.
INCLUDED
- Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) accommodation.
- All game drives viewing in a custom built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- All park and entrance fees
- Transportation with 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide or other language as specified during the safari.
- Bottled water in safari vehicles
- Current Government taxes and levies
- 24-Hour support during the safari
NOT INCLUDED
- Internal or International flights
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Balloon excursion (US$600 pp)
- Entry visa to Tanzania.
- Travel and health insurance
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and porters
- Meals, drinks, and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone and postage
- Item of personal Nature
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