Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip
A one-day small-group safari from Arusha into the Ngorongoro Crater, with a 4x4 game drive, expert guiding and a picnic lunch by a hippo pool.
- Duration
- 1 day
- Route
- Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
- Start / end
- Starts and ends in Arusha (early morning departure, evening return)
- Best time
- The crater can be visited year-round thanks to its resident wildlife; the dry months (roughly June to October) usually offer the easiest game viewing, while the green season brings lusher scenery.
- Trip style
- Small-group day safari (up to 6 people) in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, led by an English-speaking driver-guide.
Tour overview
A Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in one of Tanzania's most spectacular natural wonders. As the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, Ngorongoro is home to over 30,000 animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, hippos and the rare black rhino.
This small-group safari departs from Arusha and includes round-trip transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle. Along the way, your driver-guide shares insights into the crater's unique ecosystem, from its flamingo-filled lakes to its vast grasslands teeming with wildlife. A picnic lunch by a scenic hippo pool rounds off the experience.
For travelers short on time, a Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip is the perfect way to witness Tanzania's incredible wildlife in a single day.
Highlights
- Small-group safari with round-trip transport from Arusha
- Descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera
- Spot diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards and the rare black rhino
- Enjoy a 4x4 game drive with expert guiding and plenty of photo opportunities
- Picnic lunch by a scenic hippo pool on the crater floor
- Park entry fees, lunch, sodas, coffee and tea included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Depart Arusha in the early morning with your guide and enjoy a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. At the crater's edge, take in the vast views before descending to the floor for an exciting game drive. Your guide helps you spot and identify the wildlife, with chances to see elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos and many other species, including members of the Big Five. Break for a picnic lunch amid the crater's picturesque surroundings, then continue exploring and photographing the wildlife and landscapes into the late afternoon. Leave the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening, when you are dropped off at your accommodation. Please note that the itinerary may change depending on weather conditions and the discretion of the tour operator.
What is included
- Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfer to a hotel in Arusha and back to the airport
- English-speaking guide
- 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Lunch
- Park entrance fees
- Binoculars (one pair per vehicle)
- Medical kit
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Tips for your guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Good to know
- The tour runs as a small group of up to 6 people and is guided in English.
- Expect an early morning departure from Arusha and an evening drop-off at your accommodation.
- The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions and the discretion of the tour operator.
- Tips for your guide are not included and are at your discretion.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Ngorongoro Crater really be done in one day from Arusha?
Yes. You leave Arusha early in the morning, spend most of the day on game drives in the crater with a picnic lunch, and return to Arusha in the evening. It is a long day, but ideal if you are short on time.
What animals might I see in the crater?
The crater is home to over 30,000 animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, hippos and the rare black rhino. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the crater's high concentration of wildlife makes for excellent game viewing.
What is included in the price of $235 per person?
The price covers the 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, an English-speaking guide, park entrance fees, lunch, bottled water and soft drinks. Binoculars and a medical kit are also provided in the vehicle.
Similar tours
1 dayChemka Hot Springs Day TripSwim in the warm, crystal-clear turquoise water of Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs on a relaxed day trip from Arusha or Moshi, with picnic lunch included.From $85 ppView tour →
1 dayJozani Forest Tour in ZanzibarA three-hour private guided walk in Jozani Forest to see Zanzibar's rare red colobus monkeys up close in the only place they live.From $40 ppView tour →
1 dayMarangu Tour Day TripA day trip from Arusha to Marangu village on Kilimanjaro's foothills to meet the Chagga people, visit a coffee farm and hike to Marangu Waterfall.Price on requestView tour →