Explore the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder that harbors an exceptional concentration of wildlife. This one-day trip adventure to Ngorongoro Crater offers a captivating journey into the heart of the crater, revealing its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Discovering the Natural Marvel in Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip
Ngorongoro Crater originated from the collapse of a massive volcano over two million years ago. The caldera, now filled with a rich tapestry of habitats, showcases the intricate dance between geological forces and the evolution of life. The crater floor, spanning 260 square kilometers, harbors an astonishing variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, acacia woodlands, swamps, and a central soda lake. This diversity sustains an unparalleled concentration of wildlife.
Ngorongoro is home to the renowned Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Additionally, the crater supports one of the densest populations of predators in Africa, offering prime opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to witness the circle of life in action. Birdwatchers are treated to a spectacle of avian diversity, with over 500 bird species recorded. Flamingos, pelicans, and numerous raptors grace the shores of the soda lake, creating a vibrant display of color and movement.
Enchanting Landscapes: Crater Floor Highlights
The serene Ngoitoktok Springs provides a tranquil oasis within the crater, attracting herds of animals and offering a picturesque setting for a leisurely picnic. Visitors can observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterfowl in this natural haven. Lerai Forest, a verdant woodland within the crater, provides shelter for elephants, monkeys, and a myriad of bird species. The forest stands as a living testament to the delicate balance between flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem.
The rim of Ngorongoro Crater offers panoramic views that stretch to the horizon. The vantage points provide visitors with an opportunity to absorb the magnitude of this geological wonder and marvel at the seamless integration of wildlife within its confines.
Detailed Itinerary: Ngorongoro Crater Expedition
Begin your day trip with an early morning departure from Arusha in your accommodation. After breakfast, you will meet our driver-guide who will brief you on a Ngorongoro Crater day trip itinerary. You will be driving a 4×4 land cruiser with a pop-up roof and parked lunch. The drive takes 3 to 4hr covering 200 km from Arusha to reach the entrance of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and proceed to the Crater’s rim. During the drive, you will pass Lake Manyara and you may have a brief stop for an aerial view of Lake Manyara NP before proceeding to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate.
After clearing at the gate, we will drive inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and stop at the Crater viewpoint for a good picture and aerial view of the Crater then continue to the crater descending point entry point for the most spectacular experience of our Ngorongoro Crater day trip. We will have a game drive where an abundance of wildlife awaits. Marvel at the resident herds of wildebeests, zebras, and buffalo, as well as the African ‘Big Five’ (Lions, Elephant, Rhinos, Leopard and Buffaloes). Do not forget Birders, Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of avian species attracted to the shores of the pool.
Our Ngorongoro Crater day trip adventure continues where we will visit the hippo pool, observing these massive creatures as they bask in the water where we enjoy our parked lunch while viewing Hippos and elephants roaming around. At 15:00hr we ascend to Crater as we drive out of Ngorongoro Crater and drive back to Arusha.
Day Trip Ngorongoro Crater Prices
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person USD (Including VAT) |
| 1 | 778 |
| 2 | 430 |
| 3 | 340 |
| 4 to 10 Pax | 280 |
The Price Includes
- Transportation in clean, well-maintained 4wd safari Landcruiser with photographic roof thatch
- Good Packed Lunch
- English Speaking Guide
- Park entry fees
- Guiding feesTransit fees
- Drinking bottled mineral water
The Price does not Include
- Tips to your guide
- Visit the Maasai Gallery
- Personal travel insurance
- All other items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks other than the mineral water