Best African Safaris & Travel Services – African Authentic Safaris Ltd
Ngorongoro Crater Day Tour: Explore Africa’s Eden in a Day Duration: Full Day | Start/End: Arusha (05:30–18:30)
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Day Tour
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Description
Discover the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Eden” and the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” on this immersive full-day safari adventure from Arusha. Descend 2,000 feet into this ancient volcanic caldera—the world’s largest intact and unflooded volcanic caldera—to witness an extraordinary concentration of wildlife in their natural habitat. Home to approximately 30,000 animals including the endangered black rhino, Ngorongoro Crater offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities with its compact ecosystem where predator and prey coexist in a dramatic 100-square-mile amphitheater. The crater’s diverse landscapes feature open grasslands, acacia forests, hippo pools, and alkaline lakes, creating varied habitats that support an astonishing array of wildlife against the backdrop of the crater’s towering walls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site delivers an unforgettable safari experience, allowing you to encounter the legendary Big Five and countless other species in a single day while enjoying breathtaking scenery that showcases nature’s most spectacular creation.
Highlights
- • Descend 2,000 feet into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, a natural wonder formed millions of years ago through dramatic geological processes.
- • Witness the legendary Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) in a single day within the crater’s compact, wildlife-rich ecosystem.
- • Marvel at the spectacular concentration of approximately 30,000 animals coexisting in this natural “Noah’s Ark” against the backdrop of the crater’s magnificent walls.
- • Experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and unprecedented density of wildlife, including endangered black rhinos.
- • Enjoy a picturesque picnic lunch overlooking hippo pools and sweeping crater vistas in one of Africa’s most photogenic landscapes.
Detailed Itinerary
- 05:30 AM – Early Departure from Arusha Begin your adventure with a pre-dawn departure from your Arusha accommodation, traveling in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof perfect for game viewing and photography during the scenic journey through the highlands of Tanzania.
- 08:30 AM – Arrive at Ngorongoro Conservation Area Gate Reach the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where your guide will handle entry formalities while you enjoy your first glimpses of the area’s stunning landscapes and possibly encounter baboons and other wildlife near the gate.
- 09:00 AM – Descend into Crater for Game Drive Experience the dramatic descent along the crater’s inner wall, dropping 2,000 feet to the crater floor where your safari begins immediately with potential sightings of lion prides, elephant herds, and diverse plains game in the morning hours when animals are most active.
- 12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch in the Crater Pause for a scenic picnic lunch at a designated site near a hippo pool, enjoying freshly prepared food while taking in panoramic views of the crater landscape and continuing to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
- 14:00 PM – Continue Safari Drive Resume your game drive, exploring different sections of the crater including the Lerai Forest (home to monkeys and elephants), the seasonal Lake Magadi (often pink with flamingos), and the Gorigor Swamp (a favorite for hippos and water birds).
- 15:30 PM – Ascend and Drive Back to Arusha Begin your ascent up the crater rim, stopping for spectacular viewpoints and photographic opportunities of the crater from above before beginning the return journey to Arusha.
- 18:30 PM – Hotel Drop-off Arrive back at your accommodation in Arusha with incredible memories and photographs from your day exploring one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries.
- • Round-trip transportation from Arusha in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- • Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
- • Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater entry fees
- • Picnic lunch and bottled water
- • Game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater
- • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha
- All internal flights
- International Airfares
- Tourist entry Visa
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- International airport(s) departures taxes
- Optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions and/or quoted separately
- Expenditures of personal nature such as telephone calls, faxes, e-mails, laundry etc.
- All alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, wines and spirits.
- Tips and gratuities to driver guides/lodge/hotel staff
- All other extras not mentioned in the included
Tour's Location
Why is an early morning departure necessary for this tour?
The early 5:30 AM departure allows us to maximize your time inside the crater, beat potential traffic at the conservation area entrance, and reach the crater floor during prime morning wildlife viewing hours when animals are most active before the midday heat.
What wildlife might I see in the Ngorongoro Crater?
The crater hosts approximately 30,000 animals including all members of the Big Five (though leopards are elusive), along with zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, hippos, and over 500 bird species—making it one of the most wildlife-dense areas in Africa.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children of all ages, though the early start and long day may be challenging for very young children. The enclosed vehicle provides safety, and the concentrated wildlife viewing often keeps children engaged throughout the experience.
What should I wear and bring for the Ngorongoro Crater safari?
Dress in layers (mornings can be cool at the crater rim), wear neutral colors (beige, khaki, olive), bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and personal medications. A light jacket is recommended year-round.
How long is the actual game drive inside the crater?
You’ll spend approximately 6-7 hours inside the crater itself, including lunch time. This provides ample opportunity to explore different areas of the crater and maximize wildlife sightings.
Is this tour available year-round, and when is the best time to visit?
The tour operates year-round. The dry season (June-October) offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. The green season (November-May) features lush landscapes and newborn animals, though some roads may be muddy after heavy rains.
How strenuous is the drive to and from the Ngorongoro Crater?
The journey involves approximately 3 hours of driving each way on varying road conditions. The descent and ascent of the crater are along steep, winding roads. Those prone to motion sickness should take appropriate precautions.
Are there toilet facilities available during the tour?
Yes, there are basic toilet facilities at the main gate, crater rim, and designated picnic areas within the crater. Your guide will make regular stops at these facilities throughout the day.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated for the picnic lunch?
Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements with advance notice. Please inform us of any restrictions at the time of booking.
What makes Ngorongoro Crater different from other safari destinations in Tanzania?
Ngorongoro is unique as a natural enclosure created by a collapsed volcano, forming a self-contained ecosystem where wildlife remains year-round rather than migrating. This concentration of animals, combined with the spectacular crater setting and the opportunity to see the Big Five in a single day, distinguishes it from other safari experiences.
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