Ngorongoro Crater Day Tour is perfect for witnessing Tanzania’s rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in just one day. Explore the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. Descend into the lush volcanic caldera to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, and flamingos in one of the most concentrated and scenic wildlife areas on the continent.
Tanzania
1 Day Trip
Leisurely
Game Drive
2,200m (7,200 ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Not Included
Lunch Included
Arusha Town
Tanzania
1 Day Trip
Leisurely
Game Drive
2,200m (7,200 ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Not Included
Lunch Included
Join Hike Kilimanjaro for an unforgettable full-day safari to the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just a few hours from Arusha, this world-renowned destination offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Tanzania.
Your Ngorongoro day trip begins with a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and lush highlands before descending 600 meters (2,000 feet) into the crater. Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five, rare black rhinos, and flocks of flamingos, Ngorongoro offers a safari experience unlike any other. With breathtaking scenery and expert guides from Hike Kilimanjaro, this one-day adventure is ideal for travelers seeking a high-impact safari in limited time.
Pick-up from your hotel (06:00–07:00 am). Your Hike Kilimanjaro safari guide will collect you early in the morning from your hotel in Arusha in a private 4×4 safari vehicle. You’ll receive a packed picnic lunch and bottled drinking water for the day. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and the lush highlands of Karatu en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Arrival at Ngorongoro Conservation Area Gate
Upon arrival, your guide will complete the necessary entry formalities. From here, you’ll ascend to the crater rim, stopping for a spectacular panoramic view of the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world.
Descend into the Crater for Game Viewing
Begin your descent approximately 600 meters into the crater floor for an unforgettable game drive. The crater is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species.
Picnic Lunch at a Designated Crater Viewpoint
Enjoy your packed lunch in one of the crater’s scenic picnic sites, often overlooking Lake Magadi where flamingos and hippos are frequently seen. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the incredible natural surroundings.
Afternoon Game Drive in the Crater
Continue exploring the diverse habitats of the crater floor, including forests, open plains, swamps, and lakes. With your expert guide, you’ll visit the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography.
Return Drive to Arusha
After your safari experience in the crater, ascend back to the crater rim and begin the journey back to Arusha. Soak in views of local villages, coffee plantations, and the highland scenery along the way.
Drop-off at Your Hotel
Arrive back in Arusha by late afternoon or early evening. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or preferred location, marking the end of a truly memorable Ngorongoro day adventure.
This full-day Ngorongoro Crater safari is the perfect add-on to any Tanzania itinerary. Whether you’re arriving early, staying a few extra days in Arusha or Moshi, or simply looking for a quick but unforgettable safari, this one-day tour offers a chance to experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Ideal for travelers with limited time, it provides exceptional game viewing and dramatic landscapes just a few hours from the city.
Looking for personalized experience? We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
EXCELLENT Based on 89 reviews Max Kirchner2025-05-28Verified Anyone seeking a genuine adventure. "Everything about our trek up Kilimanjaro was expertly planned. Friendly, competent, and motivating were the porters and guides. It was amazing to see the shifting scenery from rainforest to alpine desert. With such a fantastic crew, everything seemed doable even though it was difficult. I would strongly suggest this vacation to anyone seeking a genuine adventure. Kristján Víglundsson2025-05-25Verified Highly recommended this tour agency. Wonderful experience! We had a fantastic trip and enjoyed the entire team; we always felt very protected and taken care of. Highly recommended. I want to thank Keddy in particular; you were the best mentors . Valdemar Lauridsen2025-05-22Verified "My Kilimanjaro trek was an extraordinary experience. "My Kilimanjaro trek was an extraordinary experience. The route was well-organized, and the staff was attentive and encouraging throughout the climb. The sense of accomplishment upon standing on the summit was overwhelming. The scenery, the challenge, and the sense of connection with nature made this hike truly special. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure." Markku Piili2025-05-20Verified Well Organized and Unforgettable. Hiking Kilimanjaro with a well-run tour company was an incredible experience. The crew was courteous and made sure we were fed, acclimated, and inspired at every stage. The support from porters and guides, as well as the companionship among hikers, helped to make the difficult days bearable. It was weird to be at the top above the clouds. Undoubtedly a life-long accomplishment I will always treasure. Jürgen Koehler2025-05-15Verified "An Unforgettable Adventure." Hiking Kilimanjaro was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. This trip was made more remarkable by the amazing vistas from Uhuru Peak, the sense of achievement, and the companionship of other hikers. The guides made sure we were safe at every turn and were informed and helpful. Anyone looking for a challenge and an experience of a lifetime should definitely do this expedition, in my opinion. Mayase J2024-08-18Verified Top notch safari The customer service is on point. Drivers were there to pick us up on time. We saw all the big 5 in Serengeti /Ngorongoro Crater.The accommodation booked Embalakai had great food and staff.Couldn't have asked for a better safari experience. Top notch Alistair A2024-01-16Verified Summit to Uhuru peak via Machame route The journey was really fun and although the weather was not so friendly, the landslide adventures team really took good care of me and were well prepared! Margrét A2023-12-20Verified Best experience ever I did the 7 days tour on Kilimanjaro, the Machame route. I can recommend Landside adventure it is clearly the best team on the mountain. Service minded, caring in challengin situations. Good atmosphere. Camping exellent, food exellent and the companionship of the team exellent. Maid it all the way to the top, Uhuru Peak. Thank you guys for amaizing tour. Brian L2023-09-26Verified Perfect Safari experience We had an amazing 7 day/7 night safari experience with Landside! Maxon and our incredible tour guide, Beatus, were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive. We saw everything we wanted to see and more at Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Every day was comfortable, well paced, and was tailored to what we wanted to see and do. We would highly recommend Landside and we can’t wait to be back again! Bhavini G2023-09-26Verified Serengeti national park I always go with this company and have always got excellent service the driver is very well educated and can answer all the questions about the park and animals too. The car is always in good condition and they treat us as family
The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is most rewarding. During these months, animals are easier to spot due to sparse vegetation and gather around the few remaining water sources. However, the green season from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great photographic opportunities. The crater is a year-round destination due to its enclosed ecosystem and permanent wildlife populations.
Ngorongoro Crater is located approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) west of Arusha. The drive typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through scenic highlands, farmlands, and the bustling town of Karatu. The route offers a beautiful introduction to northern Tanzania’s diverse geography and rural life.
The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as “Africa’s Eden” due to its extraordinary density of wildlife. Visitors commonly see the Big Five elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and black rhino within a single day. Other animals include zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, warthogs, jackals, elands, and a variety of antelope species. Birdlife is also abundant, with flamingos on Lake Magadi and raptors soaring over the crater walls.
Yes, a well-planned day trip offers an exceptional safari experience. Since the crater floor is compact and home to a permanent wildlife population, you can cover key viewing areas in a single day. With an early departure and an expert guide from Hike Kilimanjaro, you’ll have plenty of time for exploration, wildlife viewing, and photography.
While it’s technically possible to combine Ngorongoro with Lake Manyara in a single day, it’s not recommended. The Ngorongoro Crater is best experienced on its own to fully appreciate its unique landscape, abundant wildlife, and immersive game drives. Trying to do two parks in one day can feel rushed and limits your time in each location.
Absolutely. The Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa within a relatively small area, making it ideal for a day trip. You can see diverse species including the Big Five in just a few hours of game driving.
Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. Its enclosed ecosystem supports thousands of animals year-round, offering unmatched game viewing in a breathtaking setting unlike any other safari destination.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas and basic restroom facilities on the crater floor, including at the Ngoitoktok Springs picnic site. These locations offer scenic spots for lunch and breaks during the game drive.
Yes, Ngorongoro Crater is family-friendly and suitable for children. The shorter distances between wildlife sightings and the spectacular scenery make it an engaging and comfortable experience for families traveling with kids.
Yes, guided safaris are required inside the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. A knowledgeable guide enhances your experience by helping you spot animals, explaining the area’s geology, and navigating the designated routes efficiently and safely.
For a comfortable and enjoyable Ngorongoro day safari, pack:
At Hike Kilimanjaro, we go beyond the ordinary. Our Ngorongoro day trip includes a professional English-speaking guide, private 4×4 safari vehicle and convenient pickup from your Arusha hotel.
We focus on safety, comfort, and authenticity, ensuring you get a high-quality experience even on a short trip. As a certified sustainable travel company, we also support local communities and conservation efforts across Tanzania.
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