If you want to experience one of the most breathtaking safari destinations in Africa in just one day, then a Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip is a must! The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania’s crown jewels, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.
Inside the massive volcanic caldera, you’ll find dense wildlife concentrations, including the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can spot all of them in a single day!
Your adventure starts early with a 5:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Arusha (or Moshi upon request). Enjoy a scenic drive through the highlands to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing Maasai villages along the way.
Arrive at the crater rim for a breathtaking panoramic view before descending the steep walls to the crater floor, which lies at 2,000 feet (610 meters) below. Begin your game drive across grasslands, swamps, and lakes, spotting elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and possibly leopards and black rhinos.
Spend the afternoon spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, and — if your timing is right — herds of wildebeest and zebras on the move.
Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch inside the park, then head to your lodge near the park for dinner and overnight stay.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots inside the crater before ascending to the rim and returning to your lodge in Karatu for the night.
Visit Ngurdoto Crater Viewpoint, and end the day with a visit to Tululusia Waterfall — a hidden gem in the forest.
Highlights: Giraffes on foot, birds, waterfalls, crater views, bushwalk
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, where you can relax and watch hippos wallowing in the water.
Continue your game drive until early afternoon, then ascend the crater walls and begin the return journey. Arrive back in Arusha or Moshi in the evening.
$000
Immerse yourself in the authentic Maasai culture with a visit to a local Maasai village. Learn about the traditional Maasai way of life, their rituals, customs, and daily practices. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the unique Maasai dances, interact with villagers, and explore their homesteads. This is a truly cultural journey that offers insight into one of Tanzania’s most iconic tribes.
$000
This half-day tour will take you to the Materuni Waterfalls, located in the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek to the falls is a peaceful walk through the cloud forests of Kilimanjaro, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning flora and fauna. Afterward, visit a local coffee farm to learn how coffee is grown and processed, followed by a tasting of freshly brewed Kilimanjaro coffee.
$000
If you’re short on time but still want a taste of Tanzania’s wilderness, the Arusha National Park Day Trip is the perfect choice. Located just 45 minutes from Arusha town, this park offers lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning views of Mount Meru.
Lujoma Expeditions is a locally owned Tanzanian tour company specializing in custom safaris, cultural experiences, mountain treks, and beach holidays across East Africa.
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