Ngorongoro Crater Day Tour

Ngorongoro Crater Day Safari Itinerary

At 05:00 AM – Early Wake-Up and Departure

Your day safari to Ngorongoro crater starts early, as safaris are best commenced at the crack of dawn to catch the wildlife when it’s most active. After a quick coffee and a light breakfast at your lodge or home in Arusha our guide will meet you and hop into a 4×4 safari vehicle equipped for the rugged terrain you’ll encounter.

06:00 AM – The Drive to Ngorongoro Crater

The drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area from Arusha will take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the crater’s rim. As you approach, you’ll be greeted by the mist-covered highlands, traditional Maasai bomas (homesteads), and rolling coffee plantations.

08:00 AM – Descending into the Crater

Upon reaching the crater rim, you’ll take a moment to absorb the stunning panoramic views before you continue with your Ngorongoro crater day safari  descending into the crater floor. This 600-meter drop is a thrilling start to your safari, offering the first glimpses of the diverse habitats below, from lakes to savannahs and swamps.

Ngorongoro Crater Day Safari Mid-Morning: Wildlife Encounters

09:00 AM – Game Drive on the Crater Floor

The Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. As you traverse the crater floor, keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the elusive black rhinoceros. The enclosed nature of the crater increases your chances of spotting these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

10:30 AM – A Lake-Side Interlude

Mid-morning, you’ll head towards the hippo pool near Mandusi Swamp or the shores of Lake Magadi, where flocks of flamingos often congregate. This is an excellent time for birdwatching and capturing photos of the hippos as they laze around in the water.

Lunch Break: A Meal with a View

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch

By now, you’ve likely worked up an appetite, so it’s time for a picnic lunch. Most safari packages include a packed lunch that you can enjoy at a designated picnic site. Ngorongoro offers scenic spots where you can dine with a view of the crater. Be mindful of the local wildlife, and keep your food secure; the cheeky monkeys are known to snatch unguarded sandwiches!

Afternoon: Exploring Further

01:30 PM – Continuation of Game Drive

With energy levels replenished, you’ll continue your game drive. The afternoon sun brings different animal behaviors, so keep an eye out for predators and other creatures you might not have seen in the morning.

03:00 PM – Visiting Lerai Forest

In the afternoon, the safari often leads to Lerai Forest, a beautiful, tranquil area where you can find elephants, baboons, and various bird species. The forest provides a contrasting landscape to the open grasslands and offers a chance to see animals enjoying the shade of the acacia trees.

04:00 PM – Ascent to the Crater Rim

It’s time to leave the crater floor and head back to the rim. The ascent offers one last opportunity to look back at the incredible ecosystem you’ve just explored. Once at the top, you’ll pause to appreciate the view as the sun begins to lower in the sky, casting golden hues over the landscape.

Departs Ngorongoro Conservation Area for the journey back to Arusha where you will arrive at 19.00 pm and dropped off at your hotel.