Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s sixth-largest unbroken caldera. Formed some three million years ago when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed, the crater floor covers an area of 100 square miles (260 square km) and is home to some of East African’s highest concentrations of wildlife. Around 25,000 animals (predominantly grazing animals) live in the crater throughout the year. Resident populations include wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, buffalo, eland, kongoni and wart-hog.
The swamps and forest provide additional resources for hippo, elephant, water-buck, reedbuck and bushbuck, baboons and vervet monkeys. The steep inner slopes provide a habitat for and the rare mountain reedbuck. Jackals thrive in the crater and bat-eared foxes live in the short grass areas. Predatory animals such as lion, leopard, cheetah and serval cats live off the abundant wildlife and large packs of hyena roam the crater.
SAFARI BOOK
A full day excursion to the Ngorongoro Crater from Arusha is a meticulously timed journey through one of the world’s most significant natural wonders. The day typically begins with an early departure from Arusha at approximately 06:00 AM to account for the 180 km drive. The first major milestone of the trip is the Manyara View Point, located along the edge of the Great Rift Valley, which offers a panoramic vista of Lake Manyara National Park and the surrounding groundwater forests. This stop serves as a geological introduction to the region before ascending into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) highlands.
Your day starts very early with a pickup from your Arusha hotel . The drive itself is part of the experience, as you pass through towns like Karatu and begin your ascent into the cooler highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area . You'll make a stop at a designated crater rim viewpoint. This is your first chance to take in the sheer scale and beauty of the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, a truly breathtaking panorama.
Your day starts very early with a pickup from your Arusha hotel . The drive itself is part of the experience, as you pass through towns like Karatu and begin your ascent into the cooler highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area . You'll make a stop at a designated crater rim viewpoint. This is your first chance to take in the sheer scale and beauty of the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, a truly breathtaking panorama.
From the rim, you'll begin the drive down into the crater. The road descends 600 meters via a series of switchbacks, offering changing perspectives and, in the early morning, sometimes misty and atmospheric views . This area is also great for spotting birds and the unique flora of the highlands .
Once on the crater floor, your game drive begins in earnest. This self-contained ecosystem is one of the best places in Africa for reliable wildlife viewing. The habitats range from open grasslands to swamps, a soda lake (Lake Magadi), and the fever-tree Lerai Forest . You have an excellent chance of seeing: The Big Five: Lion, elephant, African buffalo, leopard (more elusive), and the endangered black rhino. Plains Game: Huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, Grant's and Thomson's gazelles, and eland. Predators & Others: Spotted hyena, cheetah (if luck is on you), jackal, hippos in the pools, and flamingos along the lake's edge .
Your driver-guide will take you to a designated picnic spot, with the Ngoitoktok Hippo Pool being a popular and scenic choice . You'll enjoy your packed lunch (included in your tour) while overlooking a pool often filled with grunting and splashing hippos, a truly memorable safari experience .
After a final game drive, you'll begin your ascent out of the crater in the mid-afternoon . The drive back to Arusha takes another 3.5 to 4 hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on an incredible day before being dropped off at your hotel in the evening.
Yes, we specialize in creating personalized tours based on your preferences, whether you’re looking for a honeymoon getaway, adventure trek, or special-interest safari. Please contact us to design a tailor-made itinerary that suits your needs.
For safaris, we recommend packing lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera. For trekking, you’ll need hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof gear, and other essentials. We will provide a detailed packing list for specific tours upon booking.
We offer a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges and tented camps to more budget-friendly options like campsites. The type of accommodation will depend on the tour package you choose, but all our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and location.
Feel free to reach out and we’re happy to answer any questions you have.
At Wildsmile Adventures, we believe that the best moments in life are found when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the wild. Read more…
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