Delve into the majestic beauty of one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders with this 3 Days Tanzania Safari to Ngorongoro Crater. This luxury safari is tailor-made for travelers who seek the thrill of wildlife exploration without compromising on style and comfort. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and for good reason; it’s a vast, verdant caldera teeming with an incredible density of wildlife, including the Big Five. With private game drives, elegant lodges perched on the crater’s rim, and curated experiences that blend culture, nature, and fine hospitality, this itinerary delivers a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro – Scenic Drive & Luxury Arrival
Your journey begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s gateway city for safaris. After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or lodge, your private driver-guide will meet you for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of rural Tanzania—rolling hills, coffee plantations, and Maasai villages dot the landscape. Arrive at the crater rim by midday, where you’ll check in to your luxurious lodge with sweeping views of the caldera.
Following a gourmet lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax. Enjoy a spa treatment, sip cocktails on a private terrace, or take a guided walk around the lodge’s property to spot birdlife and learn about the local flora. As the sun sets, you’ll enjoy a refined dining experience with locally sourced ingredients, perhaps followed by a fireside drink under the stars.
Accommodation: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Highlands by Asilia, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
Today is the highlight of your safari: a full-day game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater. After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the ancient volcanic caldera, where a pristine ecosystem supports over 25,000 animals. Your expert guide will help you track a wide array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, and flamingos in Lake Magadi. The crater is one of the few places in Africa where you can reliably see all members of the Big Five in a single day.
Around midday, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at a scenic spot, such as the hippo pool, where you can dine to the soundtrack of grunting hippos and chirping birds. The drive continues in the afternoon, offering more wildlife encounters and spectacular photo opportunities against the backdrop of the crater walls.
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon. After a refreshing shower or massage, gather for sundowners by the fireplace or a private dinner on your veranda. Some lodges also offer Maasai storytelling or cultural performances in the evening, enhancing your connection to the land.
Accommodation: Entamanu Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Gibbs Farm.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Optional Cultural Experience & Return to Arusha
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast with the morning mists swirling over the crater below. If time allows, opt for a cultural excursion to a nearby Maasai village or visit a local market in the nearby town of Karatu. For the more active, a guided hike to the Olmoti Crater or nearby waterfalls can be arranged, offering stunning views and opportunities to spot forest wildlife.
By late morning, check out from your lodge and begin the scenic drive back to Arusha. A delicious lunch stop en route can be arranged at a boutique lodge or coffee plantation, where you can reflect on your unforgettable safari over a final meal. Upon arrival in Arusha in the late afternoon, you may be dropped at your hotel or directly at the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 3 Days Tanzania Safari to Ngorongoro Crater.
The 3 Days Tanzania Safari to Ngorongoro Crater cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Tour guide allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, Souvenirs, Tips to local guides, personal medical and travel insurance, personal shopping bills and items not listed as included in the cost.