3-Day Ngorongoro Conservation Area Safari

3-Day Ngorongoro Conservation Area Safari

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater — the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. It boasts incredible wildlife density, stunning landscapes, and rich Maasai culture. This 3-day safari takes you through diverse habitats, from highland forests to crater floor grasslands teeming with wildlife.

Safari Inclusions

✅ Park entrance fees
✅ Accommodation for 2 nights (Full Board)
✅ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
✅ English-speaking driver/guide
✅ Crater descent fee
✅ Bottled water on game drives
✅ Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi – Drive to Ngorongoro

  • Morning:

    • Pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi after breakfast.

    • Begin your scenic drive (approx. 4–5 hours) to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

    • Stop for optional cultural visits or coffee plantation tours en route (Mto wa Mbu or Karatu).

  • Midday:

    • Arrive at the Ngorongoro Gate, complete park entry formalities.

    • Continue to your lodge or camp located on the crater rim.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at your lodge.

    • Optional visit to a nearby Maasai Boma to experience local culture and traditions.

    • Relax and enjoy sunset views over the crater.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight stay at the crater rim.

Recommended Lodges/Camps:

  • Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury)

  • Rhino Lodge (Mid-range)

  • Simba Campsite (Budget)


Day 2: Full Day Crater Game Drive

  • Early Morning:

    • Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater after an early breakfast.

  • Game Drive Highlights:

    • Spot the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards (rare).

    • See hyenas, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, warthogs, hippos, jackals, and flamingos around Lake Magadi.

    • Excellent chances to witness predator-prey interactions due to the crater’s high concentration of animals.

  • Midday:

    • Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot near the hippo pool.

  • Afternoon:

    • Continue exploring other crater regions like the Lerai Forest and Munge River.

  • Evening:

    • Ascend back to the crater rim.

    • Dinner and overnight at the lodge or camp.


Day 3: Optional Activities & Return to Arusha/Moshi

  • Morning Options (choose one):

    1. Short hike along the crater rim for incredible sunrise views and birdwatching.

    2. Visit to the Olduvai Gorge Museum, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

    3. Cultural visit to Maasai communities or traditional markets in Karatu.

  • Midday:

    • Begin drive back to Arusha or Moshi.

    • Stop for lunch en route.

  • Late Afternoon:

    • Drop-off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro Airport, depending on your departure plans.