The Big Five in a single morning — Tanzania's most iconic safari in one unforgettable day.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the natural wonders of the world — a 260 km² volcanic caldera with the densest concentration of large mammals on earth. In a single day's game drive on the crater floor it's not unusual to see all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), plus cheetah, hippo, hyena, and huge herds of zebra and wildebeest.
This day-trip package is ideal for travellers based in Arusha or Moshi with just one free day — perfect after a Kilimanjaro climb or before a Zanzibar flight. It's an early start but the rewards are immense.
Early pickup from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The drive to the Ngorongoro gate takes around 3 hours, passing through Mto wa Mbu town and climbing the spectacular Rift Valley escarpment.
Arrive at the crater rim viewpoint (2,300m) for breathtaking panoramic views down into the caldera. After park registration, begin the steep, winding descent road to the crater floor (610m drop).
Game drive across the crater floor. Look out for lions on the open plains, rhinos around Lerai Forest, large elephant bulls, hippos at Ngoitokitok Springs, vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and (with luck) the elusive black-maned crater lions.
Ascend out of the crater and begin the drive back. Arrival in Arusha/Moshi between 6 and 7pm depending on traffic.
From $395 per person — Tanzania's most concentrated wildlife experience.