5 Days - The Great Crater Safari Experience

The group arrives at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Tanzania Moja Adventure and Safaris Ltd and transferred to a comfortable hotel in Arusha.

Your journey today takes you from the lowlands up into the cool Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive from Arusha to your lodge at the crater edge takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on where you stay. The views are truly worth it — the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders.
Upon arrival in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll stretch your legs on a guided walk along the crater rim. Led by a professional park ranger, this easy 1–2 hour hike winds through lush montane forest. While large animals like elephants and buffalo are rare here, you’ll have the chance to spot forest birds and animal tracks, and soak in the peaceful sounds of the bush. The walk ends with a breathtaking panoramic view of the vast caldera below.
After your walk, check in at your lodge perched right on the crater rim. This is your time to relax, enjoy the silence, and absorb the stunning surroundings. At 2,286 meters above sea level, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring a warm layer for comfort.

Today, you’ll explore the beautiful Empakaai Crater—a spectacular caldera within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This hike is a refreshing change from game drives and a great way to stretch your legs.
The trail descends into a forest filled with ancient strangler figs and abundant birdlife. Although the path can be a bit steep in places, it’s manageable for most fitness levels. Your hike leads down to the crater’s soda lake, often visited by water birds and, if you’re lucky, flocks of flamingos during their seasonal migration in December. The hike concludes with stunning views of the Great Rift Valley from the crater rim—a truly unforgettable sight.

Today is the highlight of your trip — a full-day safari inside the legendary Ngorongoro Crater. Your guide will pick you up early for the half-hour drive down the winding road into this vast volcanic caldera.
The crater, often called “The Lost World,” is home to tens of thousands of wild animals, making it the densest wildlife sanctuary on Earth. Here, you’ll see elephants, buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and many more species in close proximity. Ngorongoro is also one of the few places where rhinos still roam, though they are very rare and endangered.
During the game drive, your guide will stop at a lookout point to admire the crater’s sweeping beauty. Contrary to popular myth, some animals do leave the crater, but most prefer the abundant fresh grass and safety it offers.
You will break for lunch at a picnic site near Lake Magadi, a popular spot for hippos and a variety of bird species, including kites that sometimes try to snatch food from the table! Please keep your food secured and avoid feeding any wildlife, as it disrupts their natural diet and is prohibited by park law.