This 2-day Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro Crater safari offers a unique combination of adventure and wildlife viewing. Arusha National Park, often called the "Mini-Serengeti," is a hidden gem known for its incredible scenic beauty, including the towering Mount Meru, the diverse Momela Lakes, and the Ngurdoto Crater. This compact park offers a rare opportunity for a walking safari, allowing you to get up close with wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species under the guidance of an armed ranger .
The second day takes you to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. Descend into the crater floor, often described as a natural wildlife sanctuary, and search for the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the endangered black rhino .
This safari is perfect for travelers seeking a more active wildlife experience, combining the unique walking safari and canoeing opportunities of Arusha National Park with the unparalleled game viewing of Ngorongoro Crater .
Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Price: Available on Request
Destinations: Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Great Rift Valley
Activities: Walking safari, game drives, canoeing (optional), Big Five spotting
Departure: Arusha or Moshi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Arusha National Park
07:00 AM – Departure from Arusha
- Pick up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi
- Meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Receive a briefing on the day's itinerary
- Drive approximately 45 minutes to Arusha National Park
08:00 AM – Arrival at Arusha National Park
- Enter through the main gate
- Register at the park entrance
- Park Overview:
- Covers 552 square kilometers
- Features Mount Meru (4,565m) – Tanzania's second-highest peak
- Diverse habitats: montane forest, grasslands, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater
- Known for walking safaris and scenic beauty
08:15 AM – Walking Safari with Armed Ranger
- A Unique Experience:
- Walk through the lush montane forests and open grasslands
- Accompanied by an armed ranger for your safety
- Wildlife to Spot:
- Giraffes – up close in their natural habitat
- Zebras and warthogs – grazing on the plains
- Buffaloes – from a safe distance
- Blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys – in the forest canopy
- Waterbucks and bushbucks – near water sources
- Learn about local flora, medicinal plants, and the park's ecosystem
- Excellent photography opportunities
10:00 AM – Game Drive
- Explore the park in your 4×4 safari vehicle
- Momella Lakes Area:
- A series of seven shallow lakes
- Birdwatching Paradise:
- Flamingos (seasonal)
- Pelicans
- Storks and herons
- Over 400 bird species
- Views:
- Mount Meru rising behind the lakes
- Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days (weather permitting)
- Ngurdoto Crater:
- A smaller volcanic crater
- Forested rim with a swampy floor
- Excellent for birdwatching and scenic views
12:00 PM – Optional Canoeing Experience (Additional Cost)
- Seasonal Activity (Water Levels Permitting):
- Paddle across the Momella Lakes
- Get closer to waterbirds and hippos
- Stunning views of Mount Meru from the water
- Note: Canoeing must be arranged in advance
01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch
- Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at a scenic site
- Relax with views of Mount Meru and the park's landscapes
02:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
- Continue exploring different areas of the park
- Wildlife to Look For:
- Elephants (smaller population but present)
- Dik-diks – Africa's smallest antelope
- Klipspringers – rock-dwelling antelopes
- Bushbucks and reedbucks
- Various bird species
04:00 PM – Depart Arusha National Park
- Begin the exit from the park
- Final game viewing opportunities
05:00 PM – Transfer to Accommodation
- Drive to your chosen lodge or camp
- Location: Arusha
06:30 PM – Check-in at Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha (or similar)
- Warm welcome with refreshing towel and welcome drink
- Check-in to your comfortable room
- Relax and Refresh:
- Enjoy the hotel's facilities
- Rest after an active day
07:30 PM – Dinner at the Hotel
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant
- Cuisine Options:
- Local Tanzanian dishes
- International cuisine
- Vegetarian and dietary options available
09:00 PM – Overnight at Hotel
- Rest and prepare for the early departure to Ngorongoro
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha / Similar
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
06:00 AM – Early Breakfast
- Wake up early for breakfast
- Pack picnic lunch for the crater
07:00 AM – Departure to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Transfer approximately 3.5 hours to Ngorongoro
- Scenic Route:
- Pass through the Great Rift Valley
- Coffee and wheat plantations
- Traditional Maasai villages
- The Ngorongoro Highlands
10:30 AM – Arrival at Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint
- Stop at the famous viewpoint (2,300m altitude)
- Panoramic Photo Opportunity:
- Capture the breathtaking crater floor 600 meters below
- Views of the volcanic cones
- Lake Magadi's shimmering waters
11:00 AM – Descent into Ngorongoro Crater
- Begin the descent along the steep crater road
- Enter the World's Largest Inactive Volcanic Caldera:
- Diameter: 20 km
- Depth: 600 meters
- Area: 260 square kilometers
- Formed 2.5 million years ago
- Home to over 25,000 large mammals
11:15 AM – Full-Day Crater Game Drive
- The Big Five Search:
- Lions: Often seen on the open grasslands, sometimes in large prides
- Leopards: Usually spotted in the Lerai Forest area
- Elephants: Large bulls with impressive tusks, often near the swamps
- Buffaloes: Massive herds of 200-500 individuals
- Black Rhinos: Critically endangered, best seen near the crater walls
- Lake Magadi Area:
- The alkaline soda lake
- Flamingos: Thousands lining the shoreline (seasonal)
- Hippos: Wallowing in the shallows
- Waterbirds: Pelicans, spoonbills, storks
- Geysers: Natural hot springs bubbling
- Gorigor Swamp Area:
- Prime predator territory
- Wildlife:
- Lions hunting
- Spotted hyenas and jackals
- Wildebeest and zebras grazing
- Secretary birds walking
- Lerai Forest Area:
- Thick forest in the crater
- Wildlife:
- Leopards (best chance here)
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Bushbucks and reedbucks
- Colobus monkeys
- Excellent for birdwatching
- Open Grasslands:
- Wildlife:
- Herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle
- Serval cats (rare)
- Kori bustards – the heaviest flying bird
- Ostriches
- Wildlife:
- Hot Springs Area:
- Steaming geothermal springs
- Wildlife:
- Unique vegetation
- Bird species attracted to the warm water
01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch at the Hippo Pool
- Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool picnic site
- Hippo Viewing:
- Watch hippos and crocodiles at close range
- Observe synchronized breathing
- Young hippos playing in the water
- Safety Note: Stay on designated paths – hippos are dangerous
02:00 PM – Continue Crater Game Drive
- Explore the remaining parts of the crater
- What to Look For:
- Golden hours start, best for photography
- Animals returning to water sources
- Final Big Five sightings
04:00 PM – Exit the Crater
- Begin the ascent out of the crater
- Photo stop at the viewpoint for final crater photos
- Reflect on your incredible wildlife experience
04:30 PM – Departure to Arusha
- Scenic drive back to Arusha
- Pass through Karatu and the Great Rift Valley
- Optional brief stop for refreshments (own expense)
08:00 PM – Arrival in Arusha
- Drop off at your hotel
- End of your 2-day Arusha National Park & Ngorongoro safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (return to Arusha)
What's Included
| ✅ Included | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for unobstructed viewing | |
| Guide | Professional English-speaking driver-guide with years of experience | |
| Park Fees | Arusha National Park entry and conservation fees | |
| Park Fees | Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry and crater fees | |
| Crater Vehicle Fees | Ngorongoro Crater vehicle entry fee | |
| Walking Safari | Guided walking safari with armed ranger | |
| Accommodation | 1 night at Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha or similar | |
| Meals | Day 1: Lunch, Dinner | Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch |
| Drinks | Bottled water throughout the tour | |
| Binoculars | Provided for wildlife viewing | |
| Transfers | Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha | |
| Taxes | All government taxes and VAT |
What's Not Included
| ❌ Not Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Flights | International flights |
| Visa | Tanzania visa (available on arrival for most nationalities) |
| Insurance | Travel insurance (mandatory – proof required) |
| Tips | Gratuities for guide and lodge staff (customary) |
| Alcohol | Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks |
| Personal Items | Souvenirs and personal expenses |
| Meals | Breakfast Day 1, Dinner Day 2 (unless specified) |
| Accommodation | Accommodation before or after the tour |
| Canoeing | Optional canoeing experience at Momella Lakes |
Accommodation Options
Mid-Range (Comfortable & Popular)
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha | Arusha | $150 – $220 pp | Comfortable rooms, excellent service, convenient location |
Luxury Options (Premium & Exclusive)
| Property | Location | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha | Arusha | $250 – $350 pp | Premium rooms, superior service, fine dining |
Other accommodation options can be arranged upon request.
Pricing
| Group Size | Mid-Range (USD) | Luxury (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $750 – $850 | $950 – $1,100 |
| 2 Persons | $520 – $620 | $720 – $850 |
| 3 Persons | $460 – $540 | $650 – $780 |
| 4 Persons | $420 – $490 | $600 – $720 |
| 5+ Persons | $390 – $460 | $550 – $670 |
Price Factors:
- Season: High season (July-October, December-March) prices are higher
- Accommodation Choice: Luxury options significantly increase the cost
- Nationality: Park fees vary for international vs. East African residents
- Pickup Location: Additional charges for Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport
Contact us for a personalized, no-obligation quote.
