3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Explore Tanzania’s Big Five & Birdlife

3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari: Embark on an unforgettable 3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari, a perfect short Tanzania safari designed for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and nature lovers.

This safari takes you deep into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife havens.

Often referred to as the “Eden of Africa” and recognized as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Ngorongoro Crater spans over 3,202 square miles of pristine wilderness.

Since 1959, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has preserved one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet, making it an essential stop on any Tanzanian safari itinerary.

Why Choose the Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari?

• Witness one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).

• Explore breathtaking landscapes – from lush crater floors to scenic highlands.

• Enjoy over 500 bird species, including flamingos on Lake Magadi.

• Travel comfortably in a 4×4 open-roof safari vehicle with an expert guide.

This 3-day safari begins and ends in Arusha, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but a desire for maximum adventure.

Wildlife Highlights: What to Expect

The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. On your game drives, expect to spot:

Mammals:

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven to Bohor reedbucks, Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, leopards, bushbucks, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, African wild dogs, jackals, cheetahs, Defassa waterbucks, wildebeests, serval cats, giant elands, zebras, Hippos, Black Rhinos, duikers and impalas, among others.

Birdlife

For birding, this protected area is a paradise with over 500 species that are commonly sighted around the stunning Lake Magadi. Here, the Rufous-tailed weavers, silvery-cheeked hornbills, bronze sunbirds, and tacazze sunbirds, to mention but a few.

Kicking off and ending in Arusha Town, this short safari involves 2 nights in the wilderness.

3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Road transfer from Arusha Town to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day 2: The full-day Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari.

Day 3: Half-day Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari and drive back to Arusha Town.

Detailed Itinerary for the 3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Arrival & First Game Drive

This day officially marks the beginning of the journey of discovery through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with pick-up from Arusha Town.

First, be briefed on the trip before starting the journey with stunning views and sights along the way. Get here by afternoon for hot lunch, served at the Safari Lodge/Tented Camp.

Later in the afternoon, have a game drive through this UNESCO World Heritage Site where rhinoceroses, African bush elephants, leopards, Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, zebras, Topis, wildebeests, kobs, bushbucks, cheetahs, serval cats, jackals, vervet monkeys, gazelles, and warthogs are sighted during game drives.

Your first night and delicious meal await you at the reserved Wilderness Camp or Lodge.

Accommodation;

• Upmarket: The swanky Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
• Standard: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.
• Basic: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Travel time: 4 hours.

Activities: Game drives.

Day 2: Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

On this beautiful day, expect to explore the real and hidden beauty of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but first, you will be served a delicious breakfast at the comfort of the Wilderness Lodge or Tented Camp.

The game drive starts from the lodge premises, continuing to the crater floor, where the majority of the Protected Area’s animals converge for verdant pastures and clean water.

Here, the highest population of zebras, wildebeests, rhinoceroses, serval cats, black-backed jackals, Hippos, Elephants, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, and a plethora of beautiful birds (especially the lesser flamingos) will be seen during the game drive.

Take a break from this game drive to have lunch (at the picnic sites or back at the Lodge).

After lunch, proceed with your journey of discovering the world’s largest intact caldera with an afternoon game drive where more animals will be revealed. Drive back to the Safari Camp/Lodge after this adventurous time in the wilderness for dinner and slumber with fresh memories from the action-packed game-viewing experience.

Accommodation;

• Upmarket: The swanky Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
• Standard: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.
• Basic: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Activities: Game viewing.

Day 3: Half-day Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari and drive back to Arusha Town

Take some time to scan through the wilderness for another opportunity to see more of the African bush elephants, Rhinos, Cape buffaloes, lions, Rhinoceros, leopards, wildebeests, Impalas, warthogs, Topis, cheetahs and so much more.

Then have brunch and exit Ngorongoro Conservation Area for Arusha Airport/Town to continue with other travel plans. This brings our 3 days Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari to an end. Kwaheri!

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What’s included on the 3 days Ngorongoro Crater Safari

• All relevant government taxes or levies.
• 2 nights’ exquisite accommodation in only the best safari lodges/camps.
• Entry fees into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Wildlife viewing.
• Services of a professional safari driver.
• Ground transportation by a cozy 4X4 open-roof safari vehicle.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Government taxes and levies.

What’s excluded on our 3 days Ngorongoro Crater Safari?

• Laundry fees.
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Gratuities to the safari driver and ranger guides.
• Telephone calls.
• Souvenir shopping.
• Airfares (domestic and international flights).
• Accommodation in Arusha Town.
• Optional activities are not stipulated on the itinerary.

What to pack for the 3 days Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari

• Your travel documents, such as visa, passport, air ticket, and itinerary/travel plan.
• Warm safari fleece or poncho.
• Safari hat.
• Cotton socks.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Short-sleeved shirts.
• Flip-flops/sandals.
• Safari trousers.
• Insect repellent.
• Toiletries like hand sanitizer, a toothbrush, a hair comb, hand and body lotion, toothpaste, and wet wipes, to mention but a few.
• First aid kit with bandages, liniment, and anti-malarial tablets, among others.

About Ngorongoro Crater: Quick Facts

• Size: 260 sq miles (610 m deep)

• Altitude: Rim: 2,200–3,600 m above sea level; Floor: 1,800 m

• Formation: Created 2.5–3 million years ago by a massive volcanic eruption

• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979

You may also wish to Know;

Ngorongoro crater size

The Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic caldera with a floor area of 260 square miles. It’s approximately 610 meters (2,000 feet) deep.  The crater’s rim is heavily forested and rises 610 meters above the caldera floor. 

Ngorongoro crater history

The Ngorongoro Crater was formed about 2.5 to 3 million years ago by a massive volcanic eruption and subsequent collapse. A large volcano, possibly as tall as Mount Kilimanjaro erupted and collapsed on itself, leaving a vast caldera with a floor covering 260 square kilometers and 610 meters (2,000 feet) deep. 

Ngorongoro crater altitude

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