Hiking – Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania

Hiking – Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a wildlife paradise. Descend into this 260 km² natural amphitheater teeming with lions, elephants, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. Hiking its rim offers panoramic views of the crater floor, while guided walks unveil Maasai culture and pristine highland forests. Combining thrilling safaris with breathtaking landscapes, Ngorongoro is a bucket-list destination for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts. Here is a travel tip, pack layers for variable weather, sturdy hiking shoes, and a zoom lens for photography.

Details

Included in the Offer Exclusive in the Offer
  • 3 nights accommodation at a lodge like Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or at a campsite.
  • Full-board meals during the stay.
  • Round-trip transfers between Nairobi and Arusha either by shuttle or flight (extra fee) followed by a 4×4 safari vehicle to the crater.
  • Guided crater rim hike, game drives, and Maasai village visit.
  • International flights and Tanzania visa fee estimated from Kshs 6,500 and Kshs 13,000 for most nationalities.
  • Premium drinks, alcoholic beverages, recommended gratuities for staff and guides, and travel insurance.
  • Optional hot air balloon safaris estimated from Kshs 71,500 per person.
  • Personal gear like hiking boots and binoculars which are available on rent.
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry fees estimated from Kshs 9,100 per day.

 

Out-of-pocket activities and attractions to look forward to include:

  1. Serengeti National Park to witness the seasonal Great Migration just a 2-hour’s drive away.
  2. Olduvai Gorge exploring “Cradle of Mankind” archaeological sites.
  3. Lake Manyara National Park tree-climbing lions and birdwatching.
  4. Empakaai Crater lesser-known volcanic crater for hiking.
  5. Maasai Boma cultural immersion and traditional dances.

 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Arusha then Ngorongoro Day 2: Crater Floor Safari
  • 6:00 AM: One and a half hour’s flight from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro Airport.
  • 8:30 AM: 4-hour transfer to Ngorongoro via Arusha.
  • 1:00 PM: Lodge check-in and lunch.
  • 3:30 PM: Guided crater rim hike.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at the lodge.
  • 6:30 AM: Breakfast.
  • 7:30 AM: Full-day game drive in the crater with picnic lunch.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to lodge or an optional Maasai village visit estimated from Kshs 3,900.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner under the stars.

 

Day 3: Serengeti Day Trip Day 4: Departure
  • 6:00 AM: Breakfast.
  • Extra Fee 7:00 AM: Optional Serengeti excursion estimated from Kshs 32,500 per person which includes park fees.
  • 6:00 PM: Return to lodge.
  • 7:30 PM: Farewell dinner.
  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast and check-out.
  • 8:00 AM: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.
  • 12:00 PM: Flight to Nairobi.

 

Fee Structure and Validity

Package Price: Additional Fees: Offer Validation:
  • Estimated from Kshs 234,000 per person sharing.
  • Single Supplement estimated from Kshs 52,000 extra fee.
  • Hot air balloon safari estimated from Kshs 71,500.
  • Olduvai Gorge tour estimated from Kshs 6,500.
  • Hiking gear rentals estimated from Kshs 3,900 per day.
  • Book by August and travel before July the following year.
  • 40% non-refundable deposit is required to secure permits.
  • 50% refund for 60+ days prior cancellation, and no refund for less than 60 days prior cancellation.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
  • Crater hikes will always require wildlife ranger escorts.
  • Wildlife sightings not guaranteed.