Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner (LD)

Departing from Arusha in the late morning, your private safari guide will take you on a scenic 3-hour drive southwest to Tarangire National Park, a lesser-visited gem known for its raw beauty and rich biodiversity. The moment you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by ancient baobabs towering over the horizon and herds of elephants roaming freely through the dry savannah. Tarangire is famous for having one of the highest densities of elephants in East Africa, and the diverse terrain ranges from dense woodlands to rolling grasslands and seasonal swamps.

Keep your eyes peeled during your afternoon game drive—Tarangire is also one of the rare places in Africa where both leopards and lions have been seen lounging in trees. And yes, the elusive African rock python might also be spotted coiled around the branches. After your thrilling introduction to the Tanzanian wild, you’ll continue a short distance to Maramboi Tented Camp, beautifully set within the Lake Manyara ecosystem.

This elegant, eco-conscious camp offers spacious tents elevated on wooden decks with spectacular views of the Rift Valley floor and distant mountains. Often, you won’t even need to leave your terrace to watch wildlife—zebras, giraffes, and gazelles frequently wander close by. Unwind with a swim in the camp’s pool, sip on a sundowner drink, and enjoy a delicious dinner under a starlit sky.
All meals and overnight at Maramboi Tented Camp. [L, D]

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)

Following breakfast, set off with your guide toward the breathtaking Lake Manyara National Park. Nestled between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the alkaline lake itself, this compact park is a study in ecological contrast—from lush groundwater forests and expansive floodplains to open woodlands. It's home to a high concentration of primates, especially troops of olive baboons and blue monkeys that thrive in the forested zones.

Today’s game drive will take you across this biodiverse landscape where hippos bask in shallow pools, elephants emerge from dense groves, and tree-climbing lions occasionally perch on sturdy branches—a rare behavior for big cats. You’ll also witness prolific birdlife, with flamingos, pelicans, and storks congregating around the lake’s edge. After a relaxing lunch, continue toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, gradually ascending to one of the most breathtaking lodges in northern Tanzania—Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Perched at the highest point along the crater rim, the lodge offers commanding views of the vast caldera below, especially during sunset when golden light paints the landscape. After a long but rewarding day, enjoy a hearty dinner by the fireplace or a soak in the lodge's pool. If you're up for it, a soothing massage is available to unwind before retreating to your warm, cozy room for the night.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. [B, L, D]

Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch (BL)

Start your day early with a warm drink and head out with your guide for an unforgettable descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most pristine natural wonders. This collapsed volcano forms a natural amphitheater sheltering an incredible density of wildlife—including the endangered black rhino, massive bull elephants with huge tusks, and large prides of lions. The crater’s grasslands, freshwater streams, and soda lakes form an ideal habitat for thousands of animals, including wildebeests, zebras, and colorful bird species.

Your guide will expertly navigate through different sections of the crater floor, increasing your chances of spotting even elusive creatures like caracals, serval cats, and perhaps even a leopard skulking in the shade. Keep your camera ready—you never know when a rare sighting will present itself. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at one of the designated sites within the crater, often with views of hippos wallowing in the water nearby.

After lunch, ascend the steep walls of the crater and begin the journey back to Arusha. The drive offers time to reflect on your unforgettable safari experiences, with scenic views of the highlands along the way. Upon arrival in Arusha in the late afternoon, you’ll either be dropped off at your hotel or transferred directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.
This marks the end of your unforgettable safari adventure. [B, L]