How to Plan Your Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour From Arusha

Are you a nature lover? Do you want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife? If yes, then the Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Tour from Arusha is a must-see for you. This tour takes you to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world. If you’re planning to take this tour, here’s everything you need to know.

Overview

This tour takes you on a full-day adventure to the Ngorongoro Crater. You’ll have a chance to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard), as well as various other wildlife species. The tour includes a private transportation service, lunch, bottled water, snacks, and gratuities.

What’s Included

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts at 5:30 AM, and pickup is available at various points within the city. If you’re staying outside the city, you’ll need to arrange for separate transportation. The tour is operated by Samsons Safaris.

What to Expect

During the tour, you’ll travel through the scenic landscapes of Tanzania to the Ngorongoro Crater. Once you arrive, you’ll descend into the crater, where you’ll see various wildlife species, including the Big Five. You’ll have an opportunity to take stunning photographs and immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• Travelers should have moderate physical fitness levels.
• This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.
• Operated by Samsons Safaris

Cancellation Policy

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Book the Tour Here

If you’re interested in booking this tour, visit viator.com.

Conclusion

If you want to explore the beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife and experience the stunning scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, this tour is an excellent choice. With private transportation, lunch, bottled water, snacks, and gratuities included, you’ll have a fantastic, hassle-free experience. Book your Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Tour today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Insider’s Guide: Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is one of the major cities in Tanzania, located in the northern part of the country, just a stone’s throw away from some of Tanzania’s most astounding natural wonders, such as the famous Ngorongoro Crater. This brief guide will take you through some of the best cultural experiences, local attractions, dining spots, and off-the-beaten-track suggestions in the city to ensure that you have a memorable experience while visiting Arusha.

Attractions

Arusha is a beautiful city, bursting with life, culture, and history. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions, and some of the most popular ones include:

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a well-preserved wildlife sanctuary, featuring various animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and more. The park also has a dormant volcanic crater, Mount Meru, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Arusha.

Old Boma Museum

This museum houses a collection of exhibits that detail the history of Tanzania and highlights the country’s colonial past and independence struggles. The museum’s architecture, a restored boma (traditional African dwelling), is itself a captivating sight.

Maasai Market

The vibrant Maasai Market is a must-visit for anyone looking for locally made souvenirs and African artifacts. The market is known to host a wide variety of unique products, including jewelry, bags, sculptures, paintings, and much more.

Local Dining Spots

Visitors to Arusha will find a plethora of restaurants and eateries offering a wide variety of cuisine. Here are some of the top local dining spots worth indulging:

Mama’s Kitchen

Mama’s Kitchen is a locally-owned restaurant that offers an authentic African dining experience, featuring local staples such as ugali, sukuma wiki, and chapati. The eats are delicious, with affordable prices to match.

The Blue Heron

The Blue Heron is an elegant restaurant that serves continental dishes and specialty cocktails in a serene garden setting. Some of the standout dishes to try out include the herb-crusted rack of lamb and the vegetarian option of basil gnocchi.

Tanzanite Dream

Tanzanite Dream is a luxurious dining option that gives guests an unforgettable fine-dining experience in Arusha. The restaurant is well known for serving modern European cuisine with a unique African twist, including dishes like the sumptuous Tanzanian beef fillet.

Cultural Experiences

To gain an authentic understanding of Tanzanian culture, visitors should consider adding these cultural experiences to their itinerary during their trip to Arusha:

Maasai Village Tour

A Maasai village tour provides an immersive experience of Maasai culture with a chance to interact with the tribe’s inhabitants, learn about their unique customs, and even participate in cultural dances.

Marangu Cultural Tour

A visit to the Marangu Cultural Tour centers around the Chagga people’s history and traditions, including a visit to a Chagga coffee plantation and learning about how coffee is processed. Guests also have the opportunity to sample the local brew.

Local History

Arusha also boasts a rich and fascinating history, with several historical sites waiting for curious visitors. Here are a few notable spots worth visiting;

The Uhuru Monument

The Uhuru Monument is located in the heart of Arusha city and commemorates Tanzania’s independence from Britain in 1961. This grandiose statue signifies the country’s journey to independence.

The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is an iconic landmark in Arusha city constructed in 1956 to celebrate the visit of England’s Princess Margaret. Today, it stands as a symbol of the resilience and progress made by the people of Tanzania.

Off-the-beaten-path

If you’re looking for an adventure off-the-beaten-path and have a little more time, here are two suggestions:

Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro

Summiting Africa’s highest peak is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro is located roughly 4 hours from Arusha and offers some of the most magnificent views of Tanzania’s natural expanse.

Hike and Bike in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is not just game drives and walking safaris. For the adventurous traveler, it is an incredible destination for hiking and biking, offering a unique way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife, flora, and fauna.

In conclusion, Arusha is a vibrant city in Tanzania, with a stunning array of attractions, cultural experiences, local dining spots, captivating history, and off-the-beaten-path options. A mix so divine that you’ll be guaranteed an unforgettable experience.