Ngorongoro Crater, located in the northern part of Tanzania. Is one of Africa’s natural wonders you must witness before you die. This is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.
If you’re in Zanzibar islands and planning to visit Ngorongoro Crater, you might be wondering about the best ways to get there. Here’s a complete guide on how to get from Zanzibar to Ngorongoro.
Ngorongoro Crater Highlights
By Air: From Zanzibar to Ngorongoro
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Ngorongoro Crater from Zanzibar is by air. The two common options are Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport.
Flights to Arusha Airport (ARK):
You will need to take a direct flight from Zanzibar Airport to Arusha Airport. You can book from several local airlines, like Coastal Aviation, Assalam Air, and Precision Air, these companies operate daily flights from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Arusha (ARK). The flight takes approximately 1 hour to arrive in Arusha. After arriving, you will take a car for the transfer from Arusha Airport to Ngorongoro, which takes 4 hours.
Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO):
If you can’t find a direct flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, you can use another option which is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is about 50 km from Arusha Airport. And then you can do the same, take your car and start driving to Ngorongoro.
By Ferry & Road Drive
We don’t recommend this option unless you know what you are doing. For adventurous travelers, meaning you don’t care about timing or where to sleep. It is technically possible to take a ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, then drive to Ngorongoro.
However, this journey doesn’t go simple as it sounds, you will need to know where and what time you will take a public bus to take you from Dar es salam to Arusha city, and then from Arusha city, you need to know which bus which can take you to Ngorongoro.
Best Ngorongoro Safari From Zanzibar
FAQs on Getting from Zanzibar to Ngorongoro
Can you fly from Zanzibar to Ngorongoro?
There are no flights which can take you from Zanzibar Airport to Ngorongoro. You will need to land at Arusha/ Kilimanjaro Airport and then drive to Ngorongoro. Also, you can land in Serengeti National Park through the Seronera airstrip, and then drive a car to Ngorongoro which is close to Serengeti.
How much is a flight from Zanzibar Arusha Airport?
Flight prices vary depending on the airline and season. On average, a one-way ticket from Zanzibar to Arusha can range from $150 to $500 per person. You can get a cheaper option during low season. But we do recommend all travelers to book your all inclusive packages to avoid thinking about everything in your vacation.
Can you drive from Zanzibar to Ngorongoro?
No, you cannot drive directly from Zanzibar to Ngorongoro since Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania mainland. You would need to take a ferry or flight to mainland Tanzania whether Arusha or Dar es Salam and then drive to Ngorongoro.