This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

Overview: Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

As you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with your guide, you’re entering the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Designated as a World Heritage Site, the crater measures 259km², and is surrounded by walls towering to 610m. The mineral-rich crater floor – enclosed on all sides – has virtually formed its own ecosystem. From forested walls to grassy plains, and woodlands to lakes, the diversity of habitats are home to a wide variety of bird and animal life, in large numbers.

Down here on the crater floor you can expect to see herds of zebra, wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and buffalo, with the open plains also home to Grant’s gazelle and topi. Predators are regularly seen, especially lion, hyena, jackal and bat-eared fox, though cheetah and leopard also occur here. And as if that wasn’t enough, the crater is also one of a handful of places in Africa where you have a very good chance of seeing rhino.

Bird species are also numerous and varied. Kori bustards and secretary birds stalk the plains, African spoonbills and yellow-billed storks feed in and around the streams, whilst flamingos can be found on the soda lake. Anteater chats call noisily and black kites patrol the picnic area for an easy meal.

It’s not easy to drag yourself away at the end of the day, but as you climb out of the crater, you’ll gain the perspective of height. Down on the plains, the animals merge back into their environment and gradually fade from view, leaving you with memories and – with luck – some great photographs.

A game drive into the Ngorongoro Crater usually starts in the early morning. Most guides recommend that you are at the park gates when they open at 6.00am. The day’s safari then typically ends at around 4.00pm, when you’ll start ascending the crater and heading back to your accommodation. But, this is flexible and your safari guide will discuss your preferences with you.

Most visitors do this trip in a private vehicle, accompanied by their private guide. If you are on a fly-in safari, and staying at a fully-inclusive lodge in the area, you may visit the crater on a game drive led by one of the lodge’s guides, and in the company of other lodge guests.

Please note: Expert Africa only books excursions as a part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary.
Start location
Any of Expert Africa's camps in the vicinity of the Ngorongoro Crater
End location
Back at your safari camp
Meals included
Picnic lunch & drinks
Duration
Typically a full day
Maximum group size
Usually six people

Photo gallery

What to look forward to.


1 of 14
The scenery of the crater is truly stunning...
2 of 14
...
3 of 14
...but as you make your way down the slopes, you'll realise it's not the main reason to come here...
4 of 14
...the "big tusker" elephants...
5 of 14
...are frequently seen...
6 of 14
...plains game is plentiful...
7 of 14
...in whichever direction you look...
8 of 14
...all with an incredible backdrop...
9 of 14
...it's a photographer's dream...
10 of 14
...there's always something to keep an eye out for...
11 of 14
...you may even be lucky enough to spot the elusive black rhino...
12 of 14
...as well as some of the slightly less pretty species...!
13 of 14
Experienced guides will drive you around...
14 of 14
...explaining the wonder crater itself and the abundance of life which lives within it.

The scenery of the crater is truly stunning...

...

...but as you make your way down the slopes, you'll realise it's not the main reason to come here...

...the "big tusker" elephants...

...are frequently seen...

...plains game is plentiful...

...in whichever direction you look...

...all with an incredible backdrop...

...it's a photographer's dream...

...there's always something to keep an eye out for...

...you may even be lucky enough to spot the elusive black rhino...

...as well as some of the slightly less pretty species...!

Experienced guides will drive you around...

...explaining the wonder crater itself and the abundance of life which lives within it.

Safari in Ngorongoro Crater reviews

29 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.


94%
83 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
63
Good
15
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs CHfromGuildford

18 Feb 2024

"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"

"The crater offers fabulous and varied wildlife viewing …" Read Mrs CH’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Overall rating: Average

PuchtofromBuffalo

16 Feb 2024

"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"

"Crater itself is absolutely stunning. …" Read Puchto’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

BrydonfromUK

22 Jan 2024

"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"

"Absolutely extraordinary from beginning to end …" Read Brydon’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs EfromCroydon

22 Sep 2023

"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"

"one of the most beautiful places in the world. …" Read Mr & Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

J+GfromPortstewart

5 Dec 2023

"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"

"Backdrop of the crater against the animals is incredible …" Read J+G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr Cfromnorth London

25 Oct 2023

"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"

"a wonderful experience …" Read Mr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Gina DaifromNYC

10 Oct 2023

"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"

"Would definitely recommend at least a full day in Ngorongoro! …" Read Gina Dai’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Overall rating: Excellent

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Safari in Ngorongoro Crater reviews

Ideas for holidays which can include Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made safari to Tanzania.


Itinerary image

Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.

US$8,400 - US$12,520 per person

Itinerary image

Avocet Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on this amazing experience.

US$9,280 - US$14,680 per person

Itinerary image

Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.

US$10,340 - US$15,100 per person

Itinerary image

Lovebird Fly-in Safari

5 days • 2 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Visit two consistently impressive wildlife destinations during this excellent-value safari in northern Tanzania. Enjoy a range of walks and cultural visits from sister camps at the Ngorongoro Crater and in the heart of the Serengeti.

US$3,820 - US$5,960 per person

Itinerary image

Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.

US$4,470 - US$5,650 per person

Itinerary image

Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.

US$7,440 - US$10,740 per person

Itinerary image

Flufftail Guided Safari

10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.

US$11,410 - US$16,860 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$12,620 - US$14,390 per person

Itinerary image

Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.

US$12,110 - US$16,740 per person

Itinerary image

Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.

US$16,050 - US$23,210 per person

Itinerary image

Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.

US$9,320 - US$15,160 per person

Itinerary image

Dik Dik Safari

12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

US$8,750 - US$14,010 per person

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other excursions in Tanzania

Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Tanzania to include in your safari.


Lake Manyara Safari

Lake Manyara Safari

Half-day or full-day

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.

More about Lake Manyara Safari
85% (48 reviews)
Balloon Safari over the Serengeti

Balloon Safari over the Serengeti

Three hours - approx. one hour flight

As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.

More about Balloon Safari
100% (17 reviews)
Olduvai Gorge visit

Olduvai Gorge visit

One - two hours

See for yourself the renowned archaeological site of Olduvai (or Oldupai) Gorge, which lies en route between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Famed for the discoveries of early hominin remains as well as the Laetoli Footprints, the site offers beautiful views, an engaging museum and potentially the opportunity to visit an active dig.

More about Olduvai Gorge visit
93% (15 reviews)
Safari in Arusha National Park

Safari in Arusha National Park

Half day or full day

Arusha National Park offers some lovely walking in the foothills of Mount Meru and canoeing on the Momela Lakes, plus gentle game drives.

More about Safari in Arusha NP
77% (7 reviews)
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk

Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk

Two to three hours

Discover the nuances of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists – Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of Tanzania that many visitors pass by.

More about Village Walk
90% (6 reviews)
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway

Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway

Usually one hour

Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.

More about Manyara Treetop Walk
75% (4 reviews)
Maasai Village Visit

Maasai Village Visit

Two to three hours - afternoon activity

Gain an authentic insight into Maasai life, visiting one of the villages in the highland areas of the Ngorongoro Crater. Far from being a commercialised, contrived experience, this is a genuine opportunity to visit a real village, and to be welcomed by the villagers.

More about Maasai Village Visit
80% (4 reviews)
Empakaai Crater Hike

Empakaai Crater Hike

Half day, two - three hour walk

Spend a half day hiking through the Empakaai Crater, in the Highlands area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), led by an experienced guide and accompanied by a ranger.

More about Empakaai Crater Hike
100% (1 reviews)
Crater Rim Walk

Crater Rim Walk

Half day - two hour walk

For some fantastic views, and the chance to see flora and fauna up close, take a walk along the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Led by an experienced safari guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you will be able to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.

More about Crater Rim Walk
100% (3 reviews)
Olmoti Crater walk

Olmoti Crater walk

Half day - two to three hour walk

Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail on this private hike up the Olmoti Crater, led by an experienced guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. The crater may not compete in size with the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, but the birding is good, the mountain views wonderful, and the array of ferns is a botanist’s dream.

More about Olmoti Crater walk
90% (2 reviews)
Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

Full day

Experience Africa’s highest mountain – in just a day. In the company of a private guide, hike through the forests of Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side to an altitude of 3,400m. From here, explore the Shira Plateau and its surroundings, perhaps spotting wildlife along the way.

More about Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Chimpanzee habituation experience

Chimpanzee habituation experience

One or two days

A chance to catch a glimpse of a unique group of chimpanzees that are in the process of being habituated on Rubondo Island. Trek, in search of these remarkably human-like creatures, follow their calls, and with luck spend some time watching them in their natural environment.

More about Chimpanzee experience
100% (1 reviews)
Balloon Safari over Ruaha

Balloon Safari over Ruaha

Three hours - one hour flight

Varied and scenically stunning, Ruaha National Park features rolling hills, woodlands, open plains and two wide meandering rivers: the Ruaha and the Mwagusi. What better way to view it than from the air, at sunrise? A balloon safari offers just this, the landscape unfolding below your basket as you float almost silently above.

More about Ballooning in Ruaha

Tanzania fact file

Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Tanzania


Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team