Reviews: Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

"Ngorongoro Crater is spectacular in terms of it's appearance and formation. From geological and environmental aspects it is fascinating but the safari aspect was disappointing. The caldera is 264 sq km and various different habitats have evolved over the floor - marshes, a forest, lakes, open grasslands so there is a wide range of animals.

However the number of vehicles allowed down into the caldera is not limited and so you are constantly aware of many other vehicles and animals were sometimes clearly stressed by the vehicles. We experienced this twice with elephants here - once in the forest area when an elephant wanted to cross a track but a vehicle was in the way and secondly as we were leaving the picnic area. The picnic area was full of vehicles and just as we were leaving a bull elephant came wandering along the shore. We knew it was in musth (as our guide in Tarangire had already explained this behaviour to us). The elephant was therefore potentially aggressive. As he walked along the shore some vehicles edged nearer to get a close position and people actually tried to get very close to take a photos. The elephant looked stressed and angry (so unlike the peaceful elephants in Tarangire). It was very sad to see. Our Asilia guide made a calm exit.

We think the caldera is over rated and It is not a place we would go back to." Read more about this whole safari

"Lots of sighting. Saw a lion pride having their breakfast. Very scenic. Got very beautiful pictures.

Only issue was the driver guide who was very reluctant to explain and was indifferent and unfriendly (this became more apparent to us when we had another guide later on at the Ubuntu who was superb and informative and made us to realise what good guiding could be)." Read more about this whole safari

"The Crater is justifiabl famous for its profusion of wildlife. We saw lions eating not far from the road, both fascinating and kind of gross. Lots of other critters, never far apart. A hint of a rhino, which remained elusive for us the entire trip. One full day is right for the Crater. An early start, picnic breakfast and lunch, then out as it starts to get dark. A long and full day." Read more about this whole safari

"Almost every animal we saw was at a long distance except for one lion that was very close to the road. And in that case, there were so many vehicles, it was not worth it.

I visited the same park about 30 years ago. I'll say it was better than, just because of the crowd this time" Read more about this whole safari

"A spectacular location and very pleased we went, but it felt very crowded

We got up very early to be there at first light, which was well worth it. Left the crowds to it after lunch" Read more about this whole safari

"An amazing place with lots of animals and a beautiful setting.

Note: It can be very cold – like down jacket and hat weather. Bring layers." Read more about this whole safari

"Alfred "Papa" Sakita was a great guide who was with us for the whole of our stay at the amazing Ngorongoro Crater, he knew exactly where to go for the best places and positions for wildlife photography, including finding three black rhino, two of whom were mating - and yes, I have the photograph.

The crater is quite amazing in it's size and the amount of big game and birds that are there, the view from the hotel on the crater edge is spectacular when the early morning mist burns off.

We managed to see our first leopard standing in the mist beside the track as we left on our last day." Read more about this whole safari

"Stunningly beautiful place.

We were captivated by the site of lions, hyenas and jackals all jostling for their share of the unfortunate buffalo. Just like a David Attenborough documentary.

Great adventure trying to spot the lions and a close encounter with an enormous beautiful bull elephant." Read more about this whole safari

"It was good to get down early to the crater, as overall it mostly didn't feel crowded, though obviously vehicles gathered at any very specific sighting. A fascinating location, with plenty of game, though not at all with the sense that they were all available or on display.

There were assorted herds of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo, plenty of Thomsons and Grants gazelles, both black-backed and golden jackals, a few elephants, 7 rhino in the distance (in 3 separate groups), hyenas, hippo and interesting birds, including kori bustards, martial eagle, marsh harrier.

A fascinating scenario, which we observed for several hours, was a stand-off between 5 male lions, 12 hyenas and a large herd of buffalo with a calf that had been injured, presumably by the hyenas. We were particularly impressed by the buffaloes' continued attacking of the lions even after the calf was definitely dead and mostly eaten by them. At one stage 3 of the young male lions came and lay against the wheel of our vehicle to avoid the buffalo charges." Read more about this whole safari

"Amazing day in the crater. We saw a Rhino!

We also had an up close sight of two lions mating for over a half hour - what an amazing thing to witness.

Really enjoyed this aspect of our trip!" Read more about this whole safari