Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
297 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
"My Sep 2024 trip"
You were smart listeners, patiently crafting a great trip that matched our best hopes." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2024 trip"
We were placed with Jessica Plumb based on the area we desired to travel. She guided us with care and precision answering any and all questions we had. The attention to detailed planning was felt throughout the trip! We could not have asked for anything more!
The Nomad team was top notch. You can tell by talking to them they are a wonderful company with little turnover. They are a family and value their guest. The accommodations, although all different were excellent and the service was first class. The food was AMAZING. We really had no idea what to expect but it was delicious. The guides take ownership in making sure their guest see everything they possibly can. Wifi was a pleasant surprise and much appreciated to communicate briefly with those back home. Without a doubt we will assist in talking to anyone about our trip and the excellent service we received!
It's hard to say what was our favorite because we loved each and every minute! We have said again and again we could not have been treated any better any where else! We hope to return and WILL use Expert Africa.
Feel free to use any of our quotes!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
can not think of one thing
Just make sure we have another excellent person next time and please let the Nomad team know how wonderful they were!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"Our Sep 2024 trip"
When we embarked on this journey, we reached out to several outfitters with written questions. Richard stood out as the only one who replied in writing, addressing each of our queries. We appreciated that, as it showed he was willing to take the time to provide thorough answers instead of opting for a quick phone call. Through our exchange of preferences, we eventually set up a phone call to finalize the country and initial park selections. It was clear that Richard was truly listening when he suggested swapping Amboseli for Samburu to enhance our animal encounters. His recommendation, based on the unique features of each park, convinced us that the switch was the right choice. Additionally, we decided to include another park and lodge based on our combined ideas.
As our travel date approached, we both felt a bit anxious, being detail-oriented individuals who thrive on precision. Richard managed to provide some additional details, but he urged us to trust him with the finer points. He assured us that from the moment we landed in Nairobi until our return flight home, we would be well taken care of. Although this level of trust was outside our comfort zone, we agreed. Now that we're back, we can confidently say Richard was right—every detail was meticulously handled. Wahoo! Everywhere we went, people were expecting us, from the pilots to the lodges and guides, seamlessly coordinating our journey at each transfer point.
Our trip as a whole met our expectations and went way beyond. We have done nothing but rave about it since we returned home. We have told everyone we have talked to about the trip what a great experience it was and how great it was to work with Richard. Given the opportunity to plan another trip like this, we would certainly be comfortable working with Richard and would highly recommend him and Expert Africa to friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
On our trip, we experienced both communal and solitary dining. We thoroughly enjoyed the communal meals with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and other lodge guests. These gatherings offered us a valuable opportunity to learn about each person's culture and experiences. We believe that offering a communal dining option could enhance the overall experience, making it more enriching and engaging." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 15 on a Kenya safari
"My Aug 2024 trip"
Everything went very smoothly. Many thanks to all concerned, and especially to Lyndsey.
She always understands really quickly what we want, provides suggestions on timing and accommodation, and goes on to build a brilliant holiday.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - you do a great job. Just keep on providing lovely holidays." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"My Aug 2024 trip"
The itinerary, divided among three distinct locations, was ideal for allowing us to fully appreciate the unique characteristics of Ngorongoro, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti.
The mix of lodges and tented camps provided us with a diverse range of experiences, and we particularly enjoyed our stays at Craters Edge and the Nomad Serengeti Camp. The Nomad camp, in particular, offered an unforgettable and truly unique experience.
Everything was perfect." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"My Jul 2024 trip"
"My Jun 2024 trip"
The process of deciding upon itinerary (places, lodging, timing) involved very productive discussions to arrive at a great trip. The 15 days with Anaphi Anafi demonstrated that our desires were listened to, and we had a truly great and effective guide.
Thank you so much for everything.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No.
Any small matters that arose, the sorts of things that occur with any planned trip, were handled very quickly" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
" 2024 - a return visit to Ngorongoro and Serengeti"
Let's start with the positives.
For thirty years now we have been making almost annual trips to Africa to see and photograph wildlife visiting many different countries. Of all those visited there is no question in our opinion that the Tanzanians are the very best people when it comes to friendliness and the provision of hospitality and service.
The next major plus point is the service provided by Expert Africa's agents in Tanzania. You really felt looked after by their staff - staffing levels are excellent. As an example, we needed some medical advice which resulted in the need for some antibiotic medicine. No problem - they just flew it up from Arusha on the next flight.
Other ways they provided satisfaction was in the way little changes to the daily plan were taken on board and executed.
We choose to go to these areas in Tanzania to enable us to see cheetah. This is where our first disappointment happened. There seem to be fewer sightings compared with many years ago (we readily accept that no animal sighting can be guaranteed anywhere).
Years ago we would see two or even three separate cheetah sightings on any one day. On this trip we saw only six sightings over an eight day visit to the area.
In this same period over the years there has been a gradual increase in the number of lion sightings and total lion numbers. This puts greater pressure on the cheetah who are often killed by lions. Also this means that when a cheetah is found it is immediately surrounded by vehicles and this pressure may be driving them away.
We witnessed one outrageous situation where three cheetah on a kill were corralled by twenty vehicles in three concentric circles with a clear area of no more than 10 to 12 meters diameter. The stress levels shown on the poor animal's faces was clear to see. This behaviour by tourists has got to be controlled! But the commercial interests rule. Years ago there were some four or five operating companies, now it seems there are forty five - you see a new name on a vehicle numerous times a day." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"My Feb 2024 migration trip"
The trip was well organised. the camps and destinations were fabulous, everyone strove to satisfy our desires and the food was delicious." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"My Feb 2024 trip"
We were taken care of from the moment we arrived to the moment we departed.
Did not have to worry about a thing and the logistics of the trip were executed fantastically, even with the hiccup of a broken down vehicle.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:,/b>
The entire trip was brilliant and Richard was very helpful in answering any questions that we had." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Where to stay in Ngorongoro Crater
Our suggestions for safari camps in Ngorongoro Crater
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
