Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
290 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
Mr & Mrs K
Maidstone
" 2024 - a return visit to Ngorongoro and Serengeti"
I visited Tanzania between 27 Feb 2024 and 10 Mar 2024
"This was our fifth visit to the area spanning sixteen years and, sadly, the least satisfying - a mixed bag of excellence and disappointment.
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
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
Overall trip
Average
Mrs CH
Guildford
"My Feb 2024 migration trip"
I visited Tanzania between 17 Feb 2024 and 29 Feb 2024
"How could anyone fail to safari as we did without feeling completely content!
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
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
Overall trip
Excellent
Puchto
Buffalo
"My Feb 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 11 Feb 2024 and 21 Feb 2024
"The entire trip was fantastic.
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
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
Overall trip
Excellent
Brydon
UK
"My Jan 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 17 Jan 2024 and 28 Jan 2024
"The guide we were assigned by Asilia was extraordinary. The most kind , knowledgeable and lovely man … 10 days with a stranger can have its issues but he was fantastic from day one. I cannot recommend Natho high enough. He looked after me - with mobility issues - and my family superbly. I cried when we said farewell which tells you much. Please pass this on to the Asilia management
I was prior to arriving in Tanzania unaware about the distance we would travel. Our guide told me we drove 1455kms !!!
We got infested with tsetse flies in Tarangire… you may wish to advise your clients … wasn’t pleasant
This was our 5th safari you organised for us and beyond the best. Your ground arrangements were superb from beginning to end … KLM NOT SO …
I would like to see a section here about the Guide and our view of them" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
I was prior to arriving in Tanzania unaware about the distance we would travel. Our guide told me we drove 1455kms !!!
We got infested with tsetse flies in Tarangire… you may wish to advise your clients … wasn’t pleasant
This was our 5th safari you organised for us and beyond the best. Your ground arrangements were superb from beginning to end … KLM NOT SO …
I would like to see a section here about the Guide and our view of them" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
J+G
Portstewart
"My Dec 2023 trip"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 3 Dec 2023 and 16 Dec 2023
"We had the absolutely best time. Expert Africa help create an unforgettable trip for us both, it is quite expensive but you definitely get what you pay for. All flights and transfers went smoothly. Safari and Lamai in particular were the standout highlights. The quality of game viewing in the Serengeti was excellent. Tanzania as a country is beautiful and we found the locals all very friendly. Our safari guides were excellent and really added to the experience. This was easily the best holiday we have been on and really would love to go back to Tanzania. We probably wouldn't do Zanzibar again but focus more on safari. Thank you to everyone who made this a truly incredible experience."
Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C
north London
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 20 Oct 2023 and 4 Nov 2023
"Our safari was wonderful, a truly memorable trip.
The three camps that we stayed in were all somewhat different in terms of the environment and complimented each other very well. What was consistent at all three Nomad camps was the excellent service provided. It was clear to us that Nomad is an exceptional company which manages its' operation very well. The staff were all highly motivated and enthusiastic about working for Nomad.
The result was that our safari holiday was most enjoyable in every respect; the camps were in great locations, the tents were very comfortable, the food was interesting and delicious, and the guides outstanding.
We would not hesitate to recommend them." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
The three camps that we stayed in were all somewhat different in terms of the environment and complimented each other very well. What was consistent at all three Nomad camps was the excellent service provided. It was clear to us that Nomad is an exceptional company which manages its' operation very well. The staff were all highly motivated and enthusiastic about working for Nomad.
The result was that our safari holiday was most enjoyable in every respect; the camps were in great locations, the tents were very comfortable, the food was interesting and delicious, and the guides outstanding.
We would not hesitate to recommend them." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Kris
Arizona
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 14 Oct 2023 and 24 Oct 2023
"From the start of my planning, expert Africa staff were very helpful!
All the staff, drivers, guides were extremely friendly and accommodating. My dietary needs (vegetarian) were respected and the food was great. Saw so many animals and the scenery was spectacular!
I couldn't have asked for a better experience!!!
Highly recommend this company if you are planning a trip to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None, all my questions were answered either by email or phone call." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
All the staff, drivers, guides were extremely friendly and accommodating. My dietary needs (vegetarian) were respected and the food was great. Saw so many animals and the scenery was spectacular!
I couldn't have asked for a better experience!!!
Highly recommend this company if you are planning a trip to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None, all my questions were answered either by email or phone call." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Gina Dai
NYC
"My Oct 2023 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 6 Oct 2023 and 17 Oct 2023
"This trip is by far my favorite trip I've ever taken!
Sadly we just missed the river crossing, all the wildlife we saw up close, the action and the amazing people we met and hospitality we received made the trip an experience of a lifetime.
It's been a few weeks since we've been back home and we're already starting to look at our next safari destination! We cannot wait to go back to Tanzania to visit friends we've made and to explore new destinations in Africa!
Thank you Jessica for planning and catering to all of our needs!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Thank you Jessica for planning this trip and for making sure all of our asks and needs are perfectly matched!
We loved all of your recommendations and all of our guides were top notch and made our entire trip so memorable.
For younger and more adventurous travelers, I think Maasai village visit or a bushman walk would be more interesting than a walking tour in Mto wa Mbu.
This was a misunderstanding on my part as I didn't look more into what Mto wa Mbu village tour was compared to Maasai village that Jessica originally recommended!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Sadly we just missed the river crossing, all the wildlife we saw up close, the action and the amazing people we met and hospitality we received made the trip an experience of a lifetime.
It's been a few weeks since we've been back home and we're already starting to look at our next safari destination! We cannot wait to go back to Tanzania to visit friends we've made and to explore new destinations in Africa!
Thank you Jessica for planning and catering to all of our needs!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Thank you Jessica for planning this trip and for making sure all of our asks and needs are perfectly matched!
We loved all of your recommendations and all of our guides were top notch and made our entire trip so memorable.
For younger and more adventurous travelers, I think Maasai village visit or a bushman walk would be more interesting than a walking tour in Mto wa Mbu.
This was a misunderstanding on my part as I didn't look more into what Mto wa Mbu village tour was compared to Maasai village that Jessica originally recommended!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs Schwamb
USA
"My Sep 2023 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 25 Sep 2023 and 4 Oct 2023
"This was a trip of a lifetime!
Lindsey Marris was excellent every detail was taken care of and expertly planned!
My hour long conversation with Aurthor, Chris McIntyre was the reason I chose Expert Africa. They get very high ratings.
They listed to what we wanted and planned accordingly. Everything was first class!
Great trip I cannot say enough praises for them!!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Lindsey Marris was excellent every detail was taken care of and expertly planned!
My hour long conversation with Aurthor, Chris McIntyre was the reason I chose Expert Africa. They get very high ratings.
They listed to what we wanted and planned accordingly. Everything was first class!
Great trip I cannot say enough praises for them!!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
JMKPBJ
USA
"My Sep 2023 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 22 Sep 2023 and 7 Oct 2023
"The itinerary was very well established from start to finish! The sequence of destinations and accommodations was perfect. Well done!
Our only hiccups were at the start of the trip - a guide for Arusha and a transport from the domestic flight to the day room in Dar es Salaam.
Staff at Expert Africa were attentive to these mishaps and helped resolve them immediately.
More conversation around what to expect would be helpful for first-time safari guests and more detailed descriptions of the activities available would be helpful in making decisions about how to spend out time." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
Our only hiccups were at the start of the trip - a guide for Arusha and a transport from the domestic flight to the day room in Dar es Salaam.
Staff at Expert Africa were attentive to these mishaps and helped resolve them immediately.
More conversation around what to expect would be helpful for first-time safari guests and more detailed descriptions of the activities available would be helpful in making decisions about how to spend out time." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
290
reviews of Ngorongoro Crater by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
Filter by month
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Kirurumu Ngorongoro
Kirurumu Ngorongoro is a tented camp situated near the Ngorongoro Crater, with seven guest tents.
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.
