Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
290 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
Mr MW & Mr M
UK
"Wonderful despite the weather"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 3 Feb 2014 and 16 Feb 2014
"We had a wonderful time and had quite a few 'wow' moments. The weather was not what we expected and we were surprised at how cold it could be in the Serengeti but obviously there's nothing you can do about the weather.
We had one small hiccough at Nairobi airport but apart from that everything went very smoothly and everybody we encountered at every stage of the journey was most helpful.
It has to be said that travel in this part of Africa is now very expensive compared to the competition and we feel that better guidelines could have be given on tipping." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
We had one small hiccough at Nairobi airport but apart from that everything went very smoothly and everybody we encountered at every stage of the journey was most helpful.
It has to be said that travel in this part of Africa is now very expensive compared to the competition and we feel that better guidelines could have be given on tipping." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs R
Canada
"My Jan 2014 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 19 Jan 2014 and 31 Jan 2014
"I think the ecstatic would be a better description. You didn't ask about the safari. Our tour guide, Ayoub, was fantastic. I had my 86yr old mother with me and he treated her like gold. She was "Beebee" the whole trip and he stopped and got her a stool when he saw that getting out of the jeep was hard for her. I'm pretty sure he had bought new picnic seats and table for us as he was taking the wrapping off of the . He was so knowledgeable and had eagle eyes. He made the trip, I can't say enough good about him. Going with a 15 yr old and and 86 yr old I was a bit concerned but he put us all at ease and was so very ,very nice.
Also Maruska did a great job, we heard of guides who were in the central area worried about finding animals as they were all near us!! thank you for putting us down into the south we saw all the big 5 plus a cheetah, lepoard, lion hunt,elephants fighting, new born wildebeests and huge troops of baboons. Thank you for considering our jet lag and suggesting Arusha Nat pk it was a perfect introduction.
It was to be the trip of a lifetime for my mom and it lived up to its billing and then some. She will never forget it. Thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, You did a fantastic job. I have recommended you to my cousin who is planning a trip." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Also Maruska did a great job, we heard of guides who were in the central area worried about finding animals as they were all near us!! thank you for putting us down into the south we saw all the big 5 plus a cheetah, lepoard, lion hunt,elephants fighting, new born wildebeests and huge troops of baboons. Thank you for considering our jet lag and suggesting Arusha Nat pk it was a perfect introduction.
It was to be the trip of a lifetime for my mom and it lived up to its billing and then some. She will never forget it. Thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, You did a fantastic job. I have recommended you to my cousin who is planning a trip." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
AB
Essex
"My Jan 2014 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 16 Jan 2014 and 26 Jan 2014
"Unfortunately our experience with our guide/driver soured our whole experience. We had a huge sense of relief when we left him to fly for our last few days in Zanzibar. We emailed Expert Africa about the experience we were having while on our trip to flag up how awful we were finding the guide but asked them not to report it until we had finished that leg of the journey because we were concerned that if the guide knew our remaining days were likely to be more unpleasant. We left Tanzania on 22nd Jan and almost three weeks have passed but we haven't as yet had any response to the issues we raised."
Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Terrible
John
Australia
"My Jan 2014 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 10 Jan 2014 and 26 Jan 2014
"We loved it. What else is there to say?"
Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The T-R family
London
"My Dec 2013 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 26 Dec 2013 and 8 Jan 2014
"We found all the arrangements for our trip excellent and we had no problems with any of our travelling arrangements.
We saw lots of game and our guides were superb, very safety conscious but determined to give us an excellent safari experience which they succeeded in doing. Their knowledge of the game was brilliant and they were very informative.
In retrospect travelling with a 23 and 25 year old we might have been better going to Zanzibar instead of Mafia, we found Mafia very undeveloped and therefore relaxing , they found it a bit quiet with some of the other activities expensive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No you did a brilliant job." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
We saw lots of game and our guides were superb, very safety conscious but determined to give us an excellent safari experience which they succeeded in doing. Their knowledge of the game was brilliant and they were very informative.
In retrospect travelling with a 23 and 25 year old we might have been better going to Zanzibar instead of Mafia, we found Mafia very undeveloped and therefore relaxing , they found it a bit quiet with some of the other activities expensive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No you did a brilliant job." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
E Sussex
"December Tanzanian trip 2013"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 23 Dec 2013 and 9 Jan 2014
"Our trip was brilliant and we had a fantastic time. We found the wildebeest migration excellent, and saw a huge amount of game in the varying places. Some of it, very special. Our guide, Godwin, provided by Nomad, was great fun and very enjoyable to spend time with. He was also very good at finding the animals. Very much enjoyed the Nomad camp and met some great people. Although, Kirurumu was in a great location, we probably would have preferred to go somewhere not quite so bush, especially after the Nomad experience. We all were ready to have proper showers and toilets! The Crater itself was beautiful and well worth visiting. The good thing about our location was that we could get into the Crater early and avoid some of the crowds.
Zanzibar was great and we really loved Pongwe Beach Hotel. It's a beautiful place with a great bar, restaurant and sitting area. It was very relaxing and we enjoyed walking to a local restaurant for lunch one day. Only negative thing was being in the garden rooms, rather than the sea facing, as they were much better rooms with more breeze. We left one night early so that we could go to Stone town and had a great night there at Emerson Spice. We very much enjoyed Stone Town.
Beho Beho and the Selous were fantastic. Our room had a magnificent view and it was very luxurious. The whole lodge emphasises the luxury and it is very comfortable with great food. Unfortunately, we were the only ones there for the majority of our stay, so it felt a bit empty. However, the managers, guides and staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable and did their utmost to make us feel at home. We saw a lot of game and did some walking, although it was extremely hot while we were there so could not walk as much as I would have liked.
Once again, Expert Africa organised a brilliant trip for us and everything went extremely smoothly. Only one issue was with Echo Tours in Zanzibar who failed to pick us up on time on two occasions. In their defence, we had changed the times, but had given them plenty of notice." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Zanzibar was great and we really loved Pongwe Beach Hotel. It's a beautiful place with a great bar, restaurant and sitting area. It was very relaxing and we enjoyed walking to a local restaurant for lunch one day. Only negative thing was being in the garden rooms, rather than the sea facing, as they were much better rooms with more breeze. We left one night early so that we could go to Stone town and had a great night there at Emerson Spice. We very much enjoyed Stone Town.
Beho Beho and the Selous were fantastic. Our room had a magnificent view and it was very luxurious. The whole lodge emphasises the luxury and it is very comfortable with great food. Unfortunately, we were the only ones there for the majority of our stay, so it felt a bit empty. However, the managers, guides and staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable and did their utmost to make us feel at home. We saw a lot of game and did some walking, although it was extremely hot while we were there so could not walk as much as I would have liked.
Once again, Expert Africa organised a brilliant trip for us and everything went extremely smoothly. Only one issue was with Echo Tours in Zanzibar who failed to pick us up on time on two occasions. In their defence, we had changed the times, but had given them plenty of notice." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Leeds
"Christmas 2013 to New Year 2014"
I visited Tanzania between 21 Dec 2013 and 3 Jan 2014
"Amazing time to go to Africa, love the green season and we were lucky with the weather and sightings.
Did see leopard in two areas, cheetah, serval and lots of lion. Wildebeest migration as far as the eye could see was amazing. A great trip not too far distances between the different camps and areas.
Pole Pole was lovely just wished we could have taken longer here." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Did see leopard in two areas, cheetah, serval and lots of lion. Wildebeest migration as far as the eye could see was amazing. A great trip not too far distances between the different camps and areas.
Pole Pole was lovely just wished we could have taken longer here." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Turkey
"Well worth the expense"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 25 Nov 2013 and 3 Dec 2013
"We had a lovely time thanks very much.
You recommended fantastic places and we saw unforgettable game thanks to our highly skillful guide Ayoub. It was really his efforts that elevated this trip from dry good to special." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
You recommended fantastic places and we saw unforgettable game thanks to our highly skillful guide Ayoub. It was really his efforts that elevated this trip from dry good to special." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Lewes
"My Oct 2013 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 22 Oct 2013 and 31 Oct 2013
"We had the most wonderful trip from start to finish - Claire at Expert Africa was incredibly helpful & efficient, made really excellent suggestions. The guidance notes were very helpful and it was a lovely touch to received the Brandt guide & the beautiful wallet.
All our ground arrangements were perfect. The two guides they supplied were very good and knowledgeable. The six days we spent with Gabrielle were fantastic - he was happy to allow us to spend hours just observing animal behaviour & took great trouble to explain & identify various animals & plants.
Both guides were keen to make sure that Richard was put into the best available spot as he is a very keen photographer. Two picnics stand our in particular - one with David in Ngorongoro were we had our lunch in a spectacular location away from the other tourists! and with Gabrielle we had a brilliant 'breakfast with hippos' experience!
It was lovely to have a break at Arusha on the way to the airport, it was much appreciated to be able to have a shower, repack for the flight & have a rest before travelling home overnight. Although Onsea House is lovely we felt the staff somewhat lacked the charm & care that we had experienced elsewhere.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa - an extremely professional organisation." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
All our ground arrangements were perfect. The two guides they supplied were very good and knowledgeable. The six days we spent with Gabrielle were fantastic - he was happy to allow us to spend hours just observing animal behaviour & took great trouble to explain & identify various animals & plants.
Both guides were keen to make sure that Richard was put into the best available spot as he is a very keen photographer. Two picnics stand our in particular - one with David in Ngorongoro were we had our lunch in a spectacular location away from the other tourists! and with Gabrielle we had a brilliant 'breakfast with hippos' experience!
It was lovely to have a break at Arusha on the way to the airport, it was much appreciated to be able to have a shower, repack for the flight & have a rest before travelling home overnight. Although Onsea House is lovely we felt the staff somewhat lacked the charm & care that we had experienced elsewhere.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa - an extremely professional organisation." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs J
Bantry
"Altogether the trip of a lifetime"
I visited Tanzania between 7 Oct 2013 and 19 Oct 2013
"Would like to add that the guides were the highlight of our holiday. Ernest and Ayoub became our friends and without them we could not have enjoyed our time in Tanzania as much as we did. They were both incredibly knowledgeable, great fun, and so professional.
Everything from start to finish worked according to plan so many thanks to Expert Africa, and everyone thereafter who gave us a wonderful and memorable experience. We may not be in a position to repeat such a holiday but would recommend it to friends, family and anyone who asks.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Wish we could but everything worked so well!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Everything from start to finish worked according to plan so many thanks to Expert Africa, and everyone thereafter who gave us a wonderful and memorable experience. We may not be in a position to repeat such a holiday but would recommend it to friends, family and anyone who asks.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Wish we could but everything worked so well!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
290
reviews of Ngorongoro Crater by travellers since August 2007
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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.
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.
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.
