Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
290 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
Mr & Mrs H
Abu Dhabi
"Birthday trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 3 Oct 2013 and 17 Oct 2013
"The whole trip was everything and more than we hoped for to make our sixtieth birthday holiday memorable.
The &Beyond lodges and staff were outstanding, Rovos rail a touch of 1930's luxury and Cape Town a great city break.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You may want to update at your yellow fever guidance in the literature you send out. US medics we spoke to during the trip had looked into it and found that Tanzania no longer had any yellow fever risk. Since they needed some sort of certificate, they had an exemption certificate. The side effects of the YF vaccination made Lawrence ill for about a week, necessitating time off work and in retrospect, with a little more information, we may have decided not to have this vaccination.
I know that Tanzania still require tourists to be vaccinated but the wheels of government move slowly and you are in a position to move somewhat faster and provide a fuller picture." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
The &Beyond lodges and staff were outstanding, Rovos rail a touch of 1930's luxury and Cape Town a great city break.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You may want to update at your yellow fever guidance in the literature you send out. US medics we spoke to during the trip had looked into it and found that Tanzania no longer had any yellow fever risk. Since they needed some sort of certificate, they had an exemption certificate. The side effects of the YF vaccination made Lawrence ill for about a week, necessitating time off work and in retrospect, with a little more information, we may have decided not to have this vaccination.
I know that Tanzania still require tourists to be vaccinated but the wheels of government move slowly and you are in a position to move somewhat faster and provide a fuller picture." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr & Mrs E
Poole
"Excellent - a really Outstanding Holiday"
I visited Tanzania between 30 Sep 2013 and 10 Oct 2013
"This whole trip really filled the bill. The aim was to achieve one good safari holiday - and this certainly was what we got.
Tip Top Trip. and Two Thousand Photographs!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Tip Top Trip. and Two Thousand Photographs!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Rochester
"Wonderful Safari"
I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 27 Sep 2013 and 11 Oct 2013
"The Safari was fantastic and our guide, Kevin Mlay, was excellent and really knowledgeable. He knew where to go to give us the best chance of seeing the animals and nothing was too much trouble for him.
When we arrived in Tanzania, the drive from Kilimanjaro to our first village walk was about four hours, which was far too long after a night flight. It might have been better to fly to Arusha rather than Kilimanjaro.
It was just a short drive to Zanzibar airport where were it was the worst part of the holiday. The porters were only interested in grabbing your money. A major, major problem at the end of the holiday was to find that there was a departure tax of £80 to pay! We were not advised of this and had not budgeted for it at all. It was fortunate we had the money put by for our taxi fare from Heathrow to home which we used. That interfered with paying the taxi drive once we got home. Surely Expert Africa must know about this tax but there was no mention of it in any of the information we were given. It really spoilt the end of the holiday." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
When we arrived in Tanzania, the drive from Kilimanjaro to our first village walk was about four hours, which was far too long after a night flight. It might have been better to fly to Arusha rather than Kilimanjaro.
It was just a short drive to Zanzibar airport where were it was the worst part of the holiday. The porters were only interested in grabbing your money. A major, major problem at the end of the holiday was to find that there was a departure tax of £80 to pay! We were not advised of this and had not budgeted for it at all. It was fortunate we had the money put by for our taxi fare from Heathrow to home which we used. That interfered with paying the taxi drive once we got home. Surely Expert Africa must know about this tax but there was no mention of it in any of the information we were given. It really spoilt the end of the holiday." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr W
West Glamorgan
"My Aug 2013 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 30 Aug 2013 and 9 Sep 2013
"We saw three crossings which is what we went to do and lots of other game - better than expected"
Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Hampton
"My Aug 2013 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 25 Aug 2013 and 5 Sep 2013
"We had an excellent trip and felt we were particularly lucky with sightings at the first three camps/lodges due to the expertise of our Asilia driver, Stanford. We were particularly pleased that once an animal had been spotted we were able to observe at leisure and have wonderful memories of a very restive leopard in a tree. We watched for about half an hour as he tried to find a comfy spot and walked up and down and all around the tree. Having our own vehicle really made a difference.
As I had made our booking some months before the trip I had forgotten that this would not be the case at Lamai. I think that it would be a good idea to make a note of this on the confirmation invoice or in the final letter you send just before departure. We had taken this paperwork with us but had not printed out all the emails leading to the final trip details. The couple we shared with were extremely pleasant but they had just flown in from the UK and were on safari for only 3 nights before going to Zanzibar whilst we had gone to the north more for the wildebeest. Things worked out well but this could so easily not have been the case and I will certainly bear this in mind for a future trip.
We had an excellent guide, Kakae, at Lamai, not only was he very good indeed at spotting game but he had a detailed knowledge of all the animals we saw. He had a great sense of humour and we enjoyed conversations with him on a number of topics." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
As I had made our booking some months before the trip I had forgotten that this would not be the case at Lamai. I think that it would be a good idea to make a note of this on the confirmation invoice or in the final letter you send just before departure. We had taken this paperwork with us but had not printed out all the emails leading to the final trip details. The couple we shared with were extremely pleasant but they had just flown in from the UK and were on safari for only 3 nights before going to Zanzibar whilst we had gone to the north more for the wildebeest. Things worked out well but this could so easily not have been the case and I will certainly bear this in mind for a future trip.
We had an excellent guide, Kakae, at Lamai, not only was he very good indeed at spotting game but he had a detailed knowledge of all the animals we saw. He had a great sense of humour and we enjoyed conversations with him on a number of topics." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The B family
Swindon
"Wonderful Safari Experience"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 19 Aug 2013 and 31 Aug 2013
"We had a wonderful time, Asilia provided us with an excellent guide for Manyara and Ngorongoro. The camps were good and some brilliant. The beach extension to relax was just right. We can't wait to do our next safari."
Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr W
Pennsylvania
"Serengeti, 2013"
I visited Tanzania between 8 Aug 2013 and 20 Aug 2013
"This trip was a pleasure to arrange - thanks to Maruska. Very happy with the final product. Also very responsive to all my questions.
Then Claire et al helped to salvage the safari just when it looked like the Nairobi airport fire might sink us. Then your ground contractors really came through to tweak the itinerary - Wayo safaris - and get my bag back - Kearsley safaris. George our guide/driver was so much more than a driver - very knowledgable, gracious, patient and just a nice guy. We liked him a lot. The camp at Kogatende - not mentioned in this questionnaire - was excellent (my God it was remote) - time at the Mara will not be forgotten.
I cant think of a single negative and I can think of several things "above and beyond" - not least getting us to Tanzania in time for the safari.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
To my surprise, I cant think of a single thing.
I have a very positive view of our trip - and I am currently recommending it/you to 3 of my friends." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Then Claire et al helped to salvage the safari just when it looked like the Nairobi airport fire might sink us. Then your ground contractors really came through to tweak the itinerary - Wayo safaris - and get my bag back - Kearsley safaris. George our guide/driver was so much more than a driver - very knowledgable, gracious, patient and just a nice guy. We liked him a lot. The camp at Kogatende - not mentioned in this questionnaire - was excellent (my God it was remote) - time at the Mara will not be forgotten.
I cant think of a single negative and I can think of several things "above and beyond" - not least getting us to Tanzania in time for the safari.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
To my surprise, I cant think of a single thing.
I have a very positive view of our trip - and I am currently recommending it/you to 3 of my friends." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs H & Mr S
UK
"Super Summer Safari"
I visited Tanzania between 29 Jul 2013 and 8 Aug 2013
"This was our second trip to Tanzania having visited the Selous and the Ruaha two years ago. While that was a fabulous experience, this safari exploring Northern Tanzania was even more thrilling and exciting. We travelled to all three areas by road with the same driver which meant we got to see much more of the country and our driver got to know our interests very easily.
We loved the fact that we came across the wildlife just driving rather than going in search of something particular and following all the other jeeps. Had we flown to the different locations, we would not have seen the rhino being darted by rangers when she had ventured out of the safety of the Park! What a thrill that was!
We were impressed by the quality and cleanliness of the various washrooms in the National Parks and by the mobile phone signal which I could get in the Serengeti, but not in my home in Wales!!
We had a fabulous time. We saw over 80 different creatures, including the Big Five and two leopard and cheetah sightings and I'm sure we will find many more as we sift through our couple of thousand photos. Our driver was superb and the staff in the bush camps couldn't have been more helpful. Although we did feel slightly short-changed by the 'personal mobile camps' this in no way detracted from the overall experience, which we will never forget.
We would particularly like to thank Eleanor Dunkels for arranging the taxi from Arusha to Nairobi, when our flight from Kilimanjaro was cancelled and it looked like we would have to stay in Arusha whilst new flights were arranged." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
We loved the fact that we came across the wildlife just driving rather than going in search of something particular and following all the other jeeps. Had we flown to the different locations, we would not have seen the rhino being darted by rangers when she had ventured out of the safety of the Park! What a thrill that was!
We were impressed by the quality and cleanliness of the various washrooms in the National Parks and by the mobile phone signal which I could get in the Serengeti, but not in my home in Wales!!
We had a fabulous time. We saw over 80 different creatures, including the Big Five and two leopard and cheetah sightings and I'm sure we will find many more as we sift through our couple of thousand photos. Our driver was superb and the staff in the bush camps couldn't have been more helpful. Although we did feel slightly short-changed by the 'personal mobile camps' this in no way detracted from the overall experience, which we will never forget.
We would particularly like to thank Eleanor Dunkels for arranging the taxi from Arusha to Nairobi, when our flight from Kilimanjaro was cancelled and it looked like we would have to stay in Arusha whilst new flights were arranged." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
M family
Weybridge
"Great overall experience"
I visited Tanzania between 27 Jul 2013 and 7 Aug 2013
"The experience was great. We loved the safaris and being in the parks. We also loved Mafia, very peaceful."
Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
W Sussex
"My Jul 2013 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 10 Jul 2013 and 24 Jul 2013
"A trip of a life time and it certainly measured up the everything we had hoped and more. Firstly please pass on our huge thanks to both guides. Martin of Asilia was amazing and so professional .We'll for ever be grateful for his patience for our bird watching interests and his expert knowledge. He was so good at finding the quieter places and picking up the signs before others got there!! Please note our grateful thanks to him personally through Asilia.
Also we would like special recommendation for Paulo Siololo of Nomad Tanzania...Arusha. as he was fantastic too. Think he has telescopes for eyes as he picked signs of animals at tremendous distances and had the patience to pursue and wait. We had numerous wonderful experiences just watching cheetahs and Leopards all on our own as well as so much more. He really put himself out to please us and make our experience memorable.
Fishermans tours on Zanzibar not quite so efficient as 3/4 hour late one trip and didn't turn up on last return drive to airport. Neither actually caused us problems as door man at Serens Inn got us a taxi and arranged for paymenbt between driver and F. tours.but thought you may like to know for future.
Well done Expert Africa and especially Ellie ,you judge it perfectly for us....right locations and timings ." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Also we would like special recommendation for Paulo Siololo of Nomad Tanzania...Arusha. as he was fantastic too. Think he has telescopes for eyes as he picked signs of animals at tremendous distances and had the patience to pursue and wait. We had numerous wonderful experiences just watching cheetahs and Leopards all on our own as well as so much more. He really put himself out to please us and make our experience memorable.
Fishermans tours on Zanzibar not quite so efficient as 3/4 hour late one trip and didn't turn up on last return drive to airport. Neither actually caused us problems as door man at Serens Inn got us a taxi and arranged for paymenbt between driver and F. tours.but thought you may like to know for future.
Well done Expert Africa and especially Ellie ,you judge it perfectly for us....right locations and timings ." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 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.
