This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater

Safaris usually start early...

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a wonderful and unique accommodation option.

Ngorongoro offers rich wildlife rewards...

...and some great scenery.

The lake is a good spot for watching the birdlife.

...you may come across some lions...

...as well as large herds of zebra...

...and beautiful spots to admire the landscape.

You also may encounter some hippos while having a break by the lake.

Ngorongoro Crater

Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater

290 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.

Showing 41-50 of 290
Duration
Arrival date
Mr & Mrs D.
New York

"Once-in-a-lifetime experience! (October 2021)"

I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 17 Oct 2021 and 30 Oct 2021
"The Africa trip made possible by Expert Africa is one we'll remember for the rest of our lives and will be one we'll be talking to friends and family about for years to come. It was a phenomenal trip to say the least.

We spent time with golden monkeys and gorillas where we even got shoved and kicked by the latter which makes for a great story. We witnessed not one but two epic wildebeest river crossings in the Serengeti. We saw all of the big 5 and then some. The staff and service at all the lodges and camps were first-rate. Our guides did a fantastic job of taking care of us and educating us about Rwandan and Tanzanian history, culture, and and wildlife. We must give a special shoutout to Nomad Tanzania though. Their camps were so well-run and well-maintained and we can't stop raving about the food they served.

Expert Africa and Jessica Plumb put together an amazing itinerary for us and the staff was very helpful before and throughout the journey. Our flight out of New York was delayed, causing us to miss our connection and resulted in us having to spend a night in Amsterdam and miss out on our first night in Africa but Jessica and team worked their magic so that we just about kept to our original itinerary and didn't skip a beat. We thought we would have had to miss out on golden monkey trekking but they were able to adjust our itinerary so we were still able to do it.

We also had a scare regarding Tanzanian visas since we didn't apply for them beforehand (we would recommend getting them before your trip if you can!) and thought we wouldn't be able to get them at Kogatende Airstrip. A frantic email to Jessica's team was responded to quickly to reassure us that we'll be OK, putting our minds at ease. Overall, we felt very well taken care of from the time we landed at our first port of entry to Africa in Kigali to the point where we were dropped off at Kilimanjaro Airport to make our way home. Upon arrival in Africa, just about everything was seamless in getting us from place to place, getting COVID tests, etc. so it was nice to not have much to worry about.

And never once did we feel uncomfortable or unsafe due to any reason, including COVID, during our trip.

Though this trip felt like it was once-in-a-lifetime, we do hope that we get the opportunity to go on another trip just like this. When we do, we know Expert Africa will be able to craft something magical. We can't wait :)" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs A.
Oregon

"My Oct 2021 trip"

I visited Tanzania between 1 Oct 2021 and 14 Oct 2021
"A great trip.

Wonderful experience for a first time safari and Expert Africa made the planning much easier.

Coordinating delays from the original plan due to the pandemic and then rearranging plans for a different time of year and with 2 of us flying in at different times was handled well." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms T.
OC, CA

"My Sep 2021 trip"

I visited Tanzania between 11 Sep 2021 and 22 Sep 2021
"This trip was a “bucket list trip” from me to my mom for her 70th birthday. We originally planned to go in June 2020, rescheduled to June 2021, and then finally to Sept 2021. It was worth the wait!

Truly a trip of a lifetime and I don’t think we could have had a better experience. All the properties we stayed at were great and all the staff at all the properties were just so kind, friendly and attentive. Personally I preferred the experience and the guides at the Nomad properties (Kuro and Lamai) just a touch more than at the Asilia property (Highlands), but all were great. I thought Nomad did a little bit better job of seeming more “connected” to the area. Lamai in particular just blew me away - the design, the location, the staff were all impeccable. I can’t wait to go back!

It was also pretty special to be there while the parks and properties were at low capacity - twice we were the only guests at the properties, and having our own vehicle and guide for the entirety of the trip was amazing. I’m already planning to go back with my husband in 2023, but I know it won’t be quite the same.

Things to know:

- definitely bring Dramamine or something for motion sickness - those small planes can be rough and we were with several people who had issues.

- You lose a whole day getting to the crater - the drive from the airstrip to the lodge area is 3 hours, the road is AWFUL (though apparently they’re fixing it), and due to the hours you can’t do a late afternoon/ evening drive at the parks.

- I’m not a photographer and know nothing about cameras but I rented a camera for the trip (Sony RX10) and it was some of the best money I spent." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J.
Atlantic Beach

"My Jul 2021 trip"

I visited Tanzania between 1 Jul 2021 and 29 Jul 2021
"The most adventure filled experience of our lives.

In particular our driver Festo was a highlight.

Jessica did an amazing job working with us and we are so appreciative.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Everyone did a great job with communication." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr A.
Trento

"My Jun 2021 trip"

I visited Tanzania between 3 Jun 2021 and 9 Jun 2021
"The trip was definitely a wonderful experience. The guide was very good, and that is one of the most important parts of a trip like this.

Ngorongoro and Serengeti are two fantastic places, and we had the rare privilege of visiting with very little tourism, really feeling and breathing the place.

With my current experience, I will change the first part of the trip avoiding lake Manyara and the long transfer of the first day, and planning at least two safaris in the crater." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Good
Mrs M & Mr D
Germany

"My Apr 2021 trip"

I visited Tanzania between 30 Apr 2021 and 14 May 2021
"Travelling during Covid is challenging. It therefore felt good to have a knowledgeable and up to date partner like Expert Africa aside to plan and make this trip happen.

Glad we did the Serengeti during Covid as the destination would have certainly felt too busy in a regular year. May is further a lovely time to visit. Nature is lush and green, flowers in bloom, and there are many little ones amongst the herds. Rain was no problem at all as rainfalls did either occur at night or did hardly last for more than half an hour before the sun came through again.

The morning mist and the cloudy skies added a special atmosphere, while the bush babies kept us warm at night.

The itinerary was well balanced and met all our expectations ! Thank you Jessica :)

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, just perfect. Thank you so much again !!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mandolin
Surrey

"The trip of a lifetime."

I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 25 Oct 2020 and 5 Dec 2020
"For a long time we thought we wouldn't be able to have our holiday because of the Coronavirus and as it happens, we had to cancel our visit to Botswana. But with the help of Maruska at Expert Africa we were still able to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar. Everything was very fluid with plans changing almost daily right up until the date of departure (and beyond)! due to airline cancellations because of Covid. However, Maruska was incredibly patient and helpful in identifying solutions and alternatives and she also proactively (and mostly successfully) sought refunds for the parts of the holiday that we couldn't undertake (a couple of lodges in Botswana offered to postpone our bookings but were reluctant to give refunds but they succumbed to Maruska's charms eventually). And although I didn't book our international flights through Expert Africa, Maruska kept an eye on all of our travel arrangements, even whilst we were away, and alerted us when our return flight was cancelled.
The holiday itself was way beyond our expectations partly, I suspect, because there were so few other tourists about. In some of the lodges we visited we were the only guests which meant that we were treated like VIPs. And what lodges! The Lemala camps were excellent and Maruska negotiated a very good deal for us by using only Lemala for our safari accommodation and the deal included our own vehicle and guide throughout, which meant that we could go where we wanted to go, when we wanted to go, instead of being tied to a strict timetable for game viewing. As far as the game viewing was concerned, having been told by a couple of friends that their experiences included having to vie for a view of the animals with 100s of other vehicles, we instead found ourselves to be in splendid isolation with almost every animal we saw. The only downside was having to come home." Read full review: 41 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Giovanni
Biot

"Excellent vacation"

I visited Zanzibar and 1 other country between 16 Oct 2020 and 30 Oct 2020
"Everything went very well, it was exactly the kind of experience we were looking for and the children had a blast." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zanzibar holiday
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr A
Switzerland

"Amazing honeymoon in Africa"

I visited Tanzania and 2 other countries between 7 Feb 2020 and 24 Feb 2020
"Maruska was very open to plan an itinerary based on our requests and interests, and also flexible when we had to adjust our budget. Maruska has really been excellent, responsive, informative, and able to really organise exactly what we wanted. Excellent service and we highly recommend Maruska." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr C
Newmarket

"My Jan 2020 trip"

I visited Tanzania between 29 Jan 2020 and 6 Feb 2020
"Considering the difficulties encountered I would still say that overall the trip was fairly satisfactory.

Everyone did their best to iron out mishaps, rearrange itineraries and adapt to the unpredictable chaos due to the heavy, unending rainfall. Personally I understand that each trip will be different and no matter how much you plan...” life happens.” This trip just happened to be a bit more adventurous than what was planned; but no regrets.

My fellow travellers all report that though the trip was difficult they are completely blown away by the magnificence of Tanzania, her beauty, her glorious animals and her warm kind people. And yes, I’ll be back:)" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Good
Showing 41-50 of 290
98%
290 reviews of Ngorongoro Crater by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
273
17
2
0
2
Filter by month
Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Where to stay in Ngorongoro Crater

Our suggestions for safari camps in Ngorongoro Crater


Plantation Lodge

Plantation Lodge

A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.


94% (45 reviews)
Gibb's Farm

Gibbs Farm

Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links


88% (43 reviews)
Lemala Ngorongoro

Lemala Ngorongoro

Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.


86% (37 reviews)
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Crater Lodge

The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.


93% (27 reviews)
The Highlands

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.


91% (25 reviews)
Entamanu Ngorongoro

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.


96% (23 reviews)
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

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.


88% (23 reviews)
Rhino Lodge

Rhino Lodge

Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.


91% (22 reviews)
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge

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.


88% (17 reviews)
Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge

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.


94% (14 reviews)
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

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.


91% (13 reviews)
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Bougainvillea Lodge

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.


89% (7 reviews)
The Manor

The Manor

The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.


100% (5 reviews)
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Wildlife Lodge

Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.


67% (3 reviews)
Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge

Neptune Ngorongoro

Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.


93% (3 reviews)
Kirurumu Ngorongoro Lodge

Kirurumu Ngorongoro

Kirurumu Ngorongoro is a tented camp situated near the Ngorongoro Crater, with seven guest tents.


60% (1 review)
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp

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.


No reviews yet
Country Lodge

Country Lodge

Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa