A sHORT GUIDE TO A NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI
A powerful ostrich and an antelope are just some of the animals you will get to see on a Ngorongoro Crater safari / Image: @a_wonkam
You may have almost certainly heard most people venturing to Tanzania on safari, utter the words ‘Ngorongoro Crater’ and rightly so. Ngorongoro Crater is undeniably a must see destination if you are visiting Tanzania.
This magical Caldera was formed millions of years ago and is now home to thousands of magnificent wild animals as well as bird species. Being situated so near to other incredible attractions like Lake Manyara, The Serengeti and Tarangire National Park - you can almost be certain that your safari adventure is not complete without going to see Ngorongoro Crater.
What's fascinating about this Crater is that it has such a high density of bird species and wild animals within its walled fortress, that it makes for easy Big 5 observations. The crater is a biodiverse haven for wild animals to live.
Whether you are gazing at the Crater from the rim or delving down to the crater floor to observe the magnificent wild animals, you will undeniably be mesmerized by the entire experience.
In our short but concise guide, we will take you on a journey to provide you everything you need to know about this captivating crater so that you have the most incredible adventure of a lifetime.
Magical 1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour
EXPERIENCE A SPECTACULAR TASTE OF TANZANIA IN OUR UNFORGETTABLE 1-DAY SAFARI EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE BREATHTAKING NGORONGORO CRATER.
IN THIS GUIDE
Ngorongoro Crater is a biodiverse paradise for many wildlife species. This image shows just how magical the crater can be!
Where is the Ngorongoro Crater?
The wonderful Ngorongoro Crater is located in the African country of Tanzania. The Crater is situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is a vastly protected area that stretches from the Serengeti in the North and to the Great Rift Valley in the east. The region spans over 3,200 sq miles which is particularly enormous in size. Its attractive neighboring national parks are The Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park and Arusha National Park. Which means if you are starting your journey in the famous gateway of safaris - Arusha, then to visit Ngorongoro Crater should definitely be high on your list. Driving from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater will take approximately 4 hours but if you stop at Lake Manyara on the way, then you will enjoy a half way break before reaching the Crater.
2. Ngorongoro crater facts
Here are 5 exciting Ngorongoro Crater facts for you to know about before journeying on your safari:
Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania is one of Africa’s 7 Natural Wonders
More than 25,000 wildlife species and over 500 bird species are found living in the crater
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the easiest locations to see all of the big 5 animals
Giraffes do not live in the crater due to the steep crater walls and because the crater is unsuitable for their habitat
You can overnight on the craters rim making it possible to be one of the first people to witness the animals waking up in the early hours of the morning
There is only a small number of Ngorongoro Crater lions, around 75 to be exact. Here is one of the resident lionesses.
3. Best time to visit Ngorongoro crater
Ngorongoro Crater is open all year round but before you decide which month to go, you may want to consider the different seasons, the weather and the crowds which can all affect your experience.
Peak season, i.e the busiest and most expensive season is between June and October. This is when most travelers tour Ngorongoro Crater. The main reason is because the weather is dry, warm with hardly any rainfall. This period of time makes it very easy to spot wild animals as the grasses are short and there aren't many hiding places for them to camouflage. The Great Migration also happens during these months in the Serengeti and even though this natural spectacle doesn't happen within the crater - there will be more tourists visiting because of this.
Our tip is to consider the short dry season during January and February that attracts less people and also has great weather to enjoy too.
These are the two seasons that we would recommend. However, other months can equally provide an amazing Ngorongoro Crater safari. Take a look at our helpful guide Weather in Tanzania - Best Time To Go
Soaring crater walls and peaceful elephants that meander quietly through the Ngorongoro Crater floor / Image: @mtsjrdl
4. Is Ngorongoro crater worth visiting?
Absolutely! Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania is not only one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa, this outstanding crater is unlike anything else you will ever witness in your life. From crater floor to the top of the soaring crater walls, you will be treated to breathtaking views that continue across the horizon. With a remarkable number of animals that live within the crater, it will make it easy to spot the iconic Big 5.
If you are touring the Northern circuit of Tanzania then be sure to carve out a day trip to tour Ngorongoro Crater. Day safaris here can be more expensive in comparison to the other surrounding national parks but the sweeping landscapes as well as the concentrated wildlife and towering crater walls makes it one of the most impressive places to visit in Tanzania.
We offer a magical 1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour if you would like to visit this destination as part of your safari. Take a look at our 1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour to see if it's a good fit for you.
5. How much does a Ngorongoro Crater safari cost?
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most expensive places to visit in Tanzania and there are a few costs to gain entry. Here are the expenses to take into account when planning to visit Ngorongoro Crater:
Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Entry Fees:
Tourists (non-residents) pay 70.80 USD per person per day
Children (non-resident) 5-16 years pay 23.60 USD per person per day
Any resident or non-resident child under 5 years is exempt from paying entry fees
Ngorongoro Conservation Concession Fees:
These concession fees are for people who stay within the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area overnight.
Non-resident adults over the age of 16 years pay 59 USD per person per night
Children (non-resident) 5-16 years pay 11.80 USD per person per night
Any resident or non-resident child under 5 years is exempt from paying concession fees
Ngorongoro Crater Vehicle Fees:
Aside from the entry fees and concession fees, there is a vehicle fee that is due on arrival to the Ngorongoro Crater which is 295 USD per vehicle per day.
A beautiful view of the Ngorongoro Crater captured in all its glory. The expanse along with the breathtaking views make this location unforgettable / Image: @mtsjrdl
6. Can you hike the Ngorongoro Crater rim?
Hiking the Ngorongoro Crater rim is one of the best ways to experience the crater. The benefits of walking the rim are unparalleled views of the crater in all its glory, as well as being up high enough to spot bird species and close enough to observe wild animals on foot.
The Ngorongoro highlands are known for their spectacular flora and foliage, vibrant wildflowers as well as plant life that you will spot along the way. What's great about the Ngorongoro Crater rim walk is that you will have the chance to learn a multitude of fascinating information about bird species, discover plants that are used for their medicinal purposes, track spoors of wild animals as well as come across some of the more tranquil wild species such as zebra and elephants whilst an armed ranger walks with you at all times to keep you safe. Panoramic views encapsulate you whilst you walk making this one the most scenic hikes in all of Tanzania and a unique way of viewing and learning about the crater.
The Ngorongoro Highlands can be a little on the cooler and breezier side so be sure to take appropriate clothing with you as well as know that the hike itself can be strenuous in parts as you will be hiking through bush and uneven terrain. Being physically in good condition is recommended.
Herds of elephants are a regular sighting on a Ngorongoro Crater safari / Image: @mvwilcox
7. How many days should I spend there?
The answer to this question really depends on each individual person and what they would like to see and do, their overall budget and how much time they have to dedicate to a Ngorongoro Crater safari.
For travelers who just want to get a taste of the crater, observe the big 5 and witness the incredible views - we recommend a day. You can most certainly cover most of the crater floor in one day.
However, if you are looking to hike the rim, spend a few days doing safari and stay overnight within the conservation area then we would recommend 3 to 5 days. However, it's important to note that if you do not stay within the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area, then daily fees will apply so it can get quite expensive. If you have an open budget then we suggest going on a 1-day Ngorongoro Crater Tour and journeying into the Serengeti and other neighboring national parks within the region to get a real taste of Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater zebras with the towering crater walls in the background. Every angle within the crater is a picture perfect moment / Image: @mvwilcox
8. Things to see and do in Ngorongoro Crater
Photographic Safari of the crater
Why not capture Ngorongoro’s scenic crater on camera whilst learning new skills and making a memory book of the amazing images you have taken.
Walking the rim of the crater
As we mentioned above, walking the rim of the crater is one of the most exciting things to do as well as to spot the wild animals below whilst being immersed in the stunning natural areas that surround you.
Game drives
Game drives are the most popular way to explore the crater floor and get to see all those exclusive wild animals that you have traveled so far to see.
Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is probably the most famous paleoanthropological site in the whole of Africa. Better explained, it is where the very first human remains were found that ever walked the earth.
Olmoti Crater
The Olmoti Crater is located at the north of the Ngorongoro Crater and is the third highest peak in all of Tanzania. It also has some of the best views and is spectacular to hike. We trek Olmoti on our African Lion Safari.
9. Best Ngorongoro Crater Safari Itineraries
As a Ngorongoro Crater safari can be quite expensive, there really is no need to explore the crater more than one day. You will be able to see most of the crater without needing to come back for a second day.
We would recommend including a Ngorongoro Crater safari as part of a greater Tanzania experience alongside visiting the Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Our recommended safari tours that include visiting Ngorongoro Crater are:
Need help planning a safari in Tanzania?
YOU DREAM - WE CREATE
Our tailored African safaris are bespoke and customizable and we design to cater to your every need.
Our Design team is dedicated to crafting personalized experiences that perfectly align with your preferences, requirements, and aspirations. From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the untamed beauty of Ngorongoro Crater, we leave no destination in Tanzania unexplored.
Whether you're venturing alone, with a partner, as a group, or with your family - Reach out to us today, and let's embark on the journey of a lifetime!