Ngorongoro Crater
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, East Africa’s premier destination to encounter the Big Five. Kickstart your African safari adventure in this remarkable setting. Despite its worldwide acclaim, the Ngorongoro Crater tends to draw large crowds, prompting our recommendation for a brief two-night stay. For a more serene and private safari, we suggest transitioning to the Serengeti. Including a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater in any Northern Tanzania Safari is essential; it stands out as one of the globe’s most captivating natural wildlife safari locations and provides a unique opportunity to engage with the Maasai tribe.
Ngorongoro Safari | Animals
Discover the ultimate wildlife spectacle in Tanzania at the Ngorongoro Crater, renowned as the prime location to witness ‘The Big Five.’ This natural wonder hosts a thriving population of black rhinos and some of Africa’s largest tusker elephants. The crater also boasts impressive numbers of lions, leopards, and hyenas, along with robust herds of wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra. Additional treasures include the elusive serval cat, swift cheetahs, jackals, graceful gazelles (Grant’s and Thompson’s), vibrant flamingos, and the charming bat-eared foxes. With approximately 400 bird species, a Ngorongoro safari promises an action-packed adventure. Despite its relatively compact size, this park stands unrivaled as the African destination with the highest concentration of wildlife.
Ngorongoro Safari | Activities
Within the Ngorongoro Crater, the primary activity is game drives, providing unparalleled opportunities to witness the abundant wildlife. While the park features a couple of designated picnic spots, exiting the vehicle is restricted to these areas. However, the broader Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a diverse array of activities. Explore the expansive options such as walking safaris, trekking adventures, excursions to the historic Olduvai Gorge, and engaging visits to the Maasai and other tribes, allowing for a rich and immersive experience beyond the confines of a vehicle.
Where to stay in the Ngorongoro Crater?
When planning your stay near the Ngorongoro Crater, the decision hinges on choosing between a hotel on the Crater rim for its breathtaking views or opting for accommodations a short distance away in Karatu. Rest assured, your choice of location won’t compromise the quality of your Ngorongoro safari.
In Karatu, you’ll enjoy the benefits of fewer crowds and discover better-value options, including smaller, more intimate lodges that offer diverse activities like walking and mountain biking.
On the Crater rim, the epitome of luxury is the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, offering a world-class experience—perfect for a romantic Tanzania Honeymoon, albeit at a premium price of approximately $3,000 per night. For equally stunning views of the Crater floor at more affordable rates, the Serena and Sopa are viable options, although they are larger and relatively older establishments.
If you choose to stay away from the Crater rim in charming Karatu, nestled in the highlands, you’ll find a variety of small coffee plantations and guesthouses. These options, priced similarly to the Serena and Sopa, exude charm and character but lack the panoramic Ngorongoro views. Notable choices include Plantation Lodge, Gibbs Farm, and The Manor.