How to Plan a Visit to Ngorongoro Crater? My Personal Safari Experience
As I approached Tanzania’s extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater, the forest along the crater edge was cloaked in mist. The looming silhouettes of tall trees surrounded our vehicle, and I couldn’t help but wonder what lay hidden in the shadows.
A leopard perhaps, one of the elusive Big Five. Or maybe elephants. It always surprises me how these giants can navigate their way through thick jungle with such ease.
I felt a shiver of anticipation race down my spine as the clouds suddenly parted to unveil the expanse of the caldera below, a sight I will never forget. Forest-clad walls surround the crater, creating an unbroken natural barrier for the grasslands below.
A lake sits in the middle of the crater, glistening in the early morning sunlight. It’s a landscape unlike anything I have ever seen before. It felt as though I was about to enter an ancient Lost World.
Of Tanzania’s many wonders, this timeless natural sanctuary strikes me as the most magical. Earth’s largest intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, houses between 25,000 and 30,000 large mammals year-round, including all of the Big Five.
It’s the best place in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino. I saw this myself when I spotted four individuals in a single drive.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Ngorongoro Crater several times. And each time I’m left keen to come back!
This guide will tell you all you need to know about safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater. In addition to information on when to go and the animals you can expect to see on a Ngorongoro Crater safari, I’ll offer advice on practical aspects such as logistics and accommodation.
Where is Ngorongoro?
Here is the Ngorongoro Crater map for you to navigate it easily.
What Is Ngorongoro Crater?
Named by the Maasai after the sound of their livestock’s cowbells (ngoro-ngoro), Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. The crater was created around 2.5 million years ago by the inward collapse of a huge volcano, believed to have been about the same height as Mount Kilimanjaro.
The sprawling crater floor is enclosed by towering walls up to 610 meters high. These walls form a natural barrier between the crater and the outside world. It acts as both a natural defense system and, in some ways, a limitation.
For example, giraffes have been unable to descend into the crater to benefit from this Eden.
Within the caldera are multiple distinct habitats, each with its own unique resident wildlife.
Grasslands cloak much of the crater floor. These short grasses are perfect for one of my absolute favorite animals, the serval. This small cat is extremely rare to see on safari. But here, in Ngorongoro Crater, sightings are fairly frequent.
I could barely suppress my excitement as I stumbled upon an entire family of servals, stalking through the savannah, large ears swiveling like radar dishes as they listened carefully for the scuttling of small rodents.
Suddenly, one pounced, an elegant bound that sent it squarely atop a mouse. Servals are famed for their powerful leaping abilities, and to actually see one in action felt like extremely good luck. I felt like pinching myself!
But servals are just one of the many species you can find in these wide open plains. Massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and gazelles roam the open savannah, stalked by lions and spotted hyenas.
At the same time, Lake Magadi, in the center of the crater, is packed with lesser flamingos who feed on the algae in the shallows – sometimes there are so many, they turn the entire surface of the soda lake pink!
I remember in particular the contrast between their bright plumage and the grey of the hippos wallowing in the waters alongside them, all of it beautifully set against the crater walls behind.
Ngorongoro Crater is part of the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which borders Serengeti National Park to the south. It takes just a couple of hours to travel between them, allowing them to combine nicely into a multi-day safari itinerary.
Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is Tanzania’s best safari destination for seeing the famous Big Five, which includes lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo. Whilst parks such as the Serengeti have healthy numbers of most of the Big Five, Ngorongoro Crater is the only place in Tanzania where you have a good chance of seeing rhinos.
The crater boasts one of the highest lion densities in Africa, at 21 per 100 km², offering spectacular early morning sightings in particular.
I was lucky enough to see just that. I entered the crater at sunrise, watching the orange sun rise over the crater walls and cover the savannah in fiery light. As if that wasn’t enough, the first animal we spotted was a pride of lions.
We managed to see them as we descended into the crater, tawny bodies strolling across it.
We made our way towards the lions, and I could feel myself welling up as I took in the beauty of the scene before me. Mothers, cubs and two male lions were striding with purpose, just a couple of meters away from the road.
The sun was behind them, making their silhouettes glow golden. Perhaps the best part of the scene was that there were hardly any vehicles around. Most cars arrive in the mid-morning, meaning sunrise is a tranquil time to admire the beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Processions of bull elephants are a regular and striking sight inside the crater, with around 300 elephants in residence, and many of them have impressive tusks.
A memorable sighting I had was of a large group of bull elephants getting startled by a flock of egrets. Egrets love to hang out with elephants as they eat insects that are kicked out of the grass as the elephants feed and walk.
However, on this particular occasion, the egrets got a bit over-excited and flew in their masses towards the elephants. The bulls were not impressed, shaking their heads and snorting and even trying to run away from the harmless birds.
Eventually the egrets settled beside them, and the elephants relaxed.
Ngorongoro also has flourishing wildebeest and zebra populations as well as buffalo, gazelle and warthogs.
During one of my Ngorongoro Crater safaris, I was amazed at how relaxed the zebras were – they stopped to graze within touching distance, completely unbothered by our presence and so close I could hear them munching!!!
Servals and African golden wolves can also be seen here, though they are rare.
Birders will be delighted to know that more than 500 bird species live in and around the crater, from Lake Magadi’s famous flamingos to grey-crowned cranes and multiple raptor species.
Although giraffes flourish in the wider Conservation Area, none live within the crater itself. This is because they are unable to navigate the steep walls and also because there is no suitable habitat for them on the crater floor. Crocodiles are also absent.
How Much Does a Ngorongoro Crater Safari Cost?
Ngorongoro Crater certainly isn’t the cheapest safari destination in Tanzania. But, in my opinion, its costs are worth it.
The entry fee for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is $70.80 per person per day, and you’ll also need to pay a vehicle fee of $295 to descend to the crater floor.
If you want to eat inside the crater, there’s a $23.60 per-person lunch fee. Including lunch, then, the total park fees per person for a group of two will be $241.90. In addition, if you’re staying at a lodge within the Conservation Area, a $59 concession fee also applies.
If you book your trip to Ngorongoro with a local tour operator as part of an extended several-day Tanzania safari that includes some of the less costly parks, the average total daily cost for your safari can be as low as $350 per person per day.
This is the typical starting price for a Tanzania safari and includes all park fees, accommodation, food, and vehicle costs. The country has a lot to offer, so it’s a great option if you have the time and budget.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ngorongoro Crater
It’s pretty much impossible to visit the Ngorongoro Crater without having an enjoyable safari!
However, there are a few things I wish I’d been aware of before visiting Ngorongoro Crater which would have enabled me to have the best possible experience. I’ll delve into my top tips for the perfect Ngorongoro Crater safari below.
1. Booking Through a Tour Operator is the Best Way to Visit
A local tour operator will make your visit to Ngorongoro Crater as smooth as possible.
All costs are included in your safari, including the conservation fee and vehicle descent fee, accommodation, all meals, vehicle and guide rental, and fuel. As your tour operator will be organizing your trip, they will handle your entry permits.
Ngorongoro Crater has pretty strict restrictions on the types of vehicles it allows into the crater, which is another reason why booking through a tour operator makes sense.
When I first visited Ngorongoro Crater, I encountered a self-driving couple in a 4×4 who were refused entry because their 4×4 wasn’t the right kind. Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers seem to be the only vehicles that are accepted, and even then they must be enclosed vehicles – open vehicles are not permitted.
➡️ BOOK YOUR LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR SAFARI
2. Ngorongoro Crater is COLD!
Although Ngorongoro is located very close to the equator, conditions can be surprisingly cool in the mornings, especially – often below 10 degrees Celsius! This is due to a combination of its high altitude and windy open plains.
I’d recommend wearing layers, for example a vest top with a long-sleeved shirt over it and a sweater or fleece on top. A down body warmer is a fantastic, non-bulky source of extra warmth for chilly early game drives.
If your ears are prone to getting cold (like mine are), a beanie hat can make your safari a lot more comfortable.
3. The Black Kites at the Picnic Sites are Cheeky
Be aware that black kites and other birds of prey like to hang out at Ngorongoro Crater’s picnic sites and grab whatever food they can.
I once saw a kite swoop down and snatch a sandwich right out of a woman’s hands! My best advice is to keep an eye out for them so you’re prepared if they start swooping, and to keep your food close.
4. Lions and Rhinos Are Easier to See in the Morning
Sunrise around 6 am is the best time to enter the crater. This is when resident lion prides are more active, and black rhinos can be found in the open.
To get to the crater as early as possible, I recommend spending the night before at a lodge on the crater rim, as these lodges offer early access before everyone else. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is my favorite, as it’s just a 5- 10-minute drive from the descent road.
5. Time Your Safari with Opening and Closing Times
The crater itself opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm. However, access to the crater floor is actually cut off at 4 pm.
FAQ’s Your Guide for Planning a Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater
The best time to visit for a Ngorongoro Crater safari is the long dry season (June to October), when conditions for wildlife sightings are at their best. Scarce rainfall draws animals to water sources, plus thinner vegetation does not obstruct your view.
The caveat is that black rhinos can be difficult to spot because they generally move to the thick forests during this time. During my visit in the dry season, I sadly didn’t spot any black rhinos.
Your chances of seeing them in the dry season are increased if you arrive early, around 6 AM, as they tend to congregate in groups before retreating to the thickets to graze.
How Many Days?
Due to its small size, you only need one day to explore Ngorongoro Crater.
How to Get to Ngorongoro?
Ngorongoro Crater is a 4-hour drive from Arusha town, which houses Kilimanjaro International Airport, the main point of entry to northern Tanzania.
Where to Stay Near Ngorongoro Crater?
There are about six lodges on the crater rim itself, and these enjoy some of East Africa’s most breathtaking views. Depending on the accommodation itself and the time of year, prices range from $250 to $1,200 per person per night.
The main benefit of staying on the rim is being among the first vehicles to enter the crater floor in the morning, beating the crowds of day-trippers from Karatu.
The most reasonably priced lodge is Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, with its stone architecture and a Maasai-inspired design that blends seamlessly into the landscape.
If it’s luxury you’re after, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge by andBeyond is sure to deliver (although it’s closed for refurbishment until 2027)! Alternatively, Lion’s Paw is a luxurious tented camp that makes you feel at one with nature.
If the prices of the lodges on the crater rim are too high, you can opt to spend the night in the small agricultural town of Karatu, around 30 to 45 minutes from the crater rim.
Here, budget accommodation prices start at $50 per person per night. Foresight Eco-lodge is my favorite budget-friendly lodge.
Park Rules & Safari Etiquette
The park gates are open daily between 06:00 and 18:00, with the Descent Gate closing at 16:00. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited, and a licensed guide must accompany all visitors.
As well as these general guidelines, it’s always important to:
– keep noise levels to a minimum on safari,
– never leave your vehicle except at designated picnic sites,
– never to stand on top of your vehicle,
– not to leave any litter within the park and not to disturb the wildlife in any way, whether that’s feeding them or making noises to try to attract their attention.
Ngorongoro Crater Size
Ngorongoro Crater is 264 square kilometers (102 square miles). It is encompassed by crater walls which reach up to 600 meters in height in some places.
The crater is a 4-hour drive from the town of Arusha.
Ngorongoro Pronunciation in English
Ngorongoro is pronounced ‘ngoro-ngoro’.
Why is Ngorongoro NOT a National Park?
Ngorongoro Crater is a conservational area rather than a national park. This distinction means that the native Maasai can live in their ancestral lands alongside the wildlife.
A national park would mean that no people can live within its boundaries.
Can You See the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater?
Yes! Ngorongoro Crater is home to all of the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
Final Thoughts: Is Ngorongoro Crater Worth Visiting?
As Tanzania’s priciest safari location, you might be wondering if Ngorongoro Crater is worth it, and my answer is: absolutely! It is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever seen on safari.
Standing on the rim and gazing down at the wildlife-packed crater below, it’s easy to see why the Maasai consider Ngorongoro a sacred place.
This iconic crater is sure to be among the highlights of any safari itinerary, and I know you’ll find it as unforgettable as I do!
Author: Ella McKendrick
Ella McKendrick is a traveler with a passion for all things African. She first set foot on the continent when she was 17 years old and fell head over heels for it
Since then, she has been back more times than she can count and has visited over 10 African countries.
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