About Ngorongoro Crater
Welcome to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, where nature's grandeur meets adventure! Nestled in East Africa, this breathtaking setting is renowned as the ultimate destination to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.
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Embarking on your African safari journey here is nothing short of extraordinary. However, given its well-deserved popularity, we advise a two-night stay to fully immerse yourself in its splendor. After that, why not venture into the Serengeti? There, amidst serene landscapes, you can enjoy a more tranquil and intimate safari experience.
Let the wonders of Ngorongoro Crater inspire your safari dreams and create unforgettable memories. Your East African adventure awaits!
Explore the wonders of Northern Tanzania with an unforgettable safari that includes a visit to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Celebrated as one of the world's most stunning natural wildlife sanctuaries, it offers a unique opportunity to encounter the Maasai people amidst awe-inspiring scenery.
Nestled within the picturesque highlands, the Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding landscapes form a captivating region. The volcanic craters create breathtaking vistas against some of Africa's most fertile and verdant grazing grounds. Among these, the Ngorongoro Crater stands as a testament to nature's grandeur, renowned globally as the largest intact volcanic caldera and home to Africa's densest concentration of wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Ngorongoro, a destination revered for its unparalleled safari experiences. Let its beauty and abundance of wildlife redefine your Northern Tanzania adventure, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
How to get in Ngorongoro Crater ?
Welcome to the adventure of reaching the Ngorongoro Crater! Here’s how you can make the most of your journey from Arusha:
Driving from Arusha
For larger groups, sharing a private vehicle and guide from your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport until your departure from the Ngorongoro region can be both economical and enjoyable. If you choose to drive, it’s essential to spend a night before and after your crater descent either in a camp on the crater rim or a short 20-minute drive away in the Ngorongoro Highlands. This allows you to reach the gates early and beat the crowds, ensuring a serene and uninterrupted safari experience.
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Flying from Arusha
For those staying at a “fly-in” camp, where your guide and vehicle are provided by the camp rather than a ground handler from Arusha, flying can be a fantastic option. You can fly into the Lake Manyara airstrip and be picked up by your camp. This is often more cost-effective for smaller groups, making it a convenient and efficient choice.
Whether you choose to drive or fly, your journey to the Ngorongoro Crater promises to be an unforgettable start to your safari adventure. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife that await you!
Ngorongoro Crater Weather - When to Go
The Ngorongoro Crater offers incredible wildlife viewing throughout the year, as most animals stay within the crater all year round. This means there's no bad time to visit! However, for a more serene experience, consider visiting during the low season when there are fewer vehicles on the crater floor.
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Higher water levels in Lake Magadi, located in the center of the crater, attract greater concentrations of flamingos, adding to the visual splendor of your safari. Regardless of when you visit, you're guaranteed exceptional safari action.
One of the unique charms of an Ngorongoro safari is its micro-climate, which makes it a year-round destination. No matter the season, the Ngorongoro Crater's beauty and abundant wildlife will ensure an unforgettable safari experience.
How Did the Ngorongoro Crater Form?
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater was formed approximately 3 million years ago when a massive volcano exploded and collapsed. The collapse of the volcanic cone inward created the caldera we see today, one of the most unique and vibrant safari parks in Africa and the world. This extraordinary destination is teeming with life, offering an unparalleled safari experience.
For more fascinating facts and detailed explanations about the Ngorongoro Crater, be sure to check out our blog post.
Planning a trip to Ngorongoro can be complex, but with 2 years of experience organizing such adventures, we are here to help you navigate the logistics. Contact us to discuss your options and get expert advice.
Scroll down for everything you need to know about a Ngorongoro Crater safari!
Ngorongoro Crater Safaris | Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Ngorongoro Crater Safaris!
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Ngorongoro Safari | Animals
The Ngorongoro Crater is Tanzania's premier destination for seeing 'The Big Five.' It boasts a thriving population of black rhino and some of Africa’s largest tusker elephants. The crater is also home to robust populations of lions, leopards, and hyenas, along with herds of wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra. Additionally, you can spot serval cats, cheetahs, jackals, Grant's and Thompson's gazelles, flamingos, and bat-eared foxes. With approximately 400 bird species, a Ngorongoro safari is action-packed, offering the highest concentration of wildlife in any single location in Africa.
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Ngorongoro Safari | Activities
Inside the Ngorongoro Crater, activities are primarily game drives, with a few designated picnic spots where you can exit your vehicle. In the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a variety of activities are available, including walking, trekking, excursions to Olduvai Gorge, and visits to Maasai villages and other local tribes.
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Where to Stay in the Ngorongoro Crater?
You can choose between staying at a hotel on the crater rim for breathtaking views or in nearby Karatu for a more intimate and less crowded experience. On the rim, the luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers world-class accommodations perfect for a Tanzania honeymoon, though it comes with a high price tag. More affordable options like the Serena and Sopa lodges also offer stunning crater views.
In Karatu, charming and characterful options such as Plantation Lodge, Gibbs Farm, and The Manor provide excellent value and unique experiences, though they lack the crater views.
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Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania | Further Reading
For those looking to combine a Ngorongoro Crater safari with other Tanzanian parks, Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park are excellent choices, rich with flora and fauna. For more in-depth information, refer to the Ngorongoro chapter in the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar, written by our director, Annabel.
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Call the Experts!
Navigating the logistics of a Ngorongoro Crater safari can be complex, but with our 20 years of experience, we can guide you every step of the way. Whether you're deciding between flying or driving, or need help choosing the perfect accommodation, our team of Tanzania experts is here to assist you. Give us a call for any clarifications or to discuss your options.
Let’s Go Ngorongoro Crater
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