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 incredible Ngorongoro Crater is located in Tanzania. The crater itself is situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a vast protected region that stretches from the Serengeti in the north to the Great Rift Valley in the east. It's an area that spans over 3,200 square miles, making it particularly enormous in size. Some of its neighboring national parks include the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Arusha National Park. This means that if you are starting your journey in Arusha, the famous gateway to safaris, then visiting the Ngorongoro Crater should definitely be high on your list.
2. How to get to the Ngorongoro Crater
Getting to the Ngorongoro Crater requires going to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of the best safari parks in Tanzania.
You'll first need to make your way to the city of Arusha, which is around 170 km away from Ngorongoro, or a three-hour drive. Arusha has a small domestic airport with just a handful of flights each day, meaning most visitors will first need to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport before getting to Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is the most convenient starting point for a Northern Tanzania safari, as it has flight connections to both regional and international cities. From here, you'll have a one-hour drive to reach Arusha, which can be done with a car rental, private transfer, or local taxi.
The next step on your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is to head to Karatu, the last major town you'll find before the park entrance. This leg of the journey will take around 3 hours. Once you arrive in Karatu, you'll be just 30 minutes from Loduare gate, the main entry point to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
If you're not partaking in a fully-guided excursion and are planning a self-drive safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you have the option of picking up a rental car either at Kilimanjaro Airport or in Arusha to complete the journey detailed above. Those of you who plan to join a tour will likely find that all of the steps above will be taken care of for you, so you won't need to worry about getting from place to place.
3. Ngorongoro crater facts
Here are 5 exciting Ngorongoro Crater facts for you to know about before visiting:
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.
4. Best time to visit Ngorongoro crater
The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater will depend on a number of factors.
June to October is often considered the best time to visit Tanzania as this is the dry season when rainfall is rare, sunshine is plentiful and temperatures are pleasant. This is also the time when the extraordinary Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles occurs in the nearby Serengeti National Park, which means that these months are often the busiest and expensive of the year.
Tanzania's rainy season runs from November until May, and heavy downpours can make wildlife viewing more challenging and often much less enjoyable. That being said, there are still some wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities, and these months bring fewer visitors which will feel much more authentic and stress-free. If you choose to plan your safari in January or February you will witness calving season in action, meaning that you can catch a glimpse of hundreds of adorable baby animals.
Soaring crater walls and peaceful elephants that meander quietly through the Ngorongoro Crater floor / Image: @mtsjrdl
5. Is Ngorongoro crater worth visiting?
Absolutely! Ngorongoro Crater is one of the seven natural wonders of Africa for good reason. From the crater floor to the top of the soaring 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, 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, make 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.
6. 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
7. Can you hike the Ngorongoro Crater rim?
Hiking the Ngorongoro Crater rim is one of the best ways to experience the crater. Walking the rim offers unparalleled views of the crater in all its glory while also being 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
8. 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
9. 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
Without a doubt, the ultimate Ngorongoro experience is to go on a game drive and explore the magical wildlife that reside here. Along with the big five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, African buffalo) you'll have the chance to spot zebra, wildebeest, and hippos among so many other species. The best spot for wildlife watching is the Ngorongoro Crater itself but there are animals dotted throughout the park that you can see during your time there too.
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.
Visit the Maasai Tribe
For something a little different but equally as fascinating, pay a visit to the Maasai tribe, an indigenous tribe that has inhabited the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for centuries. Learning about their traditional way of life is among the most incredible and informative things you can do in Ngorongoro. Typically you will get to visit a traditional Maasai home, be invited to partake in their signature dance as well as enlighten you about their local customs.
Take a Nature Walk or a Hike
The landscapes that make up the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are breathtaking. One of the best ways to experience them is by joining one of the many walking and hiking trails. You can take guided treks along the top rim of the Crater wall and view the Crater from above, enjoy stretching your legs outside of the safari vehicle as well as be in prime position to spot wildlife too.
Enjoy Birdwatching
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to thousands of diverse and interesting species of animals - 500 of these are beautiful winged creatures. As is the case with any safari, there's no guaranteeing which animals you'll see, but you'll have a good chance of spotting augur buzzards, kori bustards, white-eyed slaty flycatchers and the famous pink flamingos. Lake Magadi specifically, is ideal for keen birdwatchers.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Take in the scenery and the wildlife all at once with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience that's even more mesmerizing during the migration.
A view of the sweeping crater walls and vast floor of Ngorongoro Crater / Image: matthew-stephenson
10. 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:
11. What Animals Live in the Ngorongoro Crater?
It's believed that there are over 25,000 different animal species found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area overall - it’s an absolute guarantee you'll witness quite an array of wild animals on your visit here.
The highlight for many is the possibility of encountering the Big 5 in their natural habitat. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalos are all present in the park, though the elusive leopard can sometimes be harder to find.
Although these animals are Ngorongoro's most well-known residents, they only make up a fraction of those that inhabit the area. You'll often find cheetahs, antelopes, wildebeest, zebras, kudu, hippos, hyenas, and so many more within the Ngorongoro Crater.
There are also many wildlife species that live within the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area that you won't see within the Crater itself, such as giraffes, impalas and crocodiles.
Migrant birds like Montagu's harriers, European bee-eaters, and Caspian lapwings frequent the Crater during certain times of the year while the likes of eagles, hawks, storks, pelicans and flamingos are typically sighted all year round.
A hippo walking through the grasslands of Ngorongoro Crater with its mouth wide open / Image: Nhendrik-cornelissen
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Guide for Seeing the Animals in Ngorongoro Crater?
While it's possible to visit Ngorongoro Crater by self-driving, hiring a licensed guide is strongly advised, and the rangers at the gate may ask you to do so.
How Long Should I Spend Between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Conservation Area?
Spending two to three days between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Crater is optimal, as you'll have time to explore the park at a relaxed pace. One of these days can ideally be dedicated to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Can You Stay Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
You can stay overnight in private accommodation Ngorongoro Conservation Area, though you'll need to pay concession fees in addition to your entrance tariffs and accommodation costs.
At present, concession fees come in at $71 USD for foreign, non-resident adults and $12 USD for children aged between 5 and 15 years. These are the costs of staying overnight per person per night. Children under 5 are exempt from these fees.
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