66 Tours to Ngorongoro Crater, ordered shortest to longest trip. Prices are from R34612 $1870 £1490 €1737 A$2831 C$2557 NZ$3111 to R224800 $12145 £9679 €11279 A$18388 C$16605 NZ$20207 per person. Use our Tour Search → to filter by price, duration, start point, travel style and more.
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One of Africa’s most iconic wildlife areas, the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania offers breathtaking scenery as the largest unbroken and un-flooded caldera in the world. It is also one the top Big 5 safari destinations in Africa, hosting large populations of the Big 5 African animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) as well as plenty of other wildlife species, like hippo, zebra, gazelle, warthog, wildebeest and eland.
On a Ngorongoro Crater safari, you'll be driven down to the floor of the Crater, a descent of some 600 meters (2000 feet), for a half-day or full-day game-viewing adventure in this unique wildlife sanctuary. Known as “the Garden of Eden”, the Ngorongoro Crater has steep, forested walls inhabited by monkeys, small game, and vibrant birdlife. The steep walls act as a natural barricade, making the crater a remarkable haven for wildlife.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania offers several attractions for visitors to explore. One of the most significant prehistoric sites in the area is the Olduvai Gorge, where fossilized evidence of our hominid lineage has been found, while the Laetoli Footprints are also worth exploring. In addition, visitors can check out the Empakaai and Olmoti Crater, Olduvai Gorge Museum, and Ndutu Lake area, which hosts some of the Great Wildebeest Migration mega herds.
The Ngorongoro Crater is located in northern Tanzania on the Eastern Great Rift Valley arm. Spanning 260 km², it is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, an 8000 km² conservation concession that borders the Serengeti National Park, Loliondo and Lake Natron Game Controlled Areas, and the Masawa Game Reserve. The Ngorongoro Crater lies 120 km / 75 miles west of the town of Arusha and lies on Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit that includes the Serengeti, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro, and Lake Manyara.
| Quick Facts About the Ngorongoro Crater |
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Size: The Ngorongoro Crater is approximately 16 km (10 miles) in diameter, has walls that rise to 610 meters (2,000 feet) in height, and covers a surface area of around 260 km² (100 miles²). Wildlife: The crater is home to the Big 5 African animals (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), as well as wildebeest, zebra, eland, and a plethora of smaller game, predators, and birds. Scenery: A Ngorongoro Crater safari offers breathtaking views of the crater and some of the most scenic trips anywhere in Africa, making it a hugely popular photographic destination. Status: The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. |
Various types of African safaris visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, catering to different preferences and budgets. These Tanzania safaris range from short, budget options to longer overland tours, with accommodations varying from basic campsites to small 1 to 3-star lodges.
When it comes to group safari tours, the group size ranges from small groups of about 7 guests to large groups of about 20 guests. The various group safaris offer different types of accommodation. These guided tours include budget safaris that stay at basic campsites and/or affordable safari lodges. A step up, you get mid-range lodge and tented camping safaris, then there are small group tours and more luxurious lodge safaris.
Then there are private safaris that can be customized to individual interests such as photography, adventure sports, or birding.
A Custom Ngorongoro Crater Safari puts you in control of your itinerary. Our experienced African travel experts help you design a private tour that aligns with your unique preferences and budget. Whether you're passionate about photography, cycling, birding, or other activities, we can tailor a trip to suit you. With over 16 years of experience and a vast network of partners across Africa, we possess the expertise to customize your journey. Our private African safari tours are fully adaptable to your needs and can be booked as is or personalized. We work with you at every stage to create a customized trip that suits your budget, offering flexibility in your itinerary, and allowing you to experience a safari tailored to your needs.
Africa Overland Tours that visit Ngorongoro Crater are ideal for adventurous travellers. These tours include Lodge Overland Tours, Camping Overland Tours, and Exclusive Overland Safaris that visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania as part of longer itineraries. The Camping Overland Tours are well-suited for young, active travellers, providing a more rugged hands-on African experience. Exclusive Overland Safaris are popular among older individuals seeking a higher level of comfort during their bush adventures. These tours offer a range of experiences, from basic camping to more exclusive and comfortable safaris, allowing travellers to choose the option that best fits their preferences, budget, and travel style.
Camping Safaris provide affordable and immersive ways to experience the African wilderness, allowing travellers to connect with nature and witness the region's abundant wildlife. These budget safaris offer a unique opportunity to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its diverse ecosystems while camping under the African sky. Budget Camping Safaris are well-suited for those seeking an authentic and budget-friendly adventure, with the chance to observe a wide variety of wildlife. Additionally, these safaris offer half-day or full-day game-viewing adventures on the crater floor, providing a truly unforgettable yet affordable African safari experience.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Safaris offer a comfortable alternative for travellers who prefer not to camp. These lodge safaris provide comfortable accommodation in lodges selected for their value for money and reliable service. While they require less active participation than camping safaris, they still provide access to Africa's top wilderness areas, including the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. The lodges, typically ranging from small 1 to 3-star establishments, offer a more comfortable base for exploring the region. This option is well-suited for those seeking a balance between comfort and adventure, allowing travellers to experience the remarkable wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area without compromising on quality or affordability.
For more details about Ngorongoro Crater safari options, talk to one of our friendly African Budget Safaris
Find out more with our Ngorongoro Crater safari travel guide page.