Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
296 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
"The most incredible, amazing holiday "
The gorillas were unforgettable in Rwanda and I would definitely advise others who are thinking of going to do a trip to the golden monkeys first and two trips to the gorillas, as the second trip was even better than the first. We got so close to the gorillas we could have touched them (we didn't!). A silverback actually brushed past my husband - we all held our breath!
The safari in Tanzania was also incredible, but made even more special by our driver Faso who was so knowledgeable about all the animals and birds.
The holiday was not cheap, but it was worth every penny that we paid and would not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa. In fact, we are already of thinking about doing another safari, once we have saved up a bit!!
I want to thank Expert Africa for organising our trip.
We have lots of videos (especially of the gorillas) and photos if you would like us to send you some." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"Safari highs and airport lows"
Our experiences at Nairobi airport, both with Coastal and Kenyan Airways/immigration sadly tainted a great trip.
I would probably not repeat the mobile camp stays, which in loo and shower terms were not satisfactory.
The quality/experience of guiding in Serengeti and Ngorongoro was not a patch on Selous Impala and Ruaha in Southern Tanzania, nor compared to Robin Pope camps in Zambia.
Our guide at the crater was lazy and not motivated - probably due to lower absolute level of tips from only two clients.
Lamai was a unique setting and well set up.
Pole Pole had a fantastic location, but was let down by poor maintenance of the showers - no hot water in that climate, and at that price is not good news. The staff were friendly, but not nearly as professional as at Kaya Mawa in Malawi. The Dive and watersports centre made our visit to Mafia memorable, in particular the fish BBQ on the sandbar after snorkelling at the reef." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"Fall, 2016"
"Good trip"
We were very pleased with the itinerary and activities planned for us by Maruska, who was very professional and helpful. All the hotel recommendations were really nice, although more on the expensive side.
For overnight stay, we would have preferred to stay at a mid-scale property like Rivertrees Inn than upscale property like Arusha Coffee Lodge." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"I wrote a blog."
There was no question however trivial that was not explained fully and my complicated itinerary ran like clockwork. Yes, it was an expensive trip but I was travelling alone and to some more remote parts of the Serengeti so my safety and health was important to me.
I have to thank Richard and the staff at Expert Africa whose current knowledge and expertise about my trip was exemplary. I was a complete stranger to them yet there was minute attention to all the details.
The experience will stay with me for a lifetime. So many thank you’s." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"Tanzanian Safari October 2016"
You have not provided a link for feedback on the taxi services between main airports and our hotels in Nairobi and Arusha i.e. Southern Cross and Asillia.
Southern Cross collected us on arrival at the airport at the start and end of the holiday. Collection and delivery to the hotel went smoothly on both occasions. However, pick up and return to the airport was a different matter.
After arriving in Nairobi at the start of the trip my first question to Benson of SC was what time we were to be collected for our flight to Lobo. His answer was what time is your flight and where are you going. I showed him the ticket for Precision and stressed the 7am flight time and the 6am meeting at terminal 2. Because it was an international flight he was suggesting arriving at the airport 3 hrs before departure. To cut a long storey short we were collected at 4.30am, taken first to terminal 1C then 1B then finally the driver took us to terminal 2. It was now 5.15 am and of course there was nobody there to meet us. Eventually someone from Tradewinds collected us and took us through to check-in and then the aircraft.
Similarly, on our final return to the airport for our return home we arranged with Benson to be collected at the hotel at 14.30pm. The driver arrived at 10.00am. He hadn't been in contact with Benson but had been given instructions from the main office. He came back at the requested time.
OK this wasn't life threatening and it is Africa but we could have missed a flight. SC don't appear to follow instructions, either from the client at the time or from whatever Expert Africa arranged with them." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"Another Brilliant Safari to Tanzania"
We stayed at four camps all run by Asilia and all the flights and changeovers went like a dream, perfect.
At all four camps the service and attention we received was first class and the staff and guides were very friendly and courteous and committed to making our trip a memorable experience. I would certainly recommend Asilia camps.
Although it was nice to savour the facilities of the two luxury camps (Highlands and Sayari) we did prefer the character of the two more rustic camps (Oliver’s and Namiri Plains.
Many thanks to Expert Africa and Liz for another brilliant safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
"Fantastic Safari experience"
We saw lots and lots and especially wildebeest which was the main reason for the trip. The accommodation was great (except Ngorongoro which was just not our style), and all the guides were excellent.
We could not have asked for more and were very happy." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2016 trip"
Right from the start Liz was incredibly helpful, making useful suggestions and coming up with a great itinerary.
She was great when Kenya airways changed their flight schedule, and we had to use a different carrier.
Overall the trip was excellent - the middle part at Ubuntu was the highlight, followed by the Rwanda section and the Highlands last of all, but the whole experience was great.
We would certainly use Expert Africa again - and I was recommending someone only today to get in touch for something they were planning." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"My Aug 2016 Safari Trip"
Where to stay in Ngorongoro Crater
Our suggestions for safari camps in Ngorongoro Crater
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
