Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
300 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
" 2024 - a return visit to Ngorongoro and Serengeti"
Let's start with the positives.
For thirty years now we have been making almost annual trips to Africa to see and photograph wildlife visiting many different countries. Of all those visited there is no question in our opinion that the Tanzanians are the very best people when it comes to friendliness and the provision of hospitality and service.
The next major plus point is the service provided by Expert Africa's agents in Tanzania. You really felt looked after by their staff - staffing levels are excellent. As an example, we needed some medical advice which resulted in the need for some antibiotic medicine. No problem - they just flew it up from Arusha on the next flight.
Other ways they provided satisfaction was in the way little changes to the daily plan were taken on board and executed.
We choose to go to these areas in Tanzania to enable us to see cheetah. This is where our first disappointment happened. There seem to be fewer sightings compared with many years ago (we readily accept that no animal sighting can be guaranteed anywhere).
Years ago we would see two or even three separate cheetah sightings on any one day. On this trip we saw only six sightings over an eight day visit to the area.
In this same period over the years there has been a gradual increase in the number of lion sightings and total lion numbers. This puts greater pressure on the cheetah who are often killed by lions. Also this means that when a cheetah is found it is immediately surrounded by vehicles and this pressure may be driving them away.
We witnessed one outrageous situation where three cheetah on a kill were corralled by twenty vehicles in three concentric circles with a clear area of no more than 10 to 12 meters diameter. The stress levels shown on the poor animal's faces was clear to see. This behaviour by tourists has got to be controlled! But the commercial interests rule. Years ago there were some four or five operating companies, now it seems there are forty five - you see a new name on a vehicle numerous times a day." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"My Feb 2024 migration trip"
The trip was well organised. the camps and destinations were fabulous, everyone strove to satisfy our desires and the food was delicious." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"My Feb 2024 trip"
We were taken care of from the moment we arrived to the moment we departed.
Did not have to worry about a thing and the logistics of the trip were executed fantastically, even with the hiccup of a broken down vehicle.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:,/b>
The entire trip was brilliant and Richard was very helpful in answering any questions that we had." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"My Jan 2024 trip"
I was prior to arriving in Tanzania unaware about the distance we would travel. Our guide told me we drove 1455kms !!!
We got infested with tsetse flies in Tarangire… you may wish to advise your clients … wasn’t pleasant
This was our 5th safari you organised for us and beyond the best. Your ground arrangements were superb from beginning to end … KLM NOT SO …
I would like to see a section here about the Guide and our view of them" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"My Dec 2023 trip"
"My Oct 2023 trip"
The three camps that we stayed in were all somewhat different in terms of the environment and complimented each other very well. What was consistent at all three Nomad camps was the excellent service provided. It was clear to us that Nomad is an exceptional company which manages its' operation very well. The staff were all highly motivated and enthusiastic about working for Nomad.
The result was that our safari holiday was most enjoyable in every respect; the camps were in great locations, the tents were very comfortable, the food was interesting and delicious, and the guides outstanding.
We would not hesitate to recommend them." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
All the staff, drivers, guides were extremely friendly and accommodating. My dietary needs (vegetarian) were respected and the food was great. Saw so many animals and the scenery was spectacular!
I couldn't have asked for a better experience!!!
Highly recommend this company if you are planning a trip to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None, all my questions were answered either by email or phone call." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
"My Oct 2023 trip"
Sadly we just missed the river crossing, all the wildlife we saw up close, the action and the amazing people we met and hospitality we received made the trip an experience of a lifetime.
It's been a few weeks since we've been back home and we're already starting to look at our next safari destination! We cannot wait to go back to Tanzania to visit friends we've made and to explore new destinations in Africa!
Thank you Jessica for planning and catering to all of our needs!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Thank you Jessica for planning this trip and for making sure all of our asks and needs are perfectly matched!
We loved all of your recommendations and all of our guides were top notch and made our entire trip so memorable.
For younger and more adventurous travelers, I think Maasai village visit or a bushman walk would be more interesting than a walking tour in Mto wa Mbu.
This was a misunderstanding on my part as I didn't look more into what Mto wa Mbu village tour was compared to Maasai village that Jessica originally recommended!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2023 trip"
Lindsey Marris was excellent every detail was taken care of and expertly planned!
My hour long conversation with Aurthor, Chris McIntyre was the reason I chose Expert Africa. They get very high ratings.
They listed to what we wanted and planned accordingly. Everything was first class!
Great trip I cannot say enough praises for them!!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2023 trip"
Our only hiccups were at the start of the trip - a guide for Arusha and a transport from the domestic flight to the day room in Dar es Salaam.
Staff at Expert Africa were attentive to these mishaps and helped resolve them immediately.
More conversation around what to expect would be helpful for first-time safari guests and more detailed descriptions of the activities available would be helpful in making decisions about how to spend out time." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
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Inspire meWhere 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.
