Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
296 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
"My Aug 2013 trip"
As I had made our booking some months before the trip I had forgotten that this would not be the case at Lamai. I think that it would be a good idea to make a note of this on the confirmation invoice or in the final letter you send just before departure. We had taken this paperwork with us but had not printed out all the emails leading to the final trip details. The couple we shared with were extremely pleasant but they had just flown in from the UK and were on safari for only 3 nights before going to Zanzibar whilst we had gone to the north more for the wildebeest. Things worked out well but this could so easily not have been the case and I will certainly bear this in mind for a future trip.
We had an excellent guide, Kakae, at Lamai, not only was he very good indeed at spotting game but he had a detailed knowledge of all the animals we saw. He had a great sense of humour and we enjoyed conversations with him on a number of topics." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"Wonderful Safari Experience"
"Serengeti, 2013"
Then Claire et al helped to salvage the safari just when it looked like the Nairobi airport fire might sink us. Then your ground contractors really came through to tweak the itinerary - Wayo safaris - and get my bag back - Kearsley safaris. George our guide/driver was so much more than a driver - very knowledgable, gracious, patient and just a nice guy. We liked him a lot. The camp at Kogatende - not mentioned in this questionnaire - was excellent (my God it was remote) - time at the Mara will not be forgotten.
I cant think of a single negative and I can think of several things "above and beyond" - not least getting us to Tanzania in time for the safari.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
To my surprise, I cant think of a single thing.
I have a very positive view of our trip - and I am currently recommending it/you to 3 of my friends." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"Super Summer Safari"
We loved the fact that we came across the wildlife just driving rather than going in search of something particular and following all the other jeeps. Had we flown to the different locations, we would not have seen the rhino being darted by rangers when she had ventured out of the safety of the Park! What a thrill that was!
We were impressed by the quality and cleanliness of the various washrooms in the National Parks and by the mobile phone signal which I could get in the Serengeti, but not in my home in Wales!!
We had a fabulous time. We saw over 80 different creatures, including the Big Five and two leopard and cheetah sightings and I'm sure we will find many more as we sift through our couple of thousand photos. Our driver was superb and the staff in the bush camps couldn't have been more helpful. Although we did feel slightly short-changed by the 'personal mobile camps' this in no way detracted from the overall experience, which we will never forget.
We would particularly like to thank Eleanor Dunkels for arranging the taxi from Arusha to Nairobi, when our flight from Kilimanjaro was cancelled and it looked like we would have to stay in Arusha whilst new flights were arranged." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"Great overall experience"
"My Jul 2013 trip"
Also we would like special recommendation for Paulo Siololo of Nomad Tanzania...Arusha. as he was fantastic too. Think he has telescopes for eyes as he picked signs of animals at tremendous distances and had the patience to pursue and wait. We had numerous wonderful experiences just watching cheetahs and Leopards all on our own as well as so much more. He really put himself out to please us and make our experience memorable.
Fishermans tours on Zanzibar not quite so efficient as 3/4 hour late one trip and didn't turn up on last return drive to airport. Neither actually caused us problems as door man at Serens Inn got us a taxi and arranged for paymenbt between driver and F. tours.but thought you may like to know for future.
Well done Expert Africa and especially Ellie ,you judge it perfectly for us....right locations and timings ." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"Super!"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
service from expert Africa was great!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"My Jun 2013 trip"
However there were a few points in the planning that could have been better explained or handled by Expert Africa;
1. On our safari we were unable to see the Wildebeest migration because it was too far away from Sopa lodge where we stayed for 3 nights. When we planned the trip we believed we were close enough to see the migration. If we had known Sopa lodge was so far away we could have spent 1 or 2 nights there and some the other nights in the Western Serengeti near the migration.
2. We booked our flights through Flight Centre but as Expert Africa had also quoted for the flights we had a double booking on our account which caused our actual flights to be cancelled and so had to be rebooked. We had hoped that this had been sorted out before we left but infact we had trouble checking in to both the outward and return flights, and were held up at check ins for 30 mins or so while the airline verified our tickets.
3. See Unguja Lodge feedback re windy season in Zanzibar." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"Ngorongoro and Serengeti"
He was exceptional, I have done about 15 safari holidays and he was the best
The game viewing was outstanding.
I chose middle range lodges as I was out in the 4x4 from dawn to dusk.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The book on Tanzania and the travel guide that Expert Africa sent to me was not expected and was a nice touch" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"My Apr 2013 trip"
This did cost us each about $550 US dollars in extra transport and meant we miised out a days sight seeng etc in Nairobi. (and spent more time in airport laounges etc)" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
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.
