Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
296 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
Mr & Mrs C
Bicester
"Amazing experience"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 11 Aug 2011 and 26 Aug 2011
"Even though it was our fourth trip to Africa and on safari we really did have an excellent time. Everything was well organised and all went very smoothly.
We had a personal driver and guide for our week on safari which is to be highly recommended although pricey. The vehicle and facilities were very good, Alfred our guide is the best. His english is superb, driving very good, knowledge and experience extensive, ability to locate animals amazing and he has a great sense of humour.
In comparison to other African countries we've visited the facilities for tourists are well organised. We didn't need a bush toilet once in the whole trip! This does mean that in the popular destinations especially the Ngorongoro Crater there were far to many tourists for our liking but in hindsight we wouln't change anything as you really do need to see it to experience it!
My only plea to other travellers is to be sensitive to the local people and cultute. We were incredibly disappointed at some of the things we saw, cigarette butts being dropped in the parks, scimpy clothing in Stone Town and during Ramaden too and generally poor attitides!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Be more specific about flight details (Coastal airways) if possible" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
We had a personal driver and guide for our week on safari which is to be highly recommended although pricey. The vehicle and facilities were very good, Alfred our guide is the best. His english is superb, driving very good, knowledge and experience extensive, ability to locate animals amazing and he has a great sense of humour.
In comparison to other African countries we've visited the facilities for tourists are well organised. We didn't need a bush toilet once in the whole trip! This does mean that in the popular destinations especially the Ngorongoro Crater there were far to many tourists for our liking but in hindsight we wouln't change anything as you really do need to see it to experience it!
My only plea to other travellers is to be sensitive to the local people and cultute. We were incredibly disappointed at some of the things we saw, cigarette butts being dropped in the parks, scimpy clothing in Stone Town and during Ramaden too and generally poor attitides!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Be more specific about flight details (Coastal airways) if possible" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Y
Edinburgh
"Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania between 10 Aug 2011 and 16 Aug 2011
"We're very happy with the service overall.
Quotation and booking was simple and the menber of staff I dealt with was pleasant and appeared knowledgeable. Stepen our guide in Tanzania was very pleasant, knowledgeable and a good driver. We would happy use Expert Africa again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One thing we would have changed, with hindsight, is to spend two nights at a lodge somewhere between Ngorongoro Crater and Lobo Wildlife Lodge (reducing the time at Lobo). This would have let us explore other areas." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Quotation and booking was simple and the menber of staff I dealt with was pleasant and appeared knowledgeable. Stepen our guide in Tanzania was very pleasant, knowledgeable and a good driver. We would happy use Expert Africa again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One thing we would have changed, with hindsight, is to spend two nights at a lodge somewhere between Ngorongoro Crater and Lobo Wildlife Lodge (reducing the time at Lobo). This would have let us explore other areas." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The L family
London
"A great holiday"
I visited Tanzania between 6 Aug 2011 and 21 Aug 2011
"We had looked forward to this holiday, and it exceeded all our expectations, with the possible exception of the diving at Mafia Island which is possibly not as good a site as advertised, during the SE Monsoon.
It was very well organised by Expert Africa, alongside their local agents, and we felt secure in the knowledge that we were visiting the right places and that our travel and accommodation arrangements were secure.
The wildlife was plentiful and the Serengeti vast and unforgettable.
These travellers commented about their guide: Ayoub, a memorable guide
Ayoub was our guide, provided from Arusha. He picked us up from the airport at Arusha, and stayed with us through our visits to Lake Manyara, Ngorngoro Crater and to Dunia Camp in the southern Serengeti.
The vehicle, although old, was very comfortable, reliable and extremely well stocked with drinks, biscuits, cushions, sandbags for resting cameras on and tissues. Ayoub was totally dedicated, and informative on all manner of subjects. He knew how to find the game, could see lions on rocks or in the distance minutes before we had spotted them, and was very experienced in the areas we visited. His timekeeping was excellent and he knew when we had to leave as early as 5.30 for instance to avoid the long queues to enter the Ngorngoro Crater and Manyara NPs. His knowledge of the wildlife and birds was also excellent.
He anticipated our needs, ordering the picnics we would need from the places we were staying, and always managing to find a washroom or suitable bush whenever we needed one. The vehicle was always clean and tidy in the morning when we set off.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We would be happy to use Expert Africa for future holidays." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
It was very well organised by Expert Africa, alongside their local agents, and we felt secure in the knowledge that we were visiting the right places and that our travel and accommodation arrangements were secure.
The wildlife was plentiful and the Serengeti vast and unforgettable.
These travellers commented about their guide: Ayoub, a memorable guide
Ayoub was our guide, provided from Arusha. He picked us up from the airport at Arusha, and stayed with us through our visits to Lake Manyara, Ngorngoro Crater and to Dunia Camp in the southern Serengeti.
The vehicle, although old, was very comfortable, reliable and extremely well stocked with drinks, biscuits, cushions, sandbags for resting cameras on and tissues. Ayoub was totally dedicated, and informative on all manner of subjects. He knew how to find the game, could see lions on rocks or in the distance minutes before we had spotted them, and was very experienced in the areas we visited. His timekeeping was excellent and he knew when we had to leave as early as 5.30 for instance to avoid the long queues to enter the Ngorngoro Crater and Manyara NPs. His knowledge of the wildlife and birds was also excellent.
He anticipated our needs, ordering the picnics we would need from the places we were staying, and always managing to find a washroom or suitable bush whenever we needed one. The vehicle was always clean and tidy in the morning when we set off.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We would be happy to use Expert Africa for future holidays." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J & Mr B
London
"A memorable trip exceeding expectations"
I visited Tanzania between 5 Jul 2011 and 17 Jul 2011
"Overall the trip exceeded expectations and was a memorable experience.All internal flights and transfers worked like clockwork.The camps were excellent , with one exception, and all the local staff were excellent to outstanding.
Our thanks to Expert Africa( especially Claire Scott) and Asilia for an outstanding service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Well done and thanks" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Our thanks to Expert Africa( especially Claire Scott) and Asilia for an outstanding service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Well done and thanks" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr & Dr L
Cheshire
"We'd said this was our last safari ..but!!!!!"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 30 Jun 2011 and 19 Jul 2011
"The organisation of the trip was great and everything worked perfectly. The guides and their landcruisers were excellent.
The change in location of the Serengeti Safari Camp to be by the Mara River was great - and as it was a new site it was amazing to be there on its first night ever. The re-arrangement of our transfers and flights worked very smoothly to our relief.
We had said that this would be our last safari, but we had such a great time that I suspect we'll be going again.......
We felt that we were glad to have gone gorilla trekking now, as we soon wouldn't have the energy to climb the mountains - the climb is from 7,000' to about 9,000'. Not impossible, but we were the oldest in our groups by more than somewhat on our gorilla trekking days, so we were the slowest." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
The change in location of the Serengeti Safari Camp to be by the Mara River was great - and as it was a new site it was amazing to be there on its first night ever. The re-arrangement of our transfers and flights worked very smoothly to our relief.
We had said that this would be our last safari, but we had such a great time that I suspect we'll be going again.......
We felt that we were glad to have gone gorilla trekking now, as we soon wouldn't have the energy to climb the mountains - the climb is from 7,000' to about 9,000'. Not impossible, but we were the oldest in our groups by more than somewhat on our gorilla trekking days, so we were the slowest." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Westerham
"Fantastic Trip"
I visited Tanzania between 13 Feb 2011 and 27 Feb 2011
"From the transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminal and then our safe delivery to catch the BA flight home . everything went like clockwork. Havind been twice to Tanzania before , the trip certainly lived up to expectations .
We were meet at Arusha by our guide /driver Jackson who looked after us for 8 days. At all times he was absolutely excellent . Endlessly cheerful, he did his utmost to fill our game viewing desires. The vehicle was cleaned after every day and with the amount of mud we collected in and out that was no mean feat. Somedays we out practically out from dawn til dusk , always looking for the next sighting. Tea ,drinks and lunch stops he took in his stride , putting out the tables and chairs in some fantastic locations
Many thanks to Claire for all her advice and planning the trip for us.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It was our eight trip with Expert Africa and everything as usual was immaculate" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
We were meet at Arusha by our guide /driver Jackson who looked after us for 8 days. At all times he was absolutely excellent . Endlessly cheerful, he did his utmost to fill our game viewing desires. The vehicle was cleaned after every day and with the amount of mud we collected in and out that was no mean feat. Somedays we out practically out from dawn til dusk , always looking for the next sighting. Tea ,drinks and lunch stops he took in his stride , putting out the tables and chairs in some fantastic locations
Many thanks to Claire for all her advice and planning the trip for us.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It was our eight trip with Expert Africa and everything as usual was immaculate" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr D & Mrs B
UK
"One to remember!"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 8 Feb 2011 and 22 Feb 2011
"We believe we got the balance and standard just about right. Gibbs Farm was the only disappointment. We would certainly return to Tanzania to include the Selous but we wouldn't necessarily wish to include Zanzibar again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your attention to detail prior to the trip was first class. We look forward to future trips with you." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your attention to detail prior to the trip was first class. We look forward to future trips with you." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs L
Sussex
"A lovely holiday"
I visited Tanzania between 31 Jan 2011 and 12 Feb 2011
"We saw so many amazing animals and were given a friendly welcome throughout.
Our own arrangements at the end of the holiday made us realise that a permanent camp in the Serengeti rather than the mobile camp we chose at Olakira would have been a more satisfactory option, particularly as the Ndutu area was so busy with other safari goers. When discussing Kusini with you as an alternative at the planning stage, this aspect was not pointed out. As it happened the Migration had moved closer to Kusini (Maswa area) away from Ndutu but we were not offered the opportunity to drive out in this direction, despite staying for four nights at Olakira." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Our own arrangements at the end of the holiday made us realise that a permanent camp in the Serengeti rather than the mobile camp we chose at Olakira would have been a more satisfactory option, particularly as the Ndutu area was so busy with other safari goers. When discussing Kusini with you as an alternative at the planning stage, this aspect was not pointed out. As it happened the Migration had moved closer to Kusini (Maswa area) away from Ndutu but we were not offered the opportunity to drive out in this direction, despite staying for four nights at Olakira." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs P
Surrey
"Overall"
I visited Tanzania between 10 Jan 2011 and 29 Jan 2011
"We had a great time and it was everything we expected that it would be. Ellie was so helpful in the booking process and answering my questions.
We loved Tanzania and we agreed that the safari here was better than other countries we had visited. Our driver from Asilia (Albert) was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was always prompt and the vehicle was always spotless.
We undertook a couple of trips with Wayo at the Serena Hotel at Lake Manyara:
1. The night drive into the park made us feel very special as we were the only people in the park on that night. I love the expectation of what you might see and this is what anyone who does this trip needs to bear in mind. It is highly unlikely that you will see Lions and whatever you do see unless you have a very good camera and are very quick at taking the picture you won't be able to do this. So it's best to just sit back and enjoy the trip. We saw different notcturnal animals - porcupine, genet, hippos feeding, bush babies etc.
2. Whilst we enjoyed the bike ride, there are a few factors that anyone doing this needs to think about. It was about 30km and whilst a lot of it is down hill the hot wetaher can take it out of you so take come water (we weren't offered any by Wayo, although our Driver gave us some) and plenty of sunscreen, a hat etc. The bikes are ok, but the seats are a bit worn and uncomfortable (we were talking to the guy who took us and he told us that they wanted to order the gel seats but had to get these form Europe). I had thought that the visit to the village was going to be about meeting people who lived and worked there - we actually visited a curio shop. We then biked into the park and down to the lake and then back up to the village where our driver met us. So overall we enjoyed it but a few things to consider for anyone else.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I really can't think of any." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
We loved Tanzania and we agreed that the safari here was better than other countries we had visited. Our driver from Asilia (Albert) was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was always prompt and the vehicle was always spotless.
We undertook a couple of trips with Wayo at the Serena Hotel at Lake Manyara:
1. The night drive into the park made us feel very special as we were the only people in the park on that night. I love the expectation of what you might see and this is what anyone who does this trip needs to bear in mind. It is highly unlikely that you will see Lions and whatever you do see unless you have a very good camera and are very quick at taking the picture you won't be able to do this. So it's best to just sit back and enjoy the trip. We saw different notcturnal animals - porcupine, genet, hippos feeding, bush babies etc.
2. Whilst we enjoyed the bike ride, there are a few factors that anyone doing this needs to think about. It was about 30km and whilst a lot of it is down hill the hot wetaher can take it out of you so take come water (we weren't offered any by Wayo, although our Driver gave us some) and plenty of sunscreen, a hat etc. The bikes are ok, but the seats are a bit worn and uncomfortable (we were talking to the guy who took us and he told us that they wanted to order the gel seats but had to get these form Europe). I had thought that the visit to the village was going to be about meeting people who lived and worked there - we actually visited a curio shop. We then biked into the park and down to the lake and then back up to the village where our driver met us. So overall we enjoyed it but a few things to consider for anyone else.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I really can't think of any." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
C family
UK
""
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 21 Dec 2010 and 1 Jan 2011
"Excellent and I have already recommended Expert Africa to a number of friends planning similar trips.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
296
reviews of Ngorongoro Crater by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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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.
