Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
299 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
"A lovely holiday"
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"
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
""
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"A magical experience"
"Expecting more"
The beginning didn't start off well. In our packet of papers sent by Expert Africa, they didn't give us a local phone number to reach the tour company. They gave us one that didn't work and it was an office number even though the tour company has an emergency cell phone. Thus when we missed our connecting flight, we weren't able to get in touch with the tour company.
Then the hotel on the packet was the wrong hotel so when we took a taxi to the hotel listed on the packet, it was not the right one. We ended up getting to our right hotel at midnight. Also on the packet it didn't tell us what the tour company's name was so nobody knew what tour group we were with.
The first guide was more of a driver and a person that could identify things. But didn't give us much more. Overall, if I had more time, I would have preferred to book things myself instead of going through Expert Africa. I don't think we needed to go to any of the smaller parks except for Ngorongoro and then on to the Serengeti. The way it was arranged, we were getting to the smaller parks in the middle of the afternoon when all the animals were asleep and hidden." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"Tanzania comments"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
A little more guidance on tipping would be helpful. While we asked for and received specific guidelines on amounts for the staff and the drivers, we were unaware until we arrived that separate (and fairly substantial) tips for butlers and trackers were also expected. We had calculated our expected total cash needs, and then doubled that figure when planning how much money to take, and we were glad to have the excess with us. Your notes to travellers could indicate that in some camps, these additional staff members may also be deserving of tips." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
"Unforgettable. Not enough superlatives"
We travelled with Expert Africa previously and because of their efficiency, personalised service, knowlege and preparatory information as well as their competitve pricing. We returned and we were not disappointed.
There was one part of our trip that we would change and that was the trip to Lake Manyara. After Selous it felt so crowded and more like being in an open zoo than on safari. It was so disappointing and we perhaps would have been better just going to Bourganvillea Lodge for a relax and a dip in the pool that afternoon." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"Brilliant!"
The only downside to the entire trip was Lake Manyara. After the solitude of Selous, it was a culture shock and something we could have taken a big miss on. The Ngogoro Crater was also difficult with its traffic jams but the crater more than made up for that. In the future we will steer clear of "busy" spots because they simply aren't our thing.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I really cannot think of a thing. Claire Scott did a fabulous job and we will recommend her and Expert Africa to our friends in the US. Sadly, people in the US do not travel nearly enough and can't be counted on for much business." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"Wonderful experience"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I have nothing to add about this wonderful safari." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"Great help and patience"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing to add... great service" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
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.
