Reviews of safaris to Ngorongoro Crater
296 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ngorongoro Crater.
"Great Africa Trip with help from Expert Afric"
A few notes of what was not, it was not hot, there was not a lot of bugs, there was no traveler sickness, there were no bad meals, there were no cold showers, there was not dry/brown surroundings, there was no concern for safety.
Thanks again for all your help with our trip and we will recommend your services to our friends and family. Someday we hope to visit Africa again and have so many wonderful memories from this trip. Happy New Year to you and your staff.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Our transfer from Olakira Camp (Serengeti) to Rhino Lodge (Ngorongoro Crater) was a full morning and we did not arrive until after 2:00 pm which was past lunch serving period. The Rhino Lodge kitchen staff really went out of their way to get us a hot lunch and it was very good. It may have been better for Olakira to send us off with a box lunch?
Either way, Pam and I were not concerned and the meal was worth the wait. We just hoped we did not put the kitchen in a distressful position." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
"Expert Africa Trip Planning"
We felt that Ellie had gone out of her way to make sure that the holiday was as good as it could be. When we were planning the itinerary she could provide good insights into the each of the places we were thinking of going to and appeared to know them well.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
If you had been able to handle purchase of the British Airways tickets using part air-miles then we would have preferred to book these through Expert Africa.
Otherwise, it was hard to improve upon!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"I dreamed of Africa & Expert Africa delivered"
We travel frequently but nothing like this holiday as we were celebrating 3 memorable birthdays. A trip such as this was expensive and extensive from the US and Ellie handled everything for us in not only a professional but a very personal way as well. She answered every single question perfectly and believe me there were many!
Ellie, this trip was taylored to us perfectly. Each stay offered such diversity, excitment, and charm we were entirely enchanted with each and every choice you suggested and help us select. You budgeted our money in all the right places. Keen in planning!
Every single transfer, company, guide, accomadation and parks went off without a single hitch.
Perfect in every way possible from first contact to follow-up to holiday to home!
Tanzania tourist board has just recently began an advertising program on US tv chanels, most specifically CNN.
We would not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa to any of our friends.
Thank you for giving our travel money such great value. Money well spent makes you Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just wanted to advise specifically about shopping in the Arusha area of Tanzania. Not sure where to note this.
The cultural center outside Arusha town was fantastic in price, extensive merchandise, service and even offer shipping via DHL which has an office on site. Much easier and better priced than one could ever haggle for at other markets. I tried! Allow travelers a few hours to shop after safari bush flights on the way out of the country. This place was truely great." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
"Everything we had hoped for and more"
Suggestions for mprovements:
You probably need to put more emphasis on the point you made about ensuring that US Dollars are post 2001. I ordered mine from my bank via the internet, and although I specified that they nwere needed for Tanzania i was give two $50 Dollar bills which were not accepted. I am taking up the matter with my bank's foreign exchange department. They should know better." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"Best holiday ever"
Thank you so much to Ellie and the rest of Expert Africa for putting together such a fantastic itinerary. I will (and have already) recommended you to friends. You listened to what we wanted and made thoughtful suggestions. I really appreciated the personal knowledge of the team with regards to places and activities." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
"Family trip to Tanzania"
Wish we had spent at least a day in Arusha NP.
Suggestions for improvements:
No - I think your advice was excellent
Only thing for us would be if you could help customers who come a cropper with BA like us!
Thank you for your help in setting up a brilliant trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"Great and memarable trip"
"Great safari in some beautiful lodges"
We had a problem with flights at one stage and tried ringing the Sunvil '24 hour helpline'. I rang 10 times and left at least 3 messages but never received a reply. In the end i had to ring Claire on her mobile early in the morning to get help." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
"A fantastic first experience of Africa"
The itinery arrangements (meetings, transfers, accommodation, transport and filights) worked well - without exception.
We would definitely recommend Expert Africa, and Ellie - who always responded very promptly, patiently and knwlegeably to all our queries. We would also recommend our guide, Ayoub. He was very friendly, efficient and looked after us very well in addition to being an excellent wildllife guide.
Suggestions for improvements:
Not really! - outstanding overall trip thanks to Expert Africa and Sokwe/Asilia." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"Safari in Tanzania, short trip to Zanzibar"
The Shooting Star in Zanzibar was very nice, and again the staff very helpful. I think we enjoyed the safari part of the trip more, though - Zanzibar was more a place to relax and do nothing and we're not very good at that! Four nights was enough.
Ellie helped us with the booking and she has been great - she didn't mind any of us ringing up with lots of questions, and could always give you a sensible answer. She really knew her stuff!" Read full review: 15 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.
