Travel Information

Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater is a simply stunning safari destination, offering abundant wildlife and one of Africa's, if not the world's most famous landscapes and scenes. This Unesco World Heritage Site created when a volcano erupted and imploded on itself several million years ago.

Today, we see a Crater floor spanning 16-18 km in width surrounded by a densely forested edge or 'wall' about 600 metres in height; quite simply, a stunning caldera akin to a large soup bowl full of wildlife!

Guests enjoying sundowners with a Maasai guide in Tanzania

The floor itself is a famous wildlife destination as the volcanic soil is so rich in nutrients that it supports an incredible diversity of grazing animals and, consequently, the predators on which they feed. It is basically its own ecosystem, with rich grasslands and permanent water sources being home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of wildlife year-round.

Approximately 25,000 animals inhabit the Crater. Most of these are wildebeest, zebra, gazelles of various types, waterbuck, jackets, eland, and hyena. Larger beasts include black rhino, buffalo, giant tusker elephant, and lion. The drawback is that Ngorongoro Crater is often busy, sometimes very busy, which can detract from the experience. We'd recommend getting up early and being among the first to the Crater's floor. Then have a short stay in the area before heading off to the quieter parts of the Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania

It isn't possible to stay on the floor of the Crater. Day passes must be bought to gain access to one of the few entry points leading down from the slopes of the Crater's edge. Some luxury camps and lodges are on the crater rim. Some with glorious views into, and across the Crater, where cloud formations form on the perimeter and sink inside the rim. But it is only worth staying in one of these accommodations if you are visiting the Crater floor. Then it's certainly worth considering the property's proximity to an entrance point. Two Crater properties we recommend, both are our and client favourites, in excellent locations and with tremendous views. First, the deliciously quirky, luxurious, and eclectic Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has fabulous furnishings, roaring fires, chandeliers, fabrics, and simply crazy and unique style. Secondly and more modestly priced, the recently renovated Entamanu Camp has its more classic, simple camp cum fresh African beach house feel. There are alternative places to stay further afield, such as wonderfully homely, friendly, and gorgeous Gibbs Farm, a 100-year-old property with welcoming interiors and fabulous food fresh from its own farm. But we will certainly match you to your preferred style in one of the beautiful camps or lodges on the Crater rim or further afield in the Greater Serengeti Area.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes the Ngorongoro Highlands, a range of largely extinct ancient volcanoes on the west side of the Great Rift Valley where walking is available, and a substantial part of the short-grass plains on the south of the Serengeti. Attractions outside of the Crater include Olmoti and Empakaai Craters, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Oldupai Gorge, and the Shifting Sands.

Family Safari Specialists

If you’re dreaming of Africa, your journey has already begun!

Truly unique experience. Many thanks to Allan and his team for planning such a wonderful safari at Kruger National Park. Highly recommend!

Mikaël Schinazi

2023-01-09

This was our 4th trip to Africa and by far the best ever. All the details were properly handled; we had not flight problems or delays and the service provided by Safari Guru was outstanding. I would recommend them, and have to friends and family. We will be going back to Africa with the outstanding Staff of Safari Guru.

Ann Becher Smead

2022-11-17

We recently returned from Kenya, had a fabulous safari designed by Deon de Villiers of Safari Guru. We had some wonderful sightings and the whole thing went without a single hiccup. The guides were excellent. Deon was so helpful in allowing us to reschedule several times due to COVID restrictions preventing travel. We visited Sirikoi in the Lewa Conservancy and Serian Ngare, Serian Nkorombo and Mara Plains at Masai Mara, each place offering a different experience, each special in its own way. Loved the rhinocerous at Lewa, giraffe giving birth at Ngare, hippopotamus at Nkorombo and cats at Mara Plains, and so so much more. We highly recommend Deon and the Safari Guru team.

John M

2022-10-16

We finally got to take our Kenya/Rwanda adventure with Safari Guru post pandemic. Our trip was a fantastic experience that immersed us in Africa. The holiday went as planned, everything was organised so we were gently steered from place to place, which we enjoyed as we found we weren't "travel fit" after sitting on sidelines for two years! Our lodges in Kenya were beautiful, nice and small, felt like you were part of a family, rather than a customer! Rwanda was a highlight, an amazing country with a shocking past that is moving forward beautifully. The advice from Deon to do two gorilla walks was perfect. Our first day we hiked in to mountain and when we got there the heavens opened and it didn't stop! The scouts found 6 gorillas for us to glimpse as they were hiding from rain too! We trekked down in the mud, rivers of water ending up bedraggled! It was a great experience but the next day was perfect! Beautiful blue skies, trekked up and gorillas were everywhere, sunning themselves and eating vigorously. Was awesome being so close and they couldn't care less! Would highly recommend safari Guru, they planned us a perfect holiday and are easy to contact with queries and answer promptly. Travelling on our own was great as each place we stayed, there were like travellers from around the world to socialise with. Thanks Deon and Ashley

Jackie Helliwell

2022-10-16

I was completely blown away with the service I received from Safari Guru. We had a most marvellous holiday in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Everything went extremely well and the Wilderness team were excellent in looking after us at each of their safari camps. Well done to Deon and Ashley, Morag Cotsell

Morag Cotsell

2022-10-15

Had an amazing experience working with Deon and Safari Guru. My wife and I went into this trip thinking of it as a once in a lifetime experience. Because of our experience we have another trip in mind to bring our children so they can have the same amazing experience that we had. Thank you Deon! We look forward to seeing you again!

John A. Mertz

2022-07-27

Thanks you Deon for amazing and wonderful experience of Masai Mara. It's once in a lifetime and on top great hospitality from Safariguru right from arrival, Resort stay and well designed itinerary. I would love to bring my family again this time for Botswana, so look forward to crafted trip next

Manish Shah

2022-07-27

Safari Guru organized us an amazing journey in Namibia for our wedding anniversary; it will be long lasting and marvelous memories for years! We also greatly appreciated the dedication and support of Safari Guru's team during these challenging times of the Covid pandemic as they had to re-arrange 2 times our trip initially planned for 2020. Thanks and kudos to Deon and all at Safari Guru!

JF Redon

2022-04-19

We had a truly magical safari in Botswana. Deon and the staff of Safari Guru will guide you to the exact places you want to go specific to your desires and budget. Highly recommend!

barbara nelson

2022-03-23

Botswana! What an incredible destination as we begin to travel again. This is a trip of a lifetime. The game drives were exhilarating, the people are friendly, the food fantastic, and the accommodations are meant to spoil you. Our trip was beautifully planned and executed by Deon De Villiers and his team at Safari Guru. They have been to every camp they recommend and tailor your safari experience to you. What else could you ask for! We will travel with them again and highly recommend Safari Guru to plan your next trip!