Ngorongoro Crater
Description: The Ngorongoro Crater is a sunken volcano, or better termed the largest intact volcanic caldera. The view from the crest of the crater will provide you with an expansive sight of the entire crater that spans 260 square kilometers.
The relationship between the Maasai tribe and the Ngorongoro eco-system is equally impressive. The Maasai herd their cattle into and out of the crater daily for water, leading their cattle to water alongside the “Big 5.”
The crater is relatively small and can often feel like there are a lot of vehicles, but it is still a must-see on most itineraries. One visit to the floor of the crater is usually enough, unless it is important to increase your chances of seeing a rhino in the Northern Parks.
Location: Northern circuit, 4 hours outside Arusha on the way to the Serengeti
Things 2 Do: Game Drives, Hiking, Nature Walk, Visit a Maasai Boma, Visit Olduvai Gorge
Time: 1 day is usually enough to see the crater, not more than 2 days. The Ngorongoro Conservation Authority limits game drives in the crater from 6 am to 6 pm (must have exited the Crater before 6 pm)
Animals: One of the few places you have a chance to spot rhinos. One can also find Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, Zebra, Giraffe, Warthog, Hyena, Hippo, Wildebeest, and Ostrich
Accommodations
$
A2T Camping (public campsites)
Crater Rim View Inn (Karatu)
$$
Baghayo Garden Suites (Karatu)
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge (Karatu)
Country Lodge (Karatu)
Kankari Lodge (Karatu)
Marera Valley Lodge (Karatu)
Martina’s Retreat (Karatu)
Octagon Safari Lodge (Karatu)
$$$
Crater Forest Tented Lodge (Karatu)
Endoro Lodge (Karatu)
Farm House Valley (Karatu)
Kudu Lodge (Karatu)
Ngorongoro Kuhama Camp
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge (Karatu)
Ngorongoro Farm House (Karatu)
Ngorongoro Forest Tented Camp (Karatu)
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (CLOSED FOR RENOVATION 2025)
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
Plantation Lodge (Karatu)
Rhino Lodge (CLOSED FOR RENOVATION 2025)
Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge (Karatu)
Tloma Lodge (Karatu)
$$$$
Gibbs Cottages (Karatu)
Kitela Lodge (Karatu)
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Lion’s Paw Camp
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
The Retreat at Ngorongoro (Karatu)
$$$$$
Entamanu
The Highlands
Lemala Osonjoi Lodge
The Manor at Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (CLOSED FOR RENOVATION 2025)
Ngorongoro Lodge Melia Collection
Turaco Ngorongoro Valley (Karatu)
Wilderness Collection: Crater’s Edge
“Without Access2Tanzania we probably never would have gone to Africa. A2T made it possible. Everyone we encountered A2T was friendly and helpful, both here in the US and in Tanzania. We were very pleased with the itinerary that was set for our trip. It was perfect. The range of parks and reserves was varied and interesting. The accommodations were comfortable and gave us great insight into choosing places to stay for our next trip (hopefully). Inserting the experience of going to Nyamuswa was a wonderful counterpoint to our time in the parks with the animals and birds. It really made the trip special. Our guide Mussa was friendly, knowledgeable and resourceful. We never got tired of spending nearly 12 hours a day with him. He may have gotten tired of us.”