The Ngorongoro Crater is simply one of the most incredible places in Africa, unfortunately this has been long known and as a consequence it is somewhat busier than most of the places that we deal with. This fact doesn’t change the fact that the views in the crater are breathtaking and that the wildlife is both prolific and varied, what it does mean is that we most often suggest a short stay giving you a chance to see this and then travelling on to the Serengeti or elsewhere that offers a more remote and authentic safari experience.
There are two main areas to stay when visiting the Nogorongoro Crater, the crater rim and the Karatu highlands. The main crater rim being home mainly to larger package resorts, the views are spectacular but the properties leave a lot to be desired with the exception of Crater Lodge which is fantastic but carries a price tag to match. There are some smaller tented options on the rim which are basic and dont have the same views but are a good option to get into the crater early in the morning. The Karatu area is home to some really nice properties that are all in more of a plantation style, ranging from simply and homely to luxuriously colonial. Let us use our knowledge of this area to recommend the perfect property for your itinerary.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a great year round destination, while the safari may be a little better during the peak season we really like visiting the Crater out of season when there are fewer people around as its popularity can be considered the main downside to this as a safari destination.
Most often visited as part of a Northern Tanzania driving itinerary the Ngorongoro Crater area is easily accessed by road. If coming in by air then the nearby Manyara airstrip is used and then a road transfer is operated for the last bit.
The crater floor itself only has a limited number of accessible roads and driving is the main activity, however, for those staying on the rim or the Karatu area there are a number of things to do, including nature walks and guided trips around working coffee plantations.
Top Ngorongoro camps
The Manor
Karatu, Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Perfect for a boutique and colonial feel in the highlands close to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best plantation style properties in Africa.
Lemala Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Perfect for a tented camp close to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the few tented experiences in this area which works well combined with other Lemala Camps.
Ngorongoro Farm House
Karatu, Tanzania
Perfect for a northern circuit driving itinerary when included with sister camps Maramboi and Kati Kati to make one of the best value itineraries in Tanzania.
Plantation Lodge
Karatu, Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Perfect for a lodge style property which individual cattages offering exceptional value for money in the area close to the Crater.