Safaris to Ngorongoro crater
Getting to the Ngorongoro crater. Tanzania is most famous for the Serengeti, for good reason. But Safaris to Ngorongoro crater is superb , when you start descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, something shifts in the air. Your hair stands up on end. Prepare for your head to be on a swivel all day, from the first minute to the last, as wildlife interactions here will shuffle all around you.
Due to the enclosed nature of the Crater, it has virtually formed its own ecosystem.
The Ngorongoro crater and wider conservation area is easily accessible by either flight or road.
By Air
One needs to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport at Moshi, situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there one can get a charter flight, take a taxi, or make use of the free shuttle service. The distance from Moshi to Arusha is about 55km. From the airport, it takes about 1 hour to get to Arusha, the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit.
By Road
Take note: The road from Arusha to Lodoare Entrance Gate is 160km long, Lodoare is the closest entrance for Safaris to Ngorongoro crater. As of recently, the entire journey is on the tarmac and it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive. Unless you stay on the main roads, which are graveled, a 4×4 vehicle is essential when entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park.
Descend into the crater
The main route into the crater is the Seneto descent road, which enters the crater on its western side. To come out, use the Lerai ascent road, which starts south of Lake Magadi and leads to the rim near park headquarters. The Lemala road is on the northeastern side of the crater near Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and is used for both ascent and descent.
Best Time to Visit
Anytime is a great time for the Safaris to Ngorongoro crater , but from May to October it’s drier and grasses aren’t as abundant, so wildlife tend to come closer together
Operating Hours:
Safaris to Ngorongoro crater start at 6 am and close for descent at 4 pm; all vehicles must be out of the crater before 6 pm. officially, you’re only allowed to stay down in the crater for a maximum of six hours, but this is rarely enforced. Self-drivers are supposed to hire a park ranger (US$23.60 per vehicle) for the crater – note that this rule is being more strictly enforced than it used to be and it’s a long way back to the park gate to hire a ranger if they don’t let you go down without one. All fees are valid for 24 hours, single entry only.
Safaris to Ngorongoro crater can be combined with other national park especially Serengeti and Manyara National park which are very close to the Ngorongoro conservation area. You can contact our safaris experts to customize the best itinerary for the memorable trip.