Why visit the Ngorongoro Crater?
Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater belongs to such a varied ecosystem that it can be visited all year round. The soils are rich and certain water sources, such as Lake Magadi, are permanent. Enough to host animals in any season! Each period has its advantage:
- To observe the Great Migration, the best season is between November and March, in the plains of Olduvai and Ndutu.
- To enjoy the Ngorongoro Crater with the fewest visitors, you will need to go there in March-April. This is a short rainy season that brings beautiful sunny days and produces the lushest, greenest flora.
- During the dry season, from May to October, you can observe a high density of animals around the lakes. The only drawback: it is the most touristy season, with many 4x4s around you.
How do you get to the Ngorongoro Crater?
Driving time by car
- Arusha to Ngorongoro : 3 hours’ drive
- Serengeti to Ngorongoro : 2 hours’ drive
- Manyara Lake to Ngorongoro : 1 hour’s drive
- Tarangire to Ngorongoro : 2 hours’ drive
It is of course worth knowing that travelling by road in Tanzania is not like driving on a motorway in France. You will not see the hours go by, we guarantee it! Travelling between the national parks lets you enjoy the country’s beauty and culture.
The best advice we can give you for reaching the Ngorongoro Crater is to go to Karatu the day before! Karatu is only 10km from the Ngorongoro Crater, allowing you to arrive early while getting a little more sleep!
Where to stay in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
Are you looking for a lodge close to the Ngorongoro Crater? Look no further! We have found for you the best possible location with the best value for money in the area! Discover now the Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge, located in Karatu (10Km from the crater).
Rates and regulations in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
Entrance fee to the area
To enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you must pay entry fees imposed by the Tanzanian government to limit traffic and safeguard this magical environment. A visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area costs 60 USD per adult + a vehicle entry fee into the crater, which ranges from 200 USD to 300 USD depending on the vehicle’s weight. These fees must be renewed every 24 hours.
With Off Road Tanzania, you do not need to worry about these fees or the administration; all you need to do is marvel, our team takes care of everything!
Ngorongoro: regulations
The Ngorongoro Crater belongs to an ecosystem that is so varied it can be visited all year round. The soils are rich and some waterholes, such as Lake Magadi, are permanent. Plenty to welcome animals in any season! Each period has its advantages:
- To observe the Great Migration, the best season is between November and March, on the plains of Olduvai and Ndutu.
- To enjoy the Ngorongoro Crater with the fewest visitors, you will need to go there in March-April. It is a short rainy season that brings lovely sunny days and produces the most verdant and luxuriant flora.
- During the dry season, from May to October, you can see a high density of animals around the lakes. The only downside: it is the most touristy season, and many 4x4s will be around you.
How to get to the Ngorongoro Crater?
- Visit to the Ngorongoro Crater
- Visit to the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge
- Visit to the Leatoli footprint museum: the oldest footprints in the world
- Visit to a Maasai village
- Walking safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Cultural visit and Tinga Tinga painting activity in Mto Wa Mbu
- Excursion into the heart of a Hadzabe tribe
