Ngorongoro Crater Safari Tours
The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania has been a member of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) since 1973. In addition to possessing a fertile floor and a plethora of wildlife, including the Big 5, the crater is the sole intact caldera in the world. Fun fact: it is widely believed that Ngorongoro would have been higher than the formidable Kilimanjaro prior to its eruption.
The crater, situated 1,800 meters above sea level in the Ngorongoro Highlands, is characterized by a range of vegetation, including forest on one slope and grassland on the other, as well as a floor that is primarily grassland and is renowned for its leopard sightings. Elephants, a flourishing lion population, endangered black rhinos, and an estimated 6,000 resident wildebeest are among the other wildlife that inhabits the crater. Cheetahs are renowned for their ability to intermittently enter and exit Ngorongoro throughout the year.
The Maasai graze their livestock in the crater in conjunction with the other wildlife. The number of lodges situated on the crater’s rim or in the nearby town of Karatu, which provides more affordable accommodations, enables visitors to arrange cultural excursions to nearby Maasai villages.
Ngorongoro Crater Map
Ngorongoro Crater Tours and Safaris
Hotels and Lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
More Information About Ngorongoro Crater
How do I access the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
Arusha, the most popular starting point for most excursions in northern Tanzania, is conveniently located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Airport are the two airports in Arusha. Arusha Airport is situated approximately 10 minutes from the city center and is primarily utilized for regional (internal) aircraft. It is approximately one hour from the capital and serves as Kilimanjaro Airport for international flights.
In a small, light aircraft, it is possible to “lodge bounce” from Arusha to the airstrips of each lodge. Alternatively, individuals with additional time may elect to utilize a road transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is situated a mere three hours’ journey from the town of Arusha along a tarred road.
Kilimanjaro International Airport, situated approximately 46 kilometers from Arusha, is the optimal option for air travel to Arusha. Flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport, located near Dar es Salaam, and continuing on to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport are also viable options.
KLM is the optimal connection to Tanzania for passengers from North and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. This flight is ideal for those who wish to combine their Tanzanian safari excursion with a seashore vacation in the Zanzibar Archipelago.
For a Northern Circuit safari to destinations including Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and Tarangire National Park, KLM is the sole long-haul flight that arrives directly at Kilimanjaro Airport. Booking the return flight from Dar es Salaam eliminates the necessity of returning from Kilimanjaro Airport. This is advantageous due to the fact that Zanzibar is a scant 15-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. In addition to Swiss Air via Zurich and South African Airways from Johannesburg, Emirates and Qatar Airlines operate direct flights to Dar es Salaam. British Airways has discontinued direct flights to Tanzania.
What is the optimal period to visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area provides exceptional wildlife observing opportunities throughout the year. Nevertheless, the “dry season” in the region, which spans from June to September, is characterized by a reduced amount of vegetation, which facilitates the identification of wildlife.
Conversely, the wet season, which spans from November to May, is an ideal time to visit if you are in search of lush landscapes, stark contrasting colors, crisp, clear mornings, dramatic afternoon clouds, and spectacular sunsets.
We guarantee that our Adventure in the Wild Safaris Travel Experts will place you in the optimal location to optimize your desired experience, regardless of the season you select.
What are the languages that are most frequently spoken in the Ngorongoro Region?
KiSwahili is the official language; however, English is the primary language of communication among the majority of individuals in commercial areas, such as main tourist destinations.
Swahili and KiSwahili are interchangeable terms; however, Swahili predominantly denotes the people, while KiSwahili denotes the language. The guides and transfer drivers are generally fluent in English and are always anxious to provide information. Conversely, the majority of the populace is proficient in KiSwahili and speaks only a small amount of English.
KiSwahili is a relatively straightforward language in which the pronunciation is identical to the spelling. Consequently, it is effortless to acquire phrases that will facilitate communication. As an initial step, the following are a few:
Jambo – Greetings, Karibu. You are most welcome.
Sante – I am grateful/ Thank you
When would I be able to observe the Great Migration?
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro regions of northern Tanzania are now verdant and luxuriant as a result of the annual rainfall, and large herds of wildebeest congregate in these regions from approximately December to March. Big cat sightings (and killings) are prevalent during this calving season, when newborn animals also make their debut.
The animals migrate to the Western Corridor plains of the Serengeti, which are prospering, from April to May. During this phase of their migration, the animals are difficult to monitor due to the seasonal rainfall. The impassibility of numerous Tanzanian settlements resulted in their closure.
What currency is the official currency of Ngorongoro and the neighboring regions?
The Tanzanian Shilling serves as the currency. Nevertheless, US dollars are prevalent, provided that the print run has surpassed 2007. Even when purchasing at smaller shops and vendors, the majority of establishments will typically provide change in USD for USD payments and TZ Shilling for Shilling payments.
In general, guides are amenable to receiving gratuities in USD, and all tourism services will accept them. Travel with lesser bills whenever feasible. They also generally take credit cards at the majority of properties that have a telecommunications signal. Nevertheless, it is generally more advantageous to utilize USD for purchases from markets and gratuities. Many vendors do not accept American Express, so it is advisable to travel with either Visa or MasterCard.
Do you have any recommendations for safari etiquette?
Exploring the forest and wildlife through a game drive or bush walk is the primary attraction of any safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Observing distinctive fauna in its natural environment is an extraordinary experience. Nevertheless, we strongly encourage you to adhere to the guidelines outlined below, as they will help guarantee the long-term survival of Tanzania’s protected wildlife areas.
Some Guidelines for Safari Etiquette
Limited to photographs and memories, please! Please refrain from removing any natural objects, including rocks, flowers, and vegetation, from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or any other reserves. -It causes ecological disturbances in the region.
Avoid attempting to captivate the animals’ attention by imitating their sounds, clapping, hurling objects, or any other method.
Do not attempt to tease or corner wild animals, as this may result in an unpredictable response and a potentially hazardous reaction.
– The vegetation in the region is extremely fragile, and erosion is a direct result of off-road driving. Never venture off-road without a ranger and never on your own.
– It is important to bear in mind that you are a visitor to the animals’ natural habitat. Therefore, it is advisable to observe the animals in a quiet manner and with minimal interference to their natural activities. Loud conversation during game excursions will drive the animals away.
– Please refrain from littering. Litter, in addition to being unappealing, has the potential to suffocate or poison birds and animals.
– Fires can be lethal to numerous animals, as the African forest is arid and easily ignites. Therefore, it is imperative that you refrain from smoking during game excursions.
– Demonstrate courtesy toward your driver/guide’s assessment of your proximity to specific untamed animals. Refrain from compelling him to approach the vehicle in order to obtain a more satisfactory photograph. Unnecessary proximity to a vehicle can impede a pursuit or induce animals to abandon a well-deserved meal.
– Your guide is the expert; therefore, it is imperative that you adhere to their recommendations. If you are uncertain about any aspect, do not hesitate to approach him/her.
Never attempt to approach a wild animal on foot, particularly in the vicinity of your lodge or campsite, where the animals have become acclimated to humans.
Is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area a malaria area?
Indeed. Malaria is prevalent in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We would like to emphasize that we are not physicians; therefore, it is imperative that you consult with your physician regarding malaria prevention prior to setting out on your journey. Nevertheless, it is wholly feasible to enjoy a malaria-free vacation in Africa by utilizing prophylactic medications.
Tip 1: Mosquito repellent
The female mosquito that transmits malaria is a silent mossy, so it is imperative that you repel it. They are capable of striking at any hour of the day; however, they are most active at dawn and twilight. In the evenings and mornings, it is imperative to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, as well as repellent. It is important to remember that clothing alone is insufficient to safeguard you, as insects have the ability to penetrate the material. Air conditioning systems, mosquito nets, and enclosed windows and doors are prevalent in the majority of our lodges, which will further safeguard you.
Tip 2: It is imperative to consistently consume antimalarial tablets.
The most critical measure you can take to safeguard yourself from malaria is to consume prophylactic tablets. Prior to accessing the malaria-endemic region, it is imperative that you consult with your physician to ensure that you are taking the appropriate tablet and dosage.
Tip 3: Monitor for Symptoms and Completion of Your Medication Regimen
In the event that you begin to experience flu-like symptoms, it is imperative that you undergo a malaria test to ensure your safety and detect the disease at an early stage, as malaria responds favorably to early treatment. Additionally, it is imperative that you continue to take your medication until the course concludes.