Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater Tours, Tanzania Safari Packages, When to Go, and Where to Stay

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations! Part of Tanzania’s northern circuit, Ngorongoro offers an easy wildlife safari where you’re likely to see all your favorite animals in one day. The scenery in the crater is surprisingly beautiful and diverse, which makes for fantastic photo opportunities.

Thanks to the prime location, an Ngorongoro safari is easy to combine with safaris in Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. We also recommend combining Ngorongoro Crater with a Kenya safari or one of East Africa’s beautiful beaches.

Best Places to Stay

A handful of Ngorongoro safari lodges are located on the rim of the crater itself, offering some of the best views in all of Africa. These have the added benefit of getting early access to the Ngorongoro Crater, so you can set off on a safari to the crater floor early in the morning and beat the crowds.

There are also several lodges nearby (many located on working coffee estates) that offer a more rounded safari experience. You can spend a day in the crater, but if you’re looking for more things to do, you can explore Lake Manyara National Park, tour a coffee plantation, go horseback riding or mountain biking, and interact with local communities.

Contact our Tanzania safari experts to plan your handcrafted trip to Ngorongoro Crater and beyond!

Best Time for an Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Ngorongoro Crater is a wonderful year-round safari destination; it is also quite popular at all times of the year.

Keep in mind that Ngorongoro Crater does get quite chilly in the mornings and evenings, especially if you’re staying on the crater rim. Pack warm clothes and choose a lodge with a fireplace you can snuggle up to!

June to October: In the dry season, you can expect beautiful sunny weather, little rain, and easier wildlife viewing since the grass is short on the crater floor.

November to May: The wet season features beautiful, lush scenery and good wildlife viewing. March to May is the peak of wet season.

Sample Vacations

22 days

Ultimate East Africa Safari: Kenya, Tanzania, and Gorillas

Discover some of Africa’s most famous, sought-after wildlife experiences on this bucket list East Africa safari. See rare rhinos and the Big 5 in Kenya, witness the Great Migration of wildebeest, track endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and much more. This is a trip you’ll remember for life!

18 days

Safari and Beach Package: Kenya, Tanzania, and Pemba Island

Discover adventure and luxury in East Africa’s most breathtakingly beautiful regions. Walk with the Maasai in the Chyulu Hills; witness the Great Migration; soak up views of Ngorongoro Crater from your luxury lodge; and enjoy 5 days of beach bliss on beautiful Pemba Island.

13 days

Tanzania Safari Tours: Ultimate Northern Circuit Package

Tour the highlights of Tanzania in luxurious style! Enjoy luxe mobile camping in the Serengeti, a relaxing retreat at an elegant farm lodge, walking safaris with Maasai warriors, Lake Manyara sundowners, and much more. Boutique properties and 5-star service ensure the utmost comfort throughout your trip.

18 days

Masai Mara Safari Packages: Great Migration and Beach Vacation

This is the ultimate East African adventure! Embark on a Great Migration safari in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti; indulge the senses at Gibb’s Farm, Ngorongoro Crater; and cap it all off with 4 nights at a luxurious island resort.

14 days

East African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Tour

This luxurious Great Migration safari takes you to the top highlights and hidden gems of Kenya and Tanzania. Enjoy unbelievable wildlife sightings in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and beyond while staying in Africa’s best 5-star safari lodges!

17 days

Golden Trails of Africa: Victoria Falls River Cruise and Tanzania Safari

The ultimate African safari tour! Enjoy a luxurious river cruise and safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, and witness the famous elephant herds of Chobe National Park. Then, explore the highlights of Tanzania on an epic wildlife safari, from the Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park.

13 days

Tanzania Luxury Safari

On this Tanzania Luxury Safari, see all the highlights of Tanzania, including the Big 5, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Maasai tribe.

10 days

Luxury Great Migration Tour: Kenya and Tanzania

With this Luxury Great Migration Tour, witness the Great Migration in style. Stay in luxury lodges in Kenya and Tanzania for an unforgettable wildlife safari.

10 days

Tanzania Highlights: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti Safari

This luxury safari takes you to Tanzania greatest safari highlights: huge herds of tusker elephants in Tarangire National Park, beautiful Gibb’s Farm in Ngorongoro Crater, and a Great Migration safari in the Serengeti! Enjoy some of Tanzania’s most exclusive wildlife viewing at luxury safari lodges throughout.

12 days

Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Birthday Vacation

Encounter wild mountain gorillas in the Rwandan jungle; see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and much more on a Serengeti safari; and explore the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara on this bucket list safari birthday vacation!

10 days

Tanzania Highlights Safari

Experience the highlights of Tanzania, including safaris in the famous Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks and in Ngorongoro Crater.

8 days

Luxe Tents and Treehouses: Tanzania Safari Anniversary Vacation

Enjoy a seamless journey between Tanzania’s top safari highlights: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. Stay in unique lodges, from old-world coffee estates to romantic tented camps, and discover the safari adventure of a lifetime! Flights within Tanzania are included in this trip.

12 days

Great Migration Tour: Kenya and Tanzania

Follow the action of one of Africa’s most incredible natural phenomena: the Great Migration of 2 million wildebeest and other grazers across the vast plains of the Serengeti.