
Melia ngorongoro lodge
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Northern Circuit

Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most spectacular safari destinations and a must-visit highlight of the Northern Tanzania safari circuit. Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this vast volcanic caldera is famous for its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and exceptional opportunities for Big Five viewing. The crater covers approximately 260 square kilometres, is about 20 kilometres across and reaches depths of around 610 metres. Its enclosed ecosystem includes open grasslands, woodland, wetlands, springs and Lake Magadi, creating an ideal habitat for a remarkable variety of wildlife. During a Ngorongoro Crater safari, visitors may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, gazelles and the endangered black rhinoceros. The crater is also an excellent destination for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Beyond the crater floor, the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers incredible cultural and historical experiences, including Maasai communities, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater. With TanzaLux Safaris, your Ngorongoro safari can be designed as a private and personalised experience. Combine Ngorongoro with Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar for an unforgettable Tanzania safari. Whether you are planning a luxury safari, private safari, honeymoon or family adventure, Ngorongoro Crater offers an extraordinary combination of wildlife, landscapes, culture and natural history.
March to May is the main rainy period in Northern Tanzania. Ngorongoro becomes beautifully green, with fresh vegetation and dramatic skies that can create excellent photography opportunities. Visitor numbers can be lower than during the peak season. Rain can make some roads wetter, so travelling with an experienced safari operator is recommended.
November to early December brings the short rains, refreshing the landscape and creating lush green scenery. Wildlife viewing remains rewarding, while visitor numbers can be lower than during the busiest months. This is a good option for travellers looking for beautiful scenery and a quieter safari experience.
June to October is one of the most popular times for a Ngorongoro Crater safari. The weather is generally drier, wildlife viewing is excellent and the crater landscapes are particularly attractive. Because this is a busy safari period, popular wildlife sightings can attract several vehicles, especially during the busiest months.
Ngorongoro Crater is easily reached as part of a Northern Tanzania safari from Arusha. Most travellers arrive by safari vehicle after travelling from Arusha or after visiting Tarangire or Lake Manyara. The main entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Loduare Gate, near Karatu. Travellers continuing to the Serengeti can include Ngorongoro as part of a longer Northern Tanzania safari circuit. For international visitors, Kilimanjaro International Airport is a convenient gateway for Northern Tanzania. TanzaLux Safaris can arrange airport transfers, accommodation, private safari vehicles and a complete itinerary based on your travel dates and interests. For the best experience, an early start is recommended because crater access and game-drive schedules are regulated. Your TanzaLux Safaris guide will help organise the timing and route for your visit.
Ngorongoro Crater is famous for its spectacular volcanic landscape, high concentration of wildlife and excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino.
No. Ngorongoro Crater is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The conservation area combines wildlife conservation, tourism, archaeological sites and traditional Maasai pastoralist communities.
Yes. Ngorongoro is one of Tanzania’s excellent destinations for Big Five wildlife viewing. Visitors may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and black rhinos during a crater game drive.
Ngorongoro Crater reaches approximately 610 metres in depth, making it one of the world's most remarkable volcanic calderas.
The crater covers approximately 260 square kilometres and measures about 20 kilometres across.
Wildlife commonly associated with Ngorongoro includes lions, black rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hyenas and many bird species.
Ngorongoro Crater can be visited throughout the year. June to October is popular for generally dry conditions and excellent wildlife viewing, while the rainy seasons offer greener landscapes and fewer visitors.
A full-day visit can provide an excellent crater game-drive experience. Spending two or three days in the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area allows more time for the crater, cultural experiences and nearby attractions.
Yes. Ngorongoro and Serengeti are among the most popular destinations to combine on a Northern Tanzania safari. TanzaLux Safaris can create a private itinerary combining both destinations with Tarangire, Lake Manyara or other Tanzania attractions.
TanzaLux Safaris creates personalised Tanzania safari experiences from Arusha. Our private safari itineraries can be tailored around your interests, travel dates and budget, with options for luxury lodges, private camping, wildlife photography, honeymoon travel and family safaris.
6 Days$1,900 per person (USD)
You visit: Tarangire (start), Serengeti, Ngorongoro (end)
6 Days$2,050 per person (USD)
You visit: Tarangire (start), Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro (end)
7 DaysPrice on request
You visit: Arusha (start), ndutu, Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (end)
5 Days$1,500 per person (USD)
You visit: Arusha (start), Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro (end)
7 Days$1,760 per person (USD)
You visit: Tarangire (start), Serengeti, Ngorongoro (end)
7 DaysPrice on request
You visit: Arusha (start), Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro (end)
7 Days$3,600 per person (USD)
You visit: Arusha (start), Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Karatu, Northern Tanzania (end)
5 Days$2,000 per person (USD)
You visit: Tarangire National Park (start), Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Northern Tanzania (end)
5 Days$2,500 per person (USD)
You visit: Arusha (start), Ndutu, Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania (end)
7 DaysPrice on request
You visit: Arusha (start), Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania (end)
1 Day$234 per person (USD)
You visit: Arusha (start), Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania (end)
5 Days$1,650 per person (USD)
You visit: Tarangire (start), Serengeti, Ngorongoro (end)
8 Days$2,000 per person (USD)
You visit: Tarangire National Park (start), Lake Eyasi, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (end)
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Read moreBack in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…
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Read moreI recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.
Read moreOur guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.
Read moreOur tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.
Read moreAs a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…
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Wildlife
Chimpanzees & Olive baboons
Landscape
National Parks & Safari
Highlights
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Wildlife
Endemic cichlid fish & Other freshwater fish
Landscape
Lakes & Hot Springs
Highlights
Africa’s deepest freshwater lake in the East African Rift
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Wildlife
Black-and-white colobus monkeys in forest habitats & Blue monkeys in forest habitats
Landscape
Mountains & Trekking
Highlights
Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres — Africa’s highest point
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Wildlife
Buffalo & Roan antelope
Landscape
National Parks & Safari
Highlights
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Wildlife
Reef fish & Coastal birds
Landscape
Beaches & Islands
Highlights
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Wildlife
Klipspringer & Vervet monkeys
Landscape
Mountains & Trekking
Highlights
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