Ngorongoro FAQS

When is the best time to go?

The Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round destination, boasting excellent game viewing at any time of the year so there is no best time to go to Ngorongoro Crater. Click here for more information on the climate.

How do we get there?

The main entry point into Tanzania is Kilimanjaro Airport to which there are direct flights from Amsterdam and several easily connecting flights from other points in Europe.

Another common route to Kilimanjaro is to fly direct from Europe into Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and then take a connecting flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. From Kilimanjaro, it is about a one hour road transfer to Arusha and a subsequent 2 hour transfer on a good tarred road to the gate at the Crater. The decent into the Crater then takes an additional 45 minutes.

Does the Ngorongoro Crater have the Big Five?

Yes!

Can I bring my children on safari to the Ngorongoro Crater?

Yes, most lodges are child-friendly, and children of all ages are welcome on game drives in the Crater itself because all of the game drives in the National Parks are done in closed vehicles with pop up roofs (as opposed to open vehicles in Southern Africa).

The drive to get to the Crater from Arusha is also much shorter and on much better roads than many areas in Tanzania which makes it quite pleasant when traveling with kids.

Is it safe to drink the water?

No. We recommend that you drink bottled water which is readily available at all of the lodges and hotels.

Will there be electricity for me to charge my camera? What kind of plug will I need?

Apart from a few of the bush camps and mobile safaris, all accommodation has some form of permanent electricity (solar power or generator), although supply is sometimes erratic.

The supply is generally 220-240v and plugs are three-pin square or round. If you have a video or digital camera, make sure your battery charger is of the same voltage.

What is the local currency and how should we manage carrying our money?

The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but we recommend that you rather carry small denominations of US dollar cash with you instead of exchanging your money. Try to ensure that any US currency you bring over is post-1996 issue: pre-1996 US dollars are often not accepted due to a large number of counterfeit notes in circulation worldwide.

Major credit cards are accepted at many of the larger lodges and hotels, but should only be used as a back-up plan because power failures or credit card machine errors are not uncommon. Plan to carry enough money to cover your expected expenses, plus a small reserve. Our experience shows that between $50 & $100 per person per day is sufficient for all expenses.

Is it rude to barter or haggle at the local markets?

On the contrary, haggling is not considered rude and is often expected. There are no markets in the Crater itself but there are many en route from Arusha which you are likely to visit on the way.

What is the standard tipping procedure?

Tipping in Tanzania, and East Africa as a whole, is entirely at your discretion. However, we suggest the following as a reference guide:

• Game rangers, specialist guides - US $5 - 10 per guest per day • Trackers - US $5 per guest per day • Game lodge/ hotel staff - US $5 per guest per day placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally • Tour guides - US $5 half day, US $10 per person full day. • Transfers - US $2 per person • Restaurants - 10% for good service, up to 15% for exceptional service

What is the standard of accommodation like in the Ngorongoro?

The Kenyan accommodation that we sell ranges from 3 to 5 star accommodation. However, accommodation in East Africa has lower quality standards than lodges in Southern Africa and internationally. A 5 star in East Africa is often similar to a 4 star in Southern Africa. Click here for information about Ngorongoro's accommodation.

What can one expect to pay for accommodation in the Ngorongoro Crater?

This varies drastically depending on where you are staying and the level of luxury and exclusivity you are looking for. The four lodges which are situated on the rim of the crater range in price from approximately $200 to about $1000 per person per night sharing.

Is there a dress code?

There is no set dress code on safari in Tanzania; however most lodges and hotels will expect their male guests to at least wear long trousers to dinner and women to wear a dress, skirt or long pants. It is a fairly conservative country so very revealing clothing is not recommended.

Activities?

Inside the Crater there are game drives during the day in closed vehicles with pop-up roofs. Nature walks can be done on the rim of the Crater.

How long will we spend in the actual Crater?

The maximum time each vehicle can spend inside the Crater is 6 hours per day.

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