Ngorogoro Crater Camp - Southern Serengeti - Safari Tanzania

Ngorogoro Crater Camp in a Nutshell

This is our first choice option for visiting the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. The setting is an acacia woodland up near the rim of the crater but immediately close to the crater floor access road. You sit at altitude here, but the genuine charm of this little tented camp certainly warms you up. Crater Camp is located close to the park gate which necessitates easy early morning access to the crater floor for your game drive – the guides have to register and pay before descending (this helps avoid the crowds).

Fast Facts

10 raised en-suite “Meru” style tents on wooden decks
USD595 – USD
Game drives
Cultural activities in nearby Masai village
Access by light aircraft to Manyara airport, then 3 hour road transfer

How to Get There

Most people fly into Ngorogoro Crater Camp using the airstrip in Manyara town. You then transfer by road to connect with the camp (+2 hours). Some itineraries include a visit to Manyara National Park before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Arusha Airport to Manyara airstrip: 40 minute flight

Road transfers to Ngorongoro Crater Camp are also possible from Arusha (3.5 hours+)

Road transfers from the Serengeti can also be arranged.

Game Viewing and Activities

Game drives to the crater floor are the big attraction. They also offer cultural visits to local Masai villages.

Camp Environment

This small and intimate camp is comprised of just 10 classic “Meru” style safari tents on raised decks with ensuite bathrooms. There are no excessive permanent structures or luxuries, making this a very low-key camp, that certainly does not lack on the comfort side of things (just the way safari camps should be in fact!). Each tent is made of light grey canvas which fits in very well with the surroundings. The setting under huge shady trees creates a perfectly cool mountain-side ambience. The showers in the tents are ordered from your attentive tent attendant – these are bucket showers and are filled from the rear of the tent. These tent attendants are always available for your every need but are experienced enough to also grant you your privacy (the seem to know when they are needed!) Crater Camp sits at altitude, so it gets rather chilly – each tent has an electric blanket should you need it!

After a day game viewing in the crater, it feels very homely coming back to this camp. The warm fire on the main area deck is most welcome and the furnishings in the tented lounge area are excellent. The dining area is also tented and tastefully decorated.

Electricity is from generator but they do have a battery / inverter system so it does not run all the time. Solar systems can be tricky to run as the location is very shaded and cloud cover is common.

What we think

What a great little safari camp. We like things low key and minimalistic…….Sanctuary Crater Camp has all this, however you never feel low on comforts or warmth. It is a great base for exploring the crater while avoiding excessive crowds.

The mountainside setting makes you feel like you are in the Alps…..this makes this camp very romantic!

The staff are very attentive as we find with all camps in Tanzania!

Download Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp factsheet