Ngorongoro is one of Tanzania's most expensive safari destinations, due to the multiplicity of entry fees and the concentration of high-end lodges on the rim.
Conservation area entry fees (NCA) are 70.80 USD/day/person for non-residents (including 18% VAT). The crater service fee adds 295 USD per vehicle for descent to the floor — around 50-75 USD/person for a group of 4 to 6. To these fees add Tanzanian VAT on all safari services. For a standard 2-day visit (1 night on the rim, 1 day crater), entry fees alone represent 200-250 USD/person.
Accommodation on the rim is essentially high-end. Absolute luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (&Beyond, 1,800-3,500 USD/night/person all-inclusive full board), The Highlands (Asilia, 1,400-2,500 USD/night). Premium standard: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp (800-1,200 USD/night), Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp (900-1,500 USD/night). Very good mid-range: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (450-700 USD/night, the best value), Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (400-650 USD/night). Budget: Rhino Lodge (250-350 USD/night, simple but decent), Olduvai Camp in the buffer zone (200-300 USD/night).
A standard 2-night Ngorongoro stay all-inclusive (4x4 + driver from Arusha, mid-range rim lodge, entry fees, crater fee, meals) runs 1,500-2,800 USD/person. A luxury 2-night stay (premium lodge like Crater Lodge or The Highlands) runs 5,000-9,000 USD/person.
Read also
- The Northern Circuit in detail — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara: Tanzania's great safari circuit.
- The Serengeti — 14,750 km² of savannah, theatre of the Great Migration, 3-4 hours of track from Ngorongoro.
- Tarangire and its baobabs — The largest northern elephant population, 2 hours by road from Ngorongoro.
- Tanzania — Full country guide: entry requirements, budget and regions to discover.