E-mail: sales@africanaturaltours.com WhatsApp: +255764415889

How to get to Ngorongoro - Access to Ngorongoro in Tanzania and getting there

Key Access Information

Main Gateway: Arusha is the starting point for most safaris. It is a 45-minute drive from JRO and a 3-4 hour drive to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Alternative Flight Options: You can fly from Arusha Airport (ARK) or Serengeti (Seronera) to Lake Manyara Airstrip (1–1.5 hour drive to the crater) or directly to the Ngorongoro Airstrip on the crater rim.
Entry Gates: Loduare Gate (Southern entrance near Karatu) is the most popular, while Naabi Hill Gate serves as the entrance from the Serengeti.
Road Conditions: The road from Arusha to Karatu is paved (tarmac), but routes within the conservation area are gravel and can be challenging, necessitating a 4x4 vehicle.
Self-Drive Note: While self-drive is possible, 4x4 is essential, and a guide is recommended for navigating the area. Road access from Arusha takes you through the scenic town of Mto wa Mbu and up the Great Rift Valley wall

Recommended Routes

From Arusha (Most Common): Take the 180 km road (approx. 3-4 hours) towards Karatu, entering through Loduare Gate.
From Serengeti: A 2–3 hour drive through the Naabi Hill Gate, often used when combining a Serengeti safari.
From Tarangire National Park: Roughly a 3-hour drive.

Important Tips

Accommodation: Book lodging in advance, with options inside the Crater Rim or in nearby Karatu town.
Best Time to Visit: Morning game drives are best, particularly for spotting rhinos.
Vehicle Access: A 4x4 is necessary to descend into the crater floor

Gallery from Our Local Experts

10-Day Group Luxury Safari in Tanzania, Africa in July to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara

8-Day Private Mid-Range Africa Safari in Tanzania in January – Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara

7-Day Private Mid-Range Safari in Tanzania, Africa – January to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

7-Day Group Luxury Safari in May Tanzania, Africa to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

4-Day Private Luxury Africa Safari in July to Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro, Tanzania

3-Day Private Budget Safari in December to Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro, Tanzania, Africa

886 Top Guided Tour Offers

Prev

12 3...45

Page 1 of 45

Travelers' Google Reviews Verified reviews 5.0 1.5K+ reviews