The Ngorongoro Crater, part of the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in northern Tanzania, is one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Known for its Big Five wildlife, stunning scenery, and easy accessibility from Arusha, many travelers want to know:
“How much does a Ngorongoro Crater safari actually cost?”
The short answer: Ngorongoro is one of the pricier safari destinations in Tanzania, but the incredible wildlife density makes it worth every penny.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) manages pricing, and rates are fixed.
| Category | Fee (USD per person) | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee | $70 | Per adult, per day | Applies to non-residents |
| Crater Service Fee | $295 per vehicle | Per day | Mandatory for any vehicle entering the crater floor |
| Camping Fee | $35 – $50 | Per person, per night | Public & special campsites |
| Concession Fee | $59 | Per person, per night | Charged if staying in a luxury lodge within NCA |
| Child Entry Fee | $20 | Ages 5–15 | Below 5 years enter free |
Important: The $295 vehicle fee applies once per descent into the crater. If you want a second descent on the same day, you’ll pay again.
The cost of a Ngorongoro tour depends on how many people are sharing the vehicle, the type of safari, and accommodation level.
Price Range: $250 – $350 per person per day
Includes: Park fees, shared 4x4 vehicle, driver-guide, budget camping or basic lodge
Best For: Solo travelers, backpackers, or those on a tight budget
Price Range: $400 – $600 per person per day
Includes: Private 4x4 vehicle, driver-guide, decent mid-range lodges or tented camps
Best For: Couples and families wanting comfort without overspending
Price Range: $700 – $1,200 per person per day
Includes: Top lodges like Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or Neptune Luxury Lodge, private guide, high-end vehicles, gourmet meals
Best For: Honeymooners and high-end safari travelers
Required: A 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
Cost: $150 – $250 per day
Seats up to 6 passengers, so sharing reduces costs significantly
There are three main accommodation options around Ngorongoro:
| Type | Price Range (per night) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Camping | $30 – $70 | Simba Campsite, Ngorongoro Public Campsites |
| Mid-Range Lodges | $150 – $300 | Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge |
| Luxury Lodges | $500 – $1,200 | Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Crater Lodge |
Tip: Staying outside the NCA, in Karatu town, is much cheaper and only 30–40 minutes from the crater gate.
Packed Lunch Box: $10 – $20 per person
Dinner at Lodges: $15 – $40 depending on hotel class
Alcoholic Drinks: Not included in most safari packages
Most safaris start from Arusha, reachable via:
By Road: ~3.5 to 4.5 hours
By Air: Daily flights to Lake Manyara Airstrip (45 minutes)
Here’s an estimate of what different packages cost in 2025:
| Safari Duration | Budget Tour | Mid-Range Tour | Luxury Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Tour | $280 – $400 | $450 – $650 | $800 – $1,200 |
| 2-Day Tour | $450 – $600 | $700 – $1,000 | $1,300 – $2,000 |
| 3-Day Tour | $650 – $900 | $1,000 – $1,400 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| 5-Day Northern Circuit | $900 – $1,400 | $1,600 – $2,400 | $3,000 – $ |
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