A&K Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp has a new (June 1st, 2026), carefully chosen location within Tanzania’s UNESCO listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In an elevated setting with far reaching views of the Serengeti plains. Bringing together one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations with a more immersive, refined camp experience. Designed for travelers who value intimacy, atmosphere and exceptional game viewing, the updated camp pairs legendary caldera access with stylish new facilities and a deeper sense of place.
The new camp enjoys an enviable position, just 25 minutes from the crater descent road. An unbeatable springboard for game drives. From here, enjoy incredible access to the abundance of wildlife that calls the crater home. Some 25,000 animals! Zebra, rhino, buffalo, warthog, wildebeest, hippo, elephants. And an amazing population of predators – lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard thrive in the area.
Set among acacia woodland and rolling plains, the new location delivers vast skies and consistent wildlife activity right around camp. Giraffes are frequently seen in the area alongside migrating plains game, with predator activity particularly strong from January to March. Mild temperatures at this elevation create a comfortable environment, encouraging guests to linger longer between game drives and fully absorb the rhythm of the landscape.
The camp has welcoming new communal dining, lounge and bar areas encourage leisurely respite from adventuring. While the campfire caters to stargazing and storytelling.
The camp remains intentionally boutique with just 10 tented suites of 68 sq m (731 sq ft). Each significantly upgraded in size and aesthetic with all the necessities like hairdryer, minibar, tea and coffee station and plug points. With teak floorboards, billowing white curtains, muslin-draped king size beds and glass doors opening onto a raised deck overlooking the plains. Just the spot for a morning coffee as you are serenaded by an avian choir. Stargazing from your private deck is also recommended: the lack of light pollution results in clear night skies. Each is spaced a minimum of 15 meters apart to ensure privacy.
Each is a masterclass in elegant understatement: writing desks and armchairs hark back to the Golden Age of safari travel, while patterned textiles usher in Tanzanian design. The spacious ensuite, with double vanity basins and rainfall shower, is uncompromising in its comfort. The tents have an overhead fan and heaters are provided for chilly nights.
Seven of the tented suites overlook the Serengeti plains and three face Mount Makarot*. Wildlife such as giraffes often gather at the cluster of acacia trees further down the hill, and sleeping under canvas means you experience the sights and sounds of this wondrous Serengeti setting around the clock.
*Mount Makarot is a 3,133 meter volcanic cone offering peaceful hiking trails and the epic views of the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding highlands from its peak.
Safari Tent
The camp is also available on an exclusive use basis for groups of friends or family. In this case, eight of the ten rooms need to be paid for.
Tanzania Family Safari
Children of 6 years and older are welcome at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. When booking sole use of the camp, the minimum age restriction does not apply. However, there are no formal childcare facilities in the camps. Thus children must be under the care of their parents / guardians at all times.
Children aged 6 years stay free of charge. One child (7 – 15) staying with two adults pays 50% of the adult sharing rate. When two children are staying with one adult, one child pays the standard adult sharing rate. The second pays 50% of the adult sharing rate.
For safety reasons, children aged 15 and younger must share with their parents at Ngorongoro Crater Camp. Two triple tents are available on request for children.
Activities
Ngorongoro Crater game drives remain the headline experience, delivering world class wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural amphitheaters. Beyond the caldera, an exclusive visit to an authentic Maasai boma is available only to guests of the camp. Seasonal Ndutu Plains game drives are available, and guests can also visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum, home to one of the most important archaeological site in the world.
Morning activities include pit stops in the bush for coffee, tea, pastries and biscuits. Afternoon and evening game drives include stops for classic sundowners and canapés at specially selected spots.
Game Drives
Enjoy thrilling game drives lead by highly qualified guides in closed 4 x 4 game viewing vehicles. Game drives are in the early morning (sunrise). And late afternoon (sunset) in the Ngorongoro Crater and on the rim. Or opt for a full day drive with a picnic lunch.
The crater is full of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and elephants. Supported by a year round supply of water and food, the crater supports a massive variety of animals. Including its impressive population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard. Key wildlife: lion, rhino, hippo, wildebeest, zebra, wild dog, leopard, cheetah, crocodile, and flamingo. There are no giraffes, topi, or impala in the crater. They most likely find it too difficult to negotiate the crater rim cliffs. And there is also inadequate grazing for large herds of antelope, inside the crater.
It’s important to note that park regulations stipulate game drives in the Crater are only permitted once a day. However, an optional game drive in the magnificent Lake Manyara National Park can be arranged. As an extension of transfers between Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp and Lake Manyara Airport. Dependent on flight times; an additional cost may apply.
LionessZebras
Cultural Activities
A trip to a Maasai village (known as ‘manyattas’) is a fascinating opportunity to witness the unique culture, customs, and practices of one of Tanzania’s most iconic ethnic groups. Expect a warm welcome from the Maasai. Before a tour of their settlements of small, circular mud and dung huts. All are enclosed by thorn bushes to keep both predators out and livestock in. The Maasai’s customs and traditions center on their cattle which are considered sacred. The Maasai are renowned for their herding and tracking skills.
The visit not only gives tourists an insight into the Maasai culture, with traditional dances and the chance to sample Maasai food. But it also provides a sustainable source of income for the community. Guests can enjoy cultural activities in a nearby Masai village (there is an additional entrance fee payable to the village).
How You Can Make Your Safari Count ↓
Understanding the Dynamics
Rural African villages that border national parks are impacted hugely by human-animal conflict. Predators, such as lions and leopards are prone to hunting domestic livestock. While elephants trample on crops and raid farmers’ fields. These communities must maintain their commitment to living with wildlife. To ensure the continued survival of Africa’s animals. How? Through educating and supporting the children of these communities.
Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy
A commitment to conservation and responsible tourism is an integral part of Sanctuary Retreats’ DNA. Ever since it began in 1999, they pledged to make a positive impact on the areas in which they operate. And to nurture enduring relationships with the rural communities that live there.
Their goal is to identify and sponsor long term, viable and self-sustaining projects. That will improve the well being of local people. And earn the support of staff and visitors. All of the projects are collaborative. They work closely with the communities to understand their needs. So that they can be sure of delivering impactful initiatives. And meaningful solutions that will improve lives for generations to come. Some of the projects in Tanzania are:
Ilboru School for deaf and disabled children
Tanzanian children with hearing impairments or mental and physical needs are often left with limited opportunities for a formal education. More than a decade ago, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy funded the construction of the Ilboru School. The first primary school in Arusha was designed for deaf and disabled children.
They began an innovative literacy program at the school, in partnership with Worldreader. This gave the children access to a large library of digital textbooks and literature. In both English and their native language of Swahili. Helping to improve reading comprehension and inspire a passion for learning.
Guests are welcome to visit the school so that they can meet the teachers. And learn about the challenges of delivering special education to children in Tanzania.
Secondary School
The primary school has proven a huge success and a beacon of hope for Arusha’s disabled community. However, upon graduation, students had no choice but to return to regular mainstream education. Unsurprisingly, this resulted in a high drop-out rate.
A&K Sanctuary has therefore amplified their support at Ilboru with the construction of a secondary school. In partnership with Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, which is providing specially trained teachers to work at the facility. In addition to standard academic courses, the school teaches vocational skills such as sewing. To increase the children’s chances of finding employment upon graduation.
Doffa Bike Shop
The Doffa Bike Shop is an enterprise that provides women with the opportunity to earn a much-needed income. While also giving their community vital access to transportation and helping to address the gender gap.
Part of the Bike Shop Program, it employs four local women who have undertaken extensive training to become bicycle mechanics. And learn the skills necessary to own and operate their own business. What makes Doffa Bike Shop unique is that all the women employed at the shop have HIV. Just a handful of the 780,000 or so women aged 15 and over that live with the virus. In parts of Tanzania, gender inequality and stigma against HIV positive individuals are still issues. Acting as major barriers to HIV prevention. Doffa Bike Shop aims to empower women to live a dignified life. But it also helps to break down socially constructed gender norms. Fighting discrimination and the stigma of HIV.
Safe Water for Schools Tanzania
Sanctuary Retreats believes creating access to clean drinking water is vital for quality of life. Not only can it save communities from infectious disease, malnutrition, and health complications. But improved water supply and sanitation can also boost economic growth and help to reduce poverty.
A&K Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp Dining
Expect fantastic food and a personalized experience at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. Meals are all included in your stay. The menus comprise international classics with a safari twist. The property’s atmospheric tented dining space and hillside setting comes with far reaching views of the grazing herds on the plains.
A continental or cooked breakfast is enjoyed before the game activity. Or, packed breakfasts are a highlight offering the perfect mid morning fuel for early morning game drives. Lunch at the camp is a delicious choice of locally rooted dishes. Or delicious packed lunches are provided for full days out in the bush. Prefer a more leisurely pace? Return to the camp for a late lunch and drinks in the golden afternoon sunlight.
Three course dinners showcase African flavors, with mains served in copper pots to share. Think creamy butternut soup followed by a selection of dishes such as lamb or chickpea tagine spiked with cumin and paprika, eggplant stew and couscous, and baked tilapia with a zing of lemon. Followed by a delectable dessert like crater coffee cheesecake for dessert. Afterwards, the cozy outdoor seating area and fire pit beckon for warming nightcaps and storytelling.
All menus cater well for vegetarians. Any other special requests or dietary requirements are accommodated for with pleasure by the talented team of chefs. With prior notice, Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is able to arrange halaal meals. However, please note the kitchens aren’t strictly halaal and the chefs are not trained in food preparation. Unfortunately, kosher meals are not available.
Dining and bar area
Weather and best time to visit A&K Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
As the huge concentration of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater is resident, not migratory, this is an excellent safari destination almost year round. In general, the dry season runs from June to October while the short rains (November to December) bring sporadic afternoon showers that rarely affect game drives. They can start as early as October. These short showers soon turn the crater’s vegetation into a greener landscape. In turn, attracting migratory birds and triggering the wildebeest calving season in the nearby Ndutu plains. The long rains fall in April and May (into early June). The roads may be muddy but there are far fewer visitors this time of the year. The crater is wonderfully lush and green.
The best times to travel late June to early October when the vegetation is sparser and wildlife huddle around the remaining water sources. However, January, February and March is the best time to witness the abundance of newborn animals.
Due to Tanzania’s proximity to the equator, the climate generally has warm days and cool evenings. However, due to the altitude of the Crater, it is quite cold (particularly in the mornings during the dry season). We advise guests to pack warm clothes when visiting this camp.
Clothing should be cool and comfortable. Greens, browns, and khaki colored clothing are advisable for safaris. We suggest long sleeves and long trousers and for morning and evenings due to mosquitoes. And a warm/fleece jacket as early mornings can be cold. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential. A complimentary overnight laundry service is offered in the camp (weather dependent). Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential. Binoculars and good cameras are an absolute must. The camp offers complimentary mosquito repellent and toiletries.
How to get to Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
To get to Ngorongoro Crater Camp you will either fly to Manyara Airstrip (2-hour drive to the camp) or Ndutu Airstrip (1-hour 20-minute drive to the camp). The flight time from Arusha Airport to Manyara Airstrip is 40 minutes and Ndutu Airstrip is 1-hour 30-minute flight.
It’s ideal for both fly-in and overland itineraries. Guests can land in Ndutu and game drive directly to camp, or arrive via Manyara and Karatu, with the option to visit local A&K Philanthropy projects en route. It fits seamlessly on driving routes to the Serengeti, too.
Please note all intercamp flights are in light aircraft and flying times are dependent on multiple pick ups and drop off times. Luggage restriction for light aircraft is 20kg/44lbs per person in a soft-sided bag, including hand-luggage.
Below are the game package rates in USD. The full board rates are available should you be driving to camp yourselves / with your own guide. Therefore they don’t include transfers and game drives.
2026 Ngorongoro Crater Camp rates in a Safari Tent
Length of stay (Per Person Sharing)
1-3 Nights
4-6 Nights
7+ Nights
High: 1st June 2026 – 2nd January 2027
Per adult sharing
$825
$743
$660
Single
$1 238
$1 114
$990
Child
$413
$371
$330
2027 Ngorongoro Crater Camp rates in a Safari Tent
Length of stay (Per Person Sharing)
1-3 Nights
4-6 Nights
7+ Nights
Low: 3rd January until 31st March
Per adult sharing
$650
$560
$490
Single
Child
$330
$280
$250
3rd adult sharing
$490
$420
$370
1st April – 31st May
Closed
High: 1st June 2027 – 2nd January 2028
Per adult sharing
$1,050
$950
$900
Single
$1,580
$1,430
$1,350
Child
$530
$480
$450
3rd adult sharing
$900
$810
$770
2028 Ngorongoro Crater Camp rates in a Safari Tent
Length of stay (Per Person Sharing)
1-3 Nights
4-6 Nights
7+ Nights
Low: 3rd January until 31st March
Per adult sharing
$670
$570
$510
Single
Child
$340
$290
$260
3rd adult sharing
$510
$430
$390
1st April – 31st May
Closed
High: 1st June 2027 – 2nd January 2028
Per adult sharing
$1,090
$990
$930
Single
$1,640
$1,490
$1,400
Child
$550
$500
$470
3rd adult sharing
$930
$850
$800
Please note:
There is no supplement for single occupancy of a maximum of 3 x tents in the low season. Further single occupancy bookings in the low season are subject to a 50% single supplement. In high season, singles will pay a 50% single supplement.
Game package rates include:
All meals.
All drinks (including premium brands).
Laundry, and daily housekeeping.
Two daily shared game viewing activities. These include morning and afternoon game drives. This can also be a full day safari.
Return transfers to and from the airstrip to the camp.
24 hour on site staff and security.
Emergency medical evacuation.
Excludes:
Park, Camping, and Concession Fees. Plus Tourism Development Levy.
International and domestic flights, landing fees.
Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges.
Travel insurance.
Boutique purchases.
Additional activities.
Gratuities, and all other items of a personal nature.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp Accommodation Special Offers
The honeymoon, Stay 5, Pay 4 and single supplement offers excludes Private Villa at Tambarare Camp and the Geoffrey Kent Suites at Chief’s Camp and Olonana Lodge.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp Honeymoon Offer
Book at least 2 nights and one partner gets a 50% discount on accommodation. Let us organize a romantic private dinner for you. For a honeymoon safari like no other!
This special offer can be combined with the above long stay discount at A&K Sanctuary safari lodges throughout Southern and Eastern Africa for even greater savings.
Valid for travel within 6 months of date on marriage certificate.
Valid from 1st January – 31st December every year.
Stay 5 Pay 4 in Southern or Eastern Africa
Stay 5 nights across A&K Sanctuary safari lodges and camps in Southern and Eastern Africa and receive your 5th night free.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Bed Levy at Tambarare Camp and concession fees at Kitirua Plains Lodge are required for the fifth night.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings but no other offers.
Fifth night is free if itinerary is five nights or more.
Single Supplement Offer
The single supplement for all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa is wavered.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May, and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
This is in addition to the low season single supplement that is wavered.
Children Stay Free
For every full paying adult, one child stays for free in East & Southern Africa.
Valid for a maximum of four children per booking .
Valid for children aged 15 years and younger.
Normal booking terms and standard child policy applies .
Excludes Baines’ Lodge & Gorilla Forest Lodge.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May, and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
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