Safari Ngorongoro Crater
From$2,140/person
mid range
7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari in Tanzania
7D / 6NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Safari comparison
Serengeti National Park vs Ngorongoro Crater
Two of East Africa's most sought-after safari destinations — but which is right for you? Here's how Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater compare on wildlife, season, climate and price.
At a glance
FeatureSerengeti National ParkNgorongoro Crater
Country
Tanzania
Tanzania
Region
North Tanzania
Tanzania
Best time to visit
<p>Serengeti National Park is a year-round safari destination. From January to March, visitors can witness the wildebees…
<p>Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round destination. The dry season from June to October offers the best weather and excell…
Climate
<p>Serengeti National Park enjoys a pleasant tropical savannah climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the…
<p>Ngorongoro Crater enjoys a mild highland climate due to its elevation of approximately 2,286 meters above sea level.…
Terrain
Savannah Grasslands, Mixed Terrain
—
Area size
—
—
Elevation
—
—
Safaris from
$2,140
$2,140
Available safaris
8 trips
5 trips
Wildlife species
22
5
Lodges & camps
7
0
Wildlife
Key species at each destination. Gold = found at both.
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
About Serengeti National Park
Discover the magic of Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and home to the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. Stretching across the heart of northern Tanzania, the Serengeti offers exceptional game viewing, breathtaking savannah landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with the Big Five. From luxury safari lodges and hot air balloon adventures to year-round wildlife experiences, the park provides the perfect setting for nature lovers, photographers, and safari enthusiasts seeking an authentic and unforgettable African wilderness adventure.
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Great Migration
- Walking safaris available
- River crossings
- Photography opportunities
- Big Five game viewing
About Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most extraordinary safari destinations and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Located in northern Tanzania, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers incredible wildlife encounters, spectacular landscapes, and one of the highest concentrations of animals in Africa. Visitors can witness the Big Five, endangered black rhinos, large lion prides, elephants, and thousands of other animals within a stunning natural amphitheater, creating an unforgettable safari experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
- Big Five game viewing
- Scenic landscapes
- Cultural encounters
- Predator sightings
Safaris in Serengeti National Park
Safari
Safari Serengeti National Park
From$2,647/person
mid range
9-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
9D / 8NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Beach & Safari Ngorongoro Crater
From$3,000/person
mid range
8-Day Mid-Range Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
8D / 7NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Safaris in Ngorongoro Crater
Safari Ngorongoro Crater
From$2,140/person
mid range
7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari in Tanzania
7D / 6NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Beach & Safari Ngorongoro Crater
From$3,000/person
mid range
8-Day Mid-Range Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
8D / 7NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
Safari Masai Mara National Reserve
From$5,900/person
mid range
10 Days Two Nations Safari Kenya&Tanzania
10D / 9NDuration
PrivateGroup
All year round
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
The verdict
Both Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are world-class. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is known for its hot air balloon safaris, while Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania stands out for its big five game viewing.
Can't decide? Many travellers visit both on one multi-destination itinerary — we'll craft the perfect safari that includes the best of each.
Frequently asked
Is Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater better for a safari?+
Both are excellent. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is known for hot air balloon safaris, while Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania stands out for big five game viewing. The right choice depends on your interests, season and budget — and many travellers combine both.
When is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park?+
<p>Serengeti National Park is a year-round safari destination. From January to March, visitors can witness the wildebeest calving season in the southern plains. Between June and October, the dry season offers excellent game viewing and migration activity, including the famous Mara River crossings. N…
Can I combine Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in one trip?+
Yes. Imara Africa Safaris can build a combined itinerary featuring both Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, handling all transfers, lodges and logistics so you experience the best of each in a single seamless safari.