| Criterion | Serengeti | Ngorongoro (crater) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult entry / 24 h | about US$83 | about US$70.80 |
| Extra | none for the park | US$295 per vehicle for the descent |
| Strong point | lions, vastness, migration by season | density of animals, rhino possible |
| Suggested time | 2 days or more | half a day to one day |
When to choose the Serengeti
If you have 3 days or more and want open landscapes and many predators. One source claims Africa's largest lion population. Distances are long: see also fly-in or drive safari. Where to sleep: Serengeti camps and lodges.
When to choose Ngorongoro
If you are short on time or travel with children: the crater concentrates animals on a flat floor, and one operator mentions 25 to 30 rhinos, with no guarantee. The US$295 supplement is shared among the people in the vehicle. Our lodges around the crater help you choose.
Both together
Most northern circuits combine the two, with about US$450 to 550 of park fees per person for 5 days. Our guide which park to choose in Tanzania widens the comparison. Fees change every year: confirm them with TANAPA and the Ngorongoro authority.
FAQ
Can you see the Big Five at Ngorongoro?
The crater is cited as the best place for rhino, but no sighting is guaranteed.
Is the Serengeti worth the distance?
Yes from 3 days; for a 2-day stay the crater is simpler.
Do children pay?
In the Serengeti, US$24 for ages 5 to 15 and free under 5 according to the source read; confirm with your operator.
The Zanzibar Authority editorial team
