Rim, Karatu or campsite
The conservation authority describes lodges, permanent tented camps and public, community and special campsites. Several lodges and special campsites sit on or near the crater rim. Others are in the town of Karatu, outside the gate, where the highlands begin.
Not every property with Ngorongoro in its name sits on the rim or has a crater view. Check the location and the view before you pay, and ask for a room facing the crater if that matters to you. This guide names no properties and does not rank them.
The three options compared
The trade-offs that matter for a crater trip.
| Option | Setting | Fees to note |
|---|---|---|
| Lodge or tented camp on the rim | Inside the conservation area, a short transfer to the descent roads | Concession fee per adult and night, listed at $59 to $71 |
| Public campsite | Inside the conservation area | $35.40 per adult and night, $11.80 for ages 5 to 15 |
| Special campsite | Inside the conservation area, more private | $70.80 per adult and night, $35.40 for ages 5 to 15 |
| Hotel or lodge in Karatu | Outside the gate, in town | No concession fee for the stay |
These are fees on top of what the property charges, not full room prices. The concession fee is listed at $59 in one fee list and $71 with $12 for ages 5 to 15 in another, so confirm the amount when you book. No room or tent rates are given here.
Ngorongoro tours with accommodation options
Crater safaris and multi-day trips that you can combine with a night on the rim or in Karatu, with live prices and availability.
How to choose
Four questions to settle before you book.
How much do you want the view?
A rim stay gives you the crater at dawn and a very short start to the day. That has value, but the rim is cold, so the room should have good heating or blankets.
What does the night cost?
Inside the conservation area you pay the nightly concession fee on top. A stay in Karatu avoids it. Later entry fees for the crater stay a separate item, wherever you sleep.
How early is your descent?
The gate hours and the cutoff for the descent make an early start worthwhile. A stay in Karatu adds a drive to the gate on the same morning, so ask your operator when you will leave.
Are you camping?
Public, community and special campsites exist. Special campsites cost more and are more private. No booking deadlines are fixed here, so ask your operator how far ahead to reserve.
Karatu as a base
Karatu is a town below the highlands. From there it is about 14 km to Loduare Gate, which is the main entrance. That is not the distance to the crater floor, so do not plan the crater day from the gate figure alone.
Staying here is a common choice when you want more options and no nightly concession fee. Read the Karatu page for the town, and getting there from Arusha for the road.
Whichever stay you choose, see the crater page for gate hours and rules, and the fees page for entry costs.
Ngorongoro lodges: frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay on the rim or in Karatu?
It depends on what you value. The rim gives a view and a short start, and Karatu avoids the nightly concession fee. Both work for a crater visit.
Do all Ngorongoro lodges have a crater view?
No. Not every property with Ngorongoro in the name is on the rim or looks into the crater. Check the location and the room view.
What is the concession fee?
A nightly fee per person for lodges and tented camps inside the conservation area. It is listed at $59 per adult in one fee list and $71 in another for 2026, so confirm it with your operator.
Can I camp at Ngorongoro?
Yes. The authority describes public, community and special campsites. In 2026 a public campsite is listed at $35.40 per adult and night and a special campsite at $70.80.
Is it cold on the rim?
Yes, much cooler than the floor. Pack warm clothes for nights and early mornings.