How to Get to Ngorongoro Crater | Flights, Roads & Safari Transfers

Ngorongoro Crater is a key stop on the Northern circuit safari in Tanzania and is conveniently located just about a 3-hour drive (180 km / 112 miles) on a paved road from Arusha, the main safari starting point. Visitors can travel around the Northern circuit by small chartered or scheduled flights, or by driving in safari vehicles. Many visitor itineraries include flying into Serengeti and driving back via Ngorongoro or vice versa, often with tour operators arranging airport pickups and transfers.

From the Serengeti's Seronera area, the drive to Ngorongoro is around 140 km (90 miles), taking approximately 3 hours, though wildlife viewing en route can extend travel time. The drive from Lake Manyara National Park (80 km / 50 miles) to the crater takes about 2 hours, and from Tarangire National Park (180 km / 110 miles) about 4 hours.

The most common international gateway is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), situated roughly 50 km (31 miles) from Arusha. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, then connect to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro Airport.

Several domestic airlines operate flights to Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports, including Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, Regional Air, Safari Air Link, Auric Air, Air Tanzania, Precision Air, ZanAir, and As Salaam Air. These carriers offer convenient connectivity to the safari hubs.

Visitors should check visa and entry requirements ahead of travel.