Simba Campsite
Ngorongoro Crater Rim, Tanzania
About Simba Campsite
Simba Campsite is the legendary budget option on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and for many travellers it is the highlight of their entire Tanzania safari. For the price of a modest campsite fee, you wake up at 2,300 metres altitude with the entire Ngorongoro Crater spread below you — the same billion-dollar view that guests at neighbouring luxury lodges pay hundreds of dollars a night to enjoy. Elephants, buffaloes, and bushbuck regularly wander through camp, and the stargazing is extraordinary. This is camping in its purest form — bring your own tent and gear, or have your safari operator set everything up for you. There are basic toilet blocks and cold-water showers, but the real draw is the location. Most budget safari operators include Simba Campsite on their Northern Circuit itineraries, and the communal atmosphere around the campfires at night — with travellers from every corner of the world sharing safari stories — is something no luxury lodge can replicate.
Highlights
- Crater rim location with jaw-dropping views
- The most affordable way to stay at Ngorongoro
- Wildlife wanders through camp
- Unforgettable stargazing at altitude
- Communal campfire atmosphere
- Used by most budget safari operators
Amenities
Quick Facts
Room Types
Dining
There are no dining facilities at Simba Campsite. Budget safari operators typically provide a camp cook who prepares meals at the campsite using portable equipment. Bring snacks and drinking water. The nearest restaurants are in Karatu, approximately 30 minutes away.
Activities
The main activity is a half-day or full-day game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, descending via the Seneto or Lemala road. Guided walks on the crater rim can be arranged with NCAA rangers. The campsite also serves as a base for Empakaai Crater hikes and Olduvai Gorge visits.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from June to October offers the clearest views into the crater and the best game viewing on the crater floor. Nights on the rim can be very cold year-round (near freezing), so warm sleeping bags and layers are essential regardless of when you visit.
Wildlife Nearby
The Ngorongoro Crater floor hosts one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five. Black rhinos are regularly spotted here — one of the few places in Tanzania where this is possible. On the crater rim itself, elephants, buffaloes, bushbuck, and leopards are common visitors to the campsite area.
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