*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.
Stay in Tanzania
About This Accommodation
Ngorongoro Simba Public Campsite – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Simba Public Campsite is one of the most popular public campsites in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering travelers an authentic camping experience on the rim of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Its elevated location provides breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands and easy access to one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.
The campsite is a favorite choice for safari travelers seeking an affordable stay close to the crater. Guests camp in designated areas and have access to shared facilities, including toilets, showers, and dining areas. The natural setting allows visitors to experience the beauty of Ngorongoro while enjoying a true wilderness atmosphere.
Due to its high altitude of approximately 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, temperatures at Simba Campsite can become surprisingly cold, especially during the evening, overnight, and early morning hours. Guests are strongly advised to bring warm clothing, including jackets, sweaters, long trousers, warm socks, and suitable sleeping gear to stay comfortable during their stay.
Wildlife can occasionally be seen near the campsite, and guests often enjoy spectacular sunrise views before descending into the crater for game drives. The location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding conservation areas.
Key Features
- Located on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater
- Budget-friendly public campsite
- Shared bathroom and shower facilities
- Stunning crater and highland views
- Excellent base for Ngorongoro Crater safaris
- Authentic camping experience
- Frequent wildlife sightings nearby
- Cool mountain climate throughout the year
Ngorongoro Simba Public Campsite is an excellent option for adventurous travelers who want to experience the beauty of Ngorongoro while staying close to the crater at an affordable price.
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Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 50 years of genuine safari experience.
Laurent Karume
Director, Tanzania Safari Experience | Tanzania
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Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Ngorongoro Simba Public Campsite is located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its location places guests just a short drive from the crater descent road, making it one of the most convenient budget accommodation options for travelers planning an early morning game drive in the crater. The campsite also offers stunning views of the surrounding highlands and forests.
Simba Campsite is a public camping facility designed for travelers who want an authentic safari experience. Guests stay in tents, which are typically provided and set up by their safari operator. The campsite offers a traditional outdoor experience where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and atmosphere of the Ngorongoro Highlands while remaining close to essential facilities.
Yes, the campsite provides shared bathroom facilities, including toilets and showers. These facilities are basic compared to those found in lodges and luxury camps, but they are suitable for travelers looking for an adventurous and affordable camping experience. Guests should expect a simple setup that prioritizes practicality over luxury.
Ngorongoro Simba Campsite is located at a high elevation of approximately 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, which means temperatures can become very cold, especially at night and during the early morning hours. In some seasons, temperatures may drop close to freezing. Guests are strongly advised to bring warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, long trousers, gloves, warm socks, and suitable sleeping gear. Many visitors are surprised by how cold Ngorongoro can be compared to other safari destinations in Tanzania.
Many travelers associate Tanzania with warm weather, but the Ngorongoro Highlands have a very different climate due to their elevation. While daytime temperatures can be pleasant, evenings and mornings are often cold and windy. Having proper layers will ensure a much more comfortable experience during your stay, particularly when enjoying dinner, relaxing at the campsite, or preparing for an early morning crater safari.
Yes, wildlife is sometimes seen near the campsite because it is located within a protected conservation area. Animals such as zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species may occasionally be spotted nearby. Visitors may also hear wildlife sounds during the night. For safety reasons, guests should always follow instructions from guides and campsite staff and avoid wandering away from the designated camping areas after dark.
Yes, the campsite is suitable for families, groups, solo travelers, and adventure seekers who enjoy outdoor experiences. Families traveling on safari often choose Simba Campsite because it offers an affordable way to stay close to Ngorongoro Crater while experiencing the excitement of camping in the African wilderness.
One of the biggest advantages of Simba Campsite is its location. Staying on the crater rim allows travelers to reach the crater floor quickly in the morning, maximizing wildlife viewing time. The campsite also offers excellent value for money and provides an authentic safari atmosphere that many visitors consider a memorable part of their Tanzania adventure.
The campsite provides designated camping areas, shared toilets, shared showers, dining areas, and basic visitor facilities. While amenities are simple, the focus is on enjoying the natural surroundings and convenient access to the Ngorongoro Crater rather than luxury accommodation.
Most visitors stay at Simba Campsite as part of a safari itinerary that includes a game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater. Guests can also enjoy the scenic views from the crater rim, observe the unique highland landscape, watch spectacular sunrises, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of camping in one of Tanzania’s most famous conservation areas.
Safaris that include Ngorongoro Simba Public Campsite
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