Simba Campsite ranks among the few public campsites at Ngorongoro. Located on the southeast rim of the crater, at approximately 2,400 meters altitude and 2 km from the crater village, it offers tent accommodation within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with wildlife moving freely between pitches.

Why choose Simba Campsite

This public campsite fulfills a specific purpose: sleeping as close as possible to Ngorongoro's wildlife, without fences or artificial barriers. Zebras, buffalo, elephants, warthogs and hyenas regularly cross the site, particularly at dusk. The southeast rim location places travelers just minutes from the descent point into the crater, ideal for beginning a safari at dawn.

Accommodation remains rustic: no lodge, no luxury, but complete equipment provided (tent, mattress, sleeping bags). This appeals to travelers willing to accept basic comfort in exchange for genuine immersion within the crater ecosystem.

Atmosphere

The camp centers on a covered dining hall where travelers gather in the evening, sometimes around a modest bar. Solar lighting in common areas minimizes light pollution, and firewood sold on site allows for a fire early in the evening. At night, vigilance is essential: no food should remain in tents, and movement happens with headlamps, following ranger guidelines who monitor the site.

Altitude becomes noticeable by late afternoon. Temperatures drop rapidly, especially during the dry season, and mornings are cool. This reality forms part of the experience and shapes the equipment you'll need to bring.

Services and facilities

• Tent accommodation with provided equipment: tent, mattress, sleeping bags
• Modern sanitary blocks, tiled, with washbasins and bidets
• Hot showers heated by firewood (hot water limited late in the day)
• Covered kitchen and dining area, sometimes with a small bar
• Common areas powered by solar energy, with charging outlets
• Limited Wi-Fi in the dining hall (frequent outages)
• Firewood available for purchase on site
• Security provided by NCAA rangers

Equipment remains functional without claiming lodge comfort. Plan to bring warm clothing, headlamp, toilet paper and sandals for shared showers.

Location

Simba Campsite sits on the southeast rim of Ngorongoro Crater, approximately 2 km from the crater village and 2,400 meters altitude. This position makes it an ideal starting point for the morning descent into the crater and for routes connecting to the Serengeti. Nearby Maasai villages offer opportunities for cultural exchanges, visits and local craft purchases.

Reservations are made through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), preferably in advance during high season. Rates remain accessible for the area, though park entry fees are not included.

Nearby

Other accommodations in the Ngorongoro area round out the offer depending on desired comfort level:

• Ngorongoro Lodge for standard lodge comfort on the crater rim
• Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, upscale option with crater views
• Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge, tent alternative with more services
• Bashay Rift Lodge for a stop on the Karatu side
• Country Lodge, middle-ground option on the crater road

Planning your stay in Tanzania

Simba Campsite fits into a broader safari itinerary across Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Lake Manyara. To build a cohesive journey, explore our Tanzania travel ideas and their stage combinations.