Is there another entrance to the Crater which is less busy? Is there ANY way to avoid the crowds? We have visited before, but plan to return to TZ. And as many say, "How can we do TZ and not visit the Crater?" Thanks for your help!

I'm always puzzled by the Ngorongoro Crater crowd questions. When we were there in Feb 2013, we saw very few vehicles compared to the national parks we'd just been in (Manyara, Tarangire). When we stopped at the gate to pay entrance right when it opened, we were the only vehicle there.

We like amyb were the only vehicle at the gate on the road closest to the Sopa when it first opened in the am on our most recent trip in May, 2015. And, had that end of the crater much to ourselves for at least an hour or so. And, yes, when a cheetah or rhino were spotted often a crowd would gather but such is to be expected as both are high profile species.

And, we enjoyed an afternoon game drive there and saw relatively few cars during another trip yet saw plenty of game.

Go and enjoy.

Thank you amyb and rsnyder. We'll just make a decision and deal with it!