Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a true geological marvel located in the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania. Formed around 2 to 3 million years ago, this massive caldera is the result of a volcanic eruption that caused the collapse of a giant volcano, creating a deep, lush bowl that is home to an astonishing array of wildlife. Spanning approximately 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), the crater floor is surrounded by steep, forested slopes that rise up to 2,300 meters (7,500 feet). It is considered one of the best places for wildlife viewing in Africa, offering a perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife in a relatively small area.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a haven for wildlife and has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for safari-goers. The crater floor is home to a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and wildebeests, with some of the highest concentrations of large mammals in Africa. The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) can all be spotted here, and it is one of the few places on Earth where you can see the endangered black rhino in the wild. The diverse habitats within the crater support more than 25,000 large mammals, including herds of wildebeest, gazelles, and antelope, making it a wildlife lover’s paradise. The park is also famous for its birdlife, with over 500 species recorded, including flamingos that frequent the crater’s shallow soda lakes.

Ngorongoro Crater holds cultural significance, as it is situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is home to the Maasai people. These semi-nomadic pastoralists have coexisted with wildlife for generations, and the Maasai are allowed to graze their cattle within the conservation area, which is a unique blend of conservation and human habitation. The crater is also a significant archaeological site, as it is near the famous Olduvai Gorge, where the remains of early humans and some of the world’s oldest hominid fossils have been discovered. The area provides vital insights into the evolution of humans and is a key site for studying prehistoric life. Despite its small size, the Ngorongoro Crater is an incredible example of biodiversity, providing visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to see a variety of species in one location.

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Big Five: Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino
Endangered Species: Black rhino (Ngorongoro is one of the best places to see them)
Other animals: Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hyenas, cheetahs, and the rare Caracal
Birdlife: Over 500 species, including flamingos, ostriches, and raptors

Attractions and Highlights

The Crater Floor – A unique ecosystem featuring grasslands, swamps, and forests that support a wide range of wildlife
Lake Magadi – A soda lake that often attracts flamingos
Ngorongoro Conservation Area – The larger conservation area that surrounds the crater, home to Maasai people and their livestock
Olduvai Gorge – A nearby archaeological site, known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where some of the oldest human fossils were found
The Crater Rim – The rim provides spectacular views of the crater floor and is ideal for photography and picnics

Best Time to Visit

Year-round wildlife viewing – The crater is home to resident animals, so wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the year
Birdwatching: November–April (migratory birds arrive)
Dry season: June–October (animals tend to congregate around water sources, making sightings easier)

Activities

Game Drives: Explore the crater floor on a guided safari to spot the Big Five and other wildlife
Photography: Capture the diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes
Cultural Visits: Learn about the Maasai community living around the crater
Hiking: Hike up the crater rim for stunning panoramic views
Olduvai Gorge Visit: Explore the site of early human evolution

How to Get There

By Road: The Ngorongoro Crater is about 4-5 hours by road from Arusha, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
By Air: There are flights to nearby airstrips (such as Lake Manyara Airport) from Arusha and other major towns

Accommodation

You’ll find a range of accommodations near the crater, from luxury lodges like Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and Serena Lodge to more budget-friendly campsites. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) also operates public campsites for those on a tighter budget.

Need Help Contact Us

Reasons to Book with us

SAFETY FIRST

We use international standard equipment, and our guides are trained in first aid and equipped with personal protection gear.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

Once a tour is booked, it is guaranteed to operate, even if there is only one client for the entire trip.

PERSONALIZED SERVICE

Our guides are trained to attend to each client's needs and adjust the program to ensure a personalized experience.

TOP TANZANIA SAFARI EXPERIENCES

Discover the Serengeti’s Great Migration, explore Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife haven, encounter Tarangire’s elephants, and unwind on Zanzibar’s beaches for the ultimate Tanzanian adventure.