Ngorongoro Crater
Explore Ngorongoro Crater: A Complete Guide to Tanzania's Premier Safari Destination
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. Formed around two to three million years ago, the crater was created when a massive volcano erupted and collapsed. Today, it measures about 19 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter, with a depth of over 600 meters (2,000 feet) and an area of 260 square kilometers (100 square miles).
This unique geological feature provides a natural enclosure for a vast array of wildlife, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that offers visitors a rare and intimate encounter with nature. The crater’s walls act as a protective barrier, helping maintain stable conditions for its inhabitants.
Safari Highlights in Ngorongoro Crater
- Witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.
- Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the crater.
- Experience the unique coexistence of Maasai culture and wildlife.
- Spot rare bird species at Lake Magadi.
- Explore diverse ecosystems in a single location.
- Capture unforgettable moments in a world-renowned safari destination.
Why Is the Ngorongoro Crater Special?
The Ngorongoro Crater is often called the “Garden of Eden” because of its remarkable biodiversity. Within its walls, you’ll find open grasslands, acacia forests, freshwater lakes, and swamps. These diverse habitats are home to over 25,000 large animals, making it one of the most wildlife-rich regions in Africa.
Big Five Sightings
The crater is one of the few places in Africa where you can spot all members of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—in a single day. This makes it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Rich Birdlife
With over 500 bird species, including flamingos, crowned cranes, and secretary birds, the crater is a paradise for birdwatching. The seasonal presence of migratory birds adds to its avian diversity.
Rare Black Rhinos
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the last refuges for the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Their population is carefully monitored and protected.
Cultural Heritage
The Maasai people, known for their vibrant traditions and coexistence with nature, live in the surrounding areas. Nearby archaeological sites, such as Olduvai Gorge, add historical depth to your visit.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Packages
Discover our most popular safaris
Planning your Ngorongoro Crater adventure is easy with a variety of safari packages tailored to meet different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re seeking luxury, family-friendly experiences, or a quick getaway, Tarangire has options to suit every traveler:
The Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary depending on the time of year:
Dry Season (June to October)
The dry season offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The clear skies and pleasant temperatures make it an ideal time for safaris.
Wet Season (November to May)
During the wet season, the landscape becomes lush and green. This is the best time to see migratory birds and newborn animals, as many species give birth during this period.
Activities in Ngorongoro Crater
Enjoy game drives, birdwatching, and cultural tours to make the most of your visit.
map of ngorongoro crater
Interesting Facts about Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the remnant of the explosion of a huge volcano, which happened two to three million years ago. Being as high as 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level, this area can be hot in the day with cold highland nights. With its 264 square kilometer (102 square mile) expanse of the Crater floor nested between the steep 610-meter- (2,000-foot)-tall sides of the Crater, it is a must-see destination. Ngorongoro Crater lies in the Crater Highlands of North Tanzania. It is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is one of the Seven Wonders of Africa. In 1951, in great part thanks to the efforts of Michael and Bernard Grzimek, the Ngorongoro Crater was declared a National Park. The zebra-striped airplane they used to undertake aerial surveys and animal census was a common site over the Crater and neighboring highlands at the time. One of these flights ended in tragedy, when the twenty-five-year-old Michael Grzimek died in a crash. His father Bernard wrote the famous book “Serengeti shall not die” which we strongly recommend to all those travelling in the North of Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater Photography
Accommodation Options in Ngorongoro Crater
Luxury Lodges
Enjoy top-tier amenities and stunning views from lodges perched on the crater’s rim.
Mid-Range Options
Comfortable and affordable accommodations are available for travelers seeking a balance between cost and convenience.
Camping
For a more adventurous experience, consider camping in designated areas. Falling asleep to the sounds of nature is an unforgettable experience.
How to Get to Ngorongoro Crater
By Road
The crater is a 4-hour drive from Arusha, the main hub for Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes and past other attractions like Lake Manyara.
By Air
Flights are available to Lake Manyara Airport, which is a short drive from Ngorongoro. This option is faster and offers incredible aerial views of the region.
Tips for a Successful Visit
Book Early: Ngorongoro is a popular destination, so secure your permits and accommodations in advance.
Pack Essentials: Bring warm clothing for early mornings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good camera.
Follow the Rules: Respect the wildlife and adhere to park regulations.
Use a Guide: An experienced guide will enhance your safari by providing insights into the crater’s ecology and wildlife.
Feature Travel Tips
See Our Basic Tanzania Travel Info
Popular questions about Ngorongoro Crater
The dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) features lush landscapes and migratory birds.
The crater spans about 260 square kilometers and is approximately 610 meters deep.
Yes, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see all of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and black rhinos.
Absolutely! The crater’s diverse wildlife and easy access make it a great destination for families.
Essentials include warm clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a good camera
A full-day safari is ideal for exploring the crater and its wildlife thoroughly.
Yes, you can visit Maasai villages to learn about their traditions and way of life.
It’s recommended to book with a tour operator like Seko Tours for a seamless experience.
Options range from luxury lodges to mid-range hotels and camping sites. View All Ngorongoro Accommodations
You can drive from Arusha or take a flight to Lake Manyara Airport and then drive to the crater.
Yes, Ngorongoro Crater is very safe for tourists, with well-trained guides and park rangers ensuring a secure experience.
Zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and various bird species are commonly seen in the crater.
Yes, visitors must adhere to park regulations, including staying inside vehicles during game drives and not disturbing the wildlife.
The crater has a mild climate with cooler mornings and evenings due to its high altitude.
Walking safaris are allowed around the crater rim but not on the crater floor for safety reasons.
Its status as the largest intact volcanic caldera and its dense concentration of wildlife make Ngorongoro Crater a truly unique destination.
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