Based on Tripadvisor reviews

Ngorongoro Crater

Destination

Size

About 310 square kilometers for the entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with the Crater itself covering approximately 260 square kilometers.

Location

Northern Tanzania, around 180 km west of Arusha.

Accommodation Options

Luxury Lodges, Tented Camps, Mid-range Lodges, Budget Campsites

The Eden of Africa

Ancient Caldera. Timeless Beauty. Unmatched Wildlife.

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Formed over two million years ago, the crater’s steep walls create a natural enclosure for a rich variety of wildlife. It offers a near-perfect ecosystem that supports a dense population of animals year-round.

With its lush plains, forests, and soda lake, the crater is home to approximately 25,000 animals, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the endangered black rhino. The natural enclosure and high wildlife density provide one of the most concentrated safari experiences in Africa.

Wildlife Experience Like No Other

Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the most rewarding game viewing experiences in Tanzania. Unlike parks that rely on seasonal migrations, the crater supports a stable, year-round population of wildlife due to its permanent water sources and fertile terrain. Visitors can witness large prides of lions ruling the open plains, while leopards remain elusive in the Lerai Forest.

Majestic bull elephants, known for their impressive tusks, are a common sight, along with the rare and endangered black rhino one of the few places in East Africa where they are easily spotted. Herds of wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and gazelles graze the crater floor, attracting predators such as cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and jackals. The high density and diversity of species make every game drive in Ngorongoro Crater a rich and unforgettable experience.

A Haven for Bird Lovers

Ngorongoro is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 species recorded. Lake Magadi, a soda lake at the crater’s center, attracts large flocks of lesser flamingos and other waterbirds.

Notable bird species include:

Kori bustards
Crowned cranes
Ostriches
Secretary birds
Augur buzzards
Verreaux’s eagles

The diverse habitats from grasslands to forest edges offer varied birdwatching opportunities.

Dramatic Landscapes and Ancient Wonders

The crater floor spans savannah, woodlands, swamps, and the striking Lake Magadi. The steep crater walls, often shrouded in mist, rise over 600 meters and offer stunning vistas from the rim lodges and viewpoints.

Outside the crater, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses highlands, volcanic peaks, and the Olduvai Gorge an important paleoanthropological site where some of the earliest human remains were discovered.

Activities in Ngorongoro Crater

Game Drives: Enjoy half or full-day safaris within the crater with a guide, offering exceptional wildlife sightings.
Cultural Visits: Meet the Maasai who still live and graze their cattle in the conservation area.
Hiking & Nature Walks: Explore the crater rim or nearby highlands for panoramic views and unique flora.
Olduvai Gorge Tours: Discover the cradle of humanity and learn about early hominid discoveries.

Accessibility

By Road: Approximately 3–4 hours from Arusha by 4×4 vehicle, often combined with visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, or the Serengeti.
By Air: Daily flights available from Arusha and Serengeti to Lake Manyara Airstrip, followed by a short drive to the crater.

Why Visit Ngorongoro Crater?

One of the best places to see the Big Five in one day
Endangered black rhino sightings in a natural setting
Rich Maasai culture and archaeological significance
Breathtaking crater landscapes and photo opportunities
Easily combined with other Northern Circuit parks for a full safari experience

best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater

The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season, from June to October. During these months, the grass is short and wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around the crater’s permanent water sources. Game viewing is excellent year-round, but the dry season offers the best visibility and more comfortable travel conditions.

The green season, from November to May, transforms the crater into a lush, green paradise with vibrant birdlife and dramatic scenery. Although short rains may occur, this period is less crowded and ideal for photography, with plenty of wildlife still present inside the crater.

Where the Wild Comes Alive

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