Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Eden
Why Visit Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is often called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and is one of Africa’s most breathtaking safari destinations. Formed by a collapsed volcano millions of years ago, the world’s largest intact caldera creates a natural sanctuary for an astonishing concentration of wildlife. Its dramatic scenery — sweeping crater walls surrounding a vast, wildlife-rich floor — makes Ngorongoro an essential stop on any northern Tanzania safari itinerary.
Wildlife Highlights
Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best opportunities in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. Lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and critically endangered black rhinos all thrive here. The crater floor is home to around 25,000 large mammals, including hippos wallowing in fresh-water pools and wildebeest grazing the plains. Birdlife is equally impressive, with flamingos often seen on Lake Magadi, along with crowned cranes, ostriches, and many raptors.
Best Time to Visit
The Ngorongoro Crater can be visited year-round, with excellent wildlife viewing in every season. The dry months (June to October) offer easier sightings as animals congregate around water sources. The green season (November to May) brings lush scenery, newborn wildlife, and migratory birds. For those combining Ngorongoro with the Serengeti, December to March is also an excellent time to witness the Great Migration herds passing through the Ndutu region on the crater’s southern plains.
Accommodation
Visitors to Ngorongoro can choose from an array of luxury lodges perched along the crater rim, offering dramatic views into the caldera, as well as charming camps set within the conservation area. Many properties feature warm hospitality, fine dining, and exclusive access to guided walks or cultural visits. For handpicked stays that perfectly enhance your safari, please click on Our Accommodation to explore our curated collections.
Things to Do
The highlight of any Ngorongoro safari is a game drive on the crater floor, where the density of wildlife is among the highest in Africa. In addition, visitors can enjoy guided walks along the crater rim, cultural experiences with the Maasai communities who live in the conservation area, and excursions to nearby Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. The surrounding highlands also offer scenic hiking opportunities.
Plan Your Ngorongoro Safari
Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see on the Northern Safari Circuit and combines seamlessly with Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti. A stay of one or two nights allows time to fully appreciate both the wildlife and the incredible landscapes. Our expert safari planners can tailor an itinerary that includes Ngorongoro as part of a wider journey, ensuring you experience this natural wonder at its very best.
Why Visit the Ngorongoro Crater?
– Incredible Density of Wildlife
– Easy Big Five Spotting
– Unique Setting: A 600-metre-deep crater with diverse wildlife
– Conservation Significance: Wildlife + Maasai community support
Wildlife Highlights
– Black rhino, lions, hyenas
– Elephants, buffalo, zebra
– Flamingos and pelicans
– Warthogs, eland, hippos
Best Time to Visit
– Jun–Oct: Dry season – high visibility
– Nov–May: Green season – scenic and quieter
Accommodation
– Luxury: &Beyond Crater Lodge
– Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Lion’s Paw Camp
– Nearby: Lodges in Karatu
– Serengeti National Park
– Lake Manyara or Tarangire
– Arusha town
Things to do
– Crater descents
– Guided walks
– Maasai village visits
Plan Your Visit to Ngorongoro
A visit to Ngorongoro is the perfect start or grand finale to your Northern Circuit safari. Let us build it into a seamless, tailor-made journey just for you.
👉 Start Your Journey or view our Northern Tanzania itineraries.
Travel created for your family
Each activity offers a unique experience depending on the season, so coordinating your visit with Ngasini Travel The company can ensure a well-timed adventure.
