Ngorongoro Crater

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Africa’s Natural Wildlife Amphitheater

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Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations. Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this UNESCO-listed landscape offers unmatched wildlife density inside a breathtaking natural bowl.

Formed over two million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed inward, the crater now shelters a complete ecosystem — making it one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day.

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Landscape & Scenery

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Ngorongoro Crater spans approximately 260 square kilometers with steep walls rising over 600 meters high. Inside the crater you’ll find:

• Open grasslands

• Acacia forests

• Freshwater springs

• Swamps

• A soda lake at the center

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 Lake Magadi

The shallow alkaline lake located on the crater floor attracts thousands of flamingos during certain seasons. The pink reflections against the volcanic backdrop create spectacular photographic moments.

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Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

The crater holds one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife year-round.

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Big Five

•  Lion (large prides)

•  Elephant (including impressive old bulls)

• Buffalo

•  Leopard (more common along crater rim forests)

• Black rhino (one of the best places in Tanzania to see them)

Other Wildlife

• Cheetah

• Hyena

• Wildebeest

• Zebra

• Hippos (in permanent pools)

• Jackals

• Gazelles

Because the crater walls act as a natural enclosure, many animals remain inside year-round, making game viewing highly reliable.

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Best Time to Visit

June – October (Dry Season) – BEST

• Excellent wildlife visibility

• Short grass makes spotting predators easier

• Pleasant temperatures

• Ideal photography conditions

January – February

• Calving season in nearby plains

• Predator activity increases

 March – May (Green Season)

• Lush landscapes

• Fewer tourists

• Occasional heavy rains

Wildlife viewing is good year-round due to permanent water sources inside the crater.

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Safari Experience

A Ngorongoro safari typically includes:

• Early morning descent into the crater

• Full-day game drive with picnic lunch near hippo pools

• Scenic drive along the crater rim

Ngorongoro is often combined with:

• Serengeti National Park

• Tarangire National Park

• Lake Manyara National Park

Access is via a 3–4 hour drive from Arusha or short scheduled flights to nearby airstrips.