Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans from Serengeti National Park in the north, to the Great Rift Valley in the east. In total, the conservation area covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 sq. miles). It consists of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater and Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. The mix of forests, valleys, savannah, craters, lakes and swamps is home for a wide range of animals.

Natural wonder Ngorongoro Crater

The famous Ngorongoro Crater is the main feature of this area. Two to three million years ago the large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. As a result the crater formed which then created a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of vegetation.

Today the crater is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. It is home to zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches and hippos. You can find a high population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and leopards. And a big attraction of the Ngorongoro Crater are of course the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino. You can see them all in this 20 kilometres (12,5 miles) wide and 600 metres (2,000 feet) deep crater. Enjoy the variety of animals and beautiful colours of the landscapes. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are incredible. Because of its natural beauty, the crater is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

Maasai tribe

During your safari it is also possible to visit the Maasai tribe. They are allowed to let their livestock graze in this area. If you really want to learn more about the lifestyle and rituals of this fascinating tribe, we recommend you to book a Maasai Tour.

You like to incorporate Ngorongoro Crater into your itinerary? Check our Tanzania safaris for inspiration or contact us for a personal advice.

Excursions and activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mountainbike tour Lake Manyara
Visit Maasai village
Visit Hadzabe tribe
Cultural tour Mto wa Mbu

Travel time to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 3 hours
Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park: 2 hours’ drive.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Lake Manyara: 1 hour drive.
Ngorongoro to Tarangire: 2 hours’ drive

Travel tips from our experts about Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the main reasons many people visit Tanzania. It is a spectacular experience and I recommend everyone to spend at least 1 day at the crater floor.

How long to stay? 1 day at the crater floor and an extra day if you want to explore the area around the crater.

Which hotel? Ngorongoro Sopa lodge, because of the beautiful views, friendly staff and beautiful rooms.

Best Time To Visit

You can spot wildlife on the crater floor at any time of the year. But the viewing is better in the Dry season (June to October), when the grass is short and smaller animals are easier to see. Also, mist and rainfall is less likely to interfere with your safari at this time.

Information and facts

Ngorongoro Crater is the main attraction of this area. It is home to the highest concentration wildlife in Africa. You can see lions, elephants, zebras, black rhino and so much more. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are spectacular. No wonder it is chose as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

Most common animals

Rhinos
Hippos
Lions
Grant Gazelles
Thomson Gazelles
Zebras
Wildebeests
Warthogs
Highland Antelopes
Elephants
Jackals
Ostriches

Facts about Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro crater floor with its unique habitat and wildlife
Ngorongoro Highlands
Olmoti Crater and Empakaai Crater
Tropical rainforest
Olduvai Gorge, earliest place of human existence on earth
Museum Laetoli Footprint, has oldest known footprints of early humans.

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