Tanzania safari destination

Ngorongoro Crater

A vast volcanic caldera packed with wildlife, from black rhino to lion prides. Plan a Ngorongoro Crater safari with a local East African team.

Location

Northern Tanzania

Crater floor

About 260 sq km

Ideal stay

1 to 2 nights

Best time

June to October

Famous for

Black rhino and dense wildlife

A world of wildlife inside a volcano

The Ngorongoro Crater is the collapsed caldera of an ancient volcano in northern Tanzania, about 180 km west of Arusha. Its floor covers roughly 260 square kilometres, surrounded by walls around 600 metres high. It lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Maasai herders live alongside the wildlife.

The crater floor is a mix of open grassland, swamps, a soda lake and patches of acacia forest. Permanent water and grazing mean that many animals stay all year, giving some of the densest wildlife viewing in Africa. It is also one of the best places in East Africa to see the endangered black rhino.

Most visitors spend a full day on the crater floor and sleep on the rim, where the cool, misty mornings give way to wide views across the caldera. Ngorongoro is a natural stop between Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the Serengeti on a northern Tanzania safari.

Why the Ngorongoro Crater belongs on your itinerary

Six reasons the crater is one of the highlights of any Tanzania safari.

Black rhino

One of the most reliable places in East Africa to see this endangered species.

Dense wildlife

Lion, elephant, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest in one natural enclosure.

Stunning scenery

Steep crater walls, a soda lake and forest create a dramatic setting.

Maasai culture

Maasai communities graze cattle in the wider conservation area.

Olduvai Gorge

A nearby site where some of the earliest human remains were found.

Great in one day

A full day on the crater floor shows you an extraordinary variety of animals.

When to visit the Ngorongoro Crater

Wildlife stays in the crater all year. The dry season is best for viewing, while the green season is quieter.

June to October

Dry season

Short grass and clear views across the crater floor. The busiest months.

January to February

Short dry season

Warm days, green scenery and newborn animals nearby.

March to May

Long rains

Lush crater floor and fewer vehicles. The rim road can be muddy.

November to December

Short rains

Short showers and fresh grass, with migrant birds arriving.

Wildlife you can expect to see in the Ngorongoro Crater

Thousands of animals live on the crater floor. Hyena, hippo, eland and flamingos are also common.

Black rhino

A small population roams the open grassland, often seen from a distance.

Lion

Prides hunt the herds on the crater floor and rest in the open grass.

Zebra

Large herds graze across the grassland all year.

Wildebeest

Thousands of resident wildebeest live inside the crater.

Elephant

Old bulls with large tusks often feed in the swamps and forest.

Flamingo

Flocks feed in the shallow soda lake on the crater floor.

Things to do at the Ngorongoro Crater

A crater game drive is the highlight, with plenty to see in the wider conservation area.

Crater game drive

Descend to the crater floor for a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch by the hippo pool.

Ngorongoro highlands

Drive through the forested highlands and look out over the conservation area.

Olduvai Gorge

Visit the museum and gorge where early human fossils were discovered.

Crater rim views

Stop at the viewpoints on the rim for panoramic views over the caldera.

Maasai village visit

Learn about Maasai life and traditions in the conservation area.

Planning your Ngorongoro Crater safari

Practical details to help you plan your visit to the crater.

Getting to Ngorongoro

From Arusha: about 180 km, around 3 to 4 hours by road.
On a circuit: the crater sits between Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the Serengeti.
By air: fly to Lake Manyara airstrip and continue by road.

Where to stay

Crater rim: lodges with views over the caldera and easy access to the floor.
Karatu: lodges in the highlands below the crater, often at lower prices.
Camping: campsites on the rim for budget safaris.

Good to know

Cold mornings: the rim is high and chilly, so pack warm layers.
Crater fees: a separate crater service fee applies per vehicle. Check whether it is included in your quote.
Early starts: arrive at the descent road early for the best light and fewer vehicles.