Ngorongoro Crater

    Ngorongoro Crater

    A volcano that is estimated to have been marginally taller than Mount Kilimanjaro erupted two million years ago with such force that the volcano's mouth imploded. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact caldera, remained after the dust settled.

    Ngoro ngoro crate image

    Overview

    The crater spans 260 km² (100 mi²), with its rim 610 metres (2000 ft) high. An eruption enriched the area with mineral-rich dust, fostering fertile soils. Underground rivers feed springs, bringing nutrients to the surface.

    This environment supports permanent water sources, attracting animals. Their presence enriches the soil further, creating a productive grassland. Over time, swamps and forests emerged, hosting the planet’s densest concentration of large mammals.

    Ngorongoro Tour

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    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.

    Masai people walking
    Masai Jump

    Activities

    Game Drives

    With half and full-day options available, visitors accompany an experienced guide to search the crater floor for the Big 5 and other wildlife species.

    Hot Air Balloon Trips

    This tranquil experience offers a unique perspective of the landscape surrounding the crater.

    Archaeological Excursions

    Archaeological Excursions

    Visit nearby archaeological sites to learn more about the evolution of humankind.

    Diverse wildlife

    Cultural Visit

    Gain an insight into the area’s indigenous cultures, with visits to local homesteads.

    Picnic

    Arrange a catered picnic at a designated site on the crater floor.

    Bird Watching

    Over 500 species await discovery by the avid birder visiting these parts.

    Ngorongoro Gate
    Tourist enjoying at Ngorongoro Crater
    Wildebeest at Ngorongoro crater
    Birds at Ngorongoro crater
    Many animals at the crater

    The Ngorongoro Crater is a prime wildlife viewing destination year-round, unaffected by the Great Migration, thanks to its ample food and water. Home to an estimated 25,000 large mammals, its flat terrain and sparse vegetation make spotting animals, especially after rains, easier. The crater boasts one of the highest densities of lions in Africa, though it faces challenges like inbreeding.

    Spotted hyenas are common, while cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs are rarer, with leopards mostly in the Lerai Forest. Mega-herbivores such as hippos, buffalos, elephants, and black rhinos are prevalent, except giraffes. It also hosts wildebeest, zebra, warthogs, antelopes, and a rich variety of birds, making it a hub of East African wildlife diversity accessible throughout the year.

    Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

    Witness Nature’s Spectacular Finale

    This shallow soda lake, fed by rainfall and rivers, contrasts with dry grasslands and is home to a vibrant array of birds. Thousands of lesser flamingos feed on algae, turning their plumage pink. Hippos, Cape buffalo, elephants, black rhinos, and warthogs also frequent the area.

    The park’s main entrance and airstrip are located near the Tarangire River. Visitors pass through grasslands with iconic baobabs and enter hilly terrain with views of Lake Manyara. Lake Burungi hosts wildlife in the wet season, while Silale Swamps are home to a resident lion pride.

    The Gursi Plains in Tarangire offer nutritious grasslands and acacia woodlands, attracting elephants, Cape buffalos, and other herbivores, which in turn draw predators like lions and hyenas. It’s also the best spot to see the endangered African wild dog near the Kitibong Hills.

    The southern reaches of Tarangire offer remote wilderness with minimal infrastructure and few tourists. This area hosts walking safaris, frequent cheetah and ostrich sightings, and abundant waterbirds in the swamps during the wet season. However, roads can become inaccessible due to seasonal flooding.

    Seasonal Overview

    April / May – ‘Shoulder Season’ – Tourist numbers remain high year-round, with a slight decrease during this period.

    June – September – ‘Dry Season’ – Rain is minimal, and the short grass enhances wildlife visibility, making it easier to spot animals.

    November – May– ‘Wet Season’ – Lush, green grass during this time boosts the scenic beauty of the landscape.