Ngorongoro Crater

ConservancyFeatured DestinationUNESCO World HeritageBig Five

Ngorongoro Crater

Tanzania 264 km² (102 mi²) Est. 1959

About Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa's most remarkable natural wonders. Formed roughly two to three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed, the crater floor spans approximately 264 square kilometers and shelters an extraordinary concentration of wildlife within its steep, unbroken walls. Often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' the crater is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, including the endangered black rhinoceros, lions, elephants, buffalo, and flamingo-lined soda lakes. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also supports Maasai pastoralists who continue to live and graze their cattle alongside wild animals, creating a unique coexistence of humans and wildlife.

51

Safari Tours

4.5

Avg Rating

5/5

Big Five

67

Years Protected

Highlights

Highest density of wildlife in Africa within a compact, enclosed area
One of the best places to spot the endangered black rhinoceros
Stunning volcanic caldera scenery unlike anywhere else
Year-round game viewing with no need for long drives
UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich cultural Maasai heritage

Considerations

Vehicle congestion on the crater floor, especially during peak season
Strict time limits on crater floor visits restrict flexibility
High and increasing conservation fees for crater access
Altitude makes mornings very cold, requiring warm clothing

Wildlife

Big Five Status

🦁

Lion

common

🐆

Leopard

occasional

🐘

Elephant

common

🦬

Buffalo

common

🦏

Rhino

occasional

Notable Species

Lion

Common

Leopard

Occasional

Elephant

Common

Cape Buffalo

Common

Black Rhino

Occasional

Zebra

Common

Wildebeest

Common

Hippo

Common

Thomson's Gazelle

Common

Grant's Gazelle

Common

Hyena

Common

Fish Eagle

Occasional

Kori Bustard

Occasional

Lilac-breasted Roller

Common

Aardvark

Rare

Common Occasional Rare

Best Time to Visit

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal

Climate Overview

Getting There

Located about 180 kilometers west of Arusha, the crater is typically reached by road in about 3-4 hours. Most visitors combine it with a Serengeti safari as it lies along the main access route. Charter flights are also available to the nearby airstrip.

Nearest Airport

Lake Manyara Airstrip (LKY)

Nearest City

Arusha

Drive Time

3.5 hours

Safari Tours (51)

10-Day Best of Northern Circuit Safari

10-Day Best of Northern Circuit Safari

Petit Maasai Safaris

10 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Mixed

Visits: Lake Manyara National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti National Park +2

From

$4,050 /person

Customizable

Petit Maasai Safaris

6-Day Luxury Fly-In: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

6-Day Luxury Fly-In: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Sundown Expeditions

6 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater

From

$4,200 /person

Customizable

Sundown Expeditions

6-Day Big Five Safari Experience

6-Day Big Five Safari Experience

Apex Prowler Adventures

6 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Mixed

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti National Park

From

$1,850 /person

Customizable

Apex Prowler Adventures

11-Day Classic Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

11-Day Classic Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

5.0(2)·Africa's Wild Wonders

11 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Mixed

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Lake Manyara National Park • Ngorongoro Crater +2

From

$3,450 /person

Customizable

Africa's Wild Wonders

8-Day Tanzania Safari Wildlife

8-Day Tanzania Safari Wildlife

Apex Prowler Adventures

8 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Mixed

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti National Park

From

$3,300 /person

Customizable

Apex Prowler Adventures

7-Day Great Migration Calving Season Safari

7-Day Great Migration Calving Season Safari

5.0(2)·Africa's Wild Wonders

7 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Mixed

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater +1

From

$2,150 /person

Customizable

Africa's Wild Wonders

10-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

10-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

Burigi Tours and Safaris

10 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Tented Camp

Visits: Lake Manyara National Park • Tarangire National Park • Ngorongoro Crater +1

From

$8,650 /person

Burigi Tours and Safaris

8-Day Serengeti Adventure Big Cats Safari

8-Day Serengeti Adventure Big Cats Safari

Burigi Tours and Safaris

8 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Tented Camp

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater

From

$4,760 /person

Burigi Tours and Safaris

10-Day Tanzania Learning and Discovery Safari

10-Day Tanzania Learning and Discovery Safari

Petit Maasai Safaris

10 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Mixed

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater

From

$7,650 /person

Petit Maasai Safaris

7-Day Tanzania Signature Safari & Culture

7-Day Tanzania Signature Safari & Culture

Social Adventure Safari

7 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Tarangire National Park • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater

From

$4,790 /person

Social Adventure Safari

10-Day Tanzania Safari, Culture & Zanzibar Escape

10-Day Tanzania Safari, Culture & Zanzibar Escape

Social Adventure Safari

10 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Tarangire National Park +1

From

$5,231 /person

Social Adventure Safari

9-Day Migration Crossing Safari

9-Day Migration Crossing Safari

Petit Maasai Safaris

9 days•Tanzania•Private tour

Mid-Range•Mixed

Visits: Lake Manyara National Park • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater +1

From

$6,885 /person

Petit Maasai Safaris

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Ngorongoro Crater

51 tours available