Ngorongoro Crater

Northern Tanzania Tanzania 1 Tours Available

Altitude

2,280m (rim), 1,700m (crater floor)

Area Size

260 km²

From Nairobi

1,100 km (via Arusha)

Best Time

June to October (dry season, best w

About Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife viewing destinations. Formed over 2.5 million years ago after a massive volcanic eruption, the crater spans 260 square kilometers with walls up to 600 meters high. The crater floor is a unique ecosystem that supports over 25,000 large animals including the densest population of lions in Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the best chance in Tanzania to see the Big Five in a single day.

Highlights

World's largest intact volcanic caldera
Highest density of lions in Africa
Big Five viewing in one day
Lake Magadi (flamingos and hippos)
Olduvai Gorge (cradle of humankind)
Stunning crater rim views
Black rhino sanctuary
Lerai Forest

Activities

Game drives in the crater floor
Crater rim walks
Visit Olduvai Gorge museum
Maasai cultural experiences
Photography safaris
Bird watching
Visit Empakaai and Olmoti craters

Best Time to Visit

☀️

June to October (dry season, best wildlife viewing)January to February (good conditions)November to May (green season, beautiful scenery)

Essential Information

Weather & Climate

Altitude affects temperature: crater rim 10-20°C (50-68°F), crater floor 15-27°C (59-81°F). Dry season: June-October. Wet season: November-May. Mornings and evenings can be cold.

Wildlife

The Big Five: Lion (highest density in Africa), Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino. Also: Spotted Hyena, Cheetah, Hippo, Warthog, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Eland, Zebra, Wildebeest, Grant's Gazelle, Thompson's Gazelle, Flamingos at Lake Magadi, Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird.

Getting There

By air: Daily flights from Arusha to Manyara or Lake Manyara airstrip (1 hour), then road transfer to the crater. By road: 3-4 hours from Arusha (180 km) via Lake Manyara. Part of northern safari circuit.

Accommodation

Lodges on the crater rim (best views) or in the conservation area. Popular options: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Serena Safari Lodge, Sopa Lodge, Gibbs Farm (outside crater). Book well in advance especially for peak season.

Travel Tips

Spend at least one full day on the crater floor. Early morning descent is best for wildlife. Pack warm clothes for the crater rim (cold mornings). The crater walls are steep - the ascent/descent takes about 30 minutes each way.