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Tanzania · National Parks
Ngorongoro Crater
A vast volcanic caldera filled with wildlife, from black rhinos to lion prides, beneath forested crater walls.
Location
Arusha Region, Tanzania
Crater floor
About 260 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
One to two nights
The crater
A world inside a volcano
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, formed when a giant volcano collapsed millions of years ago. Its walls rise about 600 m above a floor of grassland, swamps, forest and a soda lake, and it lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Maasai herders live alongside wildlife.
Around 25,000 large animals live on the crater floor, including one of the best chances in Tanzania to see black rhino. Lions, hyenas, elephants, buffalo and huge herds of wildebeest and zebra make a day in the crater unforgettable.
The crater sits between Tarangire and the Serengeti, with Lake Manyara a short drive away.
Places your guide will show you
Crater floorLerai ForestLake MagadiNgoitokitok SpringsOlduvai GorgeCrater rim
Did you know
Crater walls rise about 600 m
Wildlife
Who you will meet
Wildlife is concentrated within the crater walls, so sightings come thick and fast.
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01
Elephant
Old bulls with big tusks feed in the Lerai Forest and swamps.
02
Spotted hyena
Common on the crater floor, often near lion kills.
03
Zebra
Large herds graze the open grassland.
04
Wildebeest
Resident herds live in the crater all year.
05
Hippo
Wallow in the pools at Ngoitokitok Springs.
06
Flamingos
Gather on Lake Magadi when conditions suit them.
Experiences
More than game drives
A full day on the crater floor is the highlight, with culture and history on the rim.
Crater floor game drive
Descend at dawn for a full day among the wildlife.
Crater rim views
Take in the whole caldera from the forested rim.
Maasai village visit
Meet the Maasai who live in the conservation area.
Olduvai Gorge
Visit one of the world’s most important early human sites.
Lake Magadi birdlife
Look for flamingos and waterbirds on the soda lake.
Photography
Wildlife against the crater walls makes unique pictures.
When to visit
The best time for Ngorongoro
Wildlife stays in the crater all year, so it is a superb visit in any season.
Jan – Mar
Warm and green
Good game viewing and fewer vehicles than mid-year.
Apr – May
Long rains
Lush, quiet and cheaper, with muddy roads.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Dry season
Clear views and easy sightings. The busiest months.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short showers and green grass.
Getting there
Reaching the crater
By road
About three to four hours from Arusha to the crater rim.
On safari
Most northern Tanzania safaris visit on the way to or from the Serengeti.
By air
Fly to Lake Manyara airstrip, then drive about an hour and a half.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
On the crater rim
Lodges with views straight into the caldera.
02
Karatu highlands
Farm lodges and hotels among coffee estates.
03
Conservation area camps
Tented camps in quieter parts of the highlands.
Entry and crater service fees are set by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Ngorongoro safari tours
Tanzania safaris and cross-border trips that include a day in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha, Amboseli
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Ngorongoro FAQs
What is the Ngorongoro Crater?
The world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, home to around 25,000 large animals.
Can you see rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater?
Yes. It is one of the best places in Tanzania to see black rhino, though sightings are never guaranteed.
How long do you need in the crater?
One full day on the crater floor, with a night on the rim or in Karatu.
When is the best time to visit?
June to October for dry weather, but wildlife is present all year.
Can you stay inside the crater?
No. Accommodation is on the rim or in the highlands, and you drive down each morning.
Is Ngorongoro part of the Serengeti?
No. It is a separate conservation area next to the Serengeti, and most safaris visit both.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Ngorongoro and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Plan your Ngorongoro safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Ngorongoro itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
