Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Journey into a Lost World Teeming with Wildlife.
The Eighth Wonder of the World
Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural sanctuary and a highlight of any Tanzania safari. This magnificent geological feature is the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera, forming a natural enclosure that supports an extraordinary density of wildlife. A Ngorongoro Crater tour involves a stunning descent from the lush, forested rim to the expansive grasslands of the crater floor, some 600 meters below.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique as it allows for the harmonious coexistence of indigenous Maasai people and wildlife. The crater floor itself is a microcosm of East African savanna, home to over 25,000 large animals. It offers arguably the best chance in Africa to see the entire Big Five in a single day, and it is a crucial sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino. Beyond the crater, the conservation area also includes the historic Olduvai Gorge, known as the "Cradle of Mankind," making a visit here a journey through both natural and human history.
Key Ngorongoro Experiences
The Big Five in One Day
The crater's unique ecosystem provides one of the best opportunities on the continent to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos.
Black Rhino Sanctuary
As a vital conservation area, the crater is one of the last places to see the magnificent and critically endangered black rhinoceros.
Maasai Cultural Visits
Visit a traditional Maasai village on the crater highlands to learn about the pastoralist lifestyle and rich cultural heritage.
Olduvai Gorge
Explore the "Cradle of Mankind," where the Leakey family discovered some of the earliest known human fossils.
Ngorongoro Gallery
Ngorongoro Crater FAQs
Wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater is fantastic year-round. The dry season (June to October) offers pleasant weather and thinner vegetation, making animals easier to spot. The green season (November to May) is lush and beautiful, with fewer visitors and the arrival of migratory birds.
A single full-day game drive is usually sufficient to explore the crater floor thoroughly due to its compact size. Most visitors stay one night on the crater rim and spend the next day on a 6-8 hour game drive before proceeding to their next destination, like the Serengeti.
The crater is home to a dense population of predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, as well as vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo. You can also see hippos, flamingos in Lake Magadi, and it's your best chance to spot the rare black rhino. The only notable exception is the giraffe, which cannot navigate the steep crater walls.
They offer very different experiences and are best visited together. The Crater offers incredibly dense and reliable wildlife viewing in a unique, contained setting. The Serengeti offers a sense of endless space, the massive scale of the Great Migration, and a different variety of landscapes. They perfectly complement each other on a Northern Circuit itinerary.
Yes. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique because it is a multi-use area where the Maasai people live alongside wildlife. We can arrange an authentic and respectful visit to a traditional Maasai boma (homestead) on the crater highlands, providing insight into their fascinating culture.
Descend into the Eighth Wonder of the World
This world-within-a-world is waiting. The Ngorongoro Crater offers a safari experience unlike any other, with guaranteed wildlife sightings in a truly spectacular setting. Let us plan your perfect day in this natural marvel. Explore our Tanzania Safari Itineraries that include the crater.
Plan Your Crater Safari