When at last you arrive at the highest point of the hillsides of the Ngorongoro crater, a garden of Eden on Earth opens up at your feet. You will never have seen anything quite like it, so much life in one single space. For this reason, the Maasai, who arrived here two thousand years ago called it el-Nkoronkoro “Gift of life”.
The crater forms part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in 1979 it was declared a World Heritage site by Unesco. It covers an area of 8000 km2 and is where the Oldupai Gorge can be found, an important site for the investigation of the evolution of the human species.
In Ngorongoro, one can find hippopotamuses in the springs of Ngoitoktok, flamingos in Lake Magadi, and even large herds of elephants. The abundance of water and pastures allows the presence of wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, Grant gazelles, different antelopes, wild boar, and of course large predators such as lions, hyenas, and jackals. There are still around 30 black rhinoceros which are specially protected as it is a very threatened species.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a vast and untouched protected area teeming with the densest wildlife populations on earth, breathtaking landscapes, mountains, the world’s largest unbroken caldera, history of human evolution, and so much more.
The Empakaai Crater is a collapsed volcanic caldera that is 300 meters high and has a width of 6 km. The Crater is filled with a deep alkaline lake which occupies about 75% of the Crater’s floor and is about 85 meters deep. You can see Oldonio Lengai, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Great Rift Valley from the Crater’s rim.
Olmoti Crater is situated at the northern end of the Ngorongoro Crater, from where Mount Lolmalasin, Tanzania’s third tallest mountain, can be viewed. The crater is about 6.5 kilometers in diameter, and the highest point above sea level is approximately 3,080m.
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park.
Travelers visiting the Ngorongoro Crater rave about several aspects of the experience that make it truly unforgettable. Here’s what they most enjoy:
The Ngorongoro Crater is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, attract over 500 bird species. Visitors often highlight the chance to spot flamingos at the soda lake, along with various other bird species like ostriches, eagles, and cranes.
Ngorongoro Crater is surrounded by local Maasai communities, and many travelers enjoy engaging with the Maasai people, learning about their unique traditions, customs, and way of life. Cultural visits to Maasai villages offer insights into their nomadic lifestyle and give visitors a deeper connection to the region beyond just the wildlife.
The breathtaking scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater is often mentioned by travelers. From the panoramic views on the crater’s rim to the lush, verdant landscapes within the caldera, the entire area is incredibly scenic. The changing landscapes—from volcanic forests to open plains and lakes—make every corner of the crater a visual delight.
Of course, the abundance of wildlife is the highlight of any Ngorongoro safari. Visitors are often amazed by the ease of spotting the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with a variety of other animals such as zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and hippos. The crater’s natural wildlife sanctuary provides fantastic opportunities for game drives, and the close encounters with animals make the experience especially rewarding.
These elements together create a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in one of the most unique landscapes in Africa.
June-October is considered the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater. However, you’ll get a greener landscape and lesser crowds during wetter months of November till May.
Fortunately, the enclosed nature of the Crater makes wildlife viewings spectacular all year round.
The general high season of the Ngorongoro Crater takes place for most of the year from July until March.
While the dry season is generally regarded as the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater, each season comes with its pros and cons.
Dry season (June-October): Generally considered the best time of year to visit the Ngorongoro Crater. The grass is shorter, which makes wildlife easier to spot.
The predictable weather is also ideal for safaris. Another benefit to consider is a smaller malaria risk with fewer mosquitos during this time of year.
The downside of this season is undoubtedly the large crowds. The magical wildlife experience of the Ngorongoro Crater can be tainted by the reality of the sheer number of tourists and safari vehicles in the area.
Wet season (November-May):
The grass is longer during the wet season, which could make it more difficult to spot animals. Greater malaria precautions should also be taken during this time.
Spectacular scenery is a major perk of the wet season. The rains transform the Crater into a lush, green landscape. This is also the peak season for birdwatching as migratory birds make the Crater their seasonal home.
Higher water levels at Lake Magadi also draw more flamingos to the area.
Avoiding the overwhelming peak season crowds is another major bonus, resulting in off-season rates at certain lodges.
Safaris are not likely to be impacted by the short rainy season and can be timed around afternoon showers. The long rainy season, however, could have a greater impact on your trip.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to some 25,000 large animals and is the most densely populated area of mammalian predators in Africa.
The enclosed caldera floor is rich in minerals and teeming with life, making it one of Africa’s top safari destinations.
Most of the Crater floor consists of open grasslands where the vast majority of wildlife can be spotted.
Other iconic areas in the Crater for wildlife sightings include:
Yes, all of the big five animals – black rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard – are in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Moreover, the extraordinary compact area of the Ngorongoro Crater allows you to spot the Big Five animals all year round.
A resident population of endangered Black Rhino is one of the most highly sought-after sightings on the crater floor. The opportunity to encounter rare species has greatly impacted tourism in the area.
The crater floor is also home to old elephant bulls that boast some of Africa’s largest tusks. The giant creatures are often found flaunting their ivory tusks near the Lerai Forest. Breeding herds are spotted less frequently than the bulls and only pass through the crater occasionally.
Elephant in Ngorongoro
A common sighting is large herds of buffalo, particularly in the dry season as they roam the grasslands in search of water. On the other hand, Leopards are far more difficult to find and tend to shy away from crowds of people.
As one of the most densely populated areas of lion in Africa, these predators are often spotted in the Ngorongoro Crater and are fairly comfortable around safari vehicles.
With a variety of other animals ranging from hyena, jackal and cheetah, to roaming herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle – a safari in this area will always be action-packed.
Jackal in Ngorongoro
The water-dense areas of the Crater make for exciting wildlife sightings too. The Ngoitokitok Springs and Gorigor Swamp, for example, are renowned for their pods of hippos.
Animals you won’t see in Ngorongoro…
The only animals you might want to scratch off your checklist are giraffes, impalas and crocodiles. While you may encounter these animals in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they are absent from the Crater.
Over 500 bird species are found within the Ngorongoro highlands and Crater.
In the middle of the crater is Lake Magadi, a shallow soda (sodium carbonate) lake that is home to large flocks of flamingos.
While migratory birds make the Crater their seasonal home from November till April, the Crater’s highland forests and grasslands have an abundance of resident birds.
Flamingo on Lake Magadi
Common sightings include the Black kite, black-winged lapwing, Hildebrandt’s spurfowl, Kenya rufous sparrow and lesser flamingo.
The best places to stay near the Ngorongoro Crater depend on your budget, which ultimately impacts your accessibility to the Crater and the cost of your entire safari experience.
There are two things two consider before you book your accommodation.
For the ultimate Ngorongoro Crater experience, the best place to stay is on the Crater rim. Various lodges have been built on the rim that each offer spectacular views and the easiest access to the Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge
This will be the most expensive option, but there is a collection of lodges and camps with views of the Crater floor to choose from to suit your budget best.
Some of these include:
There are also lodges and camps in the rim valley of the Crater that do not necessarily overlook the grassland floor but also offer easy access to the Crater.
The Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, for example, provides unrivalled road access into the crater.
Check hotel prices on Booking.com or Agoda.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp Lounge
For budget-friendly accommodation, it’s a good option to stay in the Rift Valley Escarpment – an area referred to as Karatu.
Only 20 km outside of the Crater, Karatu is set against the backdrop of scenic coffee plantations. The short, easy trip to the Crater from here could be worth the money saved.
Read more about Ngorongoro hotels or hotels in Tanzania.
At 14,763 square kilometres, the Serengeti is larger than Ngorongoro Conservation Area (8,292 square kilometres), and significantly larger than Ngorongoro Crater (264 square kilometres).
This means that Ngorongoro crater can be seen in a day or two, whereas you need a lot more time to appreciate the Serengeti.
The vegetation is also quite different. Ngorongoro crater consists mainly of grasslands, whereas the Serengeti has a diverse vegetation with areas of bushveld, forest and grassland plains.
Finally, although both the Ngorongoro and Serengeti have the Big 5, there are a lot more animals in the Serengeti
Tanzania boasts some of the world’s most iconic safari destinations, offering an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape in the wild. From the Serengeti’s vast plains to the Ngorongoro Crater’s diverse wildlife, each destination promises incredible wildlife sightings, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep connection with nature. Explore the top safari spots in Tanzania with us.
