Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World and is the centerpiece of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed when a massive volcano collapsed about 2.5 million years ago, it is the world’s largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. The name ‘Ngorongoro’ comes from an onomatopoeia, named after the sound of Maasai cowbells. With an area of approximately 260 km² (100 square miles). The forest floor is a vibrant, self-contained ecosystem.
Perhaps the best chance in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) in a single game drive is at the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater floor is home to an astounding population of 25,000 to 30,000 large mammals throughout the year, so encounters with wildlife are not only possible but almost certain every few minutes of travel.
An ideal, self-sustaining ecosystem is provided by this natural enclosure. Large herds of grazers, including zebras and wildebeest, are prevented from leaving by the rich, mineral-rich volcanic soil, which guarantees that the grass is always nutritious. You can see this amazing density of wildlife year-round thanks to the permanent water sources.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife stronghold unlike anywhere else on the continent. The endless grasslands and swamps are home to the world’s highest density of lions.
The Black Rhino: The Crater is a crucial refuge for the critically endangered black rhinoceros, offering visitors a high chance of spotting this rarest member of the Big Five.
Predators: Along with lions, the area has the highest density of mammalian predators in Africa, including spotted hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, and leopards which are often seen around the forested crater rim.
Birdlife: Over 550 bird species call the Ngorongoro Conservation Area home, including large flocks of pink lesser flamingos gathered at the alkaline Lake Magadi.
Notable Absentees: The only large mammals you won’t typically see on the crater floor are giraffes and impala, as the steep walls and lack of suitable open woodland prevent them from descending.
Because of its unique, fully enclosed ecosystem and the sheer density of wildlife, the park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural resources.
Arusha to Ngorongoro: 3 hours (approx. 160 km)
Serengeti National Park (Naabi Gate) to Ngorongoro: 3 hours (approx. 100 km).
Tarangire to Ngorongoro: 2.5 hours (approx. 110 km).
Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro: 1.5 hours (estimated, based on proximity to the entry gate).
While many visitors do the crater in a day due to its size, we recommend spending a night on the Crater Rim to enjoy the stunning sunrise views and maximize your morning game drive when predators are most active. The descent and ascent roads are steep and one-way, requiring a registered 4x4 safari jeep.
Wildlife viewing is excellent all year round, as the crater is an enclosed ecosystem.
Dry Season (June to October & December to February): Best for clear wildlife sightings as animals gather around reliable water sources.
Green/Low Season (November to March, May): Offers lush, emerald landscapes and fewer visitors for a more intimate experience.
Entry is via the Lodoare Gate.
Flights are also available to the Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti, from where Ngorongoro is a $3 \text{ hour}$ drive.
Departures are available from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Zanzibar.
