Classic wildlife safari
7-Day Serengeti Safari
The classic northern circuit: Tarangire's elephants, three nights in the Serengeti and a full day in Ngorongoro Crater.
From $1,890 per person sharing View safari
Conservation Area · Ngorongoro Conservation Area, northern Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater
A volcanic caldera that holds a world of wildlife.
About Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro is the remains of a huge volcano that collapsed millions of years ago. The caldera floor spans about 260 square kilometres and is enclosed by walls rising roughly 600 metres, creating a natural amphitheatre for wildlife.
Within the crater you can see elephants, buffalo, lions, hyenas, zebra, wildebeest, hippos and flamingos in the soda lake. It is also one of the few places in Tanzania where black rhinos are sometimes seen, though always at a distance.
The wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a multiple-use landscape where Maasai pastoralists live alongside wildlife. Combine the crater with the highlands and Olduvai Gorge to get a fuller picture of the area.
Highlights & attractions
- Descent into the crater at dawn
- Lerai Forest and Ngoitokitok Springs
- Lake Magadi flamingos
- Olduvai Gorge
- Highland views from the crater rim
Wildlife you may see
Things to do
Best time to visit
Peak season: Jun to Oct
The crater is worth visiting at any time of year because the animals are resident. The dry months from June to October have clearer roads and good visibility.
The crater floor is busiest around midday. Early starts help you enjoy it before the crowds arrive. Time on the floor is limited to a few hours by park rules.
Travel information
- The crater rim sits at around 2,200 metres, so evenings are cold. Bring a warm jacket.
- Only specially equipped 4x4 vehicles descend into the crater, and a crater service fee applies.
- Driving from Arusha to the crater rim takes around four hours.
- Please keep to marked tracks and do not disturb wildlife.
Gallery
Safaris
Safaris that include Ngorongoro Crater
Family safari
5-Day Family Safari Adventure
A relaxed family itinerary with shorter drives, walking in Arusha National Park and plenty of time to explore.
From $1,150 per person sharing View safari
Safari & beach
10-Day Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape
Six days on safari in the northern parks, then four relaxing nights on the Zanzibar coast.
From $2,950 per person sharing View safari
Classic wildlife safari
3-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari
A short safari for travellers with limited time: elephants and baobabs, then a day in the Ngorongoro Crater.
From $690 per person sharing View safari
Classic wildlife safari
4-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro in four days. A compact tour of the northern circuit's variety.
From $890 per person sharing View safari
Honeymoon & romance
9-Day Honeymoon Safari & Zanzibar
A private, scenic honeymoon: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then a beachfront stay in Zanzibar.
From $3,200 per person sharing View safari
Day trips
Excursions nearby
Day excursion
Cultural Community Visit
A respectful, community-arranged visit to learn about daily life and traditions.
From $70 per person View details
Travel guide
Reading before you go
Wildlife & parks ·
A Day in Ngorongoro Crater: What to Expect
Early starts, a steep descent and dense wildlife: how a typical day in the crater works and how to make the most of it.
Read article
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