Ngorongoro Crater
Africa's Eden • The Big 5 • World Heritage Site
The Cradle of Life
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. It forms a unique self-contained ecosystem, often referred to as "Africa's Eden."
Why Visit Ngorongoro?
The crater floor is home to over 25,000 large animals. It is one of the distinct places in Tanzania where you have the highest chance of spotting all of the "Big Five" (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino) in a single game drive.
- Black Rhinos: One of the last refugees for these endangered giants.
- Density: Incredible density of predators, especially lions and hyenas.
- Maasai Culture: See Maasai herdsmen grazing cattle alongside wildlife on the crater rim.
Lions reign supreme on the crater floor
260 km²
Crater Floor Area
610m Deep
Crater Depth
25,000+
Animals in the Crater
Since 1979
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Wildlife Spectacle
The Rare Black Rhino
Ngorongoro is the best place in Tanzania to see the critically endangered Black Rhinoceros. They are often seen grazing on the open plains or near the Lerai Forest.
Cultural Coexistence
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a multiple-use area where wildlife coexists with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists. You can visit cultural bomas to learn about their traditions.
The Ancient Crater
Originally a massive volcano 2–3 million years ago, thought to have been higher than Kilimanjaro before it collapsed inward. Today the crater spans ~19 km (12 miles) across.
Big Five Territory
All Big Five are present in the crater: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino.
Lion Capital
The crater is home to the densest population of lions in the world, with ~65 lions in the Conservation Area.
Key Wildlife
~300 elephants and 4,000+ buffalo roam the Conservation Area alongside zebras, hippos, and flamingos.
Best Time to Visit
June – October
Peak dry season with excellent wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate around water sources on the crater floor, making sightings easier.
December – February
Short dry season with good weather. Wildebeest calving occurs in the nearby Ndutu area and the crater remains rewarding.
March – May
Long rains bring lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. The crater remains accessible and can still deliver great game viewing.
Experience the Wonder
Descend 600 meters into the crater for a day you'll never forget.