Ngorongoro Crater

Average Tour Prices: from $100 to $3000 USD per person per day
Country

Tanzania

Size

260 sq km

Temperature

26'c

Rainfall

33mm

Age Requirement

15 Years

About Ngorongoro Crater

Nestled within the East African Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most magnificent natural wonders. The crater is the world’s largest intact caldera, formed when a giant volcanic explosion caused the summit to collapse on itself two to three million years ago. This geological wonder measures around 260 square kilometers with a depth of over 600 meters.

Descending down to the crater floor is an experience like no other. You’ll quickly notice the distinct ecosystem contained within the crater, markedly different from the surrounding plains. Lush swamps, forested areas, soda lakes, and savannah grasslands provide diverse habitats for the prolific wildlife populating the crater. It’s been dubbed “Africa’s Eden” for its density of animals, numbering over 25,000 zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and gazelles. Lucky visitors may even spot the endangered black rhino.

Zebra

Common

Lion

Common

African Elephant

Common

Leopard

Common

Giraffe

Common

Wildebeest

Common

Wildlife encounters

Descending down to the crater floor is an experience like no other. You’ll quickly notice the distinct ecosystem contained within the crater, markedly different from the surrounding plains. Lush swamps, forested areas, soda lakes, and savannah grasslands provide diverse habitats for the prolific wildlife populating the crater. It’s been dubbed “Africa’s Eden” for its density of animals, numbering over 25,000 zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and gazelles. Lucky visitors may even spot the endangered black rhino.

Birdlife

Descending down to the crater floor is an experience like no other. You’ll quickly notice the distinct ecosystem contained within the crater, markedly different from the surrounding plains. Lush swamps, forested areas, soda lakes, and savannah grasslands provide diverse habitats for the prolific wildlife populating the crater. It’s been dubbed “Africa’s Eden” for its density of animals, numbering over 25,000 zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and gazelles. Lucky visitors may even spot the endangered black rhino.

Yellow-billed Hornbill

Common

African Grey Hornbills

Common

Martial Eagle

Common

Bateleur

Common

Common Fiscal

Common

African Fish Eagle

Common

How to get there

By Air

  • Arrive in Tanzania: Fly to one of Tanzania’s major airports, such as Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
  • Travel to Arusha: From the airport, take a domestic flight or ground transportation to Arusha.
  • Book a Tour or Self-Drive: In Arusha, arrange a guided tour with a local operator or rent a 4×4 vehicle for self-driving.
  • Secure Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits to enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which are usually organized by your tour operator or obtained at the park gate for self-drivers.
  • Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: Embark on a scenic 3-4 hour drive from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater. Follow the well-marked road and enter the conservation area through the gate.Explore the Crater: Enjoy the breathtaking wildlife and landscapes within Ngorongoro Crater.

By Vehicle:

  • Arrival in Arusha: If you’re already in Tanzania, make your way to Arusha.
  • Prepare for Self-Drive: Rent a 4×4 vehicle in Arusha, ensuring it’s well-equipped for the journey.
  • Obtain Permits: Purchase the required permits to enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area at the park gate.
  • Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: Start your self-driving adventure with a 3-4 hour journey from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater. Stay on the designated route and pass through the entrance gate.
  • Discover the Crater: Explore the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater.

Places & Attractions

Exploring the wildlife and attractions of this East African gem offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unforgettable encounters with nature.

Dar es salaam

Moshi

Serval Wildlife

Nairobi

When is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater

A day spent on the crater floor promises hours of epic game drives spotting lions, hyenas, flamingos, warthogs, and countless other wildlife. While a steep climb out awaits at day’s end, your memories of this natural wonder will linger long after leaving Ngorongoro. It’s certainly one of Tanzania’s most remarkable treasures not to be missed.

A day spent on the crater floor promises hours of epic game drives spotting lions, hyenas, flamingos, warthogs, and countless other wildlife. While a steep climb out awaits at day’s end, your memories of this natural wonder will linger long after leaving Ngorongoro. It’s certainly one of Tanzania’s most remarkable treasures not to be missed.

When & Where to visit?

Jan, Feb & March

Best for:

Where you should visit:

  • Ngorongoro Crater

A day spent on the crater floor promises hours of epic game drives spotting lions, hyenas, flamingos, warthogs, and countless other wildlife. While a steep climb out awaits at day’s end, your memories of this natural wonder will linger long after leaving Ngorongoro. It’s certainly one of Tanzania’s most remarkable treasures not to be missed.

Summary

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

  • Good
  • Very Good
  • Excellent

Temperature Summary in Celsius(°C)

16°C
Min

24°C
Average

32°C
Max

Temperature Summary in Fahrenheit (°F)

59°F
Min

81°F
Average

90°F
Max

Rainfall in Ngorongoro Crater

20 in
Min

33 in
Average

47 in
Max

Weather and climate

Descending down to the crater floor is an experience like no other. You’ll quickly notice the distinct ecosystem contained within the crater, markedly different from the surrounding plains. Lush swamps, forested areas, soda lakes, and savannah grasslands provide diverse habitats for the prolific wildlife populating the crater. It’s been dubbed “Africa’s Eden” for its density of animals, numbering over 25,000 zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and gazelles. Lucky visitors may even spot the endangered black rhino.

Safety and Security

Descending down to the crater floor is an experience like no other. You’ll quickly notice the distinct ecosystem contained within the crater, markedly different from the surrounding plains. Lush swamps, forested areas, soda lakes, and savannah grasslands provide diverse habitats for the prolific wildlife populating the crater. It’s been dubbed “Africa’s Eden” for its density of animals, numbering over 25,000 zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and gazelles. Lucky visitors may even spot the endangered black rhino.

Health Pecautions

Descending down to the crater floor is an experience like no other. You’ll quickly notice the distinct ecosystem contained within the crater, markedly different from the surrounding plains. Lush swamps, forested areas, soda lakes, and savannah grasslands provide diverse habitats for the prolific wildlife populating the crater. It’s been dubbed “Africa’s Eden” for its density of animals, numbering over 25,000 zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and gazelles. Lucky visitors may even spot the endangered black rhino.

Things to do in Ngorongoro Crater

The Great Migration

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The Big 5 Safaris

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Walking safaris

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Accommodation options

Explore a range of accommodation options designed to suit various preferences and budgets at this location. From comfortable lodges and tented camps to modern hotels, the area provides convenient access to nearby attractions and activities. Scroll through the carousel to find detailed listings of each property, including amenities and contact information, making it easy to plan your stay.

Unavailable

Rhino Tourist Camp

  • 40 Rooms
Unavailable

Serengeti Queens tented camp

Unavailable

Amani Mara Camp

  • 10 Rooms
Unavailable

Julia’s River Camp

Unavailable

Manyara Ranch Conservancy

Unavailable

Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp (Ndutu NCAA)

Unavailable

Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp (Kogatende)

  • 11 Rooms
Unavailable

Little Moru Camp

  • 6 Rooms

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8-Day Tarangire, Manyara, Ndutu, Ngorongoro & Serengeti

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7-Day Tarangire, Ndutu, and Ngorongoro Crater

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6-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Luxury Safari

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5-Day Tarangire, Serengeti, Ndutu, and Crater

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5-Day Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ngorongoro Crater is located in northern Tanzania, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, approximately 180 km west of Arusha.

The crater floor covers 260 square kilometers and is over 600 meters deep. It is the largest intact and unfilled caldera in the world.

Explore other destinations

Explore other optional accommodation to consider at

Dar es salaam

Moshi

Serval Wildlife

Nairobi

Maasai Mara National Reserve

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