Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sheltering around 25,000 large animals including the Big Five.
Altitude
1,800 m (rim 2,300 m)
Location
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania
Best Time
June–October; year-round game viewing
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Tours Available
17
Formed when a giant volcano collapsed on itself some three million years ago, the Ngorongoro Crater is a natural amphitheatre 600 m deep and 260 km² in area. Its enclosed grasslands, swamps, soda lake and forest support one of the densest wildlife populations in Africa, including one of the best chances anywhere of seeing the endangered black rhino.
The surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a rare example of humans and wildlife coexisting: Maasai pastoralists graze cattle alongside lions and elephants. Nearby lie Olduvai Gorge, the 'Cradle of Mankind', and the Empakaai and Olmoti craters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ngorongoro Crater good for seeing the Big Five?
Yes — the crater is one of the few places in Tanzania where you have a realistic chance of seeing all of the Big Five, including the rare black rhino, in a single game drive.
How long do you spend in the crater?
A crater visit is typically a half-day descent (around 5–6 hours on the crater floor), as park rules limit vehicle time inside the caldera.
What is the altitude of the Ngorongoro Crater?
The crater floor sits at about 1,800 m, while the rim where most lodges are located is around 2,300 m, so evenings can be cool.
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