Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera — a UNESCO World Heritage Site sheltering 25,000 large animals in a breathtaking natural amphitheatre.
Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's most extraordinary natural wonders. Formed when a massive volcano collapsed inward roughly three million years ago, this 260-square-kilometre caldera floor sits 600 metres below its rim, creating a self-contained ecosystem of staggering biodiversity.
Often called "Africa's Garden of Eden," the crater shelters approximately 25,000 large animals within its walls — including one of Tanzania's densest populations of lion, hyena, and endangered black rhinoceros. The crater floor encompasses grasslands, swamps, forests, and Lake Magadi, a soda lake that attracts thousands of flamingos.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area surrounding the crater is unique in Tanzania — it is the only protected area where Maasai pastoralists live alongside wildlife, continuing traditions that predate colonial boundaries. This cultural dimension adds profound depth to any visit.
A half-day game drive descending to the crater floor is the standard experience, and it consistently delivers some of the best wildlife viewing in all of Africa — often within the first hour.
Safari Tours & Packages in Ngorongoro Crater
Explore our curated itineraries that include Ngorongoro Crater.
Mount Meru 4-Day Trek
A QUIET MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE WITH A WILDERNESS FEEL Mount Meru is one of Tanzania’s most rewarding mountains, and at 4,566 metres, it offers a serious trekking experience without the crowds you often find on Kilimanjaro.
9-Day Luxury Tanzania Ndutu Calving Season Safari
A 9-day luxury safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, and the Serengeti, featuring handpicked luxury lodges and tented camps, exceptional wildlife encounters, and an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari over the African plains.
7-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
The fly-in connection to the Serengeti saves valuable safari time, while private game drives give you the flexibility to spend more time with wildlife. Combining Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire also gives you three distinctly different safari environments within one carefully paced journey. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, planning a luxury family holiday or simply looking for an exceptional African safari, this itinerary offers an immersive introduction to Northern Tanzania.
21 Days Kilimanjaro, Safari & Zanzibar
One trip, three sides of Tanzania — a full climb up the Machame Route, a Northern Circuit safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, and six nights to unwind on Zanzibar. Tailor-made, and run start to finish by our own team.
5 Days Tanzania Safari Package | Northern Circuit
Discover Tanzania’s wildlife on a 5-day Northern Circuit safari with Explore Jambo Maasai. Experience exciting game drives in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater, with expert local guides and unforgettable African landscapes.
11 Day | Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday
Discover the best of Tanzania on an 11-day safari and Zanzibar beach holiday, combining unforgettable wildlife encounters in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with four relaxing nights on Zanzibar's tropical shores.
Wildlife & What You'll See
The crater floor supports an extraordinary density of wildlife. Approximately 62 lion, large clans of spotted hyena, and around 20 critically endangered black rhinoceros are resident. Elephant bulls frequent the crater, along with buffalo herds numbering in the hundreds.
Wildebeest, zebra, eland, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle graze the grasslands. Hippos inhabit the Ngoitokitok Springs. Over 500 bird species have been recorded, including flamingos on Lake Magadi and crowned cranes in the marshes.
How to Get There
Ngorongoro is a 3-hour drive from Arusha along a well-maintained tarmac road to Lodoare Gate. The crater rim sits at 2,235 metres elevation — bring a warm layer for morning game drives. Most visitors arrive as part of a Northern Circuit safari itinerary from Arusha.
Park Fees & Regulations
Conservation area entry is $82.60 per adult per 24 hours. The crater service fee (for descending to the floor) is an additional $295.20 per vehicle. These fees are typically included in your safari package price.