Your Safari Guide to Ngorongoro Crater
How was Ngorongoro Crater formed?
Ngorongoro crater is thought to have formed millions of years ago when a large volcano, possibly the size of Mount Kilimanjaro, collapsed in on itself. This process probably happened due to volcanic activity, the volcano erupting and building up layers of lava and ash over a period of time. The magma chambers beneath the volcano may have emptied, causing the summit to collapse.
Over time, the crater floor will have filled up with water, forming Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake that is often inhabited by thousands of mainly lesser flamingoes.
The walls of the crater rise up to 600 meters above the crater floor, creating a natural bowl.
Top 4 Reasons to Visit Ngorongoro Crater
Its the World’s Largest Intact Caldera
The Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, once a massive volcano, now stands as the world’s largest dormant and unbroken caldera that has not been filled. It is believed that prior to its eruption, the crater might have been higher then Mount Kilimanjaro, African’s tallest freestanding mountain. Now, after collapsing and undergoing erosion, it forms a vast highland region centered around the renowned crater that is 600 metres (approx 2,000 feet) deep.
One of the Natural Wonders of the World
This UNESCO World Heritage Site should definitely be on your wildlife bucket list. Few places on earth can boast the variety of landscapes found within the confines of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region has been sculpted by the dynamic forces of fracturing, rifting, volcanic activity, and continuous erosion, creating a diverse tableau of peaks, craters, valleys, plains, and lakes.
Black Rhino Sightings
The remarkable collection of wildlife within the Crater is considered one of the world’s marvels, and encounters with animals in this Garden of Eden are consistently unforgettable. Hosting one of the highest densities of lions and hyenas in Africa, the Crater is home to approximately 25,000 large mammals. This abundant sanctuary includes rare species such as the endangered black rhino and Leopard.
The Ancient Culture
The Ngoronogoro area is recognised as one fo the earliest habitats of human ancestors, with the rich fossil sites of Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli granting this region the nickname “Cradle of Mankind”. Currently, the area is home to over 60,000 predominantly Maasai pastoralists who raise cattle, sheep and goats. These communities live in harmony with the lcoal wildlife, continuing their traditional pastoral lifestyle.
Why is Ngorongoro Crater so good for wildlife viewing?
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most densely wildlife populated conservation area in African. At any one time it can have over 25,000 animals roaming it’s grasslands and is thought to have one of the highest predator, animal ratio’s in Africa making it a fantastic place for wildlife watching.
The fresh, alkaline waters of Lake Magadi draw in incredible birdlife such as incredible flamingo flocks and the lush grasslands attrack the larger grazers such as rhino’s. It’s believed that some animals enter into the crater and then become trapped and breed, adding to the large numbers within it.
It’s also a fantastic spot for viewing the Big 5 and for the big cat lovers, it is thought to have on of the highest lion pride populations for the area size in the world. From the last count, 55 lions are resident in the area, for a comparitavely small area this is higher then would be expected.
The Ngorongoro conservation area authority also heavily protects their black rhino population making the crater one of the easiest places for viewing the 30 Black Rhino which are resident to the area.
It’s also a birders paradise with over 500 bird species being found in the crater walls. The different vegetation as well as the fresh alkaline waters has contribiuted to this incredible range.
What else is there to do in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
Empakaai Crater
The Empakaai Crater, nestled in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stands out with on of the highest volcanic rims and is distinguished by a stunning lake that occupies over 75% of the crater floor. The lake is a notable attraction, especially for the large population of flamingoes along its shoreline.
Surrounding the crater are steep, wooded cliffs rising about 300 meters, adorned with lush, natural vegetation, diverse wildlife and an array of bird species. It’s deep soda lake attracts flocks of flamingoes and other water birds. From the rim you can enjoy spectactular views of Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain, the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful nature walks from the rim down to the crater floor to enjoy its rich environment and wildlife. During these roughly 3 hour walks guests can explore the lake, dense rainforests and the varied ecosystem that includes the Big 5.
Endoro Waterfalls & Elephant Cave
Endoro Waterfalls offer a captivating escape located on the southern border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the journey to the falls involves a 2-3 hour moderate hike through dense forests and past the Elephant Caves making it a great half day excursion. The Endoro River, which flows throughout the year from the crater rim and is sustained by natural springs in teh Crater highlands, plunges over 40 metres in a breathtaking cascade. The trail offers a rigorous physical activity, perfect for stretching out after a long hours in a vehicle or after a nights rest, and provides stunning view sover Karatu and the southern highlands of the Ngorongoro Conseravtion Area. It’s also a favoured route for bird enthusiasts and wildlife watchers, particularly those keen on spotting elephants, buffaloes and buffaloes and bush pigs.
Just a short walk from Endoro Waterfall are the Endoro Elephant Caves, a fascinating geological feature formed over many years. Elephants, seeking minerals essential for their health, have excavated these caves by digging through the dense rock with their massive tusks to reach nutrient-rich soil. This soil, a mixture of volcanic ask and organic matter decomposed by soil microorganisms, provides vital nutritional properties. While the caves are named for the elephants that created them, they also attract other wildlife such as buffaloes, waterbucks and the bush bucks who visit to partake in the mineral-rich earth. These caves can be visited as part of a longer hiking adventure that includes the nearby waterfall offering a great days hiking adventure.
Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is a prominent archaeological site in East Africa and is considered one of the most significant globally. It gained recognition as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The gorge itself serves as a vivid historical record, showcasing the evolution of human ancestry and the Serengeti ecosystem through the ages. Over more than three decades of exhaustive research, Mary and Louis Leakey made groundbreaking discoveries here, uncovering well-dated fossils and artifacts that trace back to some of the earliest human ancestors.
Their notable finds include the well-known Zinjanthropus (Australopithecus boisei) skull and remains of Homo habilis, believed to be the creators of the early stone tools found in layers dating from 1.6 to 1.8 million years ago. They also discovered remains of Homo erectus, a species with a larger body and brain that came before the earliest modern humans, Homo sapiens.
Visitors can explore Olduvai Gorge throughout the year, but it is essential to be accompanied by an official guide, especially to access the actual excavation sites.
Laetoli Footprints
Laetoli, located on the souther edge of the Serengeti PLains within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and far north of Lake Eyasi, is one of Africa’s most significant paleontological sites. The area, rich in Plio-Pleistocene volcano-sedimentary deposits and overlain by Precambrian metamorphic rocks, has been recognised for its paleoantropological importance since the mid-1930’s. However, it gained widespread attention in the 1970’s with notable discoveries such as the Holotype and other remains.
Laetoli is particularly famous for housing the oldest known footprints of early human ancestors, dating back 3.6 million years. These footprints, left bby two early humans walking through wet volcanic ash, were preserved by subsquent eruptions and ash layers. Spanning nearly 27 metres, the trail includes around 70 impressions from an upright walking hominid known as Aistralopithecus afarensis. Laetoli continues to attract researchers from around the world, exploring its extensive geological layers that comprise over fifty sites, contributing to our understanding of human origins and cultural evolution.
Olkarien Gorge
The Olkarien Gorge, a striking granite monolith, is located on the outskirts of the Gol Mountains. This deep and extremely narrown east-west trending canyon cuts through the quartzite rocks on the east side of the Gol Mountains. Stretching over 8km (5 miles), the gorge features vertical walls, some of which overhang the canyon below.
The gorge not only provides a scenic view but also supports a rich ecosystem. Wildebeest wander the surrounding plains, baboons scale its rocky sides and diverse bird popullation thrives. It serves as a crucial nesting site for hundreds of Ruppell’s griffon vultures, especially during their breeding season in March and April when the plains are abundant with food. In the dry season, Olkarien Gorge becomes an essential water catchment area, vital for both humans and wildlife, and hosts numerous migratory wildl aniamls during the Great Migration. As visitors walk the gorge, they can witness hundreds of vultures soaring, circling, and gliding down to their nests.
Olduvai Gorge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Whats the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater?
The best time to visit depends on what you want to see in the crater. The dry season from May to October gives a great opportunity to see the Big 5 as the animals collect around the waterholes, however July - September is also one of the busiest seasons and Ngorongoro Crater can get very busy.
Here’s a month-to-month overview of when to visit.
January: A magical time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater as its the wildebeest breeding season and the herds have what is called a “mass calving” making for incredible photo opportunitues of the yound calves. It also falls between the two rainy seasons so should be dry but green and lushious.
February: Still dry and the January crowds should have petered out. It’s a great time for game viewing, not only are there less crowds but with the newborns calves and many herds around, its a great time for predator sightings with the lions and hyena enjoying the abundant hunting grounds.
March: If you are looking to stay away from the crowds this is a great month to visit and the rains should hold off until the end of the month.
April & May: The long rains start to fall towards the end of March and continue through May. It’s not a recommended time to visit, however a great time to take advantage of cheaper rates and few other tourists, the rains also turn the crater into a beautiful lush green wildlife paradise.
June: As the long rains come to an end, the park still remains fairly free of the crowds, the cooler weather can mean the animals are moving around more in the day but they are also spread out as there is plenty of water in the area.
July & August: This is the busiest time within the Ngorongoro Crater as it is throughout most of East Africa. During the dry season the wildlife starts to congregate around the waterholes making it easier to find the more sought after, larger animals such as elephants, rhino and lion. This time is also when the wildebeest are migrating from Tanzania across the Mara river into Kenya.
September: Still a very busy season as the wildeebeest migration heads back towards Tanzania. The crater starts to get extremely dry and dusty, it can also be quite cold at this time of year.
October: Another nice time to visit as the crowds start to die down again but the weather should remain dry before the short rains begin in November.
November: The short rains arrive, they are usually just in the afternoons so another good time to benefit from cheaper rates and less crowds. The migratory birds also start to arrive making it a lovely time for birding enthusiasts.
December: The rains should stop at the beginning of the months but the christmas crowds begin to arrive for the holidays.
Top 10 Lodges and Camps in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is a luxurious tented camp located on the rim of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, offering guests a prime vantage point for exploring this world-renowned wildlife haven. The camp blends comfort with adventure, providing well-appointed tents and personalised service, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience amidst the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of the Ngorongoro Conservation area.
An intimate tented camp set in an ancient acacia forest on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The Lemala Ngorongoro camp offers a unique blend of luxury and an authentic safari experience, with strategically placed tents that provide direct access to the crater floor for exceptional game viewing. Lemala Ngorongoro emphasises comfort and close encounters with the spectacular wildlife in the area, making it an excellent choice for a memorable safari.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Perched on the jagged rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering breathtaking views over the crater’s vast caldera. This lodge blends deesign with the natural environment using local river stone and indigenous vines, providing an earthy ambiance. Exceptional service makes it stand out for those looking to enjoy the area.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge combines architectural grandeur with African opulence right on the rim of the crater. Known for its unique design, the lodge offers guests sumptuous accommodations with dramatic views of the crater below. Each suite is attended by a personal butler, while its prime location makes it perfect for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
A remote and stylish camp located on the northwestern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, offering a unique perspective of both the crater and the Serengeti. The camp is designed to be environmentally sensitive, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Redefining the Ngorongoro experience, The Highlands combines luxury with a sense of wilderness and adventure. Set on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano to the north of Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge offers unique domes suites that provide warmth and panoramic views of the highlands surroundings. The Highlands striked a balance between a true safari escape with activities that include cultural visits, hiking, and wildlife drives.
Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor at Ngorongoro offers a unique blend of old-world Afro-European architecture and East African hospitality. Nestled in lush gardens on a coffee estate, this property provides a tranquil and elegant retreat
Gibb’s Farm offers a tranquil retreat set on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, this historic coffee farm, established in the early 20th century, has been transformed into a luxurious lodge where guests can immerse themselves in the rhythms of organic farming and the natural beauty of the area. Activities include farm-to-table dining, spa treatments, and cultural tours.
The Retreat at Ngorongoro offers a peaceful sanctuary nestled within a 30-acre estate. This lodge combines the charm of rustic African architecture with modern amenities. Known for its friendly service and provides a perfect blend of nature and luxury.
The Highlands Lodge at Ngorongoro Conservation Area
FAQ’s on Ngorongoro Crater
How long do you need in Ngorongoro Crater?
To fully experience the Crater, its recommended to give it at least one full day. This allows enough time to drive down into the crater, enjoy a game drive, and observe the diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. If you have two days available this gives you a chance to explore it at a more relaxed pace and time to visit other parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Why is there no giraffe in Ngorongoro Crater?
The absence of giraffes is typically attributred to the crate’s steep sides, which are not suitable for giraffes to navigate comfortably. Firaffes prefer more open and glat landscapes where they can move easily and access their primary food source, the tops of trees. While you won’t see giraffes inside the crater, you can find them in other parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
How much does it cost to enter Ngorongoro Crater?
Costs to enter the Ngorongoro Crater can vary depending on type of visitor, vehcle used and additional services such as guide fee.
Conservation Fees
Non-resident adult typically pays around USD $70.80 per person per day
Non-resident children USD $23.60
Vehicle Fees
Vehicle Entry fee is USD $295 per day
What are the best months to visit the Crater?
The best months to visit the Ngorongoro Crater generally fall during the dry season, which spans from June to October. During these months, the weather is more predictable with less rainfull, making wildife viewing easier and more comfortable. Animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. Additionally the vegetation is sparser making it easier to spot the wildlife.
Another good time is December to February which is another dry period and is great for viewing mugratory birds and calving among the resident wildebeest and zebra populations.
What is the closest city to Ngorongoro Crater?
The closest city to Ngorogoro Crater is Arusha. It serves as a key hub for safaris to not only Ngorongoro Crater but also to other areas suh as Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha is approx 160 kilometres (about 100 miles) from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making it a convenient starting point for visitors planing to explore the region.
Which is the closest airport to Ngorongoro?
The closest airport to Ngorongoro rater is Lake Manyara Airport. The small airprt is primarily used for chartered and scheduled small aircraft services catering to tourists from the larger international airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Can you walk in Ngorongoro Crater?
The crater floor is a wildlife conservation area teeming with animals including predators so walking is not permitted however there are lots of opportunities for guided walks around the rim of the crater and in other parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.