Ngorongoro Crater Safari | World Heritage Site & Big Five Tours

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA)

The Ngorongoro Crater is just one jewel within the larger NCA, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 1959. Unlike national parks, the NCA allows the semi-nomadic Maasai people to live alongside wildlife, showcasing a unique and sustainable model of conservation. The area protects the spectacular crater, the Olduvai Gorge (the 'Cradle of Mankind'), and a series of other important volcanic mountains and plains.

Intact Caldera

The world's largest unused, unflooded caldera.

Cradle of Mankind

Olduvai Gorge historical site nearby.

Wildlife Density Hotspot

The Crater Floor: Guaranteed Big Five

With a floor area of just 260 sq km, the 600m deep caldera acts as a natural enclosure, creating a self-sustaining microcosm of East African wildlife. It is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, meaning your chances of spotting the entire Big Fiveincluding the rare Black Rhino are higher here than almost anywhere else in Africa.

Lion 🦁

The crater floor prides are often large and visible, making for excellent photography and game viewing opportunities.

Elephant 🐘

Known for their huge tuskers, the large bull elephants often patrol the swampy areas near the center of the crater.

Black Rhino 🦏

Ngorongoro is crucial for the endangered Black Rhino population, offering a safe environment for viewing this magnificent animal.

African Buffalo 🐃

Large herds of African Buffalo roam the plains of Tanzania, especially in parks like Serengeti and Selous, offering impressive photographic opportunities.

Leopard 🐆

While elusive, the woodlands around the rim provide excellent habitat for leopards, often seen around the crater's edge.

Note: To protect the environment, vehicle numbers and hours inside the crater are strictly regulated.

Beyond the Crater Drive

Explore the wider Conservation Area with unique activities not available on the crater floor.

Olduvai Gorge

Visit the archaeological site known as the "Cradle of Mankind," where some of the earliest human fossils were discovered, dating back millions of years.

Maasai Culture

The NCA is home to the Maasai. Participate in a respectful visit to a traditional Boma to witness their lifestyle and conservation methods firsthand.

Walking Safari

Enjoy guided walks along the crater rim or in the surrounding highlands. This allows for bird watching and connecting with the nature on foot (not permitted on crater floor).

Bush Sundowners

Enjoy sunset cocktails with panoramic views from the crater rim, followed by an optional private, romantic dinner in the wild.

Crater Rim Luxury

Where to Stay at Ngorongoro

Most accommodations are situated on the crater rim, offering magnificent views and a refreshing climate.

Luxury Tents

Crater Rim Camps

Exclusive and intimate mobile camps offering excellent access to the crater and direct views from the rim.

Private, scenic location
Stunning rim views

PREMIUM VIEW

5-Star Lodges

Ngorongoro Lodges

Large, established lodges providing breathtaking views, warm fires, and all modern amenities for maximum comfort.

All amenities (Spa/Pool)
Family-friendly

Value

Karatu Area Stays

Stay outside the NCA boundary in nearby Karatu, offering beautiful farm stays and lower prices with an hour's drive to the gate.

Excellent value
Coffee plantation tours

Crater Adventures

Ngorongoro Specialist Safaris

Explore packages focused on the famous Crater, Olduvai Gorge, and the wider conservation area's unique features.

2 Days / 1 Night

Ngorongoro Crater Express

A focused, quick-access package targeting high-density wildlife viewing within the Crater floor.

From $990 Check Itinerary

3 Days / 2 Nights

Crater & Olduvai History Tour

Combines the Big Five viewing with a visit to Olduvai Gorge, the 'Cradle of Mankind'.

From $1,450 Check Itinerary

4 Days / 3 Nights

Ngorongoro & Empakaai Trekking

Mixes the Crater game drive with a rewarding descent into the stunning Empakaai Crater for walking.

From $1,900 Check Itinerary

5 Days / 4 Nights

Crater & Serengeti Migration (Short)

The ultimate combo: High wildlife density of the Crater followed by the vast plains of the Serengeti.

From $2,800 Check Itinerary

7 Days / 6 Nights

Ndutu Calving Season Specialist

A winter safari focusing on the calving of wildebeest in the Southern Serengeti/Ndutu area (Dec-Mar).

From $3,900 Check Itinerary

4 Days / 3 Nights

Crater & Lake Eyasi Cultural Tour

A unique package combining wildlife viewing with an immersive cultural stay with the Hadzabe Bushmen and Datoga tribes.

From $2,100 Check Itinerary