The Eighth Wonder of the World

Ngorongoro Crater

The world's largest intact caldera, offering guaranteed Big Five sightings and a landscape of unparalleled beauty.

Explore the Crater Discover Ecosystem

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.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area View
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.

Ngorongoro Lion

Lion 🦁

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

Elephant Bull

Elephant 🐘

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

Black Rhino in Ngorongoro

Black Rhino 🦏

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

African Buffalo Herd

African Buffalo 🐃

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

Leopard

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