What is the Ngorongoro Crater?

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera — a vast bowl 19km wide, 600m deep, with a floor of 264 sq km. Inside it live an estimated 25,000–30,000 large animals, creating one of the highest wildlife densities anywhere in Africa.

Crucially, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see the black rhinoceros — a critically endangered species. Around 20–30 black rhinos live in the crater, offering a reasonable chance of sighting.

Conservation fee: $70.80 per person per day (incl. tax)

The highest single park fee in Tanzania. Included in all package quotes from reputable operators. Crater descent costs an additional vehicle fee. Confirm what is and isn't included before booking.

Wildlife in the Crater

  • Lion — large pride, easily seen on the crater floor
  • Black rhinoceros — rare, 20–30 individuals, high sighting chance
  • Elephant — mainly bull elephants visit the crater
  • Hippo — in the crater lakes and pools
  • Flamingo — pink flocks on the soda lake (Lake Magadi)
  • Hyena, cheetah, leopard, jackal, serval
  • Over 500 bird species including Kori bustard

What the Ngorongoro Crater Does NOT Have

Notably absent: giraffe (the steep crater walls prevent access) and wildebeest migration herds. The crater has a resident population of wildebeest that do not migrate. Do not go expecting the Serengeti Migration — it does not happen inside the crater.

How to Visit

The crater rim sits at 2,286m elevation — bring a layer, it gets cold at night. Game drives descend into the crater floor, where you spend several hours with wildlife. You cannot stay overnight on the crater floor — lodges are on the rim.

Getting there: 3 hours from Arusha by road. Usually combined with Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara on a Northern Circuit safari.

Best Time to Visit

The Ngorongoro Crater is worth visiting year-round. Peak season (June–October) has clearer weather. The dry season concentrates animals around water sources. Even in the wet season (March–May), the crater floor is green and photogenic.

No. Only licensed safari operators can descend into the crater with 4x4 vehicles. Self-drive is not permitted inside the crater. You must be on an organised safari.

They are very different. The Ngorongoro Crater is compact — a half or full day of game driving in a contained bowl. The Serengeti is vast, with different zones and the Migration. Most Northern Circuit safaris include both. Do not skip either.