Experience the Circle of Wildlife Wonders

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken and unfilled volcanic crater in the world. Located in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it covers 260 square kilometres and is a haven for over 25,000 animals, including the famous Big Five. This vast, stunning natural bowl is celebrated as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, attracting visitors with its incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

“If I’ve ever seen magic it’s been in Africa.” -John Hemingway

KILI VIKINGS

The crater is like a giant natural zoo without cages. Its landscapes include grasslands, swamps, rivers, and forests, all teeming with wildlife. Here, you can easily see lions, elephants, and rare birds up close. The diverse environments of the crater make it one of the best places in Tanzania to watch wild animals in their natural habitat.

At Ngorongoro, every day is an adventure. Choose from several exciting activities:

Join guided tours to watch animals across the crater.
Take a photo tour at sunrise to see the crater glow.
Learn about local customs at nearby Maasai villages.

These activities help you dive deeper into the crater’s wonders, connecting you more closely with this extraordinary natural world.

Overview

Ngorongoro Map & Locations

The Ngorongoro Crater is often visited as part of the Northern Circuit safari and is perfectly located on the way to Serengeti National Park. From Arusha, the gateway for northern Tanzania safaris, it’s just a 3-hour drive to the crater.

Visitors can choose to travel by small planes to various parks in the circuit or drive through them in a safari vehicle. The journey from Serengeti’s Seronera area or Lake Manyara National Park to the crater takes about 3 and 2 hours respectively.

To reach Arusha, most travellers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, close to the city.

Highlights

Park highlights

Best Time To

Visit Ngorongoro

Wildlife viewing is optimal at all times in the year.
Fewer visitors make April and May the quietest months to visit.
Enjoy the best weather with minimal rainfall from June to October
The dry season offers easier animal spotting due to shorter grass.

Ngorongoro Wildlife

Roam Free, Spot The Big Five Ngorongoro's Wild Invite!

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania's top Big Five destination, teems with an impressive array of wildlife. It boasts the world's densest population of lions and frequent sightings of spotted hyenas.

The crater is also home to the elusive black rhino and vast herds of buffalo roaming the expansive grassy plains. Smaller carnivores, including jackals and bat-eared foxes, add to the diverse animal encounters possible in this unique ecosystem.

EXPERIENCE MAGIC IN

Tanzania

Get the Facts on Tanzania's National Parks

Learn the best tips for roaming Tanzania’s stunning national parks with ease

Timeless Destinations On The Tanzanian Land

Discover serene escapes and panoramic views in every corner of Tanzania, crafted for your ultimate comfort.