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Two travelers standing at a scenic viewpoint railing looking over the vast Ngorongoro Crater.
National Parks & Safari

Ngorongoro Crater

Northern Circuit

Overview

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most spectacular safari destinations and a must-visit highlight of the Northern Tanzania safari circuit. Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this vast volcanic caldera is famous for its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and exceptional opportunities for Big Five viewing. The crater covers approximately 260 square kilometres, is about 20 kilometres across and reaches depths of around 610 metres. Its enclosed ecosystem includes open grasslands, woodland, wetlands, springs and Lake Magadi, creating an ideal habitat for a remarkable variety of wildlife. During a Ngorongoro Crater safari, visitors may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, gazelles and the endangered black rhinoceros. The crater is also an excellent destination for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Beyond the crater floor, the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers incredible cultural and historical experiences, including Maasai communities, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater. With TanzaLux Safaris, your Ngorongoro safari can be designed as a private and personalised experience. Combine Ngorongoro with Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar for an unforgettable Tanzania safari. Whether you are planning a luxury safari, private safari, honeymoon or family adventure, Ngorongoro Crater offers an extraordinary combination of wildlife, landscapes, culture and natural history.

  • Lake Magadi
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Big Five Wildlife
  • Black Rhino Viewing
  • Lerai Forest
  • Ngoitoktok Springs
  • Crater Rim Views
  • Maasai Culture
  • Olduvai Gorge
  • Olduvai Gorge
  • Ngorongoro Highlands
Best time to visit

When to go

Low season

March to May is the main rainy period in Northern Tanzania. Ngorongoro becomes beautifully green, with fresh vegetation and dramatic skies that can create excellent photography opportunities. Visitor numbers can be lower than during the peak season. Rain can make some roads wetter, so travelling with an experienced safari operator is recommended.

Shoulder season

November to early December brings the short rains, refreshing the landscape and creating lush green scenery. Wildlife viewing remains rewarding, while visitor numbers can be lower than during the busiest months. This is a good option for travellers looking for beautiful scenery and a quieter safari experience.

Peak season

June to October is one of the most popular times for a Ngorongoro Crater safari. The weather is generally drier, wildlife viewing is excellent and the crater landscapes are particularly attractive. Because this is a busy safari period, popular wildlife sightings can attract several vehicles, especially during the busiest months.

Wildlife

  • Lion
  • Black Rhino
  • African Elephant
  • African Buffalo
  • Leopard
  • Hippopotamus
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Thomson's Gazelle
  • Grant's Gazelle
  • Spotted Hyena
  • Warthog
  • Eland
  • Flamingo
  • Ostrich

Activities

  • Ostrich
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Bird Watching
  • Crater Rim Viewing
  • Maasai Cultural Experience
  • Olduvai Gorge Visit
  • Empakaai Crater Hike
  • Olmoti Crater Hike
  • Walking Safari
  • Private Safari Experience

Getting there

Ngorongoro Crater is easily reached as part of a Northern Tanzania safari from Arusha. Most travellers arrive by safari vehicle after travelling from Arusha or after visiting Tarangire or Lake Manyara. The main entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Loduare Gate, near Karatu. Travellers continuing to the Serengeti can include Ngorongoro as part of a longer Northern Tanzania safari circuit. For international visitors, Kilimanjaro International Airport is a convenient gateway for Northern Tanzania. TanzaLux Safaris can arrange airport transfers, accommodation, private safari vehicles and a complete itinerary based on your travel dates and interests. For the best experience, an early start is recommended because crater access and game-drive schedules are regulated. Your TanzaLux Safaris guide will help organise the timing and route for your visit.

Where to stay in Ngorongoro Crater

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Ngorongoro Crater famous for?

    Ngorongoro Crater is famous for its spectacular volcanic landscape, high concentration of wildlife and excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino.

  • Is Ngorongoro Crater a national park?

    No. Ngorongoro Crater is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The conservation area combines wildlife conservation, tourism, archaeological sites and traditional Maasai pastoralist communities.

  • Can I see the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater?

    Yes. Ngorongoro is one of Tanzania’s excellent destinations for Big Five wildlife viewing. Visitors may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and black rhinos during a crater game drive.

  • How deep is Ngorongoro Crater?

    Ngorongoro Crater reaches approximately 610 metres in depth, making it one of the world's most remarkable volcanic calderas.

  • How large is Ngorongoro Crater?

    The crater covers approximately 260 square kilometres and measures about 20 kilometres across.

  • What animals can I see in Ngorongoro Crater?

    Wildlife commonly associated with Ngorongoro includes lions, black rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hyenas and many bird species.

  • What is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater?

    Ngorongoro Crater can be visited throughout the year. June to October is popular for generally dry conditions and excellent wildlife viewing, while the rainy seasons offer greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

  • How many days do I need for Ngorongoro Crater?

    A full-day visit can provide an excellent crater game-drive experience. Spending two or three days in the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area allows more time for the crater, cultural experiences and nearby attractions.

  • Can I combine Ngorongoro Crater with Serengeti?

    Yes. Ngorongoro and Serengeti are among the most popular destinations to combine on a Northern Tanzania safari. TanzaLux Safaris can create a private itinerary combining both destinations with Tarangire, Lake Manyara or other Tanzania attractions.

  • Why should I book a Ngorongoro safari with TanzaLux Safaris?

    TanzaLux Safaris creates personalised Tanzania safari experiences from Arusha. Our private safari itineraries can be tailored around your interests, travel dates and budget, with options for luxury lodges, private camping, wildlife photography, honeymoon travel and family safaris.

Trips that visit Ngorongoro Crater

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Traveller stories

The proof should come from people who went.

Dorine M1 year ago
TripAdvisor

Grateful experience

As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.

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Dagmar P3 months ago
TripAdvisor

Private Safari 6 days

I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.

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Sylvanus T11 months ago
TripAdvisor

An unforgettable vegetarian journey with Tanzalux Safaris

I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.

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Lucas G4 months ago
TripAdvisor

Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.

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Victoria Goodluck5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Back in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…

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Danai Vicha7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶

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ikigo simbila7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

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Hadija Shebe7 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.

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Tumain Hope6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.

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Linnah Kimaro6 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

As a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…

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