Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to over 25,000 animals including all of the Big Five. Experience Africa's Eden in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Africa's Eden
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, formed when a massive volcano collapsed 2-3 million years ago. This natural wonder spans 260 square kilometers and creates a unique ecosystem that supports an incredible concentration of wildlife.
Often referred to as "Africa's Eden," the crater floor is home to over 25,000 large animals, including all of the Big Five. The crater's walls create a natural enclosure that has allowed wildlife to thrive in this protected environment for millennia.
From the crater rim at 2,200 meters above sea level, visitors descend 600 meters to the crater floor, where they can witness one of the most spectacular wildlife viewing experiences on Earth. The crater offers year-round game viewing with high concentrations of animals in a relatively small area.
Crater Features
Discover the unique characteristics that make Ngorongoro Crater a world-class destination
Massive Crater Floor
The crater floor spans 260 square kilometers, providing diverse habitats including grasslands, swamps, forests, and a soda lake that supports thousands of flamingos.
Dramatic Crater Walls
The crater walls rise 600 meters from the floor, creating a natural enclosure that has protected wildlife for millions of years and provides stunning panoramic views.
Soda Lake
Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake in the crater, attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds, creating a spectacular pink-hued landscape.
Acacia Forest
The Lerai Forest, a dense acacia woodland, provides shade and shelter for elephants, leopards, and other forest-dwelling species within the crater.
Crater Wildlife
Encounter the incredible diversity of wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater
Lions
Over 60 lions call the crater home, making it one of the densest lion populations in Africa. These lions are known for their impressive manes.
Black Rhinos
The crater is home to a small but important population of critically endangered black rhinos, one of the few places where they can be reliably seen.
Elephants
Large bull elephants and family herds can be found throughout the crater, with some of the largest tuskers in East Africa.
Zebras
Thousands of zebras graze on the crater floor, providing excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing.
Giraffes
While less common in the crater, giraffes can occasionally be spotted, particularly near the forested areas.
Flamingos
Thousands of flamingos gather at Lake Magadi, creating a spectacular pink display against the crater's dramatic backdrop.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Packages
Choose the perfect safari experience to explore Africa's Eden
Crater Day Safari
Experience the full day in Ngorongoro Crater with early morning descent and late afternoon return, maximizing your wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Full day crater exploration
- Early morning crater descent
- Professional safari guide
- Crater entrance fees
- Picnic lunch in the crater
- Transportation from Arusha
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Photography guidance
Crater Lodge Safari
Luxury safari experience staying at the crater rim with multiple game drives and exclusive access to the crater floor.
- 2-day crater experience
- Luxury crater rim lodge
- Multiple game drives
- Sunrise and sunset views
- Gourmet meals
- Professional guide
- All park fees included
- Exclusive crater access
Crater + Serengeti Combo
Combine Ngorongoro Crater with Serengeti National Park for the ultimate Tanzania safari experience.
- 3-day safari experience
- Ngorongoro Crater exploration
- Serengeti game drives
- Luxury tented camp
- Professional safari guide
- All park fees included
- Wildlife migration viewing
- Photography opportunities
Crater Photography Safari
Specialized photography safari focusing on capturing the best shots of Ngorongoro's wildlife and landscapes.
- Professional photography guide
- Optimal timing for photography
- Specialized photography equipment
- Post-processing workshops
- Small group experience
- Portfolio development
- Wildlife behavior insights
- Landscape photography tips
Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro
Plan your visit for the optimal wildlife viewing experience
Dry Season
Best wildlife viewing with animals concentrated around water sources. Clear skies and excellent visibility for photography.
Green Season
Lush vegetation and fewer crowds. Excellent for bird watching and witnessing the calving season of many species.
Rainy Season
Heavy rains but dramatic landscapes. Fewer visitors and unique photographic opportunities with dramatic skies.
Consistent Wildlife
Ngorongoro offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round due to the permanent water sources and protected environment.
Ready to Explore Africa's Eden?
Experience the incredible wildlife concentrations and dramatic landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater. From the Big Five to thousands of flamingos, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unforgettable safari experience.