Ngorongoro Crater

A visit to the Ngorongoro Crater offers an unforgettable experience. As the world’s only intact caldera, the crater is the centerpiece of the 8,292km² (3,202mi²) Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wildlife densities here are exceptional, making it one of the best places to spot the Big Five in a single day. The breathtaking scenery, with the towering 600m (1,968ft) high crater walls as a backdrop, enhances the experience, making it one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations in the world.

Pros & Cons
• Outstanding wildlife viewing all year round
• Great opportunities to spot predators
• Black rhinos are frequently seen
• Stunning landscapes
• Lodges on the crater rim offer spectacular views
• Maasai village cultural visits can be arranged
• Crowded most of the year
• Entrance fees are quite expensive

Wildlife & Animals 

Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater is Tanzania’s prime Big Five destination, with an abundance of wildlife on the crater floor. Predators are especially easy to spot, including the densest lion population in the world, along with numerous spotted hyenas. Smaller predators like golden jackals, black-backed jackals, and bat-eared foxes are also common. You may even be lucky enough to catch sight of a serval hunting small animals.
Wildlife Highlights In addition to lions and hyenas, the crater is home to black rhinos, one of its main attractions. Large herds of buffalo can be seen, while lone elephants with massive tusks roam the plains. While giraffes are common in the greater conservation area, they are absent from the crater itself, likely due to the steep crater walls.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, though animals are most easily seen during the Dry season (June to October). The Wet season (November to May) enhances the beauty of the landscape, though the long grass during this period can sometimes make it harder to spot smaller animals. March and April are typically the wettest months.