Ngorongoro Crater

A Garden of Eden at the Heart of an Ancient Volcano

Home > Facts about Tanzania’s Ngorongoro crater

Ngorongoro, a World Wonder

A **UNESCO World Heritage Site**, the Ngorongoro Crater is not a national park like any other. It is the world's largest intact and unflooded volcanic caldera. Nearly three million years ago, a massive volcano collapsed in on itself, creating this spectacular natural amphitheater.

Today, its 600-meter-high walls house a self-contained and incredibly rich ecosystem. Descending into the crater is like entering a lost world where tens of thousands of wild animals coexist in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. It is a safari experience of rare intensity.

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Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Crater Diameter
Approx. 20 km
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Emblematic Animal
The Black Rhino
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Best Period
All year round

A World Apart: The Crater's Wildlife

Black rhino in the savannah

The Black Rhino Sanctuary

The crater is one of the last refuges for the black rhino, a critically endangered species. It's one of the few places in Tanzania where you'll have a real chance of seeing this prehistoric giant.

Lion cubs in the Ngorongoro Crater

The Territory of Big Cats

With one of the highest densities of predators in Africa, the crater is the favored hunting ground of lions, spotted hyenas, and jackals. The scenes of wildlife here are intense and frequent.

Herds of wildebeest and zebras

Thousands of Herbivores

The fertile soil of the crater continuously nourishes immense herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, and gazelles. It's estimated that over 25,000 large mammals live there year-round.

Flamingoes on Lake Magadi

The Peoples of Lake Magadi

The lake at the center of the crater is a spectacle in itself. It attracts thousands of flamingos, which give it a pinkish hue, as well as many hippos who spend their days basking in its shallow waters.

When to Visit the Crater?

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Dry Season (June - October)

This is the most popular period. The low vegetation and short grasses greatly facilitate animal viewing. The weather is sunny and temperatures on the rim are cool but pleasant. It's the ideal time for clear and spectacular photos.

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Wet Season (Nov - May)

The crater transforms into a true Garden of Eden, with lush green landscapes and wild flowers. The wildlife is still present and abundant, as it is resident. You will enjoy a more intimate atmosphere with fewer vehicles and beautiful light for photography after the showers.

Ready to Descend into this Lost World?

The Ngorongoro Crater is a one-of-a-kind experience. Contact our specialists to include it in your tailor-made trip to Tanzania.

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