Ngorongoro Crater

Visiting Ngorongoro Crater

Around three million years ago, and extinct volcano collapsed forming a huge caldera known today as the Ngorongoro crater. If it still stood as a volcano, it would have been higher than Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Today, this natural wonder of the world is one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth.

The crater is incredibly scenic, with a myriad of plant and tree life climbing its walls and covering its surface. Fever and fig trees cover a vast area of the crater floor providing shade for an incredible array of wildlife. Maasai tribesmen continue to tend their herds on the crater floor offering stunning dots of purples and reds in their robes (known as shukas) when viewed from a distance. The Maasai add to the drama of this incredible scene.

On the crater floor lies a large soda lake full of pink flamingo. This is perhaps the only park where it is still possible to spot the endangered black rhino. Everything is here from large elephant herds to healthy lion prides with incredible black manes typical to the crater. With approximately 25,000 animals inside this area, it’s easy to tick off most animals on your wish list. The downside? You’ll be ticking off your list alongside a countless number of lists inside vehicles which enter and depart every day year- round. At 610 metres deep and 260 square kilometres, although a huge caldera, it is one of the smaller wildlife preserves making getting away from the crowds an impossibility. We prefer to take our guests to view the crater from its rim as we think this the most dramatic view.

Wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater

This is the park to come to tick off your wildlife wish list. There is very little that is not here. Even rhino. This is perhaps the one park where visitors to Tanzania still have a chance to see black rhino. Due to the how busy the park can get, we recommend people go in early and leave by noon or early afternoon thereby avoiding the hottest and busiest times of the day.

Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

A safari in Ngorongoro Crater is undoubtedly a bucket-list experience. The drive to the rim is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking panoramas of the vast expanse below. Once you descend into the crater, you're immersed in a world teeming with wildlife. It’s a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

However, the crater's popularity comes at a price. The sheer number of vehicles can sometimes detract from the overall experience, as you might find yourself jostling for the best viewing spots. Moreover, the government fees to enter the crater are substantial, adding to the overall cost of your safari.

Best time to visit Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round destination, offering unique experiences in every season. However, certain times of the year are more popular than others.

The dry season, from June to October, is widely considered the best time to visit. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the vegetation is shorter, making wildlife spotting easier, and the crater is teeming with life.

For those seeking a quieter experience and a chance to witness the crater's lush green side, the wet season, from November to May, offers a different kind of magic. While rainfall can be more frequent, the landscape transforms into a vibrant oasis, and opportunities for birdwatching are exceptional.

It's important to note that April and May are the wettest months. While the crater still offers its allure, heavy rainfall can impact activities and accessibility.

How to get to Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater is a remote destination in Tanzania, so reaching it requires some planning. Here are the primary options:

By Air

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): This is the most common entry point. Numerous flights connect JRO to major international hubs. From there, you can:
Drive: Rent a car or book a safari tour to drive to Ngorongoro.
Fly: Charter flights are available to airstrips near the crater.
Arusha Airport (ARK): Smaller airport with fewer international connections but often used for domestic flights.

By Land

Safari Tour: Most visitors opt for a guided safari tour that includes transportation from Arusha or other starting points.
Self-Drive: If you're adventurous, renting a vehicle is possible. Be prepared for long distances and challenging road conditions.