NGORONGORO CRATER
Africa's Eden - a natural sanctuary for wildlife in the world's largest intact caldera
About Ngorongoro Crater
Often called 'Africa's Eden' and the '8th Natural Wonder of the World', the Ngorongoro Crater is a remarkable natural sanctuary for wildlife. The crater, actually a caldera, formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago. It is 610 meters (2,000 feet) deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometers (100 square miles).
The Ngorongoro Crater is part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers 8,292 square kilometers (3,202 square miles). Unlike national parks, the conservation area is a multiple-use land area where wildlife coexists with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing.
The crater's floor is a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife. It contains a permanent population of more than 25,000 animals, making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world. The rich pasture and permanent water supply mean that most animals remain in the crater year-round rather than migrating.
Key Facts
Location
Northern Tanzania, 180 km west of Arusha
Size
Crater floor: 260 sq km (100 sq miles)
Established
1959 (as a conservation area)
Altitude
Crater rim: 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level
Wildlife in Ngorongoro
The Big Five
Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Africa where you can see all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in a single day. The crater is particularly known for its population of black rhinos, which are endangered and rarely seen elsewhere. Lions are commonly spotted, while leopards tend to stay in the forested areas of the crater rim.
Predators
The crater supports one of the highest densities of predators in Africa. Besides lions and leopards, there are large numbers of spotted hyenas and jackals. Cheetahs are occasionally seen on the crater floor, though they are not permanent residents. The high concentration of prey animals makes the crater an ideal hunting ground for these predators.
Other Wildlife
The crater floor is teeming with other wildlife, including large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and Thomson's and Grant's gazelles. Hippos can be found in the swampy areas, while the crater's forests are home to bushbuck and bushpig. The crater also supports a rich bird life, with over 500 species recorded in the conservation area.
When to Visit
June to October
Dry Season
Best Wildlife Viewing
The dry season is the best time to visit Ngorongoro for wildlife viewing. The vegetation is less dense, making animals easier to spot, and they gather around water sources. The weather is pleasant with clear skies, though mornings and evenings can be quite cool due to the altitude. This is the peak tourist season.
November to December
Short Rains
Green Season
The short rainy season brings afternoon showers that transform the landscape into a lush green setting. Wildlife is still abundant, and the crater is less crowded. Bird watching is excellent during this period as many migratory species arrive. The crater rim can be misty, occasionally obscuring views.
January to February
Dry Season
Hot and Dry
This short dry spell between the rains offers good wildlife viewing opportunities. The weather is hot and dry, making it a good time for game viewing as animals gather around water sources. The landscape is still relatively green from the short rains, providing good photographic opportunities.
March to May
Long Rains
Low Season
The long rainy season brings heavy rainfall, especially in April. Some lodges close during this period, but those that remain open offer lower rates. The landscape is lush and beautiful, but wildlife viewing can be challenging as animals disperse and roads may become difficult to navigate. The crater rim is often shrouded in mist.
Things to Do in Ngorongoro
Game Drives
The main activity in Ngorongoro is game drives on the crater floor. Vehicles descend into the crater in the morning and spend the day exploring the diverse habitats. The compact nature of the crater means you can see a wide variety of wildlife in a relatively short time. Full-day crater tours with a picnic lunch are popular.
Crater Rim Walk
Walking is not permitted on the crater floor, but guided walks along the crater rim offer stunning views and the chance to learn about the local flora and geology. These walks also provide opportunities to spot birds and smaller wildlife that might be missed during game drives. An armed ranger accompanies all walks for safety.
Maasai Cultural Visits
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Maasai people, who have maintained their traditional lifestyle despite modern influences. Cultural visits to Maasai villages offer insights into their customs, traditions, and way of life. These visits provide a valuable human dimension to your safari experience.
Photography
Ngorongoro offers exceptional photographic opportunities, from sweeping landscapes to intimate wildlife moments. The crater rim provides spectacular panoramic views, especially at sunrise when the mist often fills the crater. The compact nature of the crater means wildlife is relatively easy to photograph, even without extreme telephoto lenses.
Olduvai Gorge Visit
Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. It was here that Louis and Mary Leakey discovered some of the earliest evidence of human evolution. The small museum at the site provides fascinating insights into human origins and the archaeological work conducted in the area.