The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans from Serengeti National Park in the north, to the Great Rift Valley in the east. In total, the conservation area covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 sq. miles). It consists of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater and Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. The mix of forests, valleys, savanna, craters, lakes, and swamps is home to a wide range of animals.
The famous Ngorongoro Crater is the main feature of this area. Two to three million years ago, the large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. As a result, the crater formed, which then created a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of vegetation.
Today, the crater is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. It is home to zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches, and hippos. You can find a high population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and leopards. And a big attraction of the Ngorongoro Crater are of course the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino. You can see them all in this 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) wide and 600 metres (2,000 feet) deep crater. Enjoy the variety of animals and beautiful colours of the landscapes. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are incredible. Because of its natural beauty, the crater is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
From elephants and rhinos to lions and hyenas, the crater is one of the best places to witness the Big Five — all within a single day of game viewing. The unique topography keeps animals enclosed, creating exceptional viewing opportunities.
Join Summer Winter Adventures for a journey into one of the world’s most incredible natural theaters. Whether as part of a longer safari or a stand-alone day trip, Ngorongoro will leave you in awe.
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera, formed over 2.5 million years ago. It's a unique natural enclosure for thousands of wild animals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The crater is home to over 25,000 animals, including the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the endangered black rhino. You’ll also see wildebeest, zebra, hyenas, flamingos, and more.
Ngorongoro is perfect for a day trip, but it’s also commonly included in longer Northern Circuit safaris. We recommend combining it with nearby destinations like Serengeti or Lake Manyara for a complete experience.
Ngorongoro is a year-round destination, but wildlife is easier to spot in the dry season (June–October). The scenery is especially lush and green from November to May.
Ngorongoro Crater is the main attraction of this area. It is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. You can see lions, elephants, zebras, black rhino and so much more. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are spectacular. No wonder it is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Join Summer Winter Adventures for a journey into one of the world’s most incredible natural theaters. Whether as part of a longer safari or a stand-alone day trip, Ngorongoro will leave you in awe.
