Ngorongoro Crater
Overview
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, spanning 260 square kilometers. Located approximately 180 kilometers west of Arusha, the crater is a short drive from the town or can be accessed via flights to the nearby Lake Manyara Airport. The crater’s steep walls, rising 610 meters, create a natural enclosure for a diverse array of wildlife, making it one of Africa’s most unique and fascinating safari destinations.
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Wildlife
Ngorongoro Crater boasts one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five. The crater floor is home to around 25,000 large animals, including elephants, black rhinos, lions, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. The lush crater floor is interspersed with swamps, lakes, and acacia woodlands, supporting a rich birdlife including flamingos and birds of prey. The unique landscape and the chance to see such a high concentration of wildlife in a relatively small area make the Ngorongoro Crater an unforgettable safari experience.
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When to visit
The Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round due to its stable animal population. However, the dry season (June to October) is generally the best time to visit, as the vegetation is less dense, making animals easier to spot. During the wet season (November to May), the crater becomes lush and green, providing beautiful scenery and excellent bird watching opportunities, though the roads can be more challenging to navigate.