Overview and Wildlife Habitat
The crater spans 260 km² (100 mi²), with its rim 610 metres (2000 ft) high. An eruption enriched the area with mineral-rich dust, fostering fertile soils. Underground rivers feed springs, bringing nutrients to the surface.
This environment supports permanent water sources, attracting animals. Their presence enriches the soil further, creating a productive grassland. Over time, swamps and forests emerged, hosting the planet’s densest concentration of large mammals.
Conservation History and Tourism
Ngorongoro Crater, named after the resonant sound of cattle bells once filling its expanse, has evolved from human habitation to a premier wildlife sanctuary. The removal of settlements enabled its transformation into a globally celebrated wildlife haven. It now stands as the core of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a World Heritage Site since 1959, lauded for its rich biodiversity and archaeological significance, including the pivotal Olduvai Gorge.
Flanked by the Serengeti and game-controlled zones, it forms a vast conservation mosaic where the Maasai people continue their traditional nomadic life, albeit without cattle grazing within the crater to protect its ecosystem. The crater, a biodiversity hotspot, shelters an estimated 25,000 large mammals.
Regulation and Access
Various tourism regulations within the crater distinguish the safari activities from the norm. No walking safaris are allowed and all the vehicles must leave the crater by 16h30, and as such, no night game drives are possible. Visitors can however enjoy these activities and more at locations outside the crater. There are a few lodges perched on the crater rim, although the majority that visit for safari excursions are generally within an hour’s drive. Long queues at the entrance gates necessitate an early start to maximise your viewing time. Two to three days are suggested to properly explore the crater. There is no airstrip within the crater and the nearest entrance gate is 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha, where an entrance fee is payable, over and above other transit fees and expenses along the way.
Ngorongoro Tours
Experience thrilling safaris, captivating cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes on our meticulously crafted tours.
Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. On this 8 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to
Machame, known as the “Whiskey” route, is a popular route to the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. It is considered
This safari takes you through the highlights of renowned parks of northern Tanzania. The tour starts at Tarangire, famous for its dense wildlife population then to Ngorongoro crater, which supports..
5 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari
From$1,676.00Drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive with packed lunch. Late in the evening, we drive to the camp for the dinner and overnight.
The Hadza, or Hadzabe are indigenous ethnic group in north-central Tanzania. They live in Lake Eyasi in the central rift valley and in the neighboring Serengeti Plateau.
4 Days – Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire
From$1,190.00Start a beautiful journey across the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara for a full day game drive. Although small in dimension (205 sq miles), the park has breathtaking scenery and is well famous
Different areas of the Ngorongoro Crater & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This shallow soda lake that is fed by both rainfall and various rivers, adds a flash of colour, particularly when the surrounding grasslands are dry. Adding to the lush green on the banks, an incredible array of birds are found both in and around the water. Perhaps most colourful of these are the many thousands of lesser flamingos that feed on the algae in the shallows. The algae, in combination with bacteria, turns the plumage of the birds a lovely pink. Rafts of hippos pass the day in the water before leaving to graze overnight. Adjacent to the lake there is numerous mud wallows frequented by Cape buffalo, elephants, black rhinos, and warthogs.
Compared to the sparse vegetation on the south-facing slopes of the caldera, the vegetation on the north-facing slopes is relatively dense, particularly in the area known as the Lerai Forest in the southwest. The thicker layer of soil accumulated at the base of the slope means that large trees can establish their root structures and thrive in the temperate climate. Of these, the distinctive yellow-barked fever tree (Vachellia xanthophloea) stands out, along with the twisted trunks of fig trees. The trees are home to numerous bird species, along with vervet monkeys, Olive baboons and tree hyraxes. The trees also offer sanctuary to the few leopards present within the crater. Massive bull elephants collect seed pods and bark alongside bushbuck, eland and waterbuck. Some say this is the best place to spot black rhinos.
With much of the day confined in a vehicle, a visit to the springs offers a welcome opportunity to stretch and enjoy a packed picnic lunch overlooking a small lake created by the springs that bubble up from the earth. Within the water, hippos and waterfowl are almost constantly active. Stately elephant bulls and other wildlife often come down to drink. Birdlife is also prolific.
Beyond the Crater
Roughly 30 km (18 mi) northwest of western Ngorongoro Entrance Gate lies the Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s premier paleo-anthropological sites. There is a museum and tours to learn more about human evolution. In this area, you will also find Lake Ndutu and Masek, renowned for their amazing birdlife. Another worthwhile destination is the so-called Shifting Sands, a near-black dune of volcanic ash that is moving slowly westwards at around 17m (50ft) per annum.
This scenically beautiful region is a haven for nature lovers, particularly those who like to explore on foot. Of particular interest is the Empakaai Crater, where a considerable trek will take you to the lake on the crater floor. The views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Lake Natron in the distance, and the sacred mountain of the Maasai Ol Doinyo Lengai (actually an active volcano), make this an area well worth exploring.
Also seldom visited, this area is rich in spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities. Experienced climbers can summit Mt Lemagarut (3 147m) to enjoy views of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Eyasi. There are also opportunities for walking safaris with experienced rangers.
Geographically part of the Serengeti ecosystem, this area falls under NCA administration. Thousands of wildebeest, zebra and various antelope give birth to their young in this area, before rejoining the circuitous route of the Great Migration.
