Awarded Africa’s top tourist attraction, Ngorongoro Crater offers unparalleled Big Five safaris and rich Maasai culture in a spectacular caldera setting.
Stretching from the northern reaches of the Serengeti National Park to the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses a vast and diverse landscape of over 8,000 square kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a highlight of any itinerary with Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris, is renowned for its extraordinary geological and ecological features, including the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, the archaeological sites of Olduvai Gorge, the Empakaai Crater, the Olmoti Crater, the Ndutu plains, and the volcanic peak of Oldonyo Lengai. This intricate mosaic of forests, savannahs, valleys, alkaline lakes, and swamps supports an unparalleled concentration of wildlife, creating a premier destination for an authentic Tanzanian safari experience.
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.
During your safari, it is also possible to visit the Maasai tribe. They are allowed to let their livestock graze in this area. If you really want to learn more about the lifestyle and rituals of this fascinating tribe, we recommend you to book a Maasai Tour.
You like to incorporate Ngorongoro Crater into your itinerary? Check our Tanzania safaris for inspiration, or contact us for personal advice.
The Ngorongoro Crater stands as the crown jewel of the Northern Circuit and the centerpiece of our premier safaris at Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris. This vast, unbroken caldera boasts the highest density of large mammals in all of Africa, creating an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. Guests are consistently awed by the breathtaking panoramas from the crater rim overlooking the fertile floor below. This spectacular natural amphitheater is rightfully celebrated as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Key Wildlife Species
The crater is a thriving ecosystem supporting a remarkable population of fauna, including:
Black Rhinoceros (critically endangered)
Lion
African Elephant
Hippopotamus
Zebra and Wildebeest
Grant’s and Thomson’s Gazelles
Warthog
Eland and other Highland Antelopes
Jackal
Ostrich
Unique Features & Historical Significance
A journey with Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers more than a standard game drive. We provide immersive access to its diverse and significant attractions:
The Crater Floor: A unique, self-contained ecosystem with a stunning concentration of predators and herbivores.
The Ngorongoro Highlands: A region of cool, forested slopes offering spectacular hikes and a contrast to the plains below.
Olmoti & Empakaai Craters: Lesser-visited volcanic craters offering serene walking safaris and breathtaking vistas, away from the crowds.
Montane Forests: Explore the lush, tropical rainforests that blanket the crater rim, home to unique birdlife and flora.
Olduvai Gorge: Often called the ‘Cradle of Mankind,’ this seminal paleoanthropological site reveals evidence of the earliest human existence.
Laetoli Footprints: A profound historical site preserving the oldest known hominin footprints, immortalized in volcanic ash over 3.6 million years ago.
Let Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris guide you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where unparalleled wildlife encounters meet profound human history.
