The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is one of the only places on the planet where wildlife and people coexist. Its centrepiece, the Ngorongoro Crater, is the world’s largest intact, unflooded volcanic caldera – formed when a huge volcano erupted and collapsed on itself millions of years ago.

Inside the crater

Roughly 20 kilometres wide, 600 metres deep and covering some 300 square kilometres, the crater floor shelters more than 25,000 large animals. Among them are around 26 critically endangered black rhinos, along with thousands of wildebeest, zebra, eland, and Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles. The crater is also famous for its black-maned lions, solitary leopards, cheetahs, and large clans of spotted hyena.

A natural amphitheatre of game

Tens of thousands of grazers throng the crater floor, feeding on grass enriched by ancient volcanic ash, while predators and scavengers – lions, hyenas, jackals and vultures – keep the ecosystem in balance. A typical descent begins shortly after sunrise, with 4x4s winding down steep roads through montane forest in search of game. Circle Lake Magadi for thousands of lesser flamingos, and pass through the Lerai Forest to find big-tusked elephants and, if you are lucky, a leopard descending from a tree.

Plan your Ngorongoro safari

To time your visit well, read our guides on planning a migration safari and combine the crater with the plains on our 3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari. When you are ready, start planning your Tanzania safari with our team.