Ngorongoro Crater

A volcano that is estimated to have been marginally taller than Mount Kilimanjaro erupted two million years ago with such force that the volcano’s mouth imploded.

Overview

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.

Ngorongoro Tours

7 Days Great Wildebeest Migration Calvin Safari

Tanzania

7 Days

( Destinations) Lake Manyara, Ndutu, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire

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6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Tanzania

6 Days

( Destinations) Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire

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4 Days 3 Nights Camping Budget Safari

Tanzania

4 Days

( Destinations) Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire

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A hot air balloon floating over the expansive Serengeti National Park, showcasing aerial tranquility.

4 Days Tanzania Special Safari

Tanzania

4 Days

( Destinations) Ngorongoro, Serengeti

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Hadzabe Cultural Tour

Tanzania

7 Days

( Destinations) Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire

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2 Days Wildebeest Migration Safari From Arusha

Tanzania

5 Days

( Destination) Ngorongoro

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All Packages

Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This shallow soda lake, fed by rainfall and rivers, contrasts with dry grasslands and is home to a vibrant array of birds. Thousands of lesser flamingos feed on algae, turning their plumage pink. Hippos, Cape buffalo, elephants, black rhinos, and warthogs also frequent the area.

The park’s main entrance and airstrip are located near the Tarangire River. Visitors pass through grasslands with iconic baobabs and enter hilly terrain with views of Lake Manyara. Lake Burungi hosts wildlife in the wet season, while Silale Swamps are home to a resident lion pride.

The Gursi Plains in Tarangire offer nutritious grasslands and acacia woodlands, attracting elephants, Cape buffalos, and other herbivores, which in turn draw predators like lions and hyenas. It’s also the best spot to see the endangered African wild dog near the Kitibong Hills.

The southern reaches of Tarangire offer remote wilderness with minimal infrastructure and few tourists. This area hosts walking safaris, frequent cheetah and ostrich sightings, and abundant waterbirds in the swamps during the wet season. However, roads can become inaccessible due to seasonal flooding.

Seasonal Overview

April / May – ‘Shoulder Season’ – Tourist numbers remain high year-round, with a slight decrease during this period.

June – September – ‘Dry Season’ – Rain is minimal, and the short grass enhances wildlife visibility, making it easier to spot animals.

November – May– ‘Wet Season’ – Lush, green grass during this time boosts the scenic beauty of the landscape.

Activities

Game Drives

With half and full-day options available, visitors accompany an experienced guide to search the crater floor for the Big 5 and other wildlife species.

Hot Air Balloon Trips

This tranquil experience offers a unique perspective of the landscape surrounding the crater.

Archaeological Excursions

Visit nearby archaeological sites to learn more about the evolution of humankind.

Cultural Visit

Gain an insight into the area’s indigenous cultures, with visits to local homesteads.

Picnic

Arrange a catered picnic at a designated site on the crater floor.

Bird Watching

Over 500 species await discovery by the avid birder visiting these parts.