Cloud over the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a conservation area situated west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is part of the Serengeti ecosystem, and to the north-west, it adjoins the Serengeti National Park and is contiguous with the southern Serengeti plains, these plains also extend to the north into unprotected Loliondo division and are kept open to wildlife through trans-human pastoralism practised by Maasai.

The south and west of the area are volcanic highlands, including the famous Ngorongoro Crater and the lesser-known Empakai. The southern and eastern boundaries are approximately defined by the rim of the Great Rift Valley wall, which also prevents animal migration in these directions.

Lion in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater
The Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Why visit the Ngorongoro Crater

The region is dominated by the massive Ngorongoro Crater, which has formed the focal point of so many television documentaries. The crater floor itself is alive with game, particularly around Lake Magadi, which is also well known for its flamingo population. Aside from herds of zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests, the crater is home to the Big Five – rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos.

The crater plays host to almost every individual species of wildlife in East Africa, with an estimated 25,000 animals within the crater. Elsewhere on the crater floor, predators roam freely, terrorising the vulnerable plains game that huddles in groups as the dusk settles.

View over Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Why visit the crater rim?

The views from the rim are spectacular and the fever tree forest, which characterises the area, is alive with elephants, leopards and buffalos, most of which descend into the crater to feed.

To explore this forest with an armed guide in search of smaller craters, mountain rivers and waterfalls is one of Africa’s real treats.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Flamingos, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater

Crater Floor

Take a game drive on the crater floor. Encounter grazing rhinos and statuesque pink flamingos.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Maasai in front of spear, Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater

Meet Local Maasai

Head to the rarely visited area north of the Ngorongoro Crater, home to pastoralist Maasai communities. Visit one of their bomas and learn about the traditional Maasai way of life.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hadzabe starting fire, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater

Meet the Hadzabe

Travel to Lake Eyasi, a beautiful soda lake, and spend time with the Hadzabe bushmen. This tribe of hunter-gatherers still survive by foraging for berries, collecting honey and even hunting wild game.

View of the Empakai Crater, The Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater

Empakai Crater Hike

Explore the remote Empakai Crater on foot, with beautiful views of the caldera lake. Spot birdlife in the lush forests, filled with strangler figs.

Suggested hotel

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

The Highlands £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Set in the wild landscape of the northern reaches of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, The Highlands hugs the slopes of the Olmoti volcano. Beautiful volcanic terrain surrounds this stylish camp, crisscrossed by ancient Maasai trails that link traditional bomas. The camp combines remoteness with elegant comfort, positioned to make the most of the unspoilt wilderness that spreads into the distance. Inventive dome-shaped tents provide panoramic views from transparent fronts, whilst inside warmth and modern amenities provide a wonderful sanctuary.

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Plantation Lodge £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Plantation Lodge rests on soft, red-brown hills amidst the vastness and silence of East Africa – about 30 km from the Ngorongoro Crater. The place is very neatly tucked away on a coffee farm in the hills near the town of Kiratu. The lodge has of 14 double rooms, of which six can be converted into triples – all in small houses dotted throughout beautiful gardens, which are also home to a spectacular pool. It also has a large house, which can accommodate groups or families.

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Ngorongoro Crater Lodge £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched on the edge of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater on the eastern edge of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. Inspired in design by the Maasai mud-and-stick manyatta, it is, without doubt, one of the most architecturally spectacular safari lodges in Africa. The lodge itself consists of three adjacent camps with 30 Maasai-inspired suites perched on stilts. Set in classic crescents, each stone and thatch suite has spectacular views of the crater from large glass windows in the bathroom, lounge and bedroom, yet is almost invisible from the crater floor. North and South Camp have 12 suites each, while intimate Tree Camp has six suites. All have en suite bathrooms and personal butlers.

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Entamanu Ngorongoro £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Entamanu Ngorongoro sits on the north-western edge of the crater, perched on the rim. This unique location affords spectacular views of the crater floor. The endless vistas that spread across this vast natural depression are greeted by the African sunrise, whilst behind the camp, the sun sets over the distant plains of the Serengeti. Positioned amongst an area of incredible natural beauty, the unobtrusive Entamanu is built so as to intrude as little as possible on nature. A private access road leads up to the camp, which takes its name from the Maa word for ‘circle’.

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Gibb’s Farm £££££

  • Tanzania
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Situated on a coffee farm five kilometres from the village of Karatu and midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Gibb’s Farm is a homey and warm colonial homestead that was once the heart of the surrounding coffee plantations. The 19 twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms at Gibb’s Farm are set among the gardens while the main facilities, consisting of a sitting room, dining room and gift shop, are in the old farmhouse. Gibb’s Farm provides a welcome stay on any safari and a base from which to enjoy the many activities available in the foothills of the Ngorongoro Forest, The Ngorongoro Crater and Manyara National Park. Even if your stay is short, find time for a gentle walk or a tour of the gardens.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

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  • 01285 880 980

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