The NGORONGORO-CRATER -Africa’s Ark & UNESCO-World Heritage Site

The Big Five within reach – in nature’s grand amphitheater…

In the heart of northern Tanzania, between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, lies one of Africa’s most fascinating natural wonders: the Ngorongoro Crater. This vast caldera – about 20 km wide, 259 km² in size, and over 600 m deep – is the remnant of a volcano that collapsed two million years ago. Within its steep walls exists a self-contained ecosystem of forests, savannas, and lakes – with an extraordinary density of wildlife.

It’s no wonder the crater is often called “Africa’s Ark.” “It is impossible to convey in words the magnitude and beauty of the crater.” — Bernhard Grzimek

Formation & Geology – The Amphitheatre of Nature

The Ngorongoro is not an ordinary volcanic crater but a caldera – the collapsed cone of an ancient super volcano. Its steep walls, rising up to 2,300 m above sea level, form a natural barrier that protects life within and creates a bowl-shaped microcosm. Clouds gather, moisture lingers, and a uniquely fertile climate sustains rich vegetation.

The landscape shifts from dense bush to open grassland and alkaline lakes – a miniature version of East Africa in one enclosed space.

Wildlife – Big Five, Predators & Flamingos

The Ngorongoro Crater is a hotspot for wildlife viewing and boasts one of the highest densities of animals on Earth. Around 25,000 animals live within the caldera – a density that even the Serengeti rarely matches.

Typical residents:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs: Predators are easily spotted here; the crater is home to one of East Africa’s most stable lion prides.

• Elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos: Three of the Big Five are almost guaranteed sightings, and with luck, you may even encounter the rare black rhino.

• Zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles: Thousands graze across the crater floor, often right beside lion prides.

• Flamingos and hippos: They populate Lake Magadi, the shimmering soda lake at the center. Bird enthusiasts will also be in their element: more than 400 species have been recorded – from crowned cranes to Kori bustards.

People & Culture – The World of the Maasai

The Ngorongoro is not an empty reserve but part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where humans and wildlife coexist.

Around ten thousand Maasai live here with their herds – a rare harmony between traditional pastoralism and wilderness. The Maasai may graze their cattle within the area but are not permitted to live or establish new settlements inside the crater.

A visit to the Maasai villages, their traditional bomas, offers intimate glimpses into rituals, craftsmanship, and daily life – an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Discover how the Maasai balance tradition and modernity.

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UNESCO World Heritage & Protected Area

Since 1979, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site – recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and cultural significance. You can even visit the graves of the German zoologists and filmmakers Michael and Bernhard Grzimek, whose conservation legacy still shapes Tanzania today.

For history enthusiasts, the Olduvai Gorge, also known as Oldupai Gorge, is a must-see. Stretching about 50 kilometers and up to 90 meters deep, it is considered the Cradle of Humankind. Researchers discovered traces of early human settlement here, and archaeological work continues to this day. The Olduvai Gorge Museum showcases remarkable discoveries in a compact and engaging way.

The “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa”

The Ngorongoro area is also part of the so-called “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa”—a popular list of the continent’s most extraordinary natural phenomena. These natural wonders include Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, the Nile, and the Sahara.

This title is not an official UNESCO designation, but it underscores the region’s uniqueness and natural diversity.

Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips

The Ngorongoro can be visited year-round – each season offering its own atmosphere.

• June–September (Dry Season): Clear skies, high visibility, wildlife gathering around water sources; nights on the rim can be chilly.

• October–November (Short Rains): First showers bring fresh green scenery; fewer visitors, still excellent sightings.

• December–February (Green Season): Lush landscapes, young animals, and vibrant birdlife – ideal for photographers.

• March–May (Long Rains): Quieter, often better lodge rates; some roads may become muddy.

Tip: Two days make a compact safari; 3+ days allow time for hiking, the museum and culture — depending on season and interests.

Prefer a concise option? Our 2-day Ngorongoro safari from Zanzibar is perfect for a short getaway.

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Side Trips & Combinations

Hike at the Empakaai Crater

About an hour north of the Ngorongoro lies the smaller, mystical Empakaai Crater, a tranquil twin with an emerald-green lake at its heart. A trail descends through misty forest to the lake’s edge, where flamingos feed in silence. The hike, lasting two to three hours, is guided by a ranger – peaceful, impressive, and authentic.

Lake Eyasi – Culture & Vastness

Southwest of the crater, at the edge of the Great Rift Valley, lies remote Lake Eyasi. Here live the Hadzabe, one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer tribes, and the Datoga, traditional blacksmiths. A respectful guided visit offers fascinating insights into ancient lifestyles – a striking cultural contrast to the crater’s wildlife scenes.

Coffee Walk in Karatu

At the foot of the Ngorongoro Highlands, around the small town of Karatu, coffee plantations and farm gardens invite relaxed walks. Learn how Arabica is grown, harvested, and roasted – tasting included. A perfect, peaceful way to end a safari and reflect on the Ngorongoro experience.

Combinations

• Perfectly combinable with the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, or Tarangire National Park – the classic route of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.

• Empakaai, Karatu, and Lake Eyasi can easily be added as 1–2 day extensions for those who wish to dive deeper.

Discover how to combine Ngorongoro with the Serengeti, Lake Manyara or Tarangire. ➜ Learn more.

Conclusion – A Microcosm of Africa

The Ngorongoro Crater brings together, within a few square kilometers, everything that defines Africa: untamed nature, ancient culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Standing on the rim, gazing across the vast and almost unreal expanse, one understands why Bernhard Grzimek was left speechless:

• The largest intact caldera in Africa – 259 km², over 600 m deep

• Home to more than 25,000 animals, including the Big Five

• UNESCO World Heritage Site & Cradle of Humankind

• Homeland of the Maasai

• Year-round destination – a highlight of the Northern Circuit

• Easily combined with Empakaai, Karatu (Coffee Walk), and Lake Eyasi

And in the end, that same sense of wonder remains – or, as Bernhard Grzimek once said: “It is impossible to convey in words the magnitude and beauty of the crater.”