Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural amphitheater formed over three million years ago. With a diameter of 20 kilometers and a depth of 600 meters, this ancient volcanic caldera is one of Africa’s most fertile and wildlife-rich environments, supporting over 25,000 animals year-round.
The Big Five and Rare Species
Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino—in a single game drive. The crater’s lush plains also attract zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and flocks of flamingos that color the soda lakes in pink hues.
The Best Time to Visit
Wildlife is present all year, but the dry season (June–October) offers easier spotting as animals gather around water sources. The wet season (November–May) brings lush scenery, migratory birds, and fewer tourists for a more exclusive experience.