Ngorongoro Protected Area

Welcome to Africa’s Top Travel Destination 2025: the Ngorongoro Crater. Beyond hosting Africa’s densest population of wildlife—including the Big Five and the iconic characters that inspired The Lion King—this breathtaking landscape is also the homeland of the renowned Maasai people.

Home National Parks Tanzania Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area stretches from Serengeti National Park in the north to the Great Rift Valley in the east. Altogether, it covers over 8,000 km² (around 3,200 sq. miles). Within its boundaries lie the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater, and Mount Oldonyo Lengai. This diverse landscape of forests, valleys, savanna, craters, lakes, and swamps provides a habitat for an exceptional variety of wildlife.

Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder

The renowned Ngorongoro Crater is the highlight of this region. Around two to three million years ago, a massive volcano erupted and collapsed inward, giving rise to the crater. This natural event created a distinctive ecosystem rich in diverse vegetation.

Today, the crater hosts one of the densest wildlife populations in Africa. It shelters zebras, buffalo, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches, and hippos. The area is also abundant in predators such as lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and leopards. A major draw of the Ngorongoro Crater is undoubtedly the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino – all of which can be seen within its 20-kilometre (12.5-mile) wide and 600-metre (2,000-foot) deep expanse. Visitors are treated to both the remarkable variety of wildlife and the vibrant landscapes. The panoramic views from the crater’s rim across the floor are truly breathtaking. Owing to its exceptional natural beauty, the Ngorongoro Crater has been recognized as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

Maasai Community

During your safari, you’ll also have the chance to meet the Maasai community. Their livestock is permitted to graze in this region. If you’re genuinely interested in discovering more about their way of life and traditions, we suggest booking a Maasai cultural tour.

Thinking about including the Ngorongoro Crater in your journey? Take a look at our safari options for inspiration, or reach out to us for tailored guidance.

Journey Duration to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Arusha → Ngorongoro Conservation Area: approximately 3 hours
Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Serengeti National Park: around 2 hours
Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Lake Manyara: about 1 hour
Ngorongoro → Tarangire: close to 2 hours

Details and Insights

The Ngorongoro Crater stands out as the region’s premier highlight. It shelters one of the densest populations of wildlife in all of Africa, including lions, elephants, zebras, and the rare black rhino. From the crater’s rim, the sweeping views of the floor below are truly breathtaking. It’s no surprise that this natural marvel is recognized among Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

Frequently Seen Wildlife

Rhinoceroses
Hippopotamuses
Lions
Grant’s Gazelles
Thomson’s Gazelles
Zebras
Wildebeests
Warthogs
Highland Antelopes
Elephants
Jackals
Ostriches

Ngorongoro Facts

Ngorongoro Crater floor showcasing its distinctive habitat and diverse wildlife
Ngorongoro Highlands
Olmoti Crater and Empakaai Crater
Tropical rainforest
Olduvai Gorge, the earliest known site of human existence on Earth
Museum Laetoli Footprint, home to the oldest known footprints of early humans

Tripadvisor Activities & Adventures

Tripadvisor