Ngorongoro Crater

photo by Ana Powers

Description: The Ngorongoro Crater is a sunken volcano, or better termed the largest intact volcanic caldera. The view from the crest of the crater will provide you with an expansive sight of the entire crater that spans 260 square kilometers.

The relationship between the Maasai tribe and the Ngorongoro eco-system is equally impressive. The Maasai herd their cattle into and out of the crater daily for water, leading their cattle to water alongside the “Big 5.”

The crater is relatively small and can often feel like there are a lot of vehicles, but it is still a must-see on most itineraries. One visit to the floor of the crater is usually enough, unless it is important to increase your chances of seeing a rhino in the Northern Parks.

Location: Northern circuit, 4 hours outside Arusha on the way to the Serengeti

Things 2 Do: Game Drives, Hiking, Nature Walk, Visit a Maasai Boma, Visit Olduvai Gorge

Time: 1 half-day is usually enough to see the crater, not more than 2 half-days. The Ngorongoro Conservation Authority limits game drives to half-days.

Animals: One of the few places you have a chance to spot rhinos. One can also find Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, Zebra, Giraffe, Warthog, Hyena, Hippo, Wildebeest, and Ostrich

Accommodations

$
A2T Camping (public campsites)
Crater Rim View Inn (Karatu)

$$
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge (Karatu)
Octagon Safari Lodge (Karatu)
Rhino Lodge

$$$
Crater Forest Tented Lodge (Karatu)
Endoro Lodge (Karatu)
Kudu Lodge (Karatu)
Ngorongoro Farm House
Ngorongoro Forest Tented Camp (Karatu)
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Plantation Lodge
Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge (Karatu)
Tloma Lodge (Karatu)

$$$$
Gibbs Cottages (Karatu)
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

$$$$$
Kirurumu Ngorongoro Camp
Tha Manor at Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge