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Ngorongoro Crater

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Animal habitat
—°2
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

Weather…

The Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Formed approximately two to three million years ago by the collapse of a massive volcano, the crater drops 610 meters deep and spans about 20 kilometers in diameter. Its 260-square-kilometer floor creates a self-contained natural enclosure for over 25,000 large animals. It is home to one of the highest predator densities in Africa, including a notable lion population and the critically endangered black rhinoceros. The area is also unique for its multi-use conservation model, allowing the semi-nomadic Maasai people to graze their livestock alongside wild fauna. The interior features diverse habitats ranging from alkaline lakes and lush swamps to dense acacia forests and expansive grassy plains.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C181818171615151618181818
Rain mm14310115319095185131979167151

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season from June to October is good as animals concentrate around remaining waterholes. In the rainy season (November to May) the landscape is greener but many animals are more dispersed.
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Best time of day
Best viewing opportunities are early morning (6-9am) when predators and prey are both active. Late afternoon from 4pm also sees many animals returning to water sources.
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Etiquette
Stay inside your vehicle while driving through the crater and only exit at designated picnic sites. Do not feed any animals and keep at least 20 meters distance from wildlife.
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What to bring
Binoculars with 8-10x magnification are essential to spot animals across the crater's expanse. Bring a camera with telephoto lens and plenty of water to cope with the dry heat.
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Getting there
Ngorongoro Crater is reachable from Arusha on paved road in about 3 hours. Entry is through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate and requires booking a safari vehicle permit.
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What to expect
Prepare for heavy traffic on the crater floor - patience is needed for rare sightings. Plan a full day as animal movements change throughout the hours.

Geography

Coordinates
-3.00000, 35.50000

Facts

  • World's largest unfilled volcanic caldera
  • UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979
  • Vertical drop of 610 meters
  • Crater floor area of 260 square kilometers
  • Resident population of 25,000 large animals
  • Refuge for the endangered black rhino

Explore nearby

Notable places around

CharranaCharrana12 km · SExplore →
Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro Crater16 km · NWExplore →
Olduvai GorgeOlduvai Gorge17 km · SExplore →
Izemmouren إزمّـورنIzemmouren إزمّـورن22 km · SExplore →
MelillaMelilla25 km · SExplore →
Port of NadorPort of Nador27 km · SExplore →
Nador West Med Port ProjectNador West Med Port Project28 km · SExplore →
Empakaai CraterEmpakaai Crater33 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ngorongoro Crater (2)

Anglican Diocese of Rift Valley📍 landmark

Anglican diocese in Tanzania, serving congregations along the East African Rift Valley.

East African Rift📍 landmark

Geological rift zone crossing East Africa, shaping the Ngorongoro area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the crater unique?
It is the world's largest unbroken caldera with high wildlife density.
When is the best time?
All year round, but the dry season features clearer views.
Can you go down there?
Only with authorized vehicles.
How is the climate at the top?
Often cool and misty due to the high altitude.
Is it expensive?
Yes, the entry fees for the crater are quite high.
Ngorongoro Crater: where is it located?
Ngorongoro Crater is located in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater: what is there to see?
Highlights include Anglican Diocese of Rift Valley, East African Rift.
Ngorongoro Crater: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Ngorongoro Crater: why is it worth visiting?
The Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Arusha — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Arusha
The gateway to the northern safari parks, located at the foot of Mount Meru.
Usa River — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Usa River
A charming town located between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport, serving as the gateway to Arusha National Park.

History & landmarks

Mlimani City Mall — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Mlimani City Mall
Tanzania's first and largest indoor shopping mall, a milestone in urban development.
Makumbusho Village Museum — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Makumbusho Village Museum
An open-air museum in Dar es Salaam presenting traditional houses of Tanzanian tribes.
PSPF Twin Towers — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
PSPF Twin Towers
Two iconic skyscrapers in the business center of Dar es Salaam, shaping the city's skyline.
Uhuru Monument — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Uhuru Monument
A significant monument celebrating Tanzania's independence in the heart of Dar es Salaam.
Aga Khan Hospital — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Aga Khan Hospital
An ultra-modern medical facility in Dar es Salaam with impressive architecture.
Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium
The largest stadium in Tanzania, located in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam Central Railway Station — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Dar es Salaam Central Railway Station
A colonial railway station building that is the starting point of the historic central railway line.
Azania Front Lutheran Church — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Azania Front Lutheran Church
A striking landmark with a red tile roof on the waterfront of Dar es Salaam.

Nature

Lake Manyara — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Lake Manyara
A lake in the rift valley.
Lake Natron — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Lake Natron
An alkaline salt lake.
Lake Eyasi — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Lake Eyasi
A shallow salt lake in the rift valley.

More places

Olduvai Gorge — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Olduvai Gorge
One of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, known as the 'Cradle of Mankind'.
Engaruka Ruins — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Engaruka Ruins
The fascinating remains of a complex agricultural system and Iron Age settlement in the East African Rift Valley.
Tarangire Park — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Tarangire Park
Known for large elephant herds.
Serengeti Plains — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Serengeti Plains
A vast ecosystem.
Mount Meru — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Mount Meru
An active volcano in Tanzania.
Arusha Park — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Arusha Park
A small, green national park.
🗺️
Kilimanjaro Farmland
Coffee cultivation at the foot of the mountain.
Twiga Cement Factory Dar es Salaam — Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Twiga Cement Factory Dar es Salaam
The largest cement plant in Tanzania, producing in Dar es Salaam and significantly supporting the country's rapid construction boom.