Often called the eighth natural wonder of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact crater on the planet. About two million years ago, the Ngorongoro volcano erupted and its walls collapsed. The volcano floor sank to create a natural enclosure surrounded by 600m high walls. Now, at over 19 kilometers wide, this natural amphitheater is full of acacia forest, hippo-filled swamps and wide-open grasslands. These different habitats contain over 30,000 animals – including elephants, warthogs, flamingos, magnificent birds, the rare black rhinoceros and all the predatory cats. Ngorongoro Crater sits inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which covers more than 8,000 sq km. It is called a ‘Conservation Area’ and not a ‘National Park’ because animals and people live together here (people are not allowed to live in National Parks). The Maasai live around the Ngorongoro Crater and can often be seen grazing their cattle alongside the buffalo and wildebeest.
How to go there
The distance between Arusha and the Entrance Gate is 160 kilometers. The entire drive takes two hours and is entirely on asphalt. When visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle.
Things to Do
- Game Drive
- Walking Safari
- Wildlife watching
- Photographic Safari
- Bird Watching
- Hot Air Ballooning
Best Time to Visit
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ngorongoro Crater can be visited year-round. Usually, the best time to travel is based on one’s personal preferences. If great weather is preferred, the best time to visit Ngorongoro is considered to be from January to February or from June through September.
Facts about the Park
- The jewel in Ngorongoro’s crown is a deep, volcanic crater, the largest un flooded and unbroken caldera in the world.
- About 20kms across, 600 meters deep and 300 sq kms in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder.
- The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests.
- The crater is home to many species of wild game and birds.
