Ngorongoro Crater: Tanzania's Hidden Gem

The Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is one of the most curious and remarkable wildlife destinations in Africa. Formed over two million years ago from the collapse of a massive volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater has since earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status and represents one of the most biologically rich regions on the African continent. 

Although not directly part of the Great Migration route through the Serengeti—Africa’s Garden of Eden—this crater in the Arusha Region plays an important role in Tanzania’s broader ecosystem. As with the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) harbor a heavy wildlife concentration year-round and see seasonal movement from migratory species.

Ngorongoro Crater: Tanzania's hidden gem for safari experiences

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Its floor spans approximately 100 square miles (260 square kilometers) and is enclosed by steep walls surpassing a height of over 600 meters (2,000 feet). This forms a natural amphitheater for wildlife where over 25,000 large mammals maintain a permanent residence. Among these species are lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, and the endangered black rhino. This makes the Ngorongoro Crater one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single game drive.

The Ngorongoro Crater’s link to the Great Migration is most evident in the Ndutu region, which is just south of the Serengeti. From December until March, vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move into the short-grass plains of Ndutu to give birth. Around 500,000 calves are born in just a few weeks, attracting the attention of such predators as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Although the herds do not usually descend into the crater itself, they pass through the surrounding conservation area.

The Maasai people of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports wildlife, conservation, and human presence. The semi-nomadic, pastoralist Maasai people live and graze their cattle here, coexisting with the wild species under a multi-use management system. Besides seeing the creatures and scenery, visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers insights into the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai people. 

Thanks to its permanent water sources like Lake Magadi and the Lerai Forest, the Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent game viewing throughout the year. Unlike the open Serengeti plains where wildlife disperses seasonally, the crater’s enclosed environment is a reason why many animals stay close. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a high-density African safari experience in a single location.

Visiting the Ngorongoro Crater

Visiting the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania may be combined with a trip to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Whereas the cyclical nature of the Great Migration means that every month brings a different experience, the Ngorongoro Crater provides a steady and reliable opportunity to witness the Big Five. However, June through October is considered the best time to visit the area.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a critical component of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with unmatched scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing. Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations when you are ready to book your African safari adventure.