Ngorongoro Conservation

Ngorongoro Crater Overview

Ngorongoro Crater is unique even amongst Tanzania’s incredible array of wild spaces. This enormous caldera is all that remains of an extinct volcano, dating back approximately two million years and comprising no fewer than 260 square kilometers of jaw-dropping wilderness. The walls of Ngorongoro Crater rise higher than 600 meters, enclosing a surprising variety of landscapes where many of East Africa’s most notable wildlife species roam free. You’ll find a rolling savanna where the rare black rhinoceros can still be found beside great herds of plains game, green swamps where hippos dwell, and lakeside forests where countless birds and monkeys weave their way through the canopy. The secret to Ngorongoro’s diversity of habitats lies in its elevation. The crater floor sits at approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, allowing for wide swathes of open grassland to flourish. In comparison, the heavily forested crater rim rises to about 2,300 meters in elevation. The best lodges in the region are tucked amongst the trees here along the crater’s rim, and visitors on safari can enjoy daily excursions into the heart of Ngorongoro on thrilling game drives that last all day long.

Northern Circuit

8 292 km²

Things to Do in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater offers an array of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy amidst its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Here are some top things to do in the crater:

  1. Game Drives:
    Explore the vast crater floor on a thrilling game drive, where you can encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and various bird species.
  2. Visit Maasai Villages:
    Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai people by visiting one of the Maasai villages surrounding the crater. Learn about their way of life, customs, and traditions, and interact with community members.
  3. Sightseeing:
    Marvel at the breathtaking views of the crater from various lookout points along the rim. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the crater floor and surrounding landscapes, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
  4. Hiking:
    Embark on guided hiking trails along the crater rim or within the nearby Empakaai and Olmoti craters. Explore the lush forests and grasslands while enjoying close encounters with wildlife and stunning scenery.
  5. Picnicking:
    Take advantage of the designated picnic areas within the crater and enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
  6. Birdwatching:
    Ngorongoro Crater is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 bird species recorded within the area. Bring your binoculars and spot colorful birds such as flamingos, ostriches, and various raptors.
  7. Camping:
    Spend a night under the stars at one of the designated campsites within the crater rim. Experience the tranquility of the wilderness and listen to the sounds of nature as you camp amidst the stunning scenery.

 

For enthusiastic wildlife aficionados, the greater Ngorongoro Conservation Area has plenty to recommend it. A visit to one or both of the smaller volcanic calderas called Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater will reward intrepid travelers with stunning scenery and prolific birdlife. For big game, you won’t want to miss the plains of Ndutu. Situated between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, this lakeside acacia savanna is distinguished by its dense concentration of predators. Big cats like the cheetah and lion can be regularly found, and travelers with a discerning eye for the smaller animals of the bush will be especially delighted to discover the smaller cat known as the serval. And thanks to a great local road network, it’s easy to combine your visit to Ngorongoro with other stops on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti National Park.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Map

Top Tanzania Safari Destinations

Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most iconic and diverse safari destinations, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater, each destination offers something special for every traveler. Whether you're tracking the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or exploring off-the-beaten-path reserves, Tanzania's national parks and game reserves provide an adventure like no other.

Here are the top safari destinations that should be on every traveler's list:

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haruna h
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Incredible Safari Experience with Emanuel – Highly Recommended! My name is Harry, and I had an amazing safari experience organized by Emanuel from Lion View Tour. Emanuel was an excellent safari guide and driver—professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I truly enjoyed every moment and was lucky enough to see the Big Five! I arrived at Arusha Airport, where I was picked up right on time. We started with a city tour of Arusha and enjoyed some very delicious soup. Later, I stayed overnight at a beautiful lodge near Emanuel’s home. It was very clean, had a comfortable bed, and I felt completely safe. The next morning, we drove to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive, which was fantastic. Afterward, we continued to Karatu for an overnight stay, which was also very pleasant. The following day, we visited the Ngorongoro Crater—an absolutely breathtaking place with incredible wildlife. We spent the full day exploring and spotting animals. Next, we traveled to Lake Eyasi, where we stayed overnight and experienced something truly unique—the Hadzabe tribe. We met the bushmen, went hunting with them, and even caught two birds! We also tasted fresh honey straight from a beehive. It was an unforgettable experience watching them harvest honey without getting stung—truly fascinating and fun! On the same day, we drove back to Arusha Airport on time, and I caught my flight to Zanzibar without any issues. Thank you very much, Emanuel, for such a wonderful and well-organized safari. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience. Best regards, Harry
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Bert P
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Eine unglaublich großartige Safari! Unsere Safaritour mit Fahrer und Tourguide Emanuel von Lion View Tours hat unsere Erwartungen weit übertroffen. Wir können nur staunen, wie perfekt er über alle Tiere und Pflanzen Bescheid weiß. Und das alles in ganz prima deutscher Sprache! Er hat die ganze Tour (Kilimandscharo, Tarangire NP, Materunisee, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Eyasi-See, Arusha) so perfekt geplant und organisiert! Auch die von ihm ausgewählten Lodges waren super. Seine kleinen Seitentrips u.a. zu den Assai, Datoga oder Hadze (Bergwanderung mit Jagd) waren sehr spannend. Und sein Unternehmen Lion View Tours macht dem Namen alle Ehre: Natürlich jede Menge Löwen gesehen, ebenso alle anderen großen und kleinen Tiere. Emanuel: immer gute Stimmung, erzählt sehr viel zu Land und Leuten, wir haben enorm viel über Tansania gelernt. Also: Wenn Tansania, was uns mit allem drum und dran sehr gefallen hat, dann mit Emanuel Marite!
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Sabine S
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Der schönste Afrikaurlaub mit Emanuel Wir hatten den schönsten aller Afrikaurlaube mit dem besten Guide den wir je hatten. Er hat ein unglaubliches Wissen über alle Schätze Afrikas. Er konnte uns alles zeigen was wir schon immer sehen wollten und noch viel mehr. Er hat ein großes Herz, weiß für alles eine Lösung -er is der Beste.
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Alex
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Ein Traum von Afrika Eine Reise die ich nie vergessen werde! Emanuel unser Guide hat ein wahnsinnig gutes Fachwissen von den Tieren und der Natur. Wir hatten sehr viel Spaß. Ich werde wieder kommen!
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Michael
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Einmal Lion View immer Lion View Mit Lion View hatten wir die schönste Safari überhaupt. Wir sind seit vielen Jahren leidenschaftliche Tansania Urlauber und durch einen Freund aus Tansania auf Lion View aufmerksam geworden. Emanuel und Msiagi haben uns die wirklich schönsten Flecken Erde in Tansania gezeigt ohne Zeitdruck immer freundlich zuvorkommend absolut professionell und das zu einem vernünftigen Preis. Wir können jedem nur empfehlen der überlegt eine Reise in dieses wunderschöne Land zu unternehmen sich vorher an Lion View zu wenden und sich professionell beraten zu lassen! Emanuel und Msiagi Asante sana nakutakia maisha marefu Kristin und Michael
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Ozlem
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Great Safari Tour!!! We booked Emanuel because of a common friend In Switzerland who recommended us to do the safari tour with him. We can only confirm it that it was a good decision to do it so! He has a great personality who gives his best to make all his guests happy! He showed us around and explained us always about the country. We were two girls travelling alone and we always felt save during the trip! You should definitely do the tour with him! his german is quite good and also he speaks fluently english. After the trip, friends got jealous and want to book as well with Emanuel:) so highly recommended! Asante sana, Özlem, Ninorta
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Lena
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Best trip & best tour guide Im August diesen Jahres haben wir eine unvergessliche Reise in die Nationalparks von Tansania erleben dürfen. Mein Freund und ich haben 3 Tage lang die wunderschöne Landschaft und die Tierwelt Tansanias bestaunt. Im Nachhinein betrachtet sind wir traurig, dass wir nur 3 Tage gebucht haben, da es uns so sehr gefallen hat. Vor allem hatten wir riesen Glück mit unserem perfekt deutschsprechenden Tourguide Emanuel. Unabhängig von der sprachlichen "Barriere", die er sich eingenständig durch Youtube Videos beigebracht hat, war er ein unfassbar herzlicher Mensch, der immer unsere Bedürfnisse in den Vordergrund gestellt hat. Durch sein Know-How und die Art und Weise wie er die Safari gestaltet hat, können wir Lion View Tours nur jedem weiterempfehlen und falls wir wieder kommen sollten, dann nur noch mit Emanuel :) Vielen Dank für die einzigartigen und schönen Erinnerungen!
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Domi SF
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Trip to Paradise Wir haben diesen Sommer eine 3 tägige Safari durch verschiedene Parks in Tansania gemacht. Unser Guide Emanuel konnte perfekt deutsch und hat einem jeden Wunsch erfüllt. Er war sehr bemüht uns alle Tiere zu zeigen oder sie via Funk mit seinen Kollegen ausfindig zu machen. Er hielt sich an alle Vorschriften und man hatte keine Angst in schlechten Händen zu sein. Wir sind oft aus eigenem Interesse schon relativ früh zu den Parks gefahren, da dort die Chancen die Tiere in Aktion zu sehen sehr hoch sind. Alles in allem können wir uns nur nochmal bei Emanuel nur für die wunderschöne Zeit bedanken und ich hoffe das er mit seinem Lionsviewtours richtig durchstarten kann !
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Tatjana M
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Amazing Country & Tour Guide Emanuel is such a good person and the best guide in Tansania. We had an amazing Safari with him. He showed us so many things, plants and animals. Furthermore, we were singing and happily driving around - these were just unforgettable moments and will be memories forever! Emanuel showed us the great spirit of Tansania! We strongly recommand. Emanuel ist ein toller Mensch und der beste Führer in Tansania. Wir hatten eine super Safari mit ihm. Er hat uns so viele Dinge, Pflanzen und Tiere gezeigt. Außerdem haben wir gesungen und sind fröhlich herumgefahren - das waren einfach unvergessliche Momente und werden für immer in Erinnerung bleiben! Emanuel hat uns den schönen Spirit von Tansania gezeigt! Wir empfehlen ihn wärmstens weiter.
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Linda
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Safari 2019 Jambo!! Meine Kollegin und ich hatten vor 3 Jahren das Glück Emanuel als unseren persönlichen Tourguide zu haben. Es war eine Bereicherung durch und durch. Er zeigte uns die wunderschöne Tierwelt Tanzanias mit viel Insider-Wissen und erstaunlicher Beobachtungsgabe! Es wurde viel gelacht und gesungen. Wir waren super betreut und nebst der Natur, waren die Unterhaltungen und die Herzlichkeit von Emanuel ein riesen Highlight unserer Reise. Danke Emanuel für diese unvergässliche Erlebnisse! Hakuna Matata!
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