Ngorongoro Crater

Imagine a giant bowl teeming with wildlife, in the middle of the African bush and you are close to an idea of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, which is a vast and unbroken volcanic crater ring known as a caldera. (approx 20kms wide). About 2.5 million years ago the young Ngorongoro Volcano became filled with molten rock that then solidified into a crust or roof. As the lava chamber emptied, the solid dome collapsed and from this was formed the largest caldera in the world. Thanks to a permanent water and pasture source, the crater floor plays host to nearly every species of an African animal. Zebra, buffalo, black rhino, and wildebeest graze amongst the predatory lion, cheetah, and hyena. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the last remaining areas in Tanzania where you can see the endangered Black Rhino. A small population is thriving in this idyllic environment, and it remains one of the few wild places where they continue to breed.

Non-game-viewing travel time: 4½ hours
Distance: 270 km

After an early breakfast, we start your safari to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will pass Mto Wa Mbu village, Lake Manyara National Park, and Karatu village. The Ngorongoro crater is situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is known as the 8th wonder of the world due to its beauty and amazing landscapes.

Upon arrival, we drive to a viewpoint to see the entire crater floor. Our safari will take us down to the crater floor about 660 meters below. The crater is famous for its permanent wildlife which stays due to the permanent water and green pastures.

The Ngorongoro crater has many attractions including hot springs, vegetation, wildlife, and birdlife. The permanent wildlife includes buffalo, lion, cheetah, elephant, wildebeest, zebra, rare black rhino, waterbuck, and warthogs. The crater is also home to numerous birds.

In the afternoon we drive back up out of the crater floor and depart back to your hotel.