Ngorongoro Crater

Northern Circuit

Overview

Ngorongoro Crater is a remarkable conservation area where the Maasai people live in harmony with a thriving population of wild animals.This vast, circular caldera—formed from a collapsed volcano millions of years ago—is the largest unbroken, ancient caldera on Earth, earning its status as one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Covering over 260 square kilometers, Ngorongoro’s floor is teeming with life, creating an ecosystem where nature and culture coexist uniquely.Known as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the crater floor is a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of wildlife, hosting one of the densest large-animal populations in Africa. 

Here, you can witness thousands of animals, including herds of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and prides of lions. It’s one of the best places to observe the endangered black rhino, as well as hyenas, Thomson’s gazelles, and a diverse array of bird species, from ostriches to flamingos on the crater’s central lake, Lake Magadi. This rich biodiversity creates an awe-inspiring setting for game drives and guided nature walks.

A visit to Ngorongoro is also an opportunity for cultural immersion. Many Maasai communities live around the crater and continue to practice traditional ways of life, tending to cattle and living in harmony with the wildlife. Visitors can tour a Maasai village, interact with community members, and learn about their customs, crafts, and sustainable practices, deepening their understanding of how people and wildlife can coexist respectfully within this exceptional landscape.

Park Main Attraction

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • The Crater’s Rich Ecosystem
  • The Endangered Black Rhino
  • Olduvai Gorge
  • Panoramic Views