Can I see the Big Five in the crater?

Yes, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places where all of the Big Five, including the rare black rhino, may be seen in a single day.

Is Ngorongoro the same as the Serengeti?

No. Ngorongoro is a separate conservation area with a self-contained crater ecosystem, though it borders the Serengeti and the great migration passes through the wider area.

Do people live inside the conservation area?

Yes. Maasai pastoralists live and graze cattle within Ngorongoro, which uniquely combines wildlife protection with human habitation.

A single full day allows a thorough crater game drive; adding a night on the rim lets you descend early when wildlife is most active.

Destination guide

Ngorongoro Crater

A collapsed volcano cradling one of Africa's densest wildlife arenas

Things to do

Activities in Ngorongoro Crater

National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Crater floor game drive

Descend into the caldera for a full morning of dense wildlife viewing, with an excellent chance of the Big Five.

National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Black rhino tracking

Scan the open crater floor for the endangered black rhino, one of the best places in Tanzania to see them.

Museum

Ngorongoro Crater

Olduvai (Oldupai) Gorge visit

Tour the famous archaeological site and museum where key early-human fossils were discovered.

Natural Feature

Ngorongoro Crater

Empakaai and Olmoti crater hikes

Trek the forested highland craters for waterfalls, flamingo-dotted lakes and sweeping views.

Lodging

Ngorongoro Crater

Maasai village visit

Meet Maasai communities living within the conservation area to learn their pastoral traditions.

National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Highlands walking safari

Walk the crater rim and highlands with an armed ranger for scenery, birds and plains game.

Ngorongoro Crater

Crater rim viewpoint and picnic

Take in the immense panorama from the rim, a highlight even before descending.