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

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

Endulen Hospital

Hospital

Endulen (within the conservation area)

the main hospital serving the Ngorongoro highlands and Maasai communities

View details & directions

FAME Medical

Hospital

Karatu (nearby)

modern private hospital below the crater used by travellers

View details & directions

Ngorongoro gate ranger post

Clinic

Loduare / crater rim

ranger stations that can assist and coordinate evacuation

View details & directions

NCAA / crater rim police

Police

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Comprehensive travel-medical insurance with emergency air-evacuation cover is essential for the remote highlands; the nearest well-equipped hospital for travellers is FAME in Karatu, with Endulen Hospital serving within the area. AMREF Flying Doctors membership is widely recommended.

NHIF AAR AMREF Flying Doctors