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

Who runs the region

Local & official

Administration

Regional capital: Loliondo (Ngorongoro District)
Districts: Ngorongoro District (Arusha Region)
Regional Commissioner: Office of the Regional Commissioner, Arusha
Conservator: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA)

Useful contacts

National emergency: 112
Ambulance: 114