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.

Ngorongoro Crater — Places to visit — verified guides & travel directory for Tanzania

National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater floor

The wildlife-packed caldera bottom with grassland, the Lerai forest and soda Lake Magadi.

Ngorongoro Crater

Crater rim viewpoints

Dramatic lookouts along the rim offering the classic aerial view down into the crater.

Museum

Ngorongoro Crater

Olduvai (Oldupai) Gorge

The Cradle of Mankind, a renowned palaeoanthropology site with a small museum.

National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Empakaai Crater

A deep highland crater holding a flamingo-fringed soda lake, reached on a scenic hike.

Natural Feature

Ngorongoro Crater

Olmoti Crater

A grassy highland crater with a waterfall and views, a quieter walking destination.

Lake

Ngorongoro Crater

Lake Magadi

The shallow soda lake on the crater floor that draws flamingos and other waterbirds.

Nature Preserve

Ngorongoro Crater

Lerai Forest

A fever-tree forest on the crater floor favoured by elephants and a good spot for birdlife.