Why Visit Ngorongoro Crater
Last checked 2 November 2026.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a collapsed volcano in northern Tanzania. Its floor covers about 260 square kilometres and its walls rise about 600 metres, and the whole crater is a natural enclosure for wildlife. It is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
What the crater is known for
- Dense wildlife. The crater floor holds one of the densest populations of lions known, together with elephant, buffalo, hippo and large herds of grazers.
- Black rhino. The crater is one of the better places in East Africa to hope for a sighting.
- Scenery. The view from the rim at dawn is among the best in Africa.
- Living landscape. The wider conservation area is shared with Maasai communities and their cattle.
When to go
The crater can be visited all year. The dry months from June to October have the clearest conditions, and the green season is quieter. See when to go on safari.
Planning a visit
Most guests stay one or two nights on the rim and descend into the crater early in the morning, before the vehicles gather. It sits on the northern circuit with the Serengeti and Tarangire. See why visit the Serengeti and why visit Tarangire.
Where to stay
Browse the Ngorongoro safari lodges and the Tanzania Safari Guide.
Quick answers
Is Ngorongoro Crater worth visiting?
Yes. It offers dense wildlife in a small area and one of the most dramatic settings in Africa. It works well with the Serengeti.
How many days do you need at Ngorongoro?
One or two nights is usually enough, with a full morning in the crater.
When is the best time to visit Ngorongoro?
It can be visited all year. June to October has the clearest weather, and the green season is quieter.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
Requirements depend on your route and recent travel, including connections and any border crossing between Tanzania and neighbouring countries. See our yellow fever vaccination guide, and speak to a travel clinic about malaria prevention before you go. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
To plan a journey, write to connect@oloishorua.com or message us on WhatsApp at +971 54 799 1152. You can also begin your journey here.