Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Formed when a massive volcano collapsed more than two million years ago, the crater today encompasses nearly 100 square miles of grasslands, forests, wetlands, and freshwater springs. Its steep walls create a unique ecosystem where an extraordinary concentration of wildlife lives year-round. A drive onto the crater floor offers the opportunity to see a remarkable variety of animals in a single day. Lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, and numerous antelope species are commonly seen, along with one of Tanzania’s best opportunities to spot the endangered black rhinoceros. The crater’s lakes and marshes also support abundant birdlife, including flamingos and many migratory species. Unlike many wildlife areas where animals move across vast distances, the crater’s resident wildlife remains within this protected ecosystem throughout much of the year. The result is consistently rewarding game viewing set against a landscape that is as impressive as the wildlife itself. At Journeys, we value the Ngorongoro Crater not only for the diversity of animals found here but also for its role in Tanzania’s broader conservation story. As part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this UNESCO World Heritage Site balances wildlife conservation with the traditions of the Maasai people, who continue to graze their livestock throughout the region. Visiting the crater provides an opportunity to experience one of Africa’s most amazing wildlife habitats while learning about the relationship between people, wildlife, and conservation.