- Tanzania
- 8,292 km² (Crater floor is ~260 km²)
- 1959 (Multiple-use area)
- Arusha Region
- Highest density of large mammals in Africa; stable population of Black Rhino
- Low risk (due to high altitude on the rim), but prophylaxis is advised
- 3.2000° S, 35.5000° E
- Unfenced; the crater walls act as a natural enclosure
- Montane forest on the rim, alkaline lakes, and open savannah on the floor
- Year-round; June–September for the clearest weather.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. It provides a unique microcosm of East African wildlife, where animals live in a permanent "sanctuary" enclosed by 600-meter-high walls. It is one of the few places where humans (Maasai) and wildlife coexist within a protected area.
- Loduare Gate (South)
- Many visitors fly into , followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the crater rim.
- ~3 hours from Arusha on paved roads, making it a highly accessible stop on the Northern Circuit.
- Open grasslands and the Lerai Fever Tree forest.
- A central soda lake often pink with thousands of flamingos.
- Lush, misty montane forests surrounding the rim.
- One of the most reliable places in East Africa to see this critically endangered species.
- Massive old bull elephants with exceptionally large ivory.
- High density of lions and spotted hyenas.
Bright days, cold rim nights
Thin grass makes spotting easy; animals stay near the floor's marshes.
Spectacular photography and migratory birds; fewer vehicles.