The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Tanzania, is often hailed as a modern-day “Garden of Eden” and one of Africa’s most spellbinding natural wonders. It is the world’s largest intact and unflooded volcanic caldera, a massive, ancient volcano that collapsed in on itself. This geological marvel has created a self-contained ecosystem that supports an astonishing density of wildlife, making it a premier destination for a classic African safari. Located within the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the crater offers an unrivaled safari experience where the Big Five and a vast array of other animals roam freely in a breathtaking and diverse landscape.
While Ngorongoro Crater is the star attraction, the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a variety of enriching experiences. Olduvai Gorge, the “Cradle of Mankind,” provides insight into human evolution through its museum and active fossil sites. Treks to Empakaai Crater reveal a serene soda lake and offer a more immersive nature experience.
Visitors can also engage with the semi-nomadic Maasai, learning about their traditions and lifestyle in authentic village visits. Hiking Olmoti Crater rewards adventurers with a picturesque waterfall cascading into the Munge River. Together, these experiences complement the iconic crater safari, highlighting the area’s unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Ngorongoro Crater’s natural enclosure hosts all Big Five animals, including dense lion populations and endangered black rhinos. Over 25,000 mammals roam its plains, alongside hippos, leopards, and antelopes. Birdlife thrives with flamingos on Lake Magadi, ostriches, cranes, and diverse raptors.
The crater is a year-round destination for wildlife viewing. The dry season (June to October) is peak season, offering clear skies, less vegetation, and easier wildlife spotting. The wet season (November to May) is known as the “Green Season” and provides lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great photographic opportunities.
The crater is located approximately 180 km west of Arusha, the safari gateway city. It’s often accessed by road as part of a longer safari itinerary that also includes Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the Serengeti.
Experience Tanzania, home to the Serengeti’s Great Migration and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Unwind on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar or explore rich wildlife in world-famous national parks.
Start your Tanzanian adventure today – nature’s wonders await!
Ngorongoro Crater offers accommodations for all budgets. Luxury lodges like Ngorongoro Serena and Crater Lodge provide stunning rim views and early crater access. Mid-range stays in Karatu, such as The Manor and Gibb’s Farm, are convenient. Budget travelers can use public campsites. Crater drives are limited to six hours, 6 AM–6 PM.
The main difference is that a Conservation Area allows for the coexistence of wildlife with the local Maasai people, who are permitted to live and graze their livestock in the area. National Parks are strictly for wildlife conservation and tourism.
While the main migration of wildebeest and zebras takes place in the Serengeti, parts of the Great Migration do pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, particularly in the short rainy season (November to January) and the calving season (February to March) around the Ndutu Plains. However, the animals do not descend into the crater itself.
During the peak season, the crater can be very busy with safari vehicles. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the Green Season or opting for an early morning game drive.
Most safaris dedicate one full day to exploring the crater floor, which is sufficient to see the main attractions and a great deal of wildlife. However, if you want to explore other parts of the Conservation Area, a two-to-three-day stay is recommended.
Hear from our happy travelers as they share their unforgettable experiences and cherished memories from their journeys.
We had the best time with Little Rock Safari! It totally exceeded our expectations. Right from the start, the staff was so friendly
Canada
Where to begin!?!? My husband and I did a two day Murchison falls safari trip, with Cliff & Derrick as our guides.
Traveler
Memorable Safari experience from start to the end I contacted Little Rock Safaris about 4 and half months before the tour starting date.
Traveler
Our original tour operator canceled our trip at last minutes, so we contacted Littlerock safaris to replace our canceled tour and they responded to us immediately
Step into a world of unforgettable adventures with EpicEscapes. we make every journey seamless and extraordinary.
Littlerock Safaris & Events Ltd is a well-established tour, travel and Events Company with over 5 years of experience in handling inbound and outbound holidays.
UK MALL, Kampala, Ugandax
+256 772 758055
+256 706 758055
info@littlerocksafaris.com
Copyright © 2025 Littlerock Safaris . All Rights Reserved Designed by Safari Marketing Pro
Little Rock Safaris is proudly powered by WordPress
Oaklee H
USA