Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is located in northern Tanzania within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a vast protected landscape extending across highland plains, savannah, woodlands and forests. The conservation area was established in 1959 as a multiple land-use area where wildlife conservation coexists with traditional livestock grazing by semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional natural and cultural significance. At the heart of the conservation area is the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest unbroken and unflooded volcanic caldera. The crater is approximately 20 kilometres across, 600 metres deep and 300 square kilometres in area, creating a dramatic natural setting for wildlife viewing. The crater floor contains a mixture of grasslands, wetlands, forests and a soda lake, creating different habitats for wildlife. The enclosed landscape and availability of water and grazing make the crater an important habitat for large numbers of animals throughout the year.

Wildlife and Big Five Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

A game drive in Ngorongoro Crater is the main experience for many visitors booking with Samton Safaris. As vehicles descend from the crater rim towards the floor, the scenery changes from highland forest to open grasslands and wetlands where wildlife can be observed. The crater is home to the Big Five — elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and black rhino , as well as wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hippos, hyenas and other species. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority identifies the crater as an important destination for viewing a wide range of wildlife. The crater also provides opportunities for birdwatching, with the wetlands, lake and surrounding habitats supporting a variety of bird species. The wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area records more than 550 bird species, including resident and migratory birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on animal movements, weather, season and local conditions.



Lake Magadi and Flamingo at Ngorongoro Crater

Lake Magadi is a shallow, alkaline soda lake located on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater. The lake is an important habitat for waterbirds and is often visited by large numbers of flamingos, particularly when conditions are suitable. From the surrounding crater landscape, visitors can enjoy views of the lake against the dramatic walls of the caldera while also looking for other wildlife around its shores. The flamingo population can change with season, water conditions and food availability, so sightings and numbers are not guaranteed.

Landscapes, Culture and Human History at Ngorongoro Crater

The wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a combination of wildlife, volcanic landscapes, cultural experiences and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore areas such as Ndutu Plains, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater, depending on their itinerary and permitted activities. The area is also home to Maasai pastoralist communities, making cultural experiences an important part of the destination. Visitors can learn about traditional lifestyles and livestock-based livelihoods through designated cultural experiences. The conservation area also has connections to the Datoga and Hadzabe communities. Ngorongoro has exceptional archaeological importance as well. Olduvai Gorge has produced significant evidence relating to human evolution, while fossilised footprints at Laetoli date back approximately 3.6 million years. These discoveries contribute to the area's importance as both a wildlife destination and a place of human history.

Book your Ngorongoro Crater safari with Samton Safaris and experience dramatic volcanic scenery, Big Five wildlife and the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Contact Samton Safaris today to plan your Tanzania safari and add Ngorongoro Crater to your itinerary.