Found within the heart of Tanzania, here are 10 Facts About Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is an you didin’t know. Imagine a vast, untouched landscape teeming with wildlife—home to around 30,000 large mammals—set inside the caldera of an extinct volcano.
Encompassing 264 square kilometers (102 square miles) of diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s most renowned safari destinations. Its remarkable setting provides some of the best game viewing in Africa, offering an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Crater forms part of the southern Serengeti’s short-grass plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands, a range of ancient volcanoes. This protected area is a true testament to Tanzania’s natural beauty, boasting an impressive concentration of wildlife thriving in diverse ecosystems. But what exactly makes Ngorongoro Crater so special?
Let’s take a deeper look at the formation and significance of this iconic destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ngorongoro Crater
1. How Was the Ngorongoro Crater Formed?
Ngorongoro Crater was created over 2.5 million years ago following the collapse of a massive volcano. After an eruption, the volcano’s cone collapsed inward, resulting in the formation of a large caldera. This caldera is now the largest unbroken volcanic caldera on Earth.
2. What is a Caldera?

A caldera is a large, bowl-shaped volcanic depression, typically over one kilometer (0.6 miles) in diameter. It forms when the top of a volcanic cone collapses due to a lack of magma support. After the eruption, smaller cones can form within the caldera, some of which may fill with water to create lakes.
3. What Makes Ngorongoro Crater Unique?
Ngorongoro Crater is not only the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, but it also serves as a sanctuary for some of Africa’s densest populations of large mammals. Its enclosed environment has created a self-contained ecosystem, offering an exceptional game viewing experience year-round.
4. How Old is Ngorongoro Crater?
Ngorongoro Crater is estimated to be between two and three million years old, making it an ancient and fascinating geological feature.
5. What is Ngorongoro Crater Known For?

Ngorongoro Crater is famous for its incredible geological beauty and diverse wildlife. The caldera’s compact size makes it possible to spot large concentrations of animals in one area. It is also one of the best places in East Africa to view the Big 5—elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard.
6. What Does ‘Ngorongoro’ Mean?
The name “Ngorongoro” comes from the Maasai language, referring to the sound made by the bell worn around the neck of the lead cow in a herd. The bell’s echoing “ngor ngor” sound gave rise to the area’s name, reflecting the region’s pastoral heritage.
7. When is the Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater?

Ngorongoro Crater offers incredible wildlife viewing year-round. The best time to visit depends on your preferences for crowds and climate. The dry season, from June to October, offers cooler temperatures and excellent animal sightings, as wildlife congregates around watering holes. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect more visitors.
The wet season, from April to May and November to December, sees fewer tourists, and the Crater’s lush, emerald landscapes transform into a beautiful “Garden of Eden.” While the roads can be muddy, this season offers a quieter, more serene safari experience.
Optimize Your Safari Adventure at Ngorongoro Crater
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a photography lover, Ngorongoro Crater delivers a one-of-a-kind safari adventure. From its breathtaking geological features to its dense concentrations of wildlife, it’s no wonder this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Plan your visit and experience the magic of Ngorongoro Crater for yourself.
Facts About Ngorongoro Crater
1. The World’s Biggest Intact Volcanic Caldera (That’s Not a Lake)

2. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa

3. Home to Africa’s Densest Predator Populations
Ngorongoro Crater’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil fosters lush short-grass plains that sustain large herds of herbivores. These abundant grazing animals, in turn, attract an impressive number of predators, making Ngorongoro one of the top destinations for predator viewing in Africa.

The Crater’s lion population is particularly noteworthy, with one of the highest densities of prides anywhere in the world. Visitors may witness these majestic lions hunting just meters from safari vehicles or resting in the shade beside them—demonstrating their remarkable comfort with humans.
In addition to lions, the Crater is home to a variety of other predators, including spotted hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, jackals, and bat-eared foxes, making it an extraordinary location for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
4. Nearly 30,000 Large Mammals Call the Crater Home
The Ngorongoro Crater is teeming with wildlife, with an estimated 30,000 large mammals inhabiting its fertile landscape. The flat, open plains are covered in nourishing grasses that support large populations of herbivores, including zebra, wildebeest, gazelles, buffalo, and tsessebe.

The Crater is also known for its thriving hippo population, particularly in the Ngoitokitok Springs and Gorigor Swamp, where hippos can be seen lounging in the water.
For birdwatching enthusiasts, the Crater is a prime destination, with over 500 species, including ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards, and greater flamingos, enriching the area’s ecosystem.
5. East Africa’s Premier Spot for the Big 5
Ngorongoro Crater offers some of the best opportunities in East Africa for spotting the Big 5—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. Its prolific lion population, healthy buffalo herds, and frequent leopard sightings around the forested areas are well-known features of this safari destination. Elephants are commonly seen in large numbers during the wetter months (November, December, April, and May).

However, what truly sets Ngorongoro apart is its small but important population of endangered black rhinos. These rare creatures are closely monitored by park rangers and can often be spotted grazing in the open grasslands, adding a special touch to any safari experience.
6. Giraffes and Impalas Are Not Found in the Crater
While Ngorongoro Crater hosts a wealth of wildlife, there are a few notable absentees: giraffes and impalas. The lack of open woodlands and specific tree species that these animals prefer is believed to be the primary reason for their absence from the Crater’s ecosystem.
Despite this, the Crater remains an unparalleled safari destination, home to countless other species that contribute to its rich biodiversity.
7. One of the World’s Most Significant Prehistoric Sites

For archaeology enthusiasts, Ngorongoro Crater offers a fascinating historical experience. Olduvai Gorge, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is one of the most important prehistoric sites on Earth.
Fossils found in the volcanic rock of Olduvai date back approximately 3.6 million years, providing crucial insights into human evolution. These hominid fossils are considered the earliest known evidence of human ancestors.
Visitors can explore replicas of these fossils at the Olduvai Museum, including the famous Laetoli footprints—recognized as the oldest preserved human footprints in history. The museum also showcases fossils of extinct animals that once roamed the area, making it a must-visit for those interested in the ancient past.
8. A Rich Diversity of Habitats
Ngorongoro Crater’s diverse landscapes provide a variety of natural habitats, each supporting different species of flora and fauna. Some of the key ecosystems within the Crater include:
- Crater Walls: Covered with dense montane forests, these steep cliffs are a haven for leopards and other wildlife.
- Lake Magadi: A seasonal alkaline lake surrounded by soda flats, this area is home to a wide array of waterbirds.
- Gorigor and Mandusi Swamps: These areas are vital sanctuaries for hippos, elephants, and lions.
- Hippo Pool: A popular spot to relax during a game drive, visitors can enjoy picnics while watching the entertaining behaviors of the hippos.
- Lerai Forest: A small, lush woodland where you can spot Fischer’s lovebirds, baboons, monkeys, leopards, and elephants.
- Expansive Grasslands: Covering much of the Crater’s floor, these plains support large herds of wildebeest, zebra, hyenas, eland, and lions.
Each of these habitats offers visitors the opportunity to observe a wide range of wildlife and natural beauty, making Ngorongoro Crater an incredibly diverse and rewarding destination.
9. Stay on the Crater’s Rim for Unmatched Views
While there are no accommodations within the Ngorongoro Crater itself, several luxurious lodges and camps are located along the Crater’s rim, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the world.

To preserve the environment and control traffic, the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area restricts visitors to six-hour permits on the Crater floor. However, staying on the rim means you’ll be among the first to descend into the caldera each morning for a game drive.
For those seeking more affordable options, accommodations are also available in the nearby town of Karatu, roughly an hour’s drive from the Crater. Whether you choose to stay on the rim or in Karatu, your proximity to the Crater ensures you can fully experience the wildlife and scenery that make Ngorongoro Crater a premier safari destination.