Karatu Expedition Safaris logoKaratuExpedition Safaris
Plan Safari
Ngorongoro Crater

Northern Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

You reach the rim through cool highland forest, and then the world opens: a 260 square kilometre caldera floor with its own lake, its own forest, and one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Overview

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area protects the world's largest intact volcanic caldera along with Maasai grazing land, highland forest and the archaeological sites of Olduvai Gorge.

A crater descent is typically a half or full day. Because the crater floor is compact and wildlife stays year-round, sightings are consistently rewarding in every season.

Why Visit

  • One of the best places in Tanzania to look for black rhino
  • Very high density of lion, elephant, buffalo and flamingo
  • Dramatic highland scenery on the rim
  • Easy to combine with Maasai and Iraqw cultural experiences around Karatu

Wildlife

Black rhinoLionElephant with notably large tusksBuffaloHippoSpotted hyena and jackalFlamingo on Lake MagadiServal and occasionally cheetah

Best Time to Visit

Jun – Oct

Dry, clear and cool on the rim; excellent all-round viewing.

Nov – Dec

Short rains freshen the crater floor; fewer vehicles.

Jan – Mar

Warm and green, and easily combined with the Serengeti calving season.

Apr – May

Wettest months. Misty rim mornings and very green landscapes.

Things to Do

  • • Crater floor game drive with a picnic lunch
  • • Rim viewpoint stops for photography
  • • Cultural visit to a Maasai community
  • • Olduvai Gorge and the Shifting Sands
  • • Coffee farm walks around Karatu

Where to Stay

  • • Lodges on the crater rim with caldera views
  • • Farm lodges and boutique properties around Karatu
  • • Tented camps in the surrounding highlands

Getting There

Around three to four hours by road from Arusha, and a natural stop between Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti.

Frequently Asked Questions

The crater is one of the most reliable places in Tanzania to look for black rhino, though they are often distant and sightings are never guaranteed.

Yes. Karatu sits just outside the conservation area gate and offers excellent value lodges, coffee farms and short drive times to the crater.

Itineraries

Safaris Including Ngorongoro