Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera — a natural amphitheatre sheltering an extraordinary density of wildlife including the critically endangered black rhino.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. June to October is peak season with clear skies and good game viewing. The crater floor can be cool and misty in the mornings year-round. January-March sees wildebeest calving on the nearby plains.
Budget Guide
Crater entry fees: $70/person plus $295/vehicle (making day trips expensive). Crater rim lodges $300-1,500/night. Budget option: camp on the rim ($30-50/night) and pay for a day trip. Most visitors spend 1 day on the crater floor as part of a longer safari.
Getting There
Located 3-4 hours by road from Arusha, on the route between Arusha and the Serengeti. Most northern circuit safaris include Ngorongoro as a natural stop. The crater rim is at 2,300m elevation — bring warm layers for morning game drives.
Properties in Ngorongoro Crater (7)
LodgeFarm House Valley
Karatu, Tanzania
by Tanganyika Wilderness Camps
LodgeKitela Lodge
Karatu, Tanzania
by Tanganyika Wilderness Camps
LodgeMasek Tented Lodge
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
by Tanganyika Wilderness Camps
Safari CampNaserian Safari Camp
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
by Acacia Collections
LodgeNgorongoro Farm House
Karatu, Tanzania
by Tanganyika Wilderness Camps
LodgeThe Castle at Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
by Acacia Collections
LodgeTloma Lodge
Karatu, Tanzania
by Tanganyika Wilderness Camps