Destination
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
World's largest intact caldera (19km across)
One of the best places to see black rhino
Extraordinary wildlife density — 25,000+ animals
Flamingo-fringed Lake Magadi
Maasai cultural heritage on the crater rim
Stunning crater rim lodges with panoramic views
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.
