Visit Ngorongoro Crater: A Guide To Africa’s Garden of Eden

Planning a visit Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania? This incredible sanctuary should be high on the list for anyone wanting to go on an unforgettable African safari. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Crater is home to 30,000 animals. There is a very good chance you’ll be able to spot all of The Big Five in Ngorongoro!

The Crater’s stunning natural beauty, plus its abundance of wildlife, has earned this gem the nickname of Africa’s Garden of Eden. From forested areas to beautiful lakes and extensive grasslands, the Ngorongoro Crater has it all!

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Where Is The Ngorongoro Crater?

The Ngorongoro Crater is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation area, just south of Serengeti National Park. It’s about 100 miles west of Arusha, the nearest major city and a key starting point for safari tours. The journey to the Crater from Arusha takes around 4 hours by car.

What’s Special About The Ngorongoro Crater?

Around 2.5 million years ago, the cone of a massive volcano collapsed inward after a major eruption, forming the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Spanning 304 square miles, this natural wonder has been recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa for its extraordinary beauty and biodiversity.

The crater’s steep walls form a natural barrier, making it difficult for many animals living inside the crater to leave the area. Plus there are year-round sources of water within the crater, so the resident animals can thrive year-round without having to migrate.

As a result, the Crater is a sanctuary with one of the world’s highest densities of wildlife. You are guaranteed to see an abundance of animals no matter what time of year you choose to visit!

What Animals Are In The Ngorongoro Crater?

Vast herds of zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests graze on the fertile grasslands that cover the crater’s floor. The abundance of these herbivores in turn attracts numerous predators, creating fascinating opportunities to watch them interact.

We witnessed this male wildebeest keeping watch over a sleeping hyena. With no other wildebeests in sight, it was unclear who or what he was protecting. The hyena appeared completely unfazed by the massive creature nearby. We watched for 10 minutes or so, then went on our way. When we drove by again about an hour later, the two hadn’t budged.

Predators In The Ngorongoro Crater

Begin your search for predators as you start your descent from the crater’s rim. The forested crater wall is the ideal habitat for leopards, so look for these elusive creatures as you journey in and out of the crater.

The crater is home to one of the densest populations of lions in Africa, making it very likely that you will see a lion prowling through the grass or resting in the shade during the heat of the day. They are quite used to safari vehicles, and don’t seem bothered even when the jeeps pull up close to them.

Spotted hyenas also thrive in the crater and are one of the top predators found there. Close to 6,000 of them roam the crater’s floor! Hyenas are social creatures, and they can often be seen near prey carcasses or lounging around the entrance to their dens.

Both black-backed and golden jackals are present in the crater. Look for them scavenging the kills of larger predators.

Also, keep an eye out for servals. These small, graceful cats have long legs and spotted coats that blend in with the grasses. Servals are especially active near dawn and dusk as they hunt birds and rodents.

On rare occasions, you may catch sight of a cheetah or one of Africa’s wild dogs running through the grasslands. We were not lucky enough to see them on our trip. (which means there’s another safari in our future!)

Herbivores In The Ngorongoro Crater

Impressive numbers of herbivores reside in the Ngorongoro Crater, including over 7,000 wildebeest, 4,000 zebras and 3,000 gazelles. As you explore the crater, you’re virtually guaranteed to encounter all three of these iconic species.

While the nearby Serengeti is famous for the wildebeest Great Migration, most of them found here in the crater are year-round residents. They outnumber any other creature in the Conservation area.

We witnessed numerous bulls trying to protect their herds of females from rival males. They constantly galloped around the cows, snorting and bellowing. At times, two dominant males would clash and knock their heads together. It was mind boggling to see the amount of energy they spent charging back and forth!

Zebras are also plentiful, with hundreds of them grazing in the grassland. They have a symbiotic relationship with the wildebeest. Zebras have incredible eyesight, and they take on the role of protector as they remain on the lookout for predators. In exchange, the wildebeest use their strong sense of smell to help the zebras sniff out water.

We often witnessed zebras standing head to tail, which allows the pair to see in all directions. At first, we didn’t realize that these two were also protecting a foal!

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a variety of gazelle species, with the Grant’s gazelle and the Thomson’s gazelle being the most prominent. These graceful creatures are a common sight throughout the crater.

The Thomson’s gazelle is small and fast. They are easy to identify by the thick dark stripe along their sides.

The Grant’s gazelle is larger and has more white on its rump. The males have large, curved horns.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in the world to spot the endangered black rhino. About 20 of them make their home here. Look for rhinos in the open grasslands between the Lerai Forest and the Gorigor Swamp. (We were very thankful we had a good set of binoculars, as the rhino we spotted was a distance away)

Ngorongoro Crater is home to some of the largest male elephants in Africa. About 75 older bulls with massive tusks first found safety within the crater during the 1980’s. At that time, elephants nearby in the region were poached before the ivory trade was banned.

These solitary bulls are often seen roaming the crater’s lush grasslands near the Lerai Forest. Herds of females and their calves can be spotted here during the wetter months, but we observed only males during our safari at the end of May.

Ngorongoro’s famous hippo pool is located in the north-eastern end of Gorigor swamp. During the day, you’ll see these massive animals wallowing in the water to stay cool and protect their skin from the sun. Hippos leave the water to graze on grass during the cooler hours between dusk and dawn.

Do remember that hippos are dangerous creatures, so be sure to keep a safe distance from them.

What Birds Are In The Ngorongoro Crater?

Ngorongoro is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Over 500 species of birds make their home in the Crater. Some species can be spotted in the highlands and along the crater’s rim, while others can be found on the crater floor.

Ostriches are a common sight in the Ngorongoro Crater. They tend to stay in the open grasslands where they forage for seeds, insects, and plants.

Flamingos are frequently spotted on Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake surrounded by soda flats. Hundreds of these birds congregate here between November and May.

Many birds make Ngorongoro their year-round home. Migratory birds, such as European storks, Montagu’s harriers, and the Caspian Lapwing mingle with the local inhabitants during the rainy season.

No matter what time of year you visit the crater, you’ll likely be able to check off ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards and gray crowned cranes on your birding checklist.

What Animals Are Not Found In The Ngorongoro Crater?

One iconic African animal that is not found in the Ngorongoro Crater? The giraffe. The steep walls of the crater are difficult for them to descend, and the tall acacia trees that they feed on are not found in the crater. They can occasionally be spotted near the crater’s rim. You’ll be sure to spot them in nearby Arusha National Park, or in the Serengeti.

You will not encounter any crocodiles here, either. Head to the Mara River in Kenya during the Great Migration to witness one of nature’s great dramas: crocodiles lurking in river crossings as thousands of wildebeests plunge into the water. 

You also won’t find impalas in the Crater. They prefer open woodlands, and are prevalent in Tarangire National Park and the Serengeti.

Spotting a cheetah inside of the Crater is very rare and is most likely an animal passing through rather than a permanent resident.

Is Lake Magdi Worth Seeing?

Lake Magadi is a highlight of any trip into the Ngorongoro Crater. Covering seven square miles, this stunning, year-round lake attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds.

First, head to the Ngoitokitok Springs area for your lunch break. The stream from the springs flows through Gorigor Swamp and into Lake Magdi. Here you’ll find the only public picnic area inside the Crater. It has a coffee kiosk, toilet facilities, and spectacular views of the hippo pool.

You’ll have the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy an outdoor picnic. Do keep an eye on your food; we saw black kites swooping down to sample goodies spread out on the picnic table. We even watched a marabou stork snag somebody’s sandwich when she wasn’t looking!

Think twice about walking through the tall grass near the water’s edge. One of our fellow travelers picked up a tick while doing so. Be sure to check your legs and ankles any time you journey into tall grass.

After your break, continue on to the shores of Lake Magdi. Its name comes from the Maasi word for salt. The lake’s alkaline waters support the growth of blue-green algae, a vital food source for thousands of flamingos.

The lake is famous for being home to both lesser and greater flamingos. A variety of herons, storks and egrets also reside here.

Is Lake Magadi worth seeing? Absolutely!

Can Maasai People Live In The Ngorongoro Crater?

About 40,000 local Massai people live in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’s not designated as a National Park, so the Maasai are allowed to take their animals into the crater for grazing. However, they are not allowed to actually live within the crater. You will likely see Maasai men and boys herding cattle, donkeys, and goats along the roads as you approach the crater.

There are several Maasai villages, called bomas, on the outskirts of the crater. A boma is basically an enclosure surrounded by a fence made from thorny acacia branches. Typically, an extended family lives within the fence, along with their livestock. The women maintain the houses, with are made from mud and cow dung.

It’s possible to arrange for a tour of a traditional Massai Bomba. You can engage with the local people and learn about their customs. You may even be invited to join in on their signature jumping dance.

Keep in mind that it is considered bad manners to take photographs of people without their permission. A few of the Maasai definitely did not want us to take their picture. Many others were happy to pose for us, or even with us. We always offered a dollar or two in exchange for getting photo.

When Is The Best Time To Go To The Ngorongoro Crater?

Tanzania is located near the equator. As a result, the country has a a tropical climate with two dry and two rainy seasons rather than experiencing summer and winter.

There is a short dry season from January into March. January and February are the height of the calving season. A half a million baby wildebeests will be born in the area during just a few weeks. You may be lucky enough to see a newborn calf struggling to get on its feet for the very first time, then take off running just a few minutes later.

The wettest months of the year occur from mid-March through early May. Late March is the height of the rainy season, and heavy downpours can make wildlife viewing more challenging. However, crowds are low and it’s a great time to take advantage of reasonable rates. The Crater is lush and green at this time of year.

We purposefully planned our visit in mid- May, right before the tourist season kicks off. We’d do it again in a heartbeat: the weather was gorgeous, and we enjoyed seeing young zebras, wildebeest, and elephants. Dust levels were low compared to later on in the dry season. The Crater floor was lush and green, and wildflowers were in bloom.

June is also a great time to visit the Crater. The long rains have ended, and the peak season crowds and higher prices are just beginning to ramp up.

The long dry season extends from late June through October. This is peak tourist season. Wildlife is especially easy to spot during these months, due to the lack of vegetation and the tendency for animals to congregate near sources of water. People come from all over the world hoping to spot The Big Five all in one day.

You’ll encounter pleasant temperatures and abundant sunshine, but be prepared for swirling clouds of dust kicked up by safari vehicles. Consider carrying a face mask with you, especially if you have any breathing issues.

The Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles occurs in the nearby Serengeti from mid-July until October. This is the most popular time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater, and therefore the busiest and most expensive time of the year. If you decide to travel during the peak season, consider making reservations at least 6 months to a year ahead of your travel dates.

September and early October are at the tail end of the dry season. This is the beginning of Spring in Tanzania, and it remains a popular time to visit. The grasslands within the Crater are dry and brown.

November and December are considered the short rainy season, because there tends to be short rainfalls in the afternoons. It’s still a great time for morning and evening game drives.

Best of all, migrating birds begin to arrive in November, making this an ideal time to come if you are an avid birdwatcher.

No matter when you visit Ngorongoro Crater, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable safari experience, with large numbers of animals visible throughout the year.

Are Mosquitoes, Tsetse Flies, and Ticks A Problem In Ngorongoro Crater?

Ticks are present in the grasses within the Crater. One of the participants in our group picked up a tick at the Ngoitokitok Springs picnic area. He walked into the long grass along the edge of the water to get a closer look at the hippos basking there. Be sure to check for ticks attached to your legs or ankles any time you walk into long grass. (or just stay on the beaten path and don’t venture into the grass!)

Tsetse flies are biting insects that can transmit African Sleeping Sickness. Fortunately, tsetse flies are not very common in the Crater. (be prepared for them if you combine a visit to Ngorongoro Crater with one to nearby Tarangire National Park) Tsetse flies are found in bushland and wooded areas more so than in grasslands.

We stayed at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Hotel along the Crater’s rim. It was the only hotel that we stayed at in Tanzania that didn’t need to have mosquito netting around the beds, as mosquitoes do not live at this high elevation. We didn’t see any mosquitoes down inside the crater, either. However, they can be prevalent during the rainy season or around standing water.

Mosquitoes are definitely present in the parks surrounding the crater, so it is strongly advised to take preventive malaria medication.

To get a prescription, you’ll need to consult with your doctor. Typically, you will start taking the medication a day or two before you arrive in Africa, continue daily during your trip, and for seven days after leaving the continent. It’s recommended to take the medication with food.

Neither David nor I experienced any nausea or other side effects from the malaria pills. We opted to take ours with breakfast since the medication can cause insomnia for some people. A few other travelers on our tour did experience mild nausea. They chose to take their pills with dinner instead of first thing in the morning to avoid feeling nauseous on a potentially bumpy jeep ride.

It’s also a good idea to have insect repellent containing DEET for your African Safari. Concentrations of DEET higher than 30% aren’t necessary. While a higher concentration may affect how long the repellent lasts, it doesn’t offer more protection from bites and therefore isn’t worth the added toxicity of higher dosages. We purchased Repel Insect Repellent Wipes that are 30% DEET, and they worked especially well for protection from mosquitoes. (plus wipes avoid needing to carry liquids on a plane)

Places To Stay Near The Ngorongoro Crater

To control traffic and protect the delicate environment, the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area’s authority only issues six-hour permits to visit the Crater’s floor. This means there are no accommodation options available inside the caldera. Access to the Crater’s floor is available from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm.

There are luxury safari lodges and camps along the Crater’s rim. If you stay in one of these places, you’ll be treated to spectacular views! Spending the night along the rim means you’ll be among the first travelers to descend into the caldera for your morning game drive.

Nights along the rim can get cold and misty, so pack warm clothing for evening and early morning.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge offers an exceptional stay for travelers seeking both comfort and proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater. Perched on the rim of the crater, this stunning lodge boasts panoramic views.

Lions Paw Ngorongoro is a luxury lodge with stunning views of Lake Magdi and the Ngorongoro Crater.

You’ll find more affordable accommodations in the nearby town of Karatu, but you will travel for about an hour before reaching the Crater. Karatu Tented Lodge features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Karatu.

Budget-friendly Option: The Greenhouse Hostel in Arusha. Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet like-minded travelers. While the Greenhouse hostel is about a three hour drive from the Ngorongoro Conservation area, it can be a great option for those needing an overnight stay after arriving at the Kilimanjaro airport, before heading to the Crater.

The Greenhouse hostel has one eight-bed dorm and two four-bed dorms, each with en-suite facilities. There is also a private room for two people with shared bathroom facilities including hot showers.

How To Get To The Ngorongoro Crater

Most visitors flying into Tanzania to explore Ngorongoro will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From the airport, it’s about a one-hour drive to Arusha, a popular location for travelers to spend the night before continuing their journey.

After spending a night in Arusha, it is approximately a three-hour drive to reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Most visitors access the Ngorongoro Crater through well-organized tours departing from either Arusha or Karatu, making it easy to explore the area without having to worry about navigating the drive themselves. This is especially helpful, as vehicles in Tanzania drive on the left side of the road.

Our guides were extremely professional and knowledgeable. While it is possible to drive into the crater on your own, we highly recommend booking your safari with a tour company in order to reap the benefits of an experienced guide.

Many travelers combine their Ngorongoro Safari with other nearby parks and reserves, including Arusha, the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Doing so will guarantee some of the best game viewings in all of Africa.

Can I Use American Dollars in Tanzania?

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania shilling. At the time of our safari, one American dollar was worth about 2,700 shillings. However, we never converted any of our money. American dollars were accepted wherever we went, including restaurants and when tipping our guides.

Do carry some single dollar bills with you. There may be times where it is expected to tip a restroom attendant, a local who allows you to take their photo, or other people who assist you in some way.

Credit cards, especially Visa, are commonly accepted in Tanzania. You can use your card at park entrances, high-end hotels, and with certain tour operators.

While ATMs may be widespread in larger towns, they are hard to find in remote areas. We didn’t even take our ATM cards with us, as our travel Visa card was all that we needed.

Is It Safe To Drink The Water In Tanzania?

Unfortunately, the water in Tanzania is not safe for travelers to drink or to use for brushing your teeth. It is fine for showering and washing clothes.

All of the lodges and tented camps that we visited provided bottled water in our room and at mealtime. Our tour guides provided unlimited bottles of water for us as we were traveling around in the safari jeeps. Be sure to verify if your guides will do the same.

We didn’t even carry our refillable water bottles with us on safari, as we were unable to refill them at the tap.

The tap water is unsafe to drink, which means that fresh vegetables or fruits rinsed with water are also unsafe. Only eat fruits and vegetables that have been cooked or can be peeled, like avocados and bananas. Avoid the temptation to have ice in your drinks.

By the tail end of our safari, I was craving a simple tossed salad. Resist the urge, even at fancy hotels. Two of the people traveling with us came down with a nasty case of traveler’s diarrhea. One person thought it was due to eating a tomato and cucumber salad from a buffet line, while the other thought it was due the grapes she ate.

It’s super easy for muscle memory to take over and automatically rinse your toothbrush out at the sink. Be prepared and carry Imodium with you in your travel first aid kit. While your guide or lodging facility probably has some, it’s great to have your own supply if the need arises in the middle of the night.

What Documents Are Needed For Travel To Tanzania?

Passport: A valid passport is required for entry into Tanzania. It needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival and have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. The gender on your passport must be marked as either (F) for female, or (M) for male. A passport with the (X) designation will not be accepted.

It’s also a good idea to carry a copy of your passport separate from your passport itself, in the event you lose your passport.

Visa: Travelers from Europe and the United States need a visa to visit Tanzania. Apply for the Visa and pay the $100 fee online by using the Tanzania eVisa website.

It is possible to apply for your Visa in person upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International airport, and many of the passengers on our plane did so. However, (trust me!) you won’t want to wait in a long line after such a lengthy flight!

Travel Insurance Papers: Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong when you travel. Travel insurance can offer coverage for trip cancellation, flight delays, lost luggage, and medical expenses. We felt that emergency evacuation coverage was especially important for our trip to Africa.

Travel Plan List: Have a copy of your travel itinerary, including flight information, ground transportation and accommodations in case you are questioned by border security.

Do I Need Vaccinations To Travel To Tanzania?

The WHO and the CDC recommend the following vaccinations for Tanzania: Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.

The yellow fever vaccine is required if you are traveling to Tanzania from a country where yellow fever is present. This is good news for travelers arriving from the United States or Europe: no yellow fever vaccination is required. (David and I were covered, though: we got the yellow fever vaccine when we traveled into the Amazon)

The following routine vaccinations are also recommended: polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) chicken pox, and the TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.)

Make sure to check with your medical doctor to discuss which vaccinations you personally will need.

Travel Tips For Visiting Tanzania

Packing Cubes: My number one tip for preparing for your safari in Africa? Invest in a set of packing cubes! Packing cubes are zippered containers that organize and compress your clothes, saving space and reducing wrinkles in your suitcase. They keep items secure during travel and help you stay organized at your destination.

Many safari vehicles have limited storage space, especially when flying on small aircraft that are commonly used in safari transfers.

We were each given a 22 by 11.8 by 11 inch canvas duffel bag to stow all of the clothing and gear we’d need during our safari. Anything extra that couldn’t fit in the duffel was stashed in our original luggage and stored at the hotel until our day of departure.

Packing cubes made transferring our clothing from our luggage into our duffel super easy!

Travel Plug Adapter: You’ll need a travel plug adapter to charge your cell phones, laptops, and camera chargers. In Tanzania, we used plug type G , which is the plug with two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. We’ve long used a worldwide plug adapter set that has multiple of plugs, including the Type G we needed for our safari.

The BESTEK Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter Set has eight international plugs, which can be used throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.

Lubricating Eye Drops: African safaris often involve dusty roads and open fields, which can lead to particles irritating your eyes. Plus long days in the sun can lead to dryness. (especially if you visit during the dry season!) Be prepared with good eye drops that can provide relief from irritation.

Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops provide great lubrication and come in single-use vials. While I’m not big on single-use products when I’m at home, these tiny vials were so easy to carry and use while out on game drives.

The Wrap-Up

From its diverse wildlife to the breathtaking views, Ngorongoro Crater is a must-visit destination for anyone planning an African Safari in Tanzania. Make sure to add this incredible location to your travel bucket list and experience the magic of Ngorongoro Crater for yourself!

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