The Ngorongoro Crater is a world-class safari attraction, and it is no wonder that it is on many peoples ‘wish list’ of places to see and visit.

This natural wonder is the largest unflooded, intact volcanic caldera in the world.   The actual crater is about 20 km across and 600 meters deep, and covers 300 km².

Within the rim there are an estimated 30,000 animals, making this one of the densest concentration of wildlife within Africa. 

Large herds of zebra graze on the grasslands that cover the crater floor, alongside wildebeest, gazelle, eland and buffalo.   Family herds of elephants meander through the crater floor forests, pulling down foliage and branches for food. 

River swamps and marshes are home to waterbuck and hippo, and are also visited by the occasional prowling leopard. 

Denser forests line the crater walls, offering thick cover for the shyer bushbuck and a small population of rare and endangered black rhino. 

Huge flocks of flamingos turn the surface of Lake Makat, a soda lake which is filled by the Munge river, into a shimmering haze of pink.   Other water birds feed around the lake's edge, careful not to get themselves trodden on by the stream of wildlife coming down to the waters edge to drink. 

Majestic black-maned lions lurk nearby, waiting in anticipation for the opportunity to ambush unsuspecting thirsty animals.  Hyenas wait to scavenge any 'left-overs'. 

One thing that may strike you, however, is the complete absence of both giraffe and impala within the crater.  It is thought that the steep sides of the crater is one of the reasons for the lack of giraffe ... but there is really no logical explanation as to why the impalas are obviously boycotting the crater !

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a protected area which covers more than 8,000 km² of pristine African wilderness.

Although the famous crater is the main tourist attraction, the Conservation Area itself is worthy of some time too.  Highland plains, lakes, scrub bush, and forests are home to a wealth of game, and a series of peaks and smaller volcano craters dot the horizon, creating stunning landscapes.  Olduvai Gorge – a famous early archaeological site where the remains of a 1.8 million year old skeleton was discovered in the early 20th century by the famous archaeologist, Dr Louis Leakey– is situated to the west of the Crater. 

Aside from the wildlife, the indigenous Masaai tribe also live within the borders of the Conservation Area, and herd cattle and goats through the green pastures as they have done for centuries. 

Staying at the Crater

A selection of luxury safari lodges are located around the outer edge of the crater.  They all offer unforgettable game viewing drives down into the crater, and many also offer guided bush walks around the crater rim, as well as drives out into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including excursions to Olduvai Gorge and local Masaai villages.

Many people also combine a stay here with time in some of the other destinations on the well-travelled northern safari circuit, including the Serengeti and Lake Manyara.

We would highly recommend a private Land Rover safari with your own highly experienced driver / guide, especially if you are visiting other areas on the northern circuit before or after your safari at Ngorongoro Crater, or there is also the option for a fly-in safari, which is ideal if you are tight for time. 

Getting Here

The lodges are all about a 4 hour drive from Arusha, and most visitors will pass through here on their way to or from their safari destination.  Arusha Airport itself is serviced by domestic flights from Zanzibar, but international flights will come into the Kilimanjaro International Airport, about 40 minutes away. 

Search these Properties

Search by name:

• Popularity
• Offers
• Guest Rating
• A to Z
• Star Rating
• Low-High
• High-Low

Properties 1 to 5 of 9

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater

Safari Lodge

Divided into 3 camps, 30 stilted suites with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs provide an intimate and exclusive Ngorongoro Crater experience. Everything is chosen to delight the imagination and enhance the spectacular views of the magnificent surroundings.

From USD790 per person.

Gibbs Farm, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Lodge / Inn

Each of the cottages at Gibb’s Farm has a theme indicated by the name of the cottage. These themes explore different aspects of Gibb’s Farm and the surrounding communities and are supported by the artwork adorning the walls and shelves of each cottage, adding to the story.

Prices on request.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater

Safari Lodge

Each of the 75 rock-built rooms are strung around the crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.

Prices on request.

Lemala Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater

Safari Lodge

The camp offers accommodation under canvas in only 8 luxury tents and 1 family tent (accommodating 4 to 5 guests) to ensure seclusion in a pristine forest environment. Each spacious tent has wooden flooring with rugs, and en-suite bathrooms with a dressing area.

Prices on request.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater

Safari Resort

There are 96 rooms in total, and most boast magnificent views into the Ngorongoro Crater. The spacious bedrooms contain 2 queensized beds, and each room is en-suite.

Prices on request.

Properties 1 to 5 of 9