The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected area and a World Heritage Site located 180 kilometers west of Arusha in the crater highlands of Tanzania. The main feature of the conservation area is the Ngorongoro crater, the world's largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. Ngorongoro is thought to have formed about 2.5 million years ago from a large active volcano whose cone collapsed inward after a major eruption, leaving the present vast, unbroken caldera as its chief remnant.The crater is 610 meters deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometers.

 

It is known as the "Eden of Africa" and was voted by Seven Natural Wonders as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The western portion of the park abuts the Serengeti National Park, and the area comprising the two parks and Kenya's Maasai Mara game reserve is home to Great Migration, a massive annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals. The conservation area also contains Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

​​

The Ngorongoro crater floor is predominantly open grassland. The local Massai people also graze their livestock in the crater. Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake ringed by extinct volcanoes, is renowned as a habitat for great flocks of pink flamingos. Approximately 25,000 large animals, mostly ungulates, live in the crater. Mammals in the crater include the black rhinoceros, cape buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, eland, gazelle, elephant, spotted hyena, jackal, and hippopotamus. Waterbucks occur mainly near Lerai forest. Absent are giraffe, impala, topi, and crocodile. Cheetah, East African wild dog, and leopard are rarely seen.

 

The crater has one of the densest known population of lions. By April 2020 there are a total of 65-75 lions on the crater floor. There are eight prides, of which five consists of only 2-3 adult females. The proportion of adult lions (4 years and older) is 47%. A side effect of the crater being a natural enclosure is that the lion population is significantly inbred. This is due to the very small amount of new bloodlines that enter the local gene pool, as few migrating male lions enter the crater from the outside. Those who do enter are often prevented from contributing to the gene pool by the crater's male lions, who expel any outside competitors.

​

​

What is the best time to visit

Ngorongoro Crater?

​​

The Ngorongoro Crater is a remarkable destination that can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm and wildlife experiences. Many travelers find that the best time to visit is anytime of the year, as the crater is home to diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, regardless of the season.

 

In the dry season (June to October), wildlife viewing is often at its peak, as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them against the less dense vegetation. This time offers crystal-clear skies and pleasant temperatures, perfect for game drives and enjoying the breathtaking landscapes.

 

Conversely, the wet season (November to May) transforms the crater into a lush paradise, with vibrant greenery and blooming flora. Although wildlife may be more dispersed during this time, the experience of witnessing the calving season in February is particularly special, as herds of wildebeest and zebras give birth to their young, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere.

 

Regardless of the season, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the crater rim, marvel at the unique geological features, and observe a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Whether you’re drawn by the excitement of the dry season or the serenity of the green season, the Ngorongoro Crater promises unforgettable experiences throughout the year. In essence, anytime is a great time to explore this natural wonder!

Check out this blog post about visiting Ngorongoro Crater in February.