Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Formed two to three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed inward, the crater floor covers 264 km² and sits 600 metres below its rim, creating a self-contained ecosystem that supports an extraordinary density of wildlife year-round.
The crater shelters approximately 25,000 large animals including lion, elephant, hippo, wildebeest, zebra, hyena, and one of Africa’s rarest animals — the Black Rhino. Because the caldera walls act as a natural boundary, most animals remain within the crater, making game drives here exceptionally productive. You are virtually guaranteed Big Five sightings.
The rim stands at 2,286 metres, offering spectacular views across the crater and beyond. Accommodation on the rim ranges from budget to ultra-luxury. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also encompasses Olduvai Gorge, the Ndutu Plains, and the Empakaai Crater.