Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s most captivating safari destinations, offers a wildlife experience unlike any other. As the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that attracts luxury travelers and adventure seekers alike. Beyond its stunning geological features, Ngorongoro Crater is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those eager to witness Africa's famed "Big Five" in one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.
The Ngorongoro Crater was formed over two million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed in on itself, creating a vast, enclosed basin that now stretches over 260 square kilometers. Surrounded by towering walls that rise 600 meters high, the crater has formed a self-contained ecosystem that teems with wildlife.
Thanks to its fertile soils, ample water sources, and year-round availability of grasslands, Ngorongoro Crater supports a permanent population of around 25,000 large animals. For visitors, this means unforgettable wildlife encounters, with opportunities to spot a wide variety of species within the confines of this natural amphitheater.
One of the biggest draws of the Ngorongoro Crater is the chance to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—on a single game drive. It’s a rare feat in the world of safaris, but here, the density of wildlife and the ease with which they can be spotted make it a genuine possibility.
Ngorongoro is home to one of the densest lion populations in Africa, and the prides here are famously large. The crater’s flat, open grasslands offer excellent visibility, so it’s not uncommon to witness lions basking in the sun, stalking prey, or playfully interacting with cubs. For many luxury travelers, the opportunity to observe these majestic predators up close is a highlight of their Tanzania safari.
Perhaps the most prized sighting in the Ngorongoro Crater is the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Due to the crater’s enclosed nature and vigilant conservation efforts, a small population of these rare animals has thrived here, offering visitors one of the few chances to spot them in the wild. While they are elusive and often shy, patient travelers may be rewarded with a glimpse of these magnificent creatures as they graze across the crater floor.
The crater is also home to large herds of African buffalo, often seen grazing in the lush meadows or near water sources. In addition, elephants, particularly old bulls, are commonly spotted near the swampy areas of the crater, their massive tusks a testament to the region's undisturbed nature. These gentle giants are a constant presence in Ngorongoro, providing unforgettable photo opportunities for safari-goers.
The crater’s diverse habitats—ranging from open savannahs and forests to wetlands and a soda lake—support a wide array of species, both big and small. Zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles dot the landscape, while hippos lounge in the freshwater pools. Hyenas and jackals prowl the plains, scavenging for leftovers, and warthogs can be seen darting across the grasslands.
The birdlife here is equally impressive, with over 500 species recorded. Flamingos often gather in large flocks at Lake Magadi, the crater’s shallow soda lake, creating a breathtaking pink spectacle against the backdrop of the green crater floor.
For luxury travelers, Ngorongoro Crater offers more than just incredible wildlife; it’s a destination that combines adventure with exclusivity. The lodges perched on the crater’s rim provide unrivaled views, allowing guests to wake up to sweeping vistas of the caldera. High-end camps and lodges offer personalized service, gourmet dining, and spa treatments, ensuring a luxurious retreat amidst Tanzania’s wild beauty.
Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife wonderland where the splendor of Tanzania’s natural landscapes meets extraordinary safari experiences. Whether you're pursuing the Big Five or simply soaking in the majestic scenery, a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For those seeking both luxury and adventure, the Ngorongoro Crater delivers an unparalleled safari experience—one that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left its breathtaking rim.
Due to the recent Covid 19 worldwide pandemic, to keep our guests and indeed our staff safe, we have made some changes to Safari By Z that we would like to make you aware. We believe that with careful planning and consideration by our staff and guests we can continue to provide the best hospitality services on safari. For now, this may be our new norm.
New routines:
All our staff have received full training in health and safety-related to the COVID-19 virus and are required to be extra vigilant with their personal hygiene and daily routines.
Health condition of driver-guides will be monitored for not less than a week before being assigned to take clients on safari.
City transfer and safari vehicles will be regularly disinfected before picking up clients, especially the high-touch surfaces and seats.
Our meet and greet teams at airports will still be there to accompany guests into transfer vehicles. While our vehicles are already cleaned between transfers, they will now also be disinfected between each use.
To keep social distancing, safari vehicles with 4-window seats will be redesigned to take only 2 people in the passenger cabin. Safari vehicles with 6-window seats will still be available for families/group of friends wishing to travel together in one vehicle.
The driver-guide will be at hand to oversee guests observe the recommended physical distancing at park entry gates, picnic sites, and while checking in at accommodation facilities.
Each guest will receive their own adventure kit, which includes a Wildlife Guides' Journal, mini fan and hand sanitizers, as well as a pair of binoculars – all in cleaned before each new set of guests
The driver-guide will take necessary personal protection precautions at all times. Guests are encouraged to come with their own masks;
Please be assured that all our selection of partner properties we work with have their strict COVID-19 hygiene practises in place.
Tanzania wasn't Really affected by Covid 19 to the same extent as most other countries, especially those in Europe and South America.
However, we will keep the above measures in place for your peace of mind. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to the Tanzania for your African safari holiday of a lifetime.
