Ngorongoro

Embark on a safari within the world’s largest intact caldera, home to endangered black rhinos and giant-tusked elephants protected within its rim.

Explore Ngorongoro

Visit a Natural Wonder of the World

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area packs a staggering diversity of landscapes into a single region. Volcanic activity, rifting, fracturing, and ongoing erosion have sculpted a dramatic panorama of peaks, craters, valleys, plains, and lakes—truly a place that belongs on every traveler’s map.

The World’s Largest Intact Caldera

Once a massive volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is now the world’s largest inactive, intact caldera. Before its eruption, it may have towered higher than Mount Kilimanjaro. Today, it forms a vast highland region centered around the famous 600 m (2,000 ft) deep crater.

Where to Stay

Top accommodations for a Ngorongoro safari range from luxury crater-rim lodges—like &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, and Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp—offering early access and stunning views, to mid-range options in nearby Karatu such as Plantation Lodge and Ngorongoro Farm House.

Gibb’s Farm

Tanzania

Lemala Ewanjan

Tanzania

Roving Bushtops

Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is the world’s largest intact, inactive volcanic caldera, formed around 2.5 million years ago. Known as a “Garden of Eden,” its 610 m deep, 260 km² basin hosts dense, year-round wildlife, including endangered black rhinos, lions, and massive elephant bulls.

Key Facts

The rim of the Ngorongoro Crater is about 2 200m (7 220ft) above sea level, while Olmoti and Oldeani Craters exceed 3 000m (9 840ft)

DEMOGRAPHIC

Approx. 273,549

GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE

Ngorongoro Conservation - 8000 to 8300 km²

BEST TIME TO GO

Excellent year-round

Open plains

Classic savannah landscape, with grassy plains.

Riverine forests

A verdant and thriving forest situated along the Mara River's banks.

Saline lakes

Lake Nakuru, encompassed by grassy woodlands.

Blue wildebeest

Seen in huge numbers in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Grevy's zebra

The largest of the zebras and a welcome sighting.

Masai giraffe

Classic savannah landscape, with grassy plains.

Weather

Summer is from October to March and winter is from April to September. It can be cold on the Crater rim from May to September and we suggest guests dress in layers for game drives, as temperatures heat up towards midday.

Temperatures range from a minimum of approximately 8°C / 42°F to a maximum of approximately 30°C / 86°F

DRY SEASON

July to October and January to March

GREEN SEASON

April to June | November to December

TRANSITION SEASON

March, July | September, January

Experiences

Highlights at include game drives, Crater-floor banquets, guided hikes, wine tasting, and expert lion encounters.

Ready to take a life-changing Holiday?

Discover Ngorongoro, where Tanzania’s wild landscapes teem with life and history. Explore the world’s largest intact caldera, encounter lions, elephants, and black rhinos, and traverse dramatic craters, valleys, and plains. With Esci Travel, your Ngorongoro safari unfolds seamlessly, connecting you to wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and authentic experiences beyond the usual path.

Custom Safaris

The Great African Adventure |10 Days Across Kenya & Tanzania

Overview Disclaimer Embark on an 10 Days, extraordinary safari across Kenya and Tanzania, exploring some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Begin at Lake Nakuru, where vast flocks of flamingoes create a stunning pink shoreline, and rhinos roam safely in this protected sanctuary. Venture to the Maasai Mara, where endless golden plains are home to the Big Five, cheetahs, and leopards, and, during migration season, witness the breathtaking spectacle of wildebeest and zebra herds sweeping across the savannah. Cross into Tanzania’s Serengeti, with its sweeping plains and abundant predators, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a dramatic natural amphitheater teeming with elephants, lions, hippos, and rare black rhinos. Explore the scenic Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife, before concluding in Amboseli National Park, where giant elephant herds roam beneath the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. This carefully curated safari blends breathtaking landscapes, close wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, offering a seamless and unforgettable journey through the very best of East Africa. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults Embark on an 10 Days, extraordinary safari across Kenya and Tanzania, exploring some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Begin at Lake Nakuru, where vast flocks of flamingoes create a stunning pink shoreline, and rhinos roam safely in this protected sanctuary. Venture to the Maasai Mara, where endless golden plains are home to the Big Five, cheetahs, and leopards, and, during migration season, witness the breathtaking spectacle of wildebeest and zebra herds sweeping across the savannah. Cross into Tanzania’s Serengeti, with its sweeping plains and abundant predators, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a dramatic natural amphitheater teeming with elephants, lions, hippos, and rare black rhinos. Explore the scenic Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife, before concluding in Amboseli National Park, where giant elephant herds roam beneath the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. This carefully curated safari blends breathtaking landscapes, close wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, offering a seamless and unforgettable journey through the very best of East Africa. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults

Duration

10 days 9 nights

Group Size

6 people

Majestic Horizons of Tanzania | From flamingo-filled lakes to the Endless Serengeti plains.

Overview Disclaimer Discover the best of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit on this 7-day safari adventure. Journey from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, where majestic elephants roam among ancient baobabs, then explore Lake Manyara, home to flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder teeming with wildlife, before experiencing the legendary Serengeti, where vast savannahs come alive with predators and prey. Enjoy daily guided game drives, comfortable lodges, and the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and unforgettable African wildlife encounters Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults Discover the best of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit on this 7-day safari adventure. Journey from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, where majestic elephants roam among ancient baobabs, then explore Lake Manyara, home to flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder teeming with wildlife, before experiencing the legendary Serengeti, where vast savannahs come alive with predators and prey. Enjoy daily guided game drives, comfortable lodges, and the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and unforgettable African wildlife encounters Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group Size

6 people

Serengeti & Crater Majesty | 3-Night Safari Escape to Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Overview Disclaimer Experience the wild heart of Tanzania in just three unforgettable nights on this immersive safari. Explore the vast Serengeti plains, where golden savannahs stretch to the horizon and wildlife thrives in its purest form. Witness majestic elephants wandering among acacias, stealthy predators on the hunt, and the seasonal spectacle of the Great Migration, a natural wonder like no other. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, and encounter the Big Five, black rhinos, zebras, and hippos in a breathtakingly scenic natural amphitheater. Between thrilling game drives, enjoy stays in luxury lodges perched for panoramic views, where sunsets over the plains and crater create unforgettable memories. This short yet intense safari experience perfectly blends adventure, wildlife, and comfort, offering travelers the chance to see iconic African landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters in just three nights, an ideal choice for those seeking maximum experience in a limited time. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults Experience the wild heart of Tanzania in just three unforgettable nights on this immersive safari. Explore the vast Serengeti plains, where golden savannahs stretch to the horizon and wildlife thrives in its purest form. Witness majestic elephants wandering among acacias, stealthy predators on the hunt, and the seasonal spectacle of the Great Migration, a natural wonder like no other. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, and encounter the Big Five, black rhinos, zebras, and hippos in a breathtakingly scenic natural amphitheater. Between thrilling game drives, enjoy stays in luxury lodges perched for panoramic views, where sunsets over the plains and crater create unforgettable memories. This short yet intense safari experience perfectly blends adventure, wildlife, and comfort, offering travelers the chance to see iconic African landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters in just three nights, an ideal choice for those seeking maximum experience in a limited time. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Group Size

6 people

Predator’s Path: 6 Days tracking Big cats, Vast herds, and Africa’s rawest wild spaces.

Overview Disclaimer Experience the very best of Tanzania on this 6-day safari, exploring its most celebrated national parks and breathtaking scenery. Begin in Arusha, where you’ll settle into comfortable accommodations and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this gateway town. Your journey kicks off in Tarangire National Park, renowned for elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy guided game drives across diverse habitats, spotting giraffes, lions, and elusive leopards while learning about the park’s ecology from expert guides. As the afternoon sun casts a golden glow over the savannah, return to your lodge and unwind to the sounds of the African bush. Travel onward toward the Serengeti, with an optional stop at the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. In the Serengeti, immerse yourself in endless plains, abundant predators, and the seasonal wildebeest migration, with morning and afternoon game drives offering unforgettable wildlife encounters. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and over 500 bird species thrive within this enclosed sanctuary. End your adventure at Lake Manyara National Park, home to flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and lush scenery. Throughout the safari, enjoy comfortable lodges, guided excursions, and immersive encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, leaving you with memories of Tanzania’s untamed beauty and unforgettable landscapes. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults Experience the very best of Tanzania on this 6-day safari, exploring its most celebrated national parks and breathtaking scenery. Begin in Arusha, where you’ll settle into comfortable accommodations and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this gateway town. Your journey kicks off in Tarangire National Park, renowned for elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy guided game drives across diverse habitats, spotting giraffes, lions, and elusive leopards while learning about the park’s ecology from expert guides. As the afternoon sun casts a golden glow over the savannah, return to your lodge and unwind to the sounds of the African bush. Travel onward toward the Serengeti, with an optional stop at the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. In the Serengeti, immerse yourself in endless plains, abundant predators, and the seasonal wildebeest migration, with morning and afternoon game drives offering unforgettable wildlife encounters. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where zebras, wildebeest, elephants, and over 500 bird species thrive within this enclosed sanctuary. End your adventure at Lake Manyara National Park, home to flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and lush scenery. Throughout the safari, enjoy comfortable lodges, guided excursions, and immersive encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, leaving you with memories of Tanzania’s untamed beauty and unforgettable landscapes. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group Size

6 people

The Great Migration Odssey | 9 Days in the Untamed Heart of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Overview Disclaimer Witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration on this 9-day Tanzanian safari adventure through the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Traverse Tarangire National Park, home to massive elephant herds and striking baobab trees, before entering the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and predators roam across endless plains. Explore the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wildlife sanctuary with rhinos, flamingos, lions, and more. Enjoy daily game drives, immersive wildlife encounters, and stay in comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps. This safari promises thrilling wildlife spectacles and unforgettable African landscapes                         VALID: 01st July 2026 – 31st October 2026 (Wildebeest Migration Season) Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults Witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration on this 9-day Tanzanian safari adventure through the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Traverse Tarangire National Park, home to massive elephant herds and striking baobab trees, before entering the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and predators roam across endless plains. Explore the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wildlife sanctuary with rhinos, flamingos, lions, and more. Enjoy daily game drives, immersive wildlife encounters, and stay in comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps. This safari promises thrilling wildlife spectacles and unforgettable African landscapes                         VALID: 01st July 2026 – 31st October 2026 (Wildebeest Migration Season) Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Group Size

6 people

Crown of Kilimanjaro & the Great Plains | Luxury Safari Immersion Across Amboseli, Serengeti, and the Maasai Mara.

Overview Disclaimer Experience the best of East Africa on a Luxury seamless cross-Border safari through Amboseli, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and the Maasai Mara, where iconic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and refined luxury converge. Begin beneath the towering Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park, exploring vast plains on private game drives that reveal enormous elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and abundant birdlife, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Africa’s highest peak. Cross into Tanzania to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called Africa’s Eden, where you descend into a volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five, and witness predator-prey interactions in an extraordinary, enclosed wilderness. Next, soar over the Serengeti to explore its endless plains and the Great Migration, following herds of wildebeest and zebra under expert guidance. Full-day game drives, including bush lunches, place you in the heart of predator activity and open landscapes that define Africa’s quintessential safari experience. Finally, journey to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where the exclusive Mara Triangle offers exceptional wildlife density and dramatic river scenes. Sunrise drives, optional hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, and guided walks provide both adventure and cultural immersion. Throughout, stay in carefully selected luxury lodges and intimate camps, combining comfort, fine dining, and spectacular views with authentic wilderness encounters. This safari is designed for travelers seeking front-row access to Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles, epic landscapes, and unforgettable moments of adventure, wonder, and serenity Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC. Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults. Experience the best of East Africa on a Luxury seamless cross-Border safari through Amboseli, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and the Maasai Mara, where iconic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and refined luxury converge. Begin beneath the towering Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park, exploring vast plains on private game drives that reveal enormous elephant herds, lions, giraffes, and abundant birdlife, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Africa’s highest peak. Cross into Tanzania to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called Africa’s Eden, where you descend into a volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five, and witness predator-prey interactions in an extraordinary, enclosed wilderness. Next, soar over the Serengeti to explore its endless plains and the Great Migration, following herds of wildebeest and zebra under expert guidance. Full-day game drives, including bush lunches, place you in the heart of predator activity and open landscapes that define Africa’s quintessential safari experience. Finally, journey to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where the exclusive Mara Triangle offers exceptional wildlife density and dramatic river scenes. Sunrise drives, optional hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, and guided walks provide both adventure and cultural immersion. Throughout, stay in carefully selected luxury lodges and intimate camps, combining comfort, fine dining, and spectacular views with authentic wilderness encounters. This safari is designed for travelers seeking front-row access to Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles, epic landscapes, and unforgettable moments of adventure, wonder, and serenity Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC. Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults.

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group Size

6 people

FAQ

While accessible year-round, the dry season from June to October is considered best for wildlife viewing because vegetation is sparse and animals gather around water sources.

Known as Africa's Eden, it features over 30,000 large mammals, including the densest lion population in the world, black rhinos, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and hyenas.

The crater floor sits about 610 meters (2,000 feet) below the rim.

The crater is often paired with a visit to the Serengeti National Park.

Featured Property

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lod

Where Maasai tradition meets luxurious elegance on Ngorongoro’s ancient caldera rim—abundant wildlife, sunsets to the rhythm of Maasai chants, and a journey of mindful impact.

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