Ngorongoro Crater Adventure Tour In 2025
Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest volcanic caldera on earth. The crater, 610 meters deep and 260 km is a microcosm of East African scenery and game and is usually visited on the way back from the Serengeti to Arusha. It is part of the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which also includes Olduvai Gorge, forests, mountains and remote highlands to the north.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites and is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa and an exceptional place to interact with people from the Maasai tribe. This remarkable place is home to over 30,000 large mammals and has often been described as a “garden of Eden” for wildlife. Long ago, a massive volcano about the same size as Mount Kilimanjaro erupted and then collapsed on itself, for the crater we see today. The Crater is a breathtakingly beautiful setting and the best place in East Africa to see the Big Five (lions, buffalos, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Other wildlife that can be spotted here includes cheetahs, hyenas, warthogs, impala, hartebeest, eland, reedbuck and Thompson gazelles, as well as different bird species like White Storks, swallows, Yellow Wagtails and more.
Ngorongoro Crater Adventure Activities
Birdwatching
The Ngorongoro crater is one of the best places for birding in Tanzania. Bird watching or birding is among the activities which are carried out during a safari around the Ngorongoro crater as tourists enjoy exploring the destination and looking out for various bird species. The crater is home to over 500 bird species that can be spotted around the Ngorongoro conservation area during a safari. These bird species include both migrant and native bird species that can be seen around the crater area and in its stunning highlands. Birds that can spotted in the Ngorongoro crater. during your birdwatching tours includes birds of prey, tree nestling birds, grasslands birds and water birds among others.
During your birdwatching tours, you’ll have the chance to spot different stunning bird species such as ostriches, guinea fowls, flamingos, grey crowned cranes, Kori bustards, yellow billed storks, saddle bills, herons, white pelicans, black winged lapwing, plovers, secretary birds, martial eagles, bee eaters, kingfishers, woodpeckers, falcons, lesser krestel, the European swallow, European bee eater, pallid harrier, caspiar lapwing among others. Birdwatching is best done during the wet season from November to April, when the local birds and then the migrant bird species can all be seen during bird watching in the Ngorongoro crater.
Game drives
Game views are without doubt the best way to view wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater. Game drives are done with a standard tour van and are organized in two shifts – morning and afternoon. This game drives are commonly done within the crater itself, where you can descend into the caldera floor to see a high concentration of wildlife including the big 5, due to the crater’s natural enclosure. Another exciting spot for game drive safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater is the “Ndutu area” especially during the wildebeest migration when large calving herds gather there. During your game drive safari in Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll have the chance to encounter different wildlife species such as Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, Zebras, wildebeests, hippos as well as different species of birds. The Ngorongoro Crater safari drive is an unforgettable Tanzania wildlife safari adventure that leaves you with lasting memories of the incredible biodiversity and natural splendor of this unique conservation area.
Ngorongoro Crater rim walk
Visitors to Ngorongoro Crater can’t hike down into the crater itself, but they can enjoy guided walks along the edge of its towering rim. This trail provides breathtaking views of the vast crater below, where a rich array of wildlife and plants thrive. During your walk, you might spot zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles, adding an exciting element to your adventure. The refreshing mountain air and tranquil surroundings create a calm and revitalizing experience, ideal for those who love nature or photography. During your stroll, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the impressive size and unique formation of the crater, which was shaped by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. All in all, a walk along the Ngorongoro Crater rim is an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting this remarkable place in Tanzania.
Explore the Empakaai Crater
Discovering the Empakaai Crater is a treat for anyone who loves nature and enjoys hiking. The Empakaai Crater was also formed when a volcano collapsed into a 6-kilometer-wide caldera. It is a lesser-known crater but with a lot to offer. This untouched landscape is bursting with a wide variety of plants and animals. As you through the crater, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sparkling Empakaai Lake nestled below. The vibrant greenery that covers the crater floor stands in sharp contrast to the steep cliffs that surround this beautiful area. On the way, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of bird species, blue monkeys, water bucks, bush bucks, buffaloes, elephants and hyenas that call this area home, adding a symphony of sounds to your hiking experience.
One of the best parts of visiting the Empakaai Crater is reaching the lookout point, where you can take in a stunning view of the entire crater. Beyond the crater are stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Ol Doniyo Lengai.
Hiking up the Gol Mountains
Hiking up the Gol Mountains is an adventure waiting to be experienced. Gol Mountains is situated within Serengeti National Park; these peaks offer incredible opportunities to witness wildlife and engage with the local Maasai Herdsmen. The indigenous community who has lived in harmony with this land for generations. At the base of the Gol Mountains is the famous Nasera Rock, a perfect spot for birdwatching and observing plentiful troops of baboons. This area is rich in history too, the famous Leakey family excavated remains of humans who lived there during the stone age period.
Maasai village visit
Visiting a Maasai communities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be a truly rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to step into the lively culture if the Maasai people., who are one of East Africa’s most recognised tribes. Known for their bright clothing and rich tradition, the Maasai have a unique way of life that is both fascinating and beautiful.
During your visit, you’ll get the chance to meet the Maasai people and learn about their customs, traditions, and daily routines. You might join them in traditional activities such as traditional dances, beadwork demonstrations, and visiting local markets will provide you with a deeper understanding of their way of life.
More so, these proud cattle-herding people have a great history as warriors, and even though they are no longer allowed to build villages inside, they continue to herd their cattle into the crater to graze and drink, regardless of the predators nearby.
Best accommodation options to stay while on Ngorongoro Crater Adventure Tour
Where to stay on safari is an important consideration when planning a trip to any location, and Ngorongoro crater has a variety of convenience offices where visitors may stay, including luxury facilities, midrange facilities, and budget facilities. Among the facilities includes Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Gibbs Farm, Lemala Ngorongoro Lodge, Lions Paw Camp Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, the Ngorongoro Farm house and the Plantation Lodge among others.
