Ngorongoro, Africa

A breathtaking conservation area set inside a massive volcanic crater.

A pair of endangered black rhinoceros, a mother and her calf, grazing together on the grassy plains of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

Overview

Ngorongoro, Africa Cruise Port

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site and a renowned safari destination in northern Tanzania. It is not a cruise port but a spectacular inland marvel, best known for the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. This immense, 2,000-foot-deep crater is a natural wonder that acts as a self-contained sanctuary for one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Visiting Ngorongoro is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into a vibrant ecosystem where animals, from the majestic "Big Five" to thousands of zebras and wildebeest, live and thrive in harmony. The area also holds immense cultural significance, as it is the home of the nomadic Maasai people and contains the Olduvai Gorge, a key site in the study of human evolution. A safari to Ngorongoro promises an exhilarating and profound encounter with the heart of Africa's wilderness.

Top Things to Do in Ngorongoro, Africa

Take a Game Drive on the Crater Floor

Embark on a thrilling game drive down into the Ngorongoro Crater itself. This is the main highlight of any visit. Driving through the crater floor, you will be surrounded by an astonishing concentration of wildlife, offering some of the best and most reliable game viewing in the world.

Tip: The crater floor can get crowded, so an early morning start is highly recommended to get the best sightings and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Spot the "Big Five"

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to spot the renowned "Big Five"—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled, as all five species are present in this natural sanctuary

Tip: Leopards are notoriously elusive. Your safari guide will be an expert at spotting them, so rely on their keen eye and local knowledge.

Visit Lake Magadi and See the Flamingos

Within the crater lies Lake Magadi, a large, shallow alkaline lake that is a major attraction for wildlife. Thousands of pink flamingos flock to its shores, creating a stunning visual spectacle, and it's a great spot to see a variety of other birds, hippos, and other animals

Tip: The best time to see the largest flocks of flamingos is during the dry season.

Explore the Historic Olduvai Gorge

Take an excursion to the nearby Olduvai Gorge, a key archaeological site in the Great Rift Valley. It is famously where Louis and Mary Leakey made some of the most significant discoveries related to early human evolution, earning it the nickname "the Cradle of Mankind."

Tip: The site includes a small museum and visitor center with displays of fossils and artifacts. It's an excellent way to connect with ancient history.

Meet a Maasai Community

Experience the rich culture of the local Maasai people with a visit to a traditional village. Here, you can learn about their customs, daily life, and vibrant traditions. Many villages welcome visitors with traditional dances and provide an opportunity to purchase authentic, handmade crafts.

Tip: When visiting a Maasai village, be respectful of their customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photographs.

Enjoy a View from the Crater Rim

Before descending into the crater, make sure to stop at one of the many viewpoints along the crater rim. The panoramic views from these high points are truly breathtaking, offering a sense of the immense scale of this natural wonder and the plains below.

Tip: Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful from the crater rim, with dramatic lighting and colors.

Overview