Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Africa and a must-visit destination in northern Tanzania. Formed around 2 to 3 million years ago, this massive volcanic caldera is the largest intact and unfilled crater in the world, spanning about 260 square kilometers (100 square miles) with walls rising over 600 meters (2,000 feet) high.
Often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden,” the crater is home to a dense population of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, and the rare black rhino. With its permanent water sources and rich grazing grounds, it supports year-round game viewing, making it one of the best places in Tanzania for spotting the Big Five in a single day.
Beyond the wildlife, Ngorongoro offers striking scenery—from the lush crater floor to the surrounding highlands and forests. It’s also part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where wildlife and the semi-nomadic Maasai people coexist, offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and conservation.