The Ngorongoro Crater is a stunningly beautiful destination and arguably the best place in Tanzania to encounter the Big Five. As one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders, it can become quite crowded. To avoid the busiest times, we recommend staying for two nights and then moving on to the Serengeti for a more tranquil safari experience.

A visit to Northern Tanzania should definitely include the Ngorongoro Crater. It is one of the most spectacular natural wildlife safari locations globally and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the Maasai people.

The Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding highlands are among Africa’s most scenic regions. Volcanic craters provide dramatic backdrops to some of the continent’s most fertile and rich grazing lands. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, is renowned for its high concentration of big game, including all of the Big Five and numerous predators. It is rightfully one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

You can choose to stay at a lodge on the Crater rim to enjoy the breathtaking views or opt for accommodations in the nearby town of Karatu. Karatu offers fewer crowds and features smaller, more affordable lodges with a range of activities like walking and mountain biking.