Why Visit the Ngorongoro Crater on Safari

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s safari highlights. The name Ngorongoro is from a Maasai word meaning ‘Gift of Life’. In geological terms, the Ngorongoro Crater is actually a caldera, caused by the collapse of a large volcano 2-3 million years ago. The crater floor covers over 260 km² while the depth is some 610 m.

Your guide with Taswira Africa Safaris, will first take you to a lookout so that you can gaze at the magnificent views from the crater rim before descending into the crater itself. You will have the opportunity to see elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, hippos and many other species of animals and birds. There are over 25,000 animals in the crater, including the black rhino.

The Ngorongoro Crater is beautiful at any time of year and teaming with wildlife. You may experience clear views of the crater bowl or mists rolling down into the base - either way a memorable experience. 

Animal Highlight - Eastern Black Rhino

One of Africa's most famous animals and one of the 'Big Five', the Rhino is on many travellers viewing wishlist, however numbers have been dramatically and tragically impacted by illegal poaching with only around 80 individuals remaining in Tanzania, who are now closely monitored and protected.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the best place to see the critically endangered Eastern Black Rhino, the most endangered of the three black rhino sub-species in Africa. Calves are born only once every three years, when conditions are right, meaning that each birth is celebrated! Rhino's are largely solitary animals, living in scrub and open woodland areas. They weigh 800 to 1,500 kilos and can live up to 50 years old.

By paying entrance fees, we are supporting the monitoring and protection of these ancient creatures, which is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Rhinos boost biodiversity by selectively grazing and therefore protection is important for not only them, but also the wider ecosystem.