The Ngorongo Crater is situated in the Ngorongoro Conversation Area (NCA) which covers an area of 8,288 square kilometers, the crater itself covers 260 square kilometers and hosts an incredible array of wildlife. The Ngorongoro crater was originally part of the Serengeti National Park, however continued conflicts resulted in the creation of the Ngorongoro Conversation Area.

The Ngorongo Crater host a population of around 25,000 large animals, including lions, black rhinoceros, wildebeest, gazelles, buffalo, elephants and zebra and hosts almost every species of wildlife in East Africa.

The crater is the world’s largest, unbroken and unflooded volcanic caldera, said to have formed from a massive volcano eruption, the estimates of the height the volcano prior to the explosion range from 15,000 – 19,000 feet, the current crater depth is 610 metres (2,001 feet).

The crater highlands receive between 800-1200 mm of rain every year and is covered in montane forest, whilst the west wall of the crater, which walls are less steep receive around 400-600 mm per annum and consists of grassland and occasional tree growth.

Another major water source within the Ngorongoro Crater is the Ngoitokitok Spring, the area is inhabited by elephants, lions and hippopotamus amongst other wildlife, however many smaller springs are scattered around the crater and remain an important water source especially during drought or the dry season.

The Ngorongoro Crater boasts some of the most incredible breathtaking views, spectacular year-round game viewing – including the ‘Big 5’ and is a MUST SEE if visiting Africa.