The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. This huge volcanic caldera is a unique basin for over 25,000 large animals and is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. If you want a Ngorongoro safari you won't forget, then these are the best attractions and places to visit.
The crater floor is iconic
The first thing to do is go and see the actual crater floor. Going 600 meters down into this ancient caldera, you enter a thriving wildlife haven. The high walls make it one of the best places in Africa to see the full Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino, all in one afternoon.
Pink waters of Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is a must-see stop on your Ngorongoro safari, right in the middle of the crater floor. This huge alkaline lake is home to thousands of pink flamingos who gather at the water's edge to feed. The bright pink birds against the golden African savanna present some incredible photography opportunities.
Picnic Area - Ngoitokitok Springs
This beautiful spring is the perfect place to visit if you want to stretch your legs during a full-day game drive. You can get out of your vehicle and have a picnic lunch beside a natural pool of splashing hippos. It provides a relaxing break in the middle of pristine nature.
Traditional Maasai Boma
A Ngorongoro safari is more than about wild animals, but also for the rich local culture. A visit to a traditional Maasai village at the rim of the crater is a wonderful experience. Check out their unique mud-and-stick houses, traditional jumping dances, and how the Maasai people have co-existed peacefully with wild animals for generations.
Majestic Crater Rim Viewpoint
Before descending into the volcanic bowl, stop at the main viewpoint on the rim. From the top you have a breathtaking, panoramic view of the entire 20-kilometer-wide caldera covered in mist, and you can appreciate the immense scale of this prehistoric wonder.
