Is Ngorongoro crater worth visiting? Of course! In addition to being one of Africa’s seven natural wonders, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is an extraordinary crater that is unlike anything else you will ever see. You will be rewarded with stunning views that stretch across the horizon from the crater bottom to the summit of the towering crater walls. With an incredible amount of animals that live within the crater, it will make it easy to spot the iconic Big 5.
If you are touring the Northern circuit of Tanzania then be sure to carve out a day trip to tour Ngorongoro Crater. Although day safaris here can be more costly than in the other nearby national parks, the expansive scenery, dense animals, and tall crater walls make this one of Tanzania’s most striking destinations.
If you want to include a visit to this location in your safari, we provide a fantastic 1 Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour. Take a look at our 1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Can you hike the Ngorongoro Crater rim?
Hiking the Ngorongoro Crater rim is one of the best ways to experience the crater. The benefits of walking the rim are unparalleled views of the crater in all its glory, as well as being up high enough to spot bird species and close enough to observe wild animals on foot.
The Ngorongoro highlands are renowned for its breathtaking greenery and vegetation, as well as the colorful wildflowers and other plants you may see while traveling. While an armed ranger walks alongside you at all times to ensure your safety, the Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk offers you the opportunity to learn a wealth of fascinating facts about bird species, find plants that are used for their medicinal properties, track spoors of wild animals, and encounter some of the more peaceful wild species like zebra and elephants.
As you go, you’re surrounded by panoramic vistas, making this one of Tanzania’s most picturesque walks and a unique opportunity to see and learn about the crater.
The Ngorongoro Highlands can be a little on the cooler and breezier side so be sure to take appropriate clothing with you as well as know that the hike itself can be strenuous in parts as you will be hiking through bush and uneven terrain. Being physically in good condition is recommended.
How many days should I spend there?
The answer to this question really depends on each individual person and what they would like to see and do, their overall budget and how much time they have to dedicate to a Ngorongoro Crater safari.
We suggest a day for visitors who only want to experience the crater, see the big five, and take in the breathtaking views. You can most certainly cover most of the crater floor in one day.
However, if you are looking to hike the rim, spend a few days doing safari and stay overnight within the conservation area then we would recommend 3 to 5 days.
It’s crucial to remember that daily costs would apply if you choose not to remain within the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, making it potentially costly. If you have an open budget then we suggest going on a 1-day Ngorongoro Crater Tour and journeying into the Serengeti and other neighboring national parks within the region to get a real taste of Tanzania.
