The Ngorongoro Crater offers visitors stunning views of a deep and majestic volcanic caldera, recognized as the world’s largest unflooded and unbroken caldera. This breathtaking natural wonder spans 12 miles (19 km) across and encompasses 102 square miles (264 sq km) of wilderness, presenting a vast, awe-inspiring landscape. The crater’s rim is approximately 2,000 feet (610 m) higher than the caldera bottom, with a peak elevation of 7,500 feet (2,286 m).

Ngorongoro Crater was formed by a volcanic eruption that shaped its surrounding landscape, resulting in a caldera that has become a refuge for wildlife. While the area is wild and untamed, ensuring visitor safety is a top priority. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority has implemented various safety measures, including trained guides, well-maintained trails, and emergency alert and response systems.

On February 11, 2013, Ngorongoro Crater was officially declared one of the world’s seven natural wonders. It is famously called Africa’s Garden of Eden and is home to over 30,000 diverse wildlife species, including wildebeests, buffaloes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and the rare black rhino.

Human presence in the Ngorongoro Crater dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the numerous remains of hominids, some of humankind’s earliest identifiable ancestors. The world-renowned archaeological sites of Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli are located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The discovery of ancient footprints dating back about 3.5 million years adds an intriguing and wondrous dimension to your visit.