Excellent game viewing in a volcanic caldera
Nearly 20 kilometres in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater measures in as the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Views from atop the 600 metre high walls are spectacular and open up a new world of wonder to those visiting this gorgeous country.
A great introduction to Tanzania, this nature wonderland offers you incredible sightings of the famous big five as well as a whole host of excellent plains game. You may even spot the elusive leopard perched high in the trees or stalking across the plains.
Bright flamingos can be seen wading through the central soda lake and the freshwater lakes provide some excellent birdwatching opportunities, so keep your binoculars handy. Hyena are sometimes seen following the lions from a distance in hopes of a meal and jackal can often be spotted skulking around the bushier areas of the crater.
Due to the fact that this natural spectacle is so very famous, it can be extremely busy at times. Please don’t be put off by this; we do recommend a short visit here and with our expertise, we will ensure you are thoroughly moved by your time spent sipping a nice cold drink from on high gazing over this immense scene.
Highlights
Head out on action-packed morning and afternoon game drives
Enjoy excellent views from atop the 600m high walls
Take a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the crater as the sun rises and sip a glass of bubbly once you land
Hike to the Ngorongoro Forest and ascend the slopes to the crater rim with magnificent views of the crater floor below
Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
Spending time in the remarkable lush landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater is a truly unforgettable experience. Beyond the remarkable wildlife here, the views are incredible and the local Maasai people are warm and welcoming.
Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in the Ngorongoro Crater
Why book with Jacada?
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Trip inspiration
Whatever you want from your Ngorongoro Crater tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
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Marking the southernmost point of the wildebeest’s migration loop, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve is where the herds spread out across the wider region to calve between January and March. There is only one permanent camp option so you’re guaranteed unbeatable privacy and exclusivity. There is also the possibility of setting off on night drives.
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The North Serengeti forms the border with the equally famous Maasai Mara of Kenya. This is the region where the herds are at their most concentrated during the migration, and it’s where you’ll see the infamous river crossings.
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Tarangire National Park is home to huge herds of elephants. There are also over 550 bird species including the Yellow-collared Lovebirds and the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard. Depending on the time of the year, you can also see the migratory wildebeest.
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White sand beaches and a laid back atmosphere are the perfect combination to any adventurous safari. Beachfront hotels, nestled in spice gardens and shrouded in palms are the backdrop to your island activities.
Discover moreMeet your Africa team
When to visit
Tanzania is an amazing destination to visit all year round, but if you’re after the Great Migration, visit between June and July. The iconic river crossings take place from August to October and calves are born at the start of the year, with up to 8000 born daily during February.
The Great Migration
June–October
Mount Kilimanjaro
January–March
Green season
January–February
Plan your trip to the Ngorongoro Crater
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
We have traveled with Jacada four times; to Patagonia, Tanzania, Colombia and a longer trip to northern South America. Each time we had a wonderful trip and felt very supported throughout. We stayed in world class lodgings in amazing places and had experienced guides. Never once did we wait to be picked up. On the rare occasion that there were…
Our first safari experience in Tanzania with Jacada—and certainly not our last! Jamey Lowis curated our dream trip with meticulous care, anticipating every detail and going above and beyond our expectations. The exceptional service, attention to detail, and unforgettable experiences made it more than we could have ever imagined! What a great way to be introduced to Africa.
All the coordination from the time we entered the country being toured until we left was handled in a seamless and professional manner. Every accommodation was first class, and all employed staff members in the overnight venues were truly professional. The only exception was the airline chosen for internal flights. Their performance was very uneven and disjointed.
We booked our travel to Tanzania and Kenya for our 25th wedding anniversary. Jacada travels This one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken. They were always with us throughout the trip without being overbearing and constantly in communication as we were traveling with younger kids. The places that jacads suggested Were top-notch and we felt like we were…
Jacada were amazing all the way from designing our trip to guiding us throughout the journey. Our trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We had knowledgeable, passionate guides on safari and stayed in beautiful accommodations throughout.
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