Simba Tours
Ngorongoro Crater Safari
25,000 animals in one enclosed paradise. The Big Five, the rare black rhino and Tanzania's most reliable wildlife.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the most unique wildlife reserve in the world. An extinct volcano of 260 km² — cut off from the outside world — permanently houses one of the highest animal concentrations on earth. Here lion, elephant, hippo, buffalo and the rare black rhino all live within the same enclosed arena.
The zones of the Ngorongoro Crater
Crater floor
Year-roundBig Five + black rhino
On the 260 km² crater floor approximately 25,000 animals live permanently. The density is so high that on an average day you can see all Big Five. Jonas' advice: leave early, before 7am.
Ngoitokitok Springs
Morning & afternoonHippos & flamingos
The permanent waterhole in the centre of the crater is a magnet for hippos, elephants and waders. Perfect spot for a lunch break — and for spotting the black rhino that regularly drinks here.
Lerai Forest
Early morningElephants & leopards
This dense acacia forest in the south of the crater is one of the best-kept secrets. Large elephant bulls with enormous tusks shelter here during the day. Leopards sit high in the trees — you look up, not just horizontally.
Spotting chances in the Ngorongoro Crater
Based on Jonas' 20 years of experience in the crater — averaged over the whole year.
When do you visit the Ngorongoro Crater?
Dry, cool on the rim. Few tourists. Best rhino time.
Long rains. Crater is green but roads can be muddy.
Best travel time. Dry, cool, maximum wildlife activity.
Excellent. Dry and warm. Combine with Serengeti migration.
Short rains. Cheaper. Lush landscape. Good for birds.
Accommodation near the Ngorongoro Crater
On the crater rim
Spectacular views, early into the crater
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Outside the conservation area
More budget-friendly, more options
Neptune Ngorongoro, Lemala Ngorongoro
Combination with Serengeti
Most popular option — both parks in one trip
Serengeti + Ngorongoro (5–7 dagen)
"I have spent thousands of days in the Ngorongoro Crater and it never bores me. But my secret: go early. The morning in the crater is magic — the mist hangs low, the animals are active and the other tourists are still sleeping. That hour before 8am is where the real experience lies."
— Jonas, Simba Tours gids