The Ngorongoro Crater is home to about 20.000 to 25.000 animals with slight fluctuations due animal movement in the dry and wet season. It is a great year-round destination that supports an incredibly rich variety of wildlife due the constant availability of fresh water. In addition, the volcanic soil supports the growth of phosphorous-rich plants, which have a high nutritional value.

It is one of the only places in Tanzania where it is possible to spot the rare black rhino, which has been pushed to near-extinction. Of course, the other ‘Big Five’ – buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion – are not far either. Whereas buffaloes, elephants and lions are regularly spotted, it is quite challenging to find leopards as the prefer the heavily wooded areas along the crater rim.

The crater is home to more than 500 bird species with Lake Magadi being an important sanctuary. Water birds include cormorants, egrets, herons, white pelicans and seasonally flocks of flamingos. But you can also spot bee-eaters, bishops, gray-crowned cranes, bateleur eagles, kites, lovebirds, ostriches, rollers, sunbirds and vultures.

Elephant bulls with large tusks are regularly seen – especially in the Lerai Forest and near the swamps. The open grass plains are dominated by elands, gazelles, wildebeest and zebras. The high number of herbivores supports a large predator population, namely prides of lions and spotted hyenas.

Cheetahs have been recorded but are rarely seen. Although the crater is home to a large variety of animals, giraffes, impalas and topi are not found within its boundaries.

• travelers who are interested in a photo safari with a varied landscape and scenery
• travelers who are looking for a daytrip destination
• travelers who can only spare a few days for a safari (short journey from Arusha)
• travelers who want to see a large variety of wildlife within a few hours