Which animals can you see in the Ngorongoro Crater?

Located in northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and home to more than 25,000 animals, including the famous Big Five. If you’re curious which animals can you see in the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll be delighted by the diverse wildlife thriving in this unique ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a highlight safari destination for nature lovers.

The Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for its population of critically endangered black rhinos. While the Crater is not directly part of the Great Migration’s main route, its abundant wildlife and unspoiled landscapes have rightly earned it the name “Africa’s Garden of Eden.”

On the Crater’s grassy plains, you can see wildebeest, zebras, eland and gazelles, while predators like lions, cheetahs, wild hunting dogs and hyenas lie in wait for their next meal. Elephants, eland and hartebeest also live in the crater, while hippos can be seen in the permanent freshwater pools and swamps. Interestingly, giraffes are absent due to the crater’s steep walls, which make access difficult.

For all bird lovers, there are over 500 species of birds recorded in the Crater, such as the famous flocks of pink flamingos of Lake Magadi or the ostrich, Kori bustard, gray-crowned crane, secretary bird and rosy-throated longclaw to name a few.

Geology and ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, located within the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is a remarkable geological wonder and one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Created by the collapse of an ancient volcano, this true caldera boasts a mineral-rich floor that sustains one of Africa’s most densely populated wildlife ecosystems.

To explore the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and to find out which animals can you see in the Ngorongoro Crater, you drive down the steep inner walls to the bottom of the crater.

Several unique habitats within the Crater add to the diversity of wildlife sightings. The lush Lerai Forest, filled with fever trees, provides shade and food for elephants, while the shallow, saline Lake Magadi attracts a variety of waterbirds, including flamingos. Gorigor Swamp, with its reed beds, and Ngoitokitok Springs, known for its hippo pools, add to the rich habitats that support life in the Crater.

The mineral-rich volcanic soils make the short grass plains exceptionally nutritious, attracting large herds of herbivores such as blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, and eland. If you’re wondering which animals you can see in the Ngorongoro Crater, this area offers one of the best chances to observe such herbivores in large numbers.

The high concentration of herbivores makes the Crater a haven for predators, resulting in one of the densest populations of lions in Africa. Other predators, including spotted hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, jackals, and bat-eared foxes, contribute to the dynamic predator-prey interactions here.

Situated within the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Area – stretching from the Serengeti to the Great Rift Valley – this ecosystem allows wildlife to thrive alongside Maasai pastoralists who practice traditional livestock grazing, creating a unique blend of natural and cultural heritage.

The extraordinary density and variety of wildlife, combined with the breathtaking scenery and the cultural presence of the Maasai, make the Ngorongoro Crater a safari experience like no other – a destination that showcases the best of Tanzania’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Most common animals in the Ngorongoro Crater

Wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater is a daily delight, offering incredible opportunities to see a diverse range of animals. Which animals can you see in the Ngorongoro Crater? From well-known species to those you may not have heard of, this natural wonder delivers unforgettable sightings.

Pink flamingos are very common in the Ngorongoro Crater, especially in and around the crater’s lakes. During the wet season, when water levels are at their highest, large groups of flamingos gather around the waterholes.

Spotted hyenas are one of the most common predators in the Ngorongoro Crater and are often seen patrolling the plains in search of prey or scouring for scavenging opportunities. They hunt in organised packs, especially at night, targeting the many wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores on the crater floor. Their eerie vocalisations, known as “laughs,” echo across the crater, adding to the unique atmosphere. 

Hippopotamuses, though often perceived as cute, can be aggressive and are considered highly dangerous. Thankfully, they are easily observed from safe distances. These semi-aquatic giants are frequently seen throughout the year, particularly in the Crater’s water bodies like Ngoitokitok Springs.

Zebras, one of the most iconic animals which you can see in the Ngorongoro Crater, are highly social and easy to spot. Belonging to the horse family, they are highly social animals who only sleep in large groups because they need their friendly neighbors to stick around and warn them of any incoming predators.

There are many species of antelopes in the Ngorongoro Crater, including impala, the latter of whom are considered to be one of the most elegant of their kind. All in all, Africa is home to 72 different types of antelope, and your chances of seeing some of them on your safari in the Ngorongoro Crater are very high.

The blue wildebeest is one of the many fascinating animals which you can see in the Ngorongoro Crater on most safaris. These herbivores are more active during the morning and late afternoon and are incredibly agile creatures, who can manage to run up to 80-kilometres per hour (50 mph) in short bursts when fleeing from a predator.

Can you see the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater?

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in the world where you can potentially see all members of the Big Five in a single day. However, while some are abundant, others require more luck and patience to spot.

The African buffalo is the most common of the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater. Thriving in the protected Conservation Area, they are often seen grazing in grasslands or cooling off in swampy areas. If you’re wondering which animals you can see in the Ngorongoro Crater, buffalo are among the most frequent sightings.

Lions are another major attraction in the Crater. The open plains are inhabited by a significant number of lions that live and hunt there. These lions have become remarkably comfortable around safari vehicles, offering visitors an exciting, up-close experience.

Elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater are mostly solitary males, as the Crater’s unique environment is more suited to individual bulls than to large herds. This limited population is a result of the Crater’s specific conditions. Visitors exploring the diverse wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater often spot these majestic creatures in the bushland or near Ngoitokitok Springs, where they find shade or refresh themselves in the water. Observing these gentle giants in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience within this protected ecosystem.

The black rhino is perhaps the most sought-after sighting in the Crater. With their elusive nature and preference for dense vegetation, they are often seen from afar in the Gorigor Swamps, where tall grasses help shield them from view. There are currently only a few dozen black rhinos in Ngorongoro, making any sighting of this critically endangered species a special highlight. Conservation efforts have helped to stabilise their numbers, but their presence remains rare, adding to the Crater’s prestige among safari-goers.

Finally, the leopard completes the Big Five. Known for their stealth and nocturnal habits, they are most often spotted along the Crater rim and in the wooded areas, where they blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. Unlike lions and buffalo, leopards are often seen alone, quietly stalking prey in the dense vegetation. Spotting one is a rare and thrilling experience, making it a prized highlight for anyone exploring the diverse wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater.

If you dream of going on safari in Africa, you probably dream of seeing some or all of the Big Five. The Ngorongoro Crater is sure to be an unforgettable destination for those wondering which animals you can see in the Ngorongoro Crater. Whether on the open grasslands, at the water’s edge or hidden in the crater’s vegetation, these iconic animals contribute to the unparalleled richness of the Ngorongoro ecosystem.

Which birds can you see in the Ngorongoro Crater?

If you’re a bird enthusiast, the Ngorongoro Crater is the right place for you. With more than 500 species, you can see a huge variety of birds year-round, including both resident and migratory birds who fly into the conservation area from Europe and North Africa during the months of September and April.

Lake Magadi in the Ngorongoro Crater is especially well-known for attracting large flocks of lesser flamingos, creating a stunning pink spectacle against the surrounding landscape. This lake, with its unique saline ecosystem, attracts a variety of waterbirds, making it an excellent place for birdwatching. From November to April, migratory birds head to the Crater to take advantage of its rich resources and varied habitats, which include highland forests, lush grasslands, and wetlands.

Some common birds in the Ngorongoro Crater include the Kori bustard, Secretary bird, Ostrich, Grey crowned crane, Rufous-naped lark, Long-crested eagle, and the colorful Superb starling. Other species include the Helmeted guinea fowl, African sacred ibis, and Fischer’s lovebird.

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a wide variety of birds due to the highland forests, lush environments and diverse ecosystems, so if you are keen to see this diversity, you are sure to experience something unique.

When is the best time to go on a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

The best time to go on a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater is during the shoulder season, which spans January, March, mid-June, and early November. This period strikes a balance between the popular dry months of June to September and December to February, which are known for their ideal wildlife viewing conditions but also draw larger crowds.

February is especially notable as it marks the calving season in the Ndutu Area which attracts many travellers to both sites, resulting in busier conditions in the Crater. If you’re wondering which animals you can see in the Ngorongoro Crater during the shoulder season, this is a great time to witness the impressive wildlife and their newborns.

While the dry season is celebrated for its shorter grass, which makes wildlife easier to spot and offers predictable weather, the wet season from November to May has a different appeal. This time transforms the Crater into a lush, green paradise and is particularly beneficial for birdwatchers, as migratory birds flock to the area during these months. The increased water levels at Lake Magadi also attract greater numbers of flamingos, creating a stunning visual display.

Although the longer grass of the wet season can make wildlife spotting more challenging, this season offers the significant advantage of avoiding the increased visitor numbers of the high season, allowing for a more intimate safari experience. You can also benefit from off-season rates at some lodges.

While the short afternoon showers typical of this season rarely disrupt safaris, it’s a good idea to plan your activities to avoid them for the best experience. We are here to help.

Overall, whether you choose the dry season or the wet season, the Ngorongoro Crater offers captivating wildlife experiences year-round, ensuring that every visit is memorable.

Other national parks and conservation areas in the region

If you have ever dreamed of going on safari and experiencing incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery, the Northern Circuit of Tanzania should be at the top of your list.

Besides the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park is part of the Northern Circuit, which is a world-famous safari destination, specifically known for the Great Migration that unfolds here annually – a great spectacle of wildebeest and zebra traversing the plains in search of greener pastures.

In addition to these iconic parks, the Northern Circuit also includes Tarangire National Park which offers superb game viewing opportunities yet often remains overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Tarangire is known for its impressive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.

While the area has grown increasingly popular, making it bustling at times, there are still opportunities to escape the crowds and find a tranquil corner to experience nature. When you visit the Northern Circuit, you can not only experience breathtaking wildlife encounters but also rich local cultures, such as the semi-nomadic Maasai and the hunter-gatherer Hadzabe tribes.

With the towering presence of Kilimanjaro in the backdrop, this circuit stands as one of the most scenically striking and diverse parts of Africa, promising you an unforgettable safari experience that captures the essence of Tanzania’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Contact us today to plan your tailor-made safari in Northern Tanzania and experience unforgettable adventures!

Author: Webmaster

Through his work on the websites and with the offered tours, our webmaster is learning more and more about eastern Africa. Thereupon, he has been on safari in Kenya and Tanzania repeatedly, climbed the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro and third-highest peak of Mt Kenya and visited the sandy beaches by the Indian Ocean. He also lived and worked in Tanzania. Not only does he know HTML, he speaks German, English, is almost fluent in Kiswahili and have basic knowledge of Zulu. Feedback about the website is welcomed by the webmaster.