Ngorongoro Crater, Caldera in Arusha Region, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater spans 260 square kilometers with steep walls reaching 610 meters deep, creating a natural enclosure at 1700 meters above sea level.
The crater emerged between two to three million years ago when a massive volcanic mountain collapsed inward, forming the current geological formation.
The Maasai communities maintain their traditional livestock grazing practices within the conservation area while adapting to modern conservation requirements.
The conservation area permits vehicle access from 6 AM to 6 PM, with a three-hour drive from Arusha city through designated entry points.
The crater floor contains a complete ecosystem where black rhinoceros, elephants, lions, and numerous other species coexist within the enclosed natural space.
Location: Arusha Region
Elevation above the sea: 1,700 m
GPS coordinates: -3.17760,35.57090
Latest update: November 14, 2025 16:34
Tanzania provides photographers with an extraordinary range of subjects, from the Serengeti plains to Zanzibar's coastline and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The country contains major wildlife reserves including Tarangire, where elephant herds move between baobab trees, and the Ngorongoro Crater, which holds a dense concentration of large mammals within its 100-square-mile (260-square-kilometer) caldera. Coastal regions and offshore islands like Mafia and Pemba offer opportunities to photograph coral reefs, sea turtles, and traditional dhow boats. The Mahale Mountains support habituated chimpanzee groups, while Selous Game Reserve presents riverine landscapes and diverse animal populations. Stone Town's historic quarter features Arab, Persian, and Indian architecture spanning several centuries, including the House of Wonders and the narrow alleys of the former trading port. The less visited Katavi National Park delivers scenes of hundreds of hippos crowding shrinking pools during the dry season. Kondoa rock art sites preserve prehistoric paintings dating back as far as 30,000 years. The active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and alkaline Lake Natron with its flamingo flocks add geological interest. From the terraced hillsides of the Usambara Mountains to the wildflower meadows of Kitulo National Park, Tanzania covers nearly every photographic interest.
Serengeti National Park
146 km
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
12.8 km
Mount Meru
132.6 km
Laetoli
31.6 km
Amboseli National Park
195.7 km
Ol Doinyo Lengai
60.2 km
Tarangire National Park
102.1 km
Kilimanjaro National Park
200 km
Lake Manyara National Park
46.2 km
Arusha National Park
140.5 km
Engaruka
47.4 km
Olduvai Gorge Museum
31.6 km
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
182.8 km
Arusha Declaration Monument
126 km
Mount Hanang
141.1 km
Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium
125.7 km
Ngurdoto Crater
151.2 km
Ol Doinyo Orok
151.7 km
Balletto Glacier
197.5 km
Barranco Glacier
197.1 km
Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve
59.7 km
Great Penck Glacier
196.9 km
Olmoti Crater
20.4 km
Little Penck Glacier
196.7 km
New Safari Hotel
126.7 km
Arusha clock tower
126.7 km
Serengeti Hippo Pool
146 km
Olduwai Gorge
32.7 kmReviews
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