DestinationNgorongoro Crater Rim
A volcanic rim at 2,200 metres with sunrise views into a wildlife-filled caldera.
The Ngorongoro Crater Rim is one of the most breathtaking vantage points in Tanzania, offering sweeping views into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Sitting at an elevation of around 2,200 metres, the rim encircles the famous Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the rim, travellers can look down onto the crater floor, where a seasonal crater lake glitters against grasslands teeming with wildlife. A Ngorongoro safari typically includes game drives in the crater, where sightings of the Big 5 are possible in a single day. Highlights include large herds of wildebeest and elephants, abundant predators, and the rare black rhino, making the crater one of the most rewarding safari destinations in Africa. The rim itself offers dramatic viewpoints, especially at sunrise, when mists lift to reveal the crater below. Accommodations along the rim range from luxury lodges to more rustic camps, all set in panoramic settings. Some lodges also offer cultural experiences with the nearby Maasai communities, who graze cattle along the rim’s slopes. Access is easy from the Manyara airstrip, linking the crater to Arusha, Serengeti, and beyond.
Find Ngorongoro Crater Rim on the map
Best time to go to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater Rim is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February, when wildlife viewing is at its best and skies are clear for panoramic crater views and spectacular sunrises. These months also make game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater more rewarding, as animals gather around water sources. The wetter months of March to May and November bring lush green scenery and fewer visitors, though clouds and mist can sometimes obscure views from the rim. Both seasons offer exceptional safaris, but the dry months are ideal for travellers prioritising the Big 5 and clear crater vistas.
- Best
- Good
- Acceptable
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Where to stay in Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Recent postcards
What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified Traveller
What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified Traveller
Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified Traveller
I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified Traveller
We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller