Looking down into the Ngorongoro Crater from the rim

02 / 06 · Crater Highlands

Ngorongoro & The Highlands.

Ancient Landscapes. Extraordinary Encounters.

Ancient Landscapes. Extraordinary Encounters.

Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and encounter one of Africa's most remarkable concentrations of wildlife.

But don't stop at the crater.

The surrounding highlands offer beautiful landscapes, walking opportunities, cultural experiences, and a chance to slow down and appreciate another side of northern Tanzania.

Clouds rolling over the crater rim

Here, the journey between destinations can be just as memorable as the destination itself.

Experiences in Ngorongoro

Moments that belong only here.

A few of the experiences we weave into Ngorongoro journeys. Every one is tailored to your season, pace and preferences.

  1. Zebras on the crater floor beneath shafts of light
    01

    A day on the crater floor

    Descend at first light into an ancient caldera alive with zebra, buffalo, lion and elephant.

  2. A rhino grazing in golden grass
    02

    In search of the black rhino

    The crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to encounter this rare and remarkable animal.

  3. Flamingos gathered along a lake shore
    03

    Flamingos on the soda lake

    Watch flamingos gather in pink ribbons along the crater's shimmering lake.

  4. A crater lake framed by green highland walls
    04

    Walks in the highlands

    Leave the vehicle behind for guided walks along crater rims and through green highland valleys.

  5. Maasai walking together across the highlands
    05

    Time with the Maasai

    Meet local communities and discover stories that never appear in guidebooks.

  6. A red dirt road winding through highland acacias
    06

    Slow highland journeys

    Coffee country, forest and farmland — the road through the highlands is part of the experience.

Lions in the grass
Wildlife beside a crater lake
Zebras on the crater floor beneath shafts of light

Where to stay

Rest beautifully, close to it all.

The Manor sits close to the crater; Arusha's finest stays make a gracious start or end to a northern circuit.

All Accommodation

Your Africa is Waiting

Shall we begin your Ngorongoro story?

Tell us what you imagine. We will listen — then design a private journey around you, with the right camp, season and guide.