NGORONGORO
"The Eighth Wonder of the World: A self-contained Eden within an ancient volcanic caldera."
Nature
Largest Caldera
Floor
260 km² Arena
Culture
Maasai Lands
History
Olduvai Gorge
A Closed Ecosystem
Formed 2.5 million years ago, the crater acts as a permanent habitat for 30,000 animals.
Crater Floor
The stage for the drama. Features Lerai Forest, permanent springs, and the shimmering Lake Magadi soda flats.
The Rim
Rising to 2,300 meters, the rim is draped in lush montane forest, offering cold mornings and panoramic sunrise views.
Empakaai
A secondary, deep emerald crater within the NCA, perfect for off-the-beaten-track hiking and flamingo sightings.
Density &
Diversity
The highest predator-to-prey ratio on the continent.
The Cultural Layer
The NCA is a unique Multi-Use model where 40,000 Maasai pastoralists coexist with wildlife.
- Olduvai Gorge: Visit the cradle of mankind.
- Shifting Sands: Moving ash dunes from Oldoinyo Lengai.
- Maasai Bomas: Approved cultural heritage visits.
Planning Your Descent
Fees & Logistics
Descent Fee
$295
Per vehicle / per descent
Entry Fee
$71
Per person (Non-resident)
Time Limit
6 Hours
Strict limit on crater floor
Altitude
2,300m
Rim elevation (Cold mornings)
Guide's Insight
Descend at 06:00 to catch the low-angle golden light on Lake Magadi. For the best elephant and leopard encounters, focus your energy on the Lerai Forest immediately after rain.