Ngorongoro Crater

Although it's not technically a part of Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater is worth a visit if you're in the area. Flanking the eastern edge of Serengeti, the crater—which belongs to Ngorongoro Crater National Park—is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Spanning 10 miles in width and boasting a rim of 2,000 feet, Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.

The crater's volcanic soil is very fertile, and animals flock by the hundreds to snack on Ngorongoro's lush grass. On any given day, you can see approximately 20,000 large mammals—such as elephants, hippos, giraffes, and lions—mingling inside the crater's walls.

Your Serengeti park entrance fee ($25 USD) will cover trips to the crater, and safari guides will include the cost in their itinerary upon request. You can access the crater via the Ngorongoro airstrip. To learn more about transportation to Ngorongoro, visit our guide to Getting Around Serengeti National Park. For more information on the Ngorongoro Crater, visit the conservation area's website.