Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife – Big Five & Diverse Animal Species

Predators are abundant, with the crater hosting the world's densest population of lions and a large number of spotted hyenas. Other carnivores include cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, bat-eared foxes, and servals.

The crater is particularly famous for its black rhino population, which is well-protected and easier to see here than in many other parts of Africa. Large herds of wildebeest and zebras roam the grassy plains, along with elands, gazelles, Thompson’s gazelles, hartebeests, and waterbucks. Elephant bulls with impressive tusks are often seen, though herds are rare. Due to the steep crater walls, giraffes are not found inside the crater.

Water bodies such as Lake Magadi and Ngoitokitok Springs attract hippos and flocks of pink flamingos. Birdlife is also rich, with over 500 recorded species including ostriches, kori bustards, secretary birds, and cranes.

The crater’s diverse habitats—from grasslands to hippo pools and fever-tree forests—support a wide array of animal life, providing untiring opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe Africa’s iconic species all year round.

Wildlife viewing is best during the dry season (June to October) when shorter grass makes spotting animals easier, while the scenery and birding are spectacular in the wet season (November to May).

This wealth of biodiversity in a compact and protected area is a major reason why Ngorongoro Crater remains one of the premier safari destinations on the continent.