The animals of Ngorongoro Crater include four of the Big Five on almost every visit, a small population of black rhino, one of Africa’s densest lion populations, thousands of wildebeest and zebra, and hundreds of bird species. Around 25,000 large animals live on the crater floor, and most stay all year because the crater has water and grazing in every season. The one big animal you will not see is a giraffe.
This guide lists the animals you are likely to see, where on the crater floor to look for them and how likely a sighting is, with tips on getting the most from your game drive.
Ngorongoro Crater animals at a glance
| Animal | How likely | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Lion | Very likely | Open grassland, near roads and swamps |
| Spotted hyena | Very likely | Everywhere, especially at dawn |
| Buffalo | Very likely | Grassland and swamp edges |
| Elephant | Likely | Lerai Forest, swamps |
| Black rhino | Possible on many days, often distant | Open plains, Gorigor Swamp area |
| Hippo | Very likely | Ngoitokitok Springs, Gorigor and Mandusi swamps |
| Wildebeest and zebra | Almost certain | Grassland across the floor |
| Flamingo | Likely when water levels suit | Lake Magadi |
| Leopard | Rare | Lerai Forest and forested walls |
| Cheetah | Occasional | Open plains |
| Giraffe | None on the floor | Seen in the highlands and nearby parks instead |
The Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater
Lion
The crater supports a dense lion population, often seen resting beside the roads, on termite mounds or in the long grass near the swamps. Because the crater is enclosed, its lions have a long-studied history; researchers have tracked how the population has changed over decades, including the effects of disease and limited genetic exchange with outside prides. Mornings are best for seeing lions active or hunting.
Black rhino
The crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the critically endangered eastern black rhino. The population is small, a few dozen animals, and guarded around the clock. Rhinos often graze on the open plains far from the road, so sightings are frequently at a distance. Bring binoculars and be patient; your guide will know where recent sightings have been.
Elephant
The crater’s elephants are mainly old bulls, some carrying very large tusks. Females with calves tend to stay in the highland forests above, where food is richer. Look for bulls in the yellow fever trees of the Lerai Forest and along the swamps.
Buffalo
Large herds of Cape buffalo graze the floor, and solitary old bulls wallow near the swamps.
Leopard
Leopards live in the forest and along the crater walls but are rarely seen. If one appears, it will usually be near the Lerai Forest or the wooded edges.
Predators beyond the Big Five
- Spotted hyena: very common and the crater’s top hunters by number. They hunt actively and often steal kills from lions.
- Golden and black-backed jackal: often seen trotting across the plains or waiting near kills.
- Cheetah: occasional visitors on the open grassland.
- Serval: a small spotted cat, sometimes seen in long grass near swamps in the early morning.
- Bat-eared fox: small foxes with huge ears, usually near dens on the plains.
Grazers and other mammals
- Wildebeest: thousands live on the floor all year, separate from the Serengeti migration.
- Plains zebra: common across the grassland.
- Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle: graceful antelope on the short grass.
- Eland: Africa’s largest antelope, often in small groups.
- Hippo: in the pools and swamps, especially at Ngoitokitok Springs.
- Warthog: common near the forest and swamps.
- Baboons and vervet monkeys: along the walls and in the Lerai Forest.
Why are there no giraffes?
Giraffes need tall trees to browse, and the crater floor has few. The steep, forested walls also make it hard for giraffes to walk down. You will see them on the drive through the highlands and in Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the Serengeti.
Why are there few impala and topi?
Impala prefer woodland edges and topi prefer longer grasslands, so both are rare on the crater floor compared with the surrounding parks.
Birds of the Ngorongoro Crater
Hundreds of bird species have been recorded in the crater and highlands. Highlights include:
- Lesser and greater flamingo on Lake Magadi.
- Grey crowned crane, Tanzania’s elegant crested crane.
- Kori bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds.
- Ostrich on the open plains.
- Raptors such as tawny eagles, augur buzzards and the black kites that patrol the picnic sites.
- Waders and waterbirds in the swamps, including herons, storks and ibis.
Where to look on the crater floor
- Lerai Forest: elephant bulls, baboons, the chance of leopard.
- Lake Magadi: flamingos and waterbirds.
- Gorigor Swamp: hippo, buffalo, elephant and rhino country.
- Ngoitokitok Springs: hippos and a picnic site.
- Munge Swamp: birds and animals drawn to the water from Olmoti.
- Open grassland: lion, hyena, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.
Animal behaviour worth watching for
- Hyenas hunting: unlike their scavenger image, the crater’s spotted hyenas are active hunters, often chasing wildebeest or zebra calves at dawn.
- Lions on the road: crater lions are used to vehicles and often rest in the shade beside them. Keep quiet and still.
- Wildebeest calving: the crater’s resident wildebeest give birth mainly in the rains, roughly January to March, attracting predators.
- Flamingo feeding: flocks sweep their heads through the shallow soda water of Lake Magadi to filter algae and tiny shrimp.
- Hippos out of the water: on cool, cloudy mornings, hippos may graze on the swamp edges.
Conservation in the crater
The crater’s wildlife is not completely sealed off, but the high walls limit movement, which brings its own challenges. Disease outbreaks, invasive plants on the floor and the small, isolated rhino population all need careful management by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and its partners. Rangers guard the rhinos around the clock, and rules on vehicle numbers, roads and time limits help reduce disturbance.
Tips for the best wildlife viewing
- Go early. The first hours after the gates open are best for active predators and soft light.
- Bring binoculars, one pair per person if possible, especially for rhino.
- Talk to your guide about whether to wait at busy sightings or move on to quieter areas.
- Be patient at lion and hyena sightings; behaviour often changes quickly.
- Keep your lunch close at picnic sites. Black kites are bold.
For a full overview of the crater, fees and timing, read our complete Ngorongoro Crater guide. To stay close by, see our villas in Karatu, 20 to 30 minutes from Lodoare Gate.
Questions about Ngorongoro Crater animals
What animals live in the Ngorongoro Crater?
Lion, black rhino, elephant, buffalo, spotted hyena, hippo, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, jackal, flamingo and hundreds of bird species. Leopard and cheetah are seen occasionally.
Can you see rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater?
Yes. The crater has a small, protected population of black rhino. Sightings are possible on many days but are often at a distance.
How many animals are in the Ngorongoro Crater?
Estimates usually put the number of large animals at around 25,000.
Are there giraffes in the Ngorongoro Crater?
No. Giraffes do not live on the crater floor, because there are few tall trees and the walls are steep.
Ready to see them for yourself? Check availability at The Retreat at Ngorongoro.
