Ngorongoro Highlands

The Crater’s wildlife density is spectacular, boasting roughly 30,000 animals within 100 square miles — and it’s one of Tanzania’s best spots for rhino to boot. You won’t see giraffe or female elephants though: the descent is too steep.

Another creature quirk sees hyena and lion reversing their traditional scavenger/predator roles; some fun facts to make for an educational family safari holiday.

The views never fail to leave us speechless — both from the edge into the caldera, and across the floor up. We love to stay on the rim for these vistas, but there are also excellent options befitting a Tanzania luxury safari in nearby Karatu.

The Crater can get crowded (and chilly at night) between July and October, and ideally we prefer to visit outside this timeframe for our family safari holiday when we can; in June, mist is picturesque but can get in the way of that spellbinding scenery.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses over 3,200 square miles of wilderness including mountains, gorges and the plains where the Great Migration calves. There’s plenty to explore, be it hiking Empakaai Crater or walking to waterfalls and elephant caves. Olduvai, the seat of humanity, hosts a fascinating museum of humankind that will enthral child and adult alike. Ngorongoro is also home to the Maasai who delight in sharing their stories and showing their way of life — a wonderful cultural element that’ll enrich any Tanzania family safari.