Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Northern parks

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Region
Northern
Best time to visit
June - September (dry season), year-round
Key wildlife
Black rhino, lions, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, ostriches, warthogs, baboons, jackals, cheetahs, leopards

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 sq miles) from Serengeti in the north to the Great Rift Valley in the east. It includes the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater and Oldonyo Lengai. Forests, valleys, savanna, craters, lakes and swamps support a remarkable range of wildlife.

Main attraction: The Ngorongoro Crater

The famous crater formed when a volcano collapsed two to three million years ago, creating a unique ecosystem. Today it holds the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. Zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos and hippos thrive here, alongside predators including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and leopards.

The Big Five—buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino—can all be seen in this 20 km (12.5 miles) wide, 600 m (2,000 ft) deep crater. The views from the rim are spectacular. Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders.

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The crater floor and surrounding highlands host black rhino, lions, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos and ostriches. Predators and prey coexist in a natural amphitheatre. Rare black rhinos are a special draw.

The Maasai people live and graze livestock in parts of the conservation area, adding cultural depth to the experience.

Activities and experiences

  • Crater floor game drive
  • Visit Maasai village
  • Visit Hadzabe tribe
  • Olduvai Gorge (Cradle of Mankind)
  • Mountain bike tour Lake Manyara
  • Cultural tour Mto wa Mbu

Travel times

  • Arusha to Ngorongoro: 3 hours
  • Ngorongoro to Serengeti: 2 hours
  • Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara: 1 hour
  • Ngorongoro to Tarangire: 2 hours

Ready to experience Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

Plan Your Safari

Safaris visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area

6 Days / 5 Nights Luxury Calving Season in Ndutu
6D / 5NUSD 6,560+

6 Days / 5 Nights Luxury Calving Season in Ndutu

6 Days / 5 Nights: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Ndutu Plains (Premium Tier) From late December to March, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains host one of earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Our signature luxury itinerary pairs this seasonal phenomenon with premium, hand-picked lodges and mobile camps that put you right in the heart of the action, without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.

8-Day Tanzania Photography Safari
8D / 7NUSD 3,061+

8-Day Tanzania Photography Safari

Capturing the Soul of Africa — One Frame at a Time Experience Tanzania through a photographer’s lens — golden plains, vibrant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes await. Designed for both passionate photographers and discerning travelers, this safari blends adventure with comfort, featuring accommodations tailored to midrange and luxury clients.

Zanzibar Beach Safari: 3 Days of Coastal Bliss & Wild Encounters
3D / 2NUSD 1,890+

Zanzibar Beach Safari: 3 Days of Coastal Bliss & Wild Encounters

Morning flight Zanzibar–Arusha, then Tarangire afternoon, full Ngorongoro day, Manyara farewell — back to Zanzibar.

Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: 9 Days of Spectacle & Adventure
9D / 8NUSD 3,580+

Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari: 9 Days of Spectacle & Adventure

Witness one of nature’s greatest shows—the annual wildebeest migration—amidst the vast plains, hidden rivers, and breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania.

Tanzania Walking Safari: 4 Days of Footsteps in the Wild
4D / 3NUSD 1,035+

Tanzania Walking Safari: 4 Days of Footsteps in the Wild

Step into the heartbeat of Tanzania’s wilderness, where every trail unveils intimate encounters with wildlife, flora, and breathtaking landscapes.

Tanzania Ultimate Safari: 8 Days of Wildlife & Wonder
8D / 7NUSD 2,290+

Tanzania Ultimate Safari: 8 Days of Wildlife & Wonder

Discover the wild heart of Tanzania, where vast plains, volcanoes, and hidden wildlife havens await, blending adventure with comfort and style.

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