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 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Zanzibar Holiday
6D / 5NUSD 1,467+

6 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Zanzibar Holiday

This 6-day safari and beach holiday offers a perfect combination of Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife experiences and the relaxing beauty of Zanzibar Island.

10 Day Perfect Wildlife and Cultural Safari – Luxurious Seekers
10D / 9NUSD 4,476+

10 Day Perfect Wildlife and Cultural Safari – Luxurious Seekers

This 10-day luxury safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers a perfect blend of extraordinary wildlife encounters and authentic cultural experiences across Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit.

12 Day Winter Escape Safaris and Big Five Premium Safari
12D / 11NUSD 955+

12 Day Winter Escape Safaris and Big Five Premium Safari

This 12-day premium safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers an extraordinary winter escape through Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.

8 Day Premium Wildlife Encounter Safari in Tanzania
8D / 8NUSD 3,632+

8 Day Premium Wildlife Encounter Safari in Tanzania

This 8-day premium safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers an immersive journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, combining diverse landscapes with exceptional game viewing opportunities.

10 Day Ultimate Great Migration Tanzania Safari – Mara River Crossing Experience
10D / 9NUSD 3,331+

10 Day Ultimate Great Migration Tanzania Safari – Mara River Crossing Experience

This 10-day safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris offers an extraordinary journey through Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations during the spectacular Great Migration season. Designed for travelers seeking a deeper exploration of the Serengeti ecosystem, this safari provides extended time in the most wildlife-rich regions, allowing exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five, large predator populations, and vast herds of migrating wildebeest and zebras.

7-Day Super Great Migration Tanzania Safari – River Crossing
7D / 6NUSD 2,377+

7-Day Super Great Migration Tanzania Safari – River Crossing

This 7-day safari with Elevated Tanzania Safaris takes you on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife landscapes during the peak Great Migration season. From the massive elephant herds of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti, this safari offers exceptional opportunities to spot the Big Five and majestic big cats.

Explore More Parks

Discover Tanzania's finest national parks and conservation areas

Let us create your tailor-made trip

Receive a free, no-obligation quote

Start planning your dream trip
Expert safari guide with Elevated Tanzania Safaris
Wildlife in Tanzania
Elevated Tanzania Safaris specialist

Call an expert

Our specialists are here to assist you