Overview
About Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected multiple-use landscape in northern Tanzania and one of the core destinations on the country's Northern Safari Circuit. it differs fundamentally from a conventional national park because its history and management have combined wildlife conservation, tourism and pastoral human use.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area brings together one of Tanzania’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes, exceptional wildlife viewing and rich cultural and archaeological heritage with Ngorongoro Crater as its most famous attraction rather than its complete identity.
Ngorongoro Crater, a vast caldera of remains of a large volcano that collapsed during the geological development of the Ngorongoro Volcanic Highlands about two to three million years ago, it is roughly 20 kilometres across, with a floor of approximately 260 square kilometres where lions, buffalo, elephants, hyenas and black rhinos may be seen among grasslands, forest and wetlands. Beyond the crater, the wider conservation area extends into volcanic highlands, seasonal migration plains and globally important human-origins sites.
On Safari
Wildlife
The crater supports a large and diverse concentration of mammals throughout the year, with buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, warthog and hippo can be encountered alongside lions, spotted hyenas, jackals and other predators. Black rhinos are an important conservation species, although sightings are never guaranteed. Giraffes, elephants and several other species occur in the wider Conservation Area rather than on the crater floor.
Things to Do
Activities
Crater Game Drive
Guided Walking Safari
Cultural Visit
Ndutu Seasonal Game Drive
Wildlife Photography
Birdwatching
Olduvai Gorge Visit
Olmoti Crater Hike
Empakaai Crater Hike
Plan Ahead
Best Time to Visit
Ngorongoro remains rewarding throughout the year.
January–February: Green landscapes, strong crater wildlife and seasonal migration and calving activity around Ndutu.
March–May: Long rains bring lush scenery and dramatic highland landscapes, although some roads may be wetter.
June–October: Drier conditions, cooler mornings and excellent crater wildlife viewing.
November–December: Short rains refresh the landscape, support birdlife and influence the return of migratory herds toward the southern plains.
Plan Your Safari
Ready to Explore Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania?
Tell us what you would like to experience and we will help create a Safari around your interests, time and travel style.
Good to Know
Travel Tips
Pack for chilly mornings
Bring a warm layer for early mornings and crater-rim stays, as the highlands can feel quite cold.
Understand the wider area
Ngorongoro Crater is only one part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Arrange walks in advance
Guided walks and hikes need prior planning and ranger accompaniment.
Keep wildlife expectations realistic
Sightings of black rhino, the Big Five and other wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Time Ndutu carefully
Migration and calving around Ndutu depend on rainfall, so timing changes from year to year