Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected cultural and natural landscape in northern Tanzania containing Ngorongoro Crater, volcanic highlands, wildlife areas, archaeological sites and part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem.

No. Ngorongoro Crater is one major attraction located inside the much larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority currently reports an administrative area of 8,292 square kilometres, while UNESCO lists the World Heritage property at 809,440 hectares.

Yes. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage property recognized for both outstanding natural and cultural values.

Wildlife can include lions, black rhinos, elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, cheetahs and many other mammals and birds.

The Ngorongoro ecosystem contains lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhinoceros. Actual sightings depend on wildlife movement, conditions and luck and cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. Black rhinoceros are among the globally threatened species protected within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Yes. Parts of Ngorongoro Conservation Area form part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem used by migrating wildebeest, zebras and gazelles.

The southern plains are particularly important during the early-year calving period, commonly associated with January through March, although timing and herd distribution depend on rainfall and grazing conditions.

Olduvai Gorge is one of the world's most important archaeological and palaeoanthropological sites, preserving evidence that has contributed significantly to our understanding of human evolution.

The famous early hominin footprints at Laetoli date to approximately 3.6 million years ago.

Yes. Authorized walking experiences are available in several parts of the conservation area. NCAA requires walking activities to be arranged in advance and accompanied by an armed ranger.

Empakaai is a volcanic crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands containing a crater lake and offering authorized guided walking opportunities.

Olmoti is another volcanic crater within the Ngorongoro Highlands and can be explored through approved guided walking experiences.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority reports more than 550 bird species across the area's grasslands, wetlands, lakes, forests and highlands.

Yes. Ngorongoro and Serengeti are naturally connected within Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit and are commonly combined in private safari itineraries.

Yes. Lake Manyara, Karatu and Ngorongoro can be combined efficiently within a Northern Tanzania safari itinerary.

One day can cover the crater itself, while two or three days allow time to explore additional attractions within the wider conservation area.

Ngorongoro is a year-round destination. June to October offers generally drier conditions, while December to March is especially interesting for travelers combining Ngorongoro with Ndutu and the southern Great Migration.

TanzaLux Safaris can build Ngorongoro into a private Northern Tanzania itinerary combining wildlife, archaeology, volcanic landscapes and cultural experiences with Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Karatu or Lake Eyasi.