Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Conservation Area / UNESCO World Heritage Site / Wildlife Safari / Archaeological Destination / Cultural Landscape / Volcanic Highlands / Great Migration Area / Walking Safari / Birdwatching / Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Northern Circuit

Overview

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Tanzania's most extraordinary destinations, combining exceptional wildlife, volcanic landscapes, archaeology, cultural heritage and the story of human evolution within one vast protected area. Located in northern Tanzania between the Serengeti ecosystem and the Great Rift Valley, the conservation area forms an essential part of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit. Its best-known attraction is Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest unbroken, unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater floor supports an exceptional concentration of wildlife and offers opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, black rhinoceros, hippos, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and many other species. However, Ngorongoro Conservation Area extends far beyond the crater. The wider landscape includes the volcanic Empakaai and Olmoti craters, the Ngorongoro Highlands, Ndutu Plains, Gol Mountains, Sale Plains, Olkarien Gorge, Nasera Rock and important archaeological landscapes such as Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli. Ngorongoro is also part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. During the annual Great Migration cycle, enormous herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles move through parts of the conservation area. The short-grass plains around Ndutu and the Ngorongoro-Serengeti ecosystem become especially important during the calving period. Human history adds another extraordinary dimension. Olduvai Gorge has produced some of the world's most important evidence relating to early human evolution, while the Laetoli footprints preserve evidence of upright walking by early hominins approximately 3.6 million years ago. Ngorongoro was established as a multiple-land-use conservation area in 1959. Its history is therefore different from that of a conventional national park, with conservation, pastoral landscapes, tourism and cultural heritage all forming part of its story. For travelers who explore beyond the crater, Ngorongoro can offer game drives, archaeological visits, birdwatching, photographic safaris, highland scenery and authorized guided walking experiences. With TanzaLux Safaris, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be incorporated into a private Northern Tanzania itinerary alongside Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Karatu, Lake Eyasi and other destinations.

  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • World's largest unbroken volcanic caldera
  • Exceptional concentration of African wildlife
  • Black rhinoceros habitat
  • Big Five safari opportunities
  • Great Migration ecosystem
  • Ndutu Plains
  • Wildebeest calving season landscapes
  • Olduvai Gorge
  • Laetoli Footprints
  • Evidence of early human evolution
  • Empakaai Crater
  • Olmoti Crater
  • Ngorongoro volcanic highlands
  • Lake Magadi
  • Gol Mountains
  • Sale Plains
  • Nasera Rock
  • Olkarien Gorge
  • Highland forests
  • Guided walking safaris
  • More than 550 recorded bird species
  • Cultural landscapes
  • Spectacular wildlife photography
  • Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Best time to visit

When to go

Low season

March to May generally brings the long rains and lush green landscapes. Wildlife remains present throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, while birding and landscape photography can be particularly rewarding. Rain can affect some roads, walking routes and outdoor activities, but Ngorongoro remains a year-round destination.

Shoulder season

November to February is one of the most interesting periods for travelers combining Ngorongoro with the southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains. Short rains can refresh the landscape, and the Great Migration gradually concentrates across the southern ecosystem. January and February can be especially important around Ndutu as the wildebeest calving period approaches or develops. Exact migration timing varies according to rainfall and natural conditions.

Peak season

June to October generally corresponds with northern Tanzania's main dry season and is an excellent period for Ngorongoro wildlife viewing. Conditions are generally drier, wildlife remains abundant within the crater, and the period combines easily with Serengeti safaris. It is also a popular travel season, so accommodation and private safari arrangements should be reserved well in advance.

Wildlife

  • African lion
  • Black rhinoceros
  • African elephant
  • African buffalo
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Spotted hyena
  • Wildebeest
  • Plains zebra
  • Thomson's gazelle
  • Grant's gazelle
  • Eland
  • Hippopotamus
  • Warthog
  • Golden jackal
  • Serval
  • Ostrich
  • Flamingos
  • Kori bustard
  • Crowned crane
  • Raptors and scavenging birds

Activities

  • Ngorongoro Crater game drive
  • Big Five safari
  • Black rhino viewing
  • Ndutu wildlife safari
  • Great Migration safari
  • Wildebeest calving safari
  • Wildlife photography
  • Birdwatching
  • Olduvai Gorge archaeological tour
  • Olduvai Gorge Museum visit
  • Laetoli archaeological experience
  • Empakaai Crater hike
  • Olmoti Crater hike
  • Guided walking safari
  • Guided nature walk
  • Volcanic landscape exploration
  • Highland trekking
  • Cultural tourism
  • Designated cultural boma visit
  • Geological tourism
  • Botanical tour
  • Private photographic safari
  • Luxury safari
  • Northern Tanzania safari

Getting there

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in northern Tanzania and is normally reached as part of the Northern Safari Circuit. From Arusha, private safari vehicles generally travel west through the Lake Manyara and Karatu highlands before entering the Ngorongoro area. Ngorongoro can easily be combined with Lake Manyara National Park, Karatu, Lake Eyasi and Serengeti National Park. Travelers continuing toward Serengeti can cross the conservation area and incorporate Olduvai Gorge or other approved attractions into the journey. Fly-in safari itineraries can also use airstrips serving the wider northern safari circuit before continuing by safari vehicle. Travel times depend on the route, road conditions, weather, stops and accommodation location. TanzaLux Safaris therefore treats road times as approximate rather than guaranteed.

Where to stay in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the 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.

  • Is Ngorongoro Conservation Area the same as Ngorongoro Crater?

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

  • How large is 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.

  • Is Ngorongoro a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

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

  • What animals can I see?

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

  • Can I see the Big Five?

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

  • Are black rhinos found in Ngorongoro?

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

  • Is Ngorongoro part of the Great Migration?

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

  • When is calving season around Ndutu?

    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.

  • What is Olduvai Gorge?

    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.

  • How old are the Laetoli footprints?

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

  • Can I hike in Ngorongoro?

    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.

  • What is Empakaai Crater?

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

  • What is Olmoti Crater?

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

  • How many bird species are found in Ngorongoro?

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

  • Can I combine Ngorongoro and Serengeti?

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

  • Can I combine Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara?

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

  • How many days do I need?

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

  • What is the best time to visit?

    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.

  • Why visit Ngorongoro with TanzaLux Safaris?

    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.

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Traveller stories

The proof should come from people who went.

Dorine M11 months ago
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As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.

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Dagmar P1 month ago
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I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.

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Sylvanus T9 months ago
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I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.

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Lucas G2 months ago
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Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.

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Victoria Goodluck3 months ago
★★★★★
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Back in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…

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Danai Vicha5 months ago
★★★★★
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I've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶

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ikigo simbila5 months ago
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I recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

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Hadija Shebe5 months ago
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Our guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.

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Tumain Hope4 months ago
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Our tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.

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As a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…

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