Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A volcanic caldera packed with wildlife and Maasai history.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area protects a highland landscape about 180 km west of Arusha, centred on a vast volcanic caldera. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania's most extraordinary places to see wildlife.
Unlike a conventional national park, the area is shared with Maasai communities, who live and graze livestock alongside the wildlife. Its western edge meets the Serengeti, and the wider landscape is part of the Great Migration route. Olduvai Gorge, within the conservation area, is one of the world's most important early-human sites.
Key facts
- Area:
- 8,292 km²
- Location:
- Arusha Region, ~180 km west of Arusha
- UNESCO:
- World Heritage Site (1979)
- Crater:
- ~260 km², ~600 m deep
- Land use:
- Wildlife and Maasai communities
- Famous for:
- Big Five, Olduvai Gorge
Best time to visit
- Best Time
- June to October — shorter grass makes animals easier to find
- High Season
- Most of the year, especially July to March — expect company in the crater
- Best Weather
- June to October — mostly dry
The crater delivers good wildlife sightings in every month. Dry-season months from June to October are the easiest for spotting animals because the grass is low; the wet months turn the highlands green and dramatic.
Best time by month
Higher % = better viewing
Climate
Because the crater floor and rim are at a high altitude (around 2,200 to 2,400 metres), it is significantly cooler than the surrounding parks. Mornings and evenings can be quite chilly.
Units: mm
Units: °C
Climate data represents 30-year historical averages for the Ngorongoro highlands. Actual weather may vary. Data sourced from public meteorological records.
Wildlife
- 90%
Buffalo
Hyena
Wildebeest
Zebra - 65%
Black Rhino
Elephant
Hippo
Lion - 15%
LeopardWhite Rhino - 0%
Cheetah
Giraffe
Wild Dog
Highlights
- ✓Full-day game drives on the crater floor
- ✓Black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard
- ✓Olduvai Gorge and its paleoanthropological sites
- ✓Maasai villages and cultural visits
- ✓Crater-rim campsites with sunrise views
Photos
Tours visiting Ngorongoro
3 daysMax 6Join-in group3 Days Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire
Three iconic parks in three days — UNESCO Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire.
€767
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
4 daysMax 6Join-in group4 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire
The classic northern circuit — Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.
€998
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
5 daysMax 6Join-in group5 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara
Four iconic parks in five well-paced days, with plenty of time on the plains.
€1,215
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
6 daysMax 6Join-in group6 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara
The full northern circuit with two full days in the Serengeti.
€1,475
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
7 daysMax 6Join-in group7 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro Tribes
Safari plus cultural immersion — wildlife, the crater and Kilimanjaro's tribal communities.
€1,680
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
4 daysMax 6Private tour4 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire — Private Lodge
Private departure with lodge accommodation — The classic northern circuit — Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.
€1,562
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
5 daysMax 6Private tour5 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara — Private Lodge
Private departure with lodge accommodation — Four iconic parks in five well-paced days, with plenty of time on the plains.
€1,956
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
6 daysMax 6Private tour6 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara — Private Lodge
Private departure with lodge accommodation — The full northern circuit with two full days in the Serengeti.
€2,342
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
7 daysMax 6Private tour7 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro Tribes — Private Lodge
Private departure with lodge accommodation — Safari plus cultural immersion — wildlife, the crater and Kilimanjaro's tribal communities.
€2,618
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees