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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
DestinationsNgorongoro Conservation Area
Northern Tanzania, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Overview

About Ngorongoro Conservation Area

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Highlights

The Ngorongoro Crater - Witness wildlife viewing in one of the world's most spectacular natural settings, a vast volcanic caldera containing the highest concentration of large mammals in Africa. The crater's self-contained ecosystem allows visitors to observe The Big Five i.e lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and countless other species within a single, breathtaking landscape.

Highest Density of Predators: The crater floor boasts one of the highest concentrations of lions in the world, alongside spotted hyenas, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard.

Olduvai Gorge known as the Cradle of Mankind - Visit one of the world's most significant paleoanthropological sites where fossils and artifacts spanning 2 million years have revolutionized our understanding of human evolution. The small museum and excavation sites provide fascinating insights into our species' origins.

Black Rhino Sanctuary: It is one of the few places in Tanzania where you have a high probability of spotting the critically endangered black rhinoceros in its natural habitat.

The Great Migration Calving Season: Between December and March, the Ndutu plains explode with life as over a million wildebeest give birth, attracting legions of opportunistic predators.

UNESCO World Heritage Status - Explore a site recognized for outstanding universal value in both natural and cultural heritage, protecting extraordinary wildlife, unique ecosystems, and some of humanity's most ancient archaeological treasures.

Maasai Cultural Heritage - Engage with the semi-nomadic Maasai people who maintain traditional pastoralist lifestyles within the conservation area, offering authentic cultural experiences and insights into one of Africa's most iconic indigenous communities.

Activities & Experiences

Game Drives on the Crater Floor; navigate tracks that wind through different habitats including open grasslands where herds of wildebeest and zebras graze, The Big Five prowl for a bucket list wildlife viewing experience.
Walking Safaris and Trekking; these offer an initimate connection with the land, accompanied by Masaai guides.
Cultural Boma Visits: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a traditional Maasai boma (homestead).
Bird Watching: With over 500 recorded bird species, Ngorongoro is a birder’s paradise.
Archaeological Tours: A visit to the Olduvai Gorge Museum and the shifting sands provides deep insights into human history.
Wildlife Photography Ngorongoro ranks among the world's premier wildlife photography destinations.

Key Attractions

  • The Ngorongoro Crater
  • The Big Five i.e lions, rhino, leopard, buffalo,elephants
  • Lerai Forest which provides shade for elephants, giraffe and other wildlife
  • Olduvai Gorge & Laetoli; the Laetoli Footprints (preserved in volcanic ash) provide the earliest evidence of bipedalism in human ancestors, dating back 3.6 million years.

Wildlife Viewing

Lions

Elephants

Zebra

wildebeest

Black rhino

Giraffe

Buffalo

Leopard

Best Time to Visit

June – October (Dry Season) Classic safari weather, excellent visibility, animals concentrate around water. July–September are peak months but busiest. Consider January – March too; Wildebeest calving occurs in the Ndutu area; predator action is a spectacular bucket-list event. Crater floor is green and beautiful with fewer tourists than peak dry season.

How to Get There

By Air: Kilimanjaro International Airport : This is the main entry point for international travelers. From here, you can arrange a private transfer or domestic flight. Arusha Airport (ARK): Located in the city of Arusha, this airport handles domestic flights. You can fly from here to the Lake Manyara Airstrip (about a 60-minute drive to the Ngorongoro Gate) or directly to the Ndutu Airstrip if you are visiting the southern plains. By Road: Arusha → Ngorongoro Lodoare Gate: 180 km, 3–4 hours on excellent tarmac Serengeti → Ngorongoro 2–3 hours depending on which gate Manyara Airstrip → Ngorongoro 1.5 hours

Accommodation

  • Luxury Lodges and Camps include Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Manor at Ngorongoro, Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
  • Mid-Range Options include, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Rhino Lodge
  • Simba Campsite is the most popular budget and camping option
Photo Story

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Explore the beauty of Ngorongoro Conservation Area

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