Ngorongoro Conservation Area

 The greater Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania is a diverse landscape where wildlife peacefully coexists with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists who still practice traditional cattle grazing on the vast grasslands. The Ngorongoro Crater, otherwise known as The Garden of Eden, is included in this diverse area. It is a semi-self-contained ecosystem with a high concentration of large animals. It is the world's seventh wonder as it's the largest inactive, intact crater, providing a haven for wildlife.

At a Glance

Must See Tourist Attractions

• The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater

• The highest concentration of large mammals

• Black-maned lions

• Olmoti Crater

• Olduvai Gorge

• Ndutu Lake

• Ol Dionyo Lengai 

• Visit the Maasai village

Size

± 3,202 square miles (± 8,292 km²) 

Landscape

Vast expanses of highland plains, savannas, woodlands, forests, lakes, rivers, grasslands, mountains, swamps, and volcanic craters

Main Species

Buffalo, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, lion, hyena, elephant, warthogs, cheetah, jackals, eland, serval cat, flamingo, giraffe, leopard, zebra, Egyptian goose, baboons, and vervet monkeys

The Wonder of the Wild & Surrounds

Nestled in north Tanzania along the Eastern Great Rift Valley Arm is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), which is situated about 112 miles (180 km) west of Arush City. 

The area borders the eastern and southern parts of the Serengeti and forms an integral part of the greater Serengeti National Park during the great migration of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.

The treasure trove of natural wonders within a diverse landscape of grasslands, forests, mountains, and volcanic craters  is where our carefully planned luxury packages include a tour of the Ngorongoro wilderness, where you can witness the area's beauty and diversity.

The region is home to eight fascinating ancient volcanic mountains which form part of the East African Rift. Of the eight volcanoes, one is still active, and three are calderas:

• Ol Doinyo Lengai is a rare active volcano known by the Maasai as the Mountain of God. The volcanic cone consists of two crater heads.

• Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken caldera.

• Olmoti Crater is a catchment area that drains into the Ngorongoro crater. It offers spectacular views of the Mung waterfall.

• Empakaai Crater is home to many waterbird species and flamingos, as its deep, picturesque soda lake covers 75% of its crater.

• Mount Lolmalasin is the highest mountain crater in NCA and the third tallest mountain in Tanzania, reaching 12,080 feet (3,682 m) above sea level.

• Sadiman is an extinct volcano well known for the Laetoli Footprints, which provide an incredible look into the past. The fossilized tracks are preserved in the volcanic ash.

• Mount Lemagrut is known for its splendid hiking trails and the spectacular view of the Serengeti plains from its summit.

• Mount Oldeani is another extinct volcano within the Crater highlands northeast of Lake Eyasi.

Some of Tanzania's best hikes are within the protected area of Ngorongoro, four of which are in the NCA: Olmati, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Empakaai, and the Ngorongoro craters.

The conservation area was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2010 and continues to be an abundant treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Within the conservation area lies the main feature, Ngorongoro Crater, which forms part of the extinct volcanic chain. This majestic, unbroken caldera, the largest in the world, is considered the world's seventh wonder.

The crater floor spans 100 square miles (260 km²) and lies 2,001 feet (610 m) deep, surrounded by the walls of what was once a mighty volcano that last erupted more than two million years ago.

Within the microcosm surrounded by its circular walls lives an abundance of resident animals that thrive within the five distinct habitats:

• Lerai Forest

• Lake Magadi 

• Seasonal swamps

• Short grass plains

• Long grasslands

Beyond this semi-contained paradise lie more majestic scenery, historical sights, and natural wonders begging to be explored.

Olduvai Gorge is an archaeological site known as the Cradle of Humankind, where evidence of human evolution was uncovered. 

Nearby is the natural phenomenon of the NCA's migratory dune. The miracle sands are made of magnetic volcanic ash that gradually blows westward across the plains. The crescent dune's ever-changing shape moves about 56 feet (17m) a year. The dune reaches up to 30 feet (9m) in height and spans about 328 feet (100m) across the curve.

The Northern Highlands Forests are a serene haven of dense rainforests. Here, the majestic Endoro waterfall cascades 132 feet (40 m) from the Endoro River, fed by natural water springs from the crater highlands. 

Not far from the waterfall are the Endoro Caves, carved out over many years by elephants seeking the mineral-rich soils their large bodies need.

Another must-see site while traveling through the NCA is the Olkarien Gorge. During March and April, the dramatic granite monolith canyon is a critical nesting site of the Rüppell’s griffon vulture.

The Diverse Geography

The greater Ngorongoro region showcases diverse geography, blending dramatic volcanic landscapes from the highlands' plateaus to the sweeping savannahs that connect to the Serengeti. All support a unique ecosystem of wildlife.

The district's crown jewel is the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the top 15 safaris in Africa. The collapse of the massive volcano created the natural amphitheatre. Between its steep walls and caldera floor lies an oasis rich in flora and fauna.

Our experienced guides take you on one of the best safari routes with a drive around the rim of the caldera, some 7906 feet (2410m) above sea level, and take you down to the floor of the crater, which lies 5905 feet (1800m) above sea level.

The crater floor, dominated by grasslands, provides grazing for ungulates while the predators are not trailing far behind. The center is dominated by short grass plains, with the eastern part offering longer, denser grass.

Scattered through the crater are clusters of umbrella acacia trees providing shade and shelter to animals in the crater.

To the southwest lies the densely vegetated Lerai Forest, home of the yellow-barked acacia trees stripped bare by the big tusked elephants that find refuge under its canopy. 

The Lerai hippo pools, southwest of the forest, connect to the southern Gorigor Swamps, which are fed by the Ngoitokitok Springs and the runoff from the crater walls.

The Mundusi Swamps, marshy floodplains fed by the Mung Stream, lie north of the brackish Lake Magadi. 

The riverine habitats that cut across the crater floor include the Mung River and smaller streams that create riparian zones, providing year-round essential water sources for animals. 

The crater is a hub of activity, the self-contained ecosystem teeming with diverse landscapes and animals creating a unique wildlife-rich world, all confined within a small range. Outside of the crater, the district of Ngorongoro's landscape varies widely, from gorges to highland plains, savanna, woodlands, forests, montane long grass plains, and moorlands. 

The overlapping ecosystems vary in climate, from arid conditions in the north to a moist, humid range of rainforests in the southwestern side of the volcanic highlands. 

The Majestic Wildlife

The greater Ngorongoro Conservation Area shares a border with the Serengeti National Park and offers some of Africa's most concentrated and diverse wildlife sightings. While there are many different sights and areas to view wildlife, the crater remains a tourist attraction of immense beauty.

From the forest highlands to the gorges, the area is teeming with wildlife, which awaits you as Tanzania Safaris’ experienced guides help you explore the wonders of this magical place.

Wildlife Outside the Crater

The boundary between the two parks provides a critical corridor for the migration of ungulates from the North Serengeti as they migrate southwards.

View the miracle of birth, as 500,000 calves are born between January and February. This corridor provides the much-needed plains where eighty percent of the wildebeest calves are born within a three-to-four-week period, with up to 8,000 calves a day.

Strangely enough, giraffes are found outside the crater only. Perhaps it's because their physique makes it difficult for them to descend the crater walls. Other animals excluded from the crater include impala and crocodile.

Predators like lions and cheetahs are known to follow the migration, bringing new bloodlines into the conservation area. While leopards can be found here, they are mostly found hiding in the more densely vegetated forests and woodlands.

The African wild dog is one of the more difficult animals to spot, but despite its rarity, it has been spotted in open grasslands and forest edges. 

Outside the crater, large herds of elephants roam the surrounding plains and forested highlands while the loud calls of the black and white colobus monkey echo through the canopies. 

Large populations of buffaloes move freely between the crater and the surrounding grasslands, searching for thick, long grass to graze on.

Wildlife Within the Ngorongoro Crater

Safari with us into the crater for unrivalled opportunities to spot a variety of African wildlife in a compact and visually stunning setting. The caldera is said to hold the highest concentration of large mammals, with some 25,000 animals within its circumference.

The area is one of the best places to see the Big Five animals. There are several prides of lions within the ecosystem. Their low numbers are estimated at about 68 adult lions, with some rare sightings of the majestic black-maned lions within the crater. 

 Although lions from outside the crater occasionally enter this paradise during the migration, they rarely have the opportunity to integrate their bloodlines due to the fierce territorial nature of the crater’s dominant lions.

The crater floor is filled with herbivores, with some 7,000 wildebeest roaming the grasslands, while nearby herds of zebra and gazelles do the same. Elephants can be spotted, but the great tuskers tend to seek the refuge of the Lerai Forest.

The critically endangered Black Rhinos find their last stronghold within the crater, making spotting them often easier, although it's estimated that only about 30 roam this oasis. The swamps are where the hippos wallow in the muddy marshes while some 500 bird species enjoy everything this Eden offers.

Flamingos flock by the tens of thousands, creating a pink blanket in the brackish water of Lake Magadi, while the shores draw a variety of water birds, both resident and migratory.

Vultures, eagles, and crows patrol the skies, looking for something to scavenge. Meanwhile, the grasslands bring Kori bustards and secretary birds. The forests house more exotic and colorful species, including Turacos, hornbills, and sunbirds.

Our safari guides will ensure your cameras are loaded with memories and overflowing with spectacular natural sights wherever the road takes you.

Cultures and History

In 1959, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established and recognized as a multiple land use. In 1979, the area was recognized as a World Heritage site due to its natural significance in the coexistence of wildlife and Maasai tribes and its historical importance.

Over the past 80 years, it has been an important archaeological research site connected to human origin, where the earliest human fossils and footsteps of early hominins were discovered.

Sites like Engaruka ruins and Mumba rock shelter offer unique insights into past civilizations and tribes that lived here.

Tribes

While the Maasai remain the most prominent ethnic group in the Ngorongoro conservation area, they are renowned for their vibrant culture, they wear bright red shukas and intricate beaded jewelry.  

They are considered the tallest ethnic group in the region and are recognized for their stamina and striking red hair.

They still adhere to their traditional heritage and perform the jumping dance called adumu during celebrations and rituals. 

These semi-nomadic tribes practice the sacred traditional grazing of their cattle within the protected area and live in peaceful coexistence with the wildlife around them. Although tribes are not allowed to stay within the walls of the crater, they can be found in the highlands around the crater.

Visiting this tribe's cultural village offers a close look at their ancestral heritage and traditions, which they still hold firmly to. 

Other well-known tribes that have made the area their permanent homeland are:

• Hazda are the last to practice the hunter-gather tradition and remain the key focus of anthropologists. 

• Datoga are highland Nilotic pastoralists split into two tribes. One tribe still practices traditional cow herding, while the other is a tribe of blacksmiths specializing in the production of arrows, spears, knives, and jewelry.

Best Time To Visit 

The Ngorongoro conservation area offers ample opportunities to view wildlife, making it an all-year-round destination. However, the long rainy season can be more tricky to navigate, and animals retreat to the cover of thick vegetation to avoid bad weather.

Whether you decide to come for the wildlife, birds, or extraordinary hikes, make sure to plan your trip with some of our tips for visiting this area. 

• Early bookings are essential when you plan your visit during the peak season as tours and accommodation fill up quickly.

• Make sure to pack accordingly. The crater can get cold during the dry season, and you will need warmer clothes, especially at night.

• Consider the weather and when you want to visit. The rainy seasons can have unpredictable weather, so be prepared to be flexible with your itinerary.

• Use experienced local guides like Tanzania Safaris to enhance your safari experience.

Getting There

Tanzania’s major tourist hubs are relatively close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making it a prime destination.

The closest airports are:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is located near Arusha city, 152 miles (240 km) from the park.

• Arusha Airport (ARK) is a smaller domestic airport 115 miles (185 km) from the crater.

You can also charter flights from these airports to Ngorongoro airstrip for an aerial view of the landscape below.

Most tourists arrive through an organized safari. Our safaris include transfers from the airport and an immersive tour of the country on the way to your final destination. You are then returned to the airport to say farewell and travel home loaded with memories. 

GPS Coordinates: 3°13'16"S 35°28'41"E (Ngorongoro Airstrip)

: 3°09'57"S 35°32'46"E (Ngorongoro Crater)

Lodging Near Ngorongoro Crater

Attractions Near Ngorongoro Crater

• Serengeti National Park

• Lake Manyara National Park

• Tarangire National Park

• Arusha National Park