The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is unique, providing one of the easiest and most scenic safari experiences in East Africa.
Few places on Earth offer a wildlife experience as captivating as the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Home to abundant wildlife, the Ngorongoro Crater is a thriving and surprisingly diverse ecosystem in a unique geological setting. Dominated by lush short-grass plains, Ngorongoro supports an impressive density of African wildlife. While giraffes are absent, the Ngorongoro Crater is a Big 5 safari delight, especially for sightings of endangered black rhinos. From the Magadi, a soda lake flooded with pink flamingos, and the fever tree forests where leopards lurk, Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater promises impressive safari sightings at nearly every turn.
The Ngorongoro Crater sits within the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with exceptional experiences. Exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area means travelling through time to prehistoric sites like Olduvai Gorge and Laotoli, picnicking at the Ngoitokitok spring, or taking in the breathtaking views offered when hiking in the Olmoti and Empakai Craters. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to almost 30,000 resident animals and sees the Great Wildebeest Migration pass through the Ndutu Plains.
No safari in Tanzania is complete without a stop at Ngorongoro. The Ngorongoro Crater is an ideal destination for a first-time African safari trip. The crater is compact and densely packed with wildlife, offering astonishing animal encounters to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is an obvious choice for photographers, while the romantic cliff-top lodges are ideal for African honeymoon getaways. Beyond the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ngorongoro Crater, the northern Tanzania safari circuit offers easy access to the Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Zanzibar Island.
- Drop into the Ngorongoro Crater to spot the Big 5 African animals
- Soak up the natural beauty of the Garden of Eden
- Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Ndutu Plains
- Visit the Cradle of Humankind at Olduvai Gorge
- Take the Olmoti Crater Hike
- Soak up the vast natural beauty of Empakaai Crater
- Stop for a picnic at the Ngoitokitok spring
- Visit Laotoli and walk in the footsteps of humanities ancestors
The Ngorongoro Crater is the highlight of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater itself is 16km (10 miles) wide, covers an area of 264 km² (101 mi²), and the densely forested rim rises over 600m (2,000 ft) above the grassy expanse below. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact caldera.
The crater's extraordinary biodiversity harbours Africa's iconic wildlife, including the Big 5 animals of Africa - elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. The black rhinos of the Ngorongoro Crater are famous for being relatively easy to spot during the day when they venture out of the Larai Forest's fever trees. Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater also boasts healthy populations of lions, spotted hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs, all presenting ample opportunities for encounters with these predators. Other large animals in the Ngorongoro Crater include zebra, wildebeest, eland, and hippos, and it is a good place to see serval, bat-eared foxes, and jackals.
It would be remiss not to mention that Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania also boasts over 500 bird species. At the crater's centre lies the seasonal Lake Magadi, enriched by the mineral-rich waters of the Ngoitokitok Spring and the Munge River. Annually, between October and December, a flamboyance’ of lesser flamingos flock to its salty shallows for breeding. Notable birds of the Ngorongoro Crater include the grey crowned crane, secretary bird and rosy-throated longclaw. The forested crater rim has specials that include white-eyed slaty flycatcher, Schalow’s turaco and several high-altitude sunbird species. The Migratory birds arrive from November to April
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What does Ngorongoro mean? There are two theories, both derived from the Maasai. Some say that Ngorongoro is of onomatopoeic derivation relating to the sound of the cow's bell “ngoro ngoro”, which was heard as the Maasai herded their cattle down into the crater from the plains above. The second theory suggests that the origin of Ngorongoro comes from the phrase ‘ogirra le kkorongorro’ which roughly translates as “The Big Bowl”. |
The Ngorongoro Crater is a small area. It is also one of the most visited Tanzania safari destinations. As a result, it can get congested at times. However, the quality of the game viewing against the backdrop of a volcanic caldera more than makes up for the other African safari enthusiasts that you will meet along the way. As a bonus, the animals are so habituated that they will hardly even notice your presence.
There is no accommodation inside the Ngorongoro Crater. Visitors must stay in accommodation on the crater's rim or other options nearby. The rule of thumb for the Ngorongoro Crater is to get in as early as possible. For this reason, staying as close to the entry points is a good idea. Because of its small size, most visitors do a half or full-day game drive on the crater floor.
The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania makes up 264 km² (101 miles²) of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area which spans an impressive 8,292 km² (3201 miles²). While the Ngorongoro Crater is the most popular and most visited safari attraction, seen on over a third of all Tanzania safaris, the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has plenty to offer visitors willing to explore.
Located in northern Tanzania around a 3-hour drive from Arusha, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area borders Serengeti National Park in the north-west, the Masawa Game Reserve to the west, the Loliondo Game Controlled Area to the north, and the Lake Natron Game Controlled Area to the north-east. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area forms an integral part of the Great Wildebeest Migration of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Because the wildebeest gather in the Ndutu plains from late December to February for the calving season, this is largely accepted as the starting point of the continuous migration of the wildebeest.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has several overlapping ecosystems and distinct habitats. These habitats include short grass plains, savannah woodland, highland catchment forests, montane grasslands, moorlands, lakes and wetlands. In addition to being a part of the Serengeti ecosystem, one of the last intact ecosystems in the world, the area has been a mixed land use area since its creation in 1959. This means that wildlife co-exists with the semi-nomadic Maasai people of the Ngorongoro area.
While over 25,000 large mammals call the Ngorongoro Conservation Area home, including the Big 5 animals - elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and lion (one of the densest lion populations in Africa), you will also see giraffe, zebra, eland, plenty of antelope, a plethora of smaller game, and well over 600 unique bird species, including seasonal migrants.
During the Great Wildebeest Migration, almost 2.5 million animals pass through the Ndutu region in the northwest of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Ndutu Plains are accepted as the start of the Great Migration in Africa as they are the calving grounds for wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelles. An astounding half million babies are born in a roughly 3-week period in February. The abundant grazing allows the animals to build strength before they begin their north-bound trek. The abundance of new life attracts an abundance of predators, and the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the best places in the world to see lions, hyenas and cheetahs in action.
Though exceptional, the wildlife is not the only attraction of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. Its world heritage status is based on recognition of both its ecological importance, as well as its historical and cultural value. In 80 years of archaeological research, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has unveiled evidence spanning four million years of human evolution. Notable finds include Laetoli's fossilized footprints revealing bipedalism and a diverse range of hominin species in Olduvai Gorge, from Australopiths to Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo sapiens. The area also holds evidence of early Homo sapiens at Lake Ndutu and documents the evolution of tools from stone age tools through the transition to iron age technology.
The list of attractions in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes the Ngorongoro, Empakai, and Olmoti Craters, Olduvai Gorge, the Northern Highlands Forest Reserve, the New Olduvai Gorge Museum, the Mary Leakey Living Museum, the Laetoli footprints, Shifting Sands, Lolmalasin Mountain, Olkarien Gorge, Nasera Rock, Ndutu Plains, the Gol Mountains and the Sale Plains to mention a few.
The Olduvai Gorge, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, is East Africa’s premier archaeological treasure. Displaying a rich chronicle of man’s early origins, Olduvai offers key insights into human ancestry and the evolution in the Serengeti ecosystem. The now-famous Mary and Louis Leaky made groundbreaking discoveries here for more than 30 years. Their discoveries include the Zinjanthropus skull, Homo habilis, and Homo erectus remains. These discoveries in the Olduvai Gorge provide crucial insights into the evolution of early Stone Age tools and the evolution of larger-bodied hominins that preceded modern humans. Accessible year-round, visiting the excavations requires an official guide.
Situated six kilometres from the Zinjanthropus monument, the Olduvai Gorge Site Museum offers a unique perspective on mankind's history in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Positioned at the Gorge's rim, it features archaeological and cultural exhibits related to the site's history, discoveries, and ongoing research. Founded by Mary Leakey, the museum showcases fossils, stone tools, and skeletons of extinct animals excavated in the Gorge. With a sheltered viewing area, it hosts lectures and presentations. Amenities at the Olduvai Museum include wifi, a shop, a restaurant, a community centre, and restrooms. The museum plays a vital role in appreciating and understanding the Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli fossil discoveries.
The black sand dunes near the Olduvai Gorge hominid site in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, are primarily recognized as volcanic dunes, famously referred to as the Shifting Sands. Located about 12 km / 7,5 miles northwest of the Olduvai Gorge Museum, these migratory dunes are among the world's most remarkable moving ash dunes. Moving approximately 15 to 30 meters annually, the dunes are propelled westward by the prevailing winds. The dunes are formed by the scoured remnants of lighter ash, leaving behind heavier, dark-coloured iron-rich minerals. This exceptional crescent-shaped black dune, originating from the active Oldoinyo Lengai volcano, is 5 meters high and 100 meters along its curves.
Olmoti Crater, located about 13 km north of the Ngorongoro Crater, offers a stunning view of Mount Lolmalasin, Tanzania's third tallest peak. Named after the Maasai word for a large cooking pot, Olmoti is 6.5 km / 4 miles in diameter and reaches an elevation of 3,080 meters (10,000 ft) above sea level. Unlike the Ngorongoro Crater, Olmoti is a shallow, grass-covered caldera intersected by the Munge River that provides year-round water and grazing for wildlife. With a panoramic view of the surroundings, including Munge Waterfall, Olmoti has a well-developed 3 km (1,8-mile) hiking trail that takes around 1,5 to 2 hours. To do the Olmoti Crater hike you will need to book in advance and hire the services of one of the park's experienced rangers, who, armed with a rifle, will keep you safe from rogue buffalos or other angry wildlife. The Olmoti Crater hike can be linked to a longer trek to the Empakai Crater.
The Empakaai Crater is distinguished by its towering rim and a picturesque lake that dominates over 75% of the crater floor. Empakaai is roughly 23 km (14 miles) from Olmoti and 40 km (25 miles) from the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The Empakaai Crater, with cliffs reaching 300m in height, showcases lush-green vegetation that is excellent for bird watching, and diverse wildlife species like hyenas, buffaloes, blue monkeys and even elephants. Spanning almost 8 km / 5 miles, the crater floor is partially submerged in a deep soda lake, a haven for flamingoes and water birds. From the crater rim, one can marvel at Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain, the Great Rift Valley, and Lake Natron. Popular for walking safaris, the crater offers a 5 km / 3-mile out-and-back hike that should take between 2 and 3 hours. It is also possible to circumnavigate the crater floor which will take around 4 hours. Because of the presence of wild animals, it is mandatory to hire one of the park rangers to accompany you and act as a guide. Those who visit the Empakaai Crater believe that it rivals the beauty of the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
The Ngoitokitok Spring is a popular picnic site located within the Ngorongoro Crater. It is a great place to take a stroll and tune in to the melodic grunts of the resident hippos at this picturesque location. Ngoitokitok, the springs bubbling abundantly, have given rise to a small lake that extends into the adjacent Gorigor Swamp. A charming rock outcrop adorned with a solitary fig tree graces the lake's edge, providing an enchanting backdrop for photography. The grassy expanse surrounding the lake is a favoured resting spot and an idyllic setting for a bush picnic. The resident brown hawks are notorious for their thieving antics so it is advised to guard your food closely.
About 3,6 million years ago, some of the first hominids walked across a muddy bank, leaving a series of footprints. Laetoli, positioned on the southern edge of the Serengeti Plains within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is a paleontological site of outstanding value recognised since the 1930s. Laetoli gained prominence in the 1970s with the discovery of the Holotype and other remains. Discovered in 1974 by Mary Leakey, the footprints span almost 27 meters, comprising around 70 early human impressions. The Laetoli footsteps are the oldest known preserved footprints of our early human ancestors, showcasing three distinct tracks of Australopithecus afarensis. Open to researchers, Laetoli continues to attract scholars exploring human origins and cultural development, with the Olduvai Museum housing replicas of the iconic footprints.
Part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Ndutu Plains border the southern edges of the Serengeti National Park. The plains, characterized by vast short grasslands, soda-lake Masek, marshes, and woodland vegetation, support both resident and migratory species. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, especially predators, the Ndutu is one of the best places anywhere in Africa to witness predator action. The best time to visit Ndutu is from December to April during the Great Wildebeest Migration. The arrival of millions of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras for the calving season is a riot of life. During the peak, around 8000 calves are born every day. Lions, hyenas, and cheetahs are all on hand to take advantage of the chaos.
Nasera Rock, situated near the northern border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, approximately 20 km (12,5 miles) north of Olduvai Gorge is a prominent rock with a rich archaeological history dating back approximately 30,000 years. Nasera Rock is a 50-meter-high gneiss inselberg, believed to be the largest fully exposed and complete inselberg in the region. Since the 1930s, the site has yielded various artefacts, including stone tools made of quartz and obsidian, bone fragments, and pottery shards. Additionally, Nasera Rock features faded rock paintings, discernible mainly to experts in rock art due to their age. Derived from the Maasai-inspired word 'Naasira' meaning striped, written, or drawn, the rock is believed to have served as a settlement for the Maasai tribe during ancient times.
The Gol Mountains, known as Oldoinyo Gol in Maasai, mark the northern boundary of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is one of the truly off-the-beaten-track destinations, where Maasai still hunt lions as a rite of passage and live in a cashless society. Volcanic dust blown onto the plains during the dry season, enhances fertility during the rainy season from November to March, attracting large concentrations of migratory animals like wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. Any visit to the Gol Mountains should be organised with a professional safari company.
Most travellers visit the Ngorongoro Crater as part of their Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit tour. Conveniently situated en route to Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater is a roughly 4 hour, 180 km (112 miles) drive from Arusha, the starting point for all northern Tanzanian safaris.
There are multiple options for exploring the Northern Safari Circuit from Arusha, including small aircraft flights or overland safari vehicles. To shorten the travel time, many visitors fly into Serengeti and then traverse back overland via safari vehicle through Ngorongoro Crater, or vice versa. A good African safari company will handle all these logistics making it stress-free and easy to manage.
From the Seronera area of the Serengeti, the distance to the crater is approximately 140 km (90 miles) and about 3 hours by road. Due to wildlife sightings along the road, the journey often takes longer, and it is a good idea to leave plenty of time between destinations so you can enjoy the Tanzania safari experience fully.
The drive from Lake Manyara National Park to the Ngorongoro Crater covers 80 km (50 miles) and takes around 2 hours, while the 180 km (110-mile) drive from Tarangire National Park requires roughly 4 hours.
International flights usually arrive in Dar es Salaam at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), from where you can connect to either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), situated roughly 50 km (31 miles) away from Arusha, or Arusha Airport (ARK).
You may also be able to fly directly to Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
The Ngorongoro Crater is easily navigable, the safari tracks on the crater floor are well-maintained and signposted, and it is very difficult to get lost. Providing that you follow the rules of the Ngorongoro Crater, it is possible to do a self-drive safari trip. However, the NCA wardens at the entrance gate will advise you to take a ranger guide, whilst this is not compulsory, the guides can offer valuable insight and information about the Ngorongoro Crater, its ecology, and geography.
However, most visitors to the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania will be part of a package tour that deals with all the logistics and fees. Outsourcing the planning, driving, admin, and logistics leaves you to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. Furthermore, a bit like removing congestion in big cities, one safari vehicle with 8 people is better than 4 safari vehicles with the same number of people.
The Ngorongoro Crater of Tanzania is a fantastic all-year-round African safari destination. The animals in the crater do not migrate resulting in healthy resident populations. Choosing the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania depends on personal preference.
The main factor to consider is people. The dry season months from June to October are traditionally the best months for wildlife viewing as the bush thins and animals congregate around permanent watering holes. In Tanzania, these months also coincide with the Great Wildebeest Migration. Therefore, during the dry season months, the Ngorongoro Crater can get busy along with the other Northern Safari Circuit parks.
The rainy season from November to April, sees a much lower volume of tourists, with a peak during the wildebeest calving season in January and February. There are a few other advantages to travelling at this time. First, the vegetation is lush and green. Many photographers favour April and May, believing that this is the most picturesque time to visit Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Secondly, this is also an excellent time for birding as migratory species arrive to breed during these months. And lastly, with a lower volume of tourists, rates during the low tourist season are generally more favourable and it is possible to find some great deals.
East Africa is an extremely popular safari destination and visiting the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the top African safari experiences. The downside is that demand is high during the peak safari season and costs go up. If you want to capitalise on low season rates, then consider travelling in the green season, which is especially good for photography and birding. There are always trade-offs. Knowing what you want to see will go a long way in helping you plan your safari trip according to your budget. Below is a rough guide to the cost of a Tanzania, and an Ngorongoro Crater safari.
*These prices are meant to give you a quick overview.
For accurate and up-to-date safari prices, check out African Budget Safaris Tanzania safari tours, or, for more information about Tanzania safari costs, you can read our Tanzania Safari Cost blog post.
For a comprehensive safari cost comparison, check out our African Safari Cost page which will break down the differences between southern and East Africa, as well as a country-by-country overview.
There are loads of activities to do within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The following activity fees are for adults and were accurate at the time of publishing in January 2024. Fee structures do change and for up-to-date safari information, you should talk to one of African Budget Safaris travel experts.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ngorongoro Crater lie on the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit. This is Tanzania's top tourist area for good reason. The Northern Safari Circuit starts in Arusha and includes Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park.
The travel information below is taken from Google Maps and is meant as a general guide to distances and travel times from the Ngorongoro Crater.
When packing for your Ngorongoro Crater safari in Tanzania, consider what time of year you are visiting, where you are going, and what the luggage restrictions are on your chosen transport. Don’t forget that many hotels and lodges have laundry services to help you along the way.
Before you head to the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, remember that many short-hop safari flights will limit your luggage to 15kg. Paying careful attention to your packing list of lightweight but sensible clothing is key. The way to think about a safari packing list is in layers.
In winter especially, early morning game drives can be chilly, while daytime temperatures are high before it cools again in the evening. A comfortable, lightweight puffer jacket or fleece with a hard or soft shell should do the trick. As the temperature warms up, having something breathable and cool underneath will keep you comfortable. Zip-off trousers can easily convert from trousers to shorts, leaving you cool and comfortable. When evening falls and you head out on a game drive, think of this process in reverse. If you do feel the cold, then consider some extra items like a hat, scarf, and gloves. If you are travelling in the wet season, make sure you have a good waterproof jacket.
Colour-wise, keep your palette to natural hues like beige, greens, browns, and khakis. You want to avoid both black, white and anything too bright. White gets grubby very quickly, black gets very hot and attracts mosquitoes at night, and loud colours like bright yellow or red frighten animals and attract all sorts of insects like bees.
Closed comfortable shoes are best for days on safari, and a good pair of sneakers or trainers are perfect. Unless you plan on doing any serious hiking, hiking boots are unnecessary. For time spent in camps and lodges, a pair of slip-slops or Crocs can be a comfortable addition.
A note on Tanzania. Tanzania is casual but conservative, but your main concern on a safari trip should be comfort. Aside from the occasional smart-casual dress code for certain restaurants and hotels, jeans and t-shirts are acceptable with a little bit of extra modesty around cultural centres and places of worship. Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam for example have large Muslim communities so it’s a good idea for women to wear long skirts and keep their shoulders covered while you are out and about, while men should avoid walking around shirtless. Beach wear and bathing suits are acceptable at your resort or while relaxing at the beach.
Wet season. Witness the Great Migration's calving season amidst lush greenery. The Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area are quieter and offer excellent birding opportunities.
Wet season. The calving season in the Ndutu Plains is in full swing and the chances of seeing predator action are good. Enjoy excellent game viewing and birding.
By March the migration herds are on their way north and have mostly left the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Safari conditions vary, with some years offering clear, dry mornings while others bring rain.
Heavy afternoon rains are typical in April, making accommodations budget-friendly. The low safari season can offer dramatic discounts, despite wet conditions that may lead to impassable roads. This is an excellent photography month.
As the rains lessen, roads begin to dry out. In the Serengeti, the wildebeest are on the move, but you will still find abundant game in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. May is an excellent photography month with lush landscapes, clear air, and fewer tourists.
The dry season has arrived. It starts to get cold at night and in the mornings. This is also the start of the high tourist season. Tanzania safari trips often pass through Ngorongoro Crater en route to the wildebeest migration in the Grumeti area of the Serengeti.
July offers dry savannah conditions with exceptional game viewing. Considering the elevation of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, nights and early mornings can be chilly, especially on the crater rim. This is peak safari season resulting in crowded destinations and higher rates.
Most Ngorongoro Crater safaris take place en route to the Great Migration action at the Mara River. Ngorongoro Crater is a popular stop-over and bucket list safari destination. Be prepared for chilly nights and mornings. High rates and crowded destinations prevail.
In September, the Great Migration is in full swing along the Mara River. This is the peak dry season when animals concentrate around water sources. Safari visitors begin to slowly decrease as the month draws on, but the Ngorongoro Crater can still get busy.
If the rains do start in October, they usually fall towards the end of the month. October marks a slightly quieter safari season in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wildlife sightings are still good. The Mara River crossings are over, marking the end of the Tanzania safari frenzy.
Is an excellent photography month in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with clear skies washed clean by afternoon showers. Tourist numbers continue to drop after the high season, and low rivers and easily navigable roads make November appealing for self-drivers.
Amidst the short rains, expect rain and wet weather. Migratory birds arrive, making it an excellent month for birdwatching. At the end of December, the wildebeest herds begin to arrive in the Ndutu Plains in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. While early December sees low tourist numbers, mid-month marks the festive season, resulting in crowded safari circuits. Book early to secure accommodations.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, situated in northern Tanzania, is characterized by diverse geographical features that contribute to its ecological richness. The centrepiece of this area is the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the world's largest unbroken caldera. The formation of the crater can be traced back to a massive volcanic explosion around three million years ago. The explosion resulted in the collapse of a large volcano, creating the distinct circular shape of the caldera. The crater floor, encompassing approximately 260 km² / 101 mi², hosts a unique ecosystem with a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, and forests.
The surrounding highlands and plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provide a stunning backdrop to the crater. These highland plains extend from the Serengeti National Park to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley. The area's elevation ranges from around 1,020 meters on the plains to over 3,500 meters on the crater rim, contributing to the diverse climates and landscapes within the conservation area. The unique geography of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, shaped by volcanic activity and tectonic processes, has fostered an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site of global significance.
The Ngorongoro Crater, with its steep walls and lush floor, is a microcosm of Africa's ecosystems, home to a high density of wildlife throughout the year. The crater's formation created a natural enclosure that supports an incredible array of fauna, including iconic species like elephants, lions, and rhinos. Additionally, the water sources, like Lake Magadi, enhance the allure of the crater for both resident animals and migratory birds.
The history of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is deeply entwined with both natural processes and human civilizations. The Maasai people have been an integral part of the area's history, coexisting with wildlife in a semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle. The establishment of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in 1959 marked a pivotal moment, recognizing the significance of the region's biodiversity and the necessity of preserving the delicate balance between wildlife and traditional Maasai village life.
The Ngorongoro Crater, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, became a beacon of global importance for its rich archaeological and paleontological heritage, providing crucial insights into the evolution of both humans and ecosystems.
In the present day, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) administers the region, ensuring the protection of its natural and cultural treasures. The Maasai tribe continue to inhabit the area, practising sustainable land use in harmony with the wildlife. Up until 2015, they were permitted to graze their cattle and have access to the permanent water sources within the Ngorongoro Crater.
While the NCA does allow mixed land usage, the influx of migrants to the area has resulted in pressure being exerted on both people and the environment.
Yes. Thousands of tourists safely visit Tanzania and the Crater every year.
Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has a well-established safari industry that is fully geared towards exceptional safari experiences that will keep you coming back for more.
Travelling in major cities you will need to keep your wits about you. However, once on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, your biggest problem will be getting too close to the wildlife. A well-trained and experienced safari guide from a reputable African safari company will make keeping you safe their number one priority.
On the whole, Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is in Tanzania which is a tropical destination and does require some preparation.
In general, it is recommended that you get regulation vaccines like typhoid, polio, tetanus, and yellow fever.
Before you travel, visit your local travel clinic and find out well in advance what vaccinations are required. This is a changing landscape and does require planning.
Tanzania is a malaria region, but prophylactics are both effective and accessible in your home country. Visit your travel clinic and let them know exactly where you are travelling.
Sadly, Tanzania does have a high rate of HIV infection. This is not usually an issue for travellers visiting on an African safari, but it is good to be aware of the situation.
There is no accommodation in the Ngorongoro Crater, there are safari lodges along the crater rim, and more affordable options further afield.
When visiting the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, try to book accommodation close to one of the entry points. Staying further away means an earlier start and an increased chance of getting into a bottleneck at the entrance gates, especially during the peak tourist season.
Plastic bags are forbidden within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Photographing locals is prohibited except in designated Cultural Bomas and Maasai villages where asking for permission is advised.
Don't forget to pack your preferred insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
The African sun can be severe. A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended and it’s always a good idea to carry a bottle of water and stay well hydrated.
Your safari guides are trained, and extremely knowledgeable, and their top priority is to keep you safe in the wild. Always listen to their advice about how to behave and what to do while on safari, especially when encountering wild animals like elephants, hippos, giraffes, and lions.
The winter months can be chilly, especially if you choose to stay on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Take a warm jacket or fleece to keep warm in the early mornings and evenings when the mercury drops.
When travelling to Ngorongoro Crater on a safari package, most of your travel expenses will be included. It is, however, a good idea to take some cash for extra expenses like curios, gifts, and tipping on safari.
US dollars are widely accepted but it is also a good idea to have some Tanzanian shillings in supply.
Hotels and safari lodges usually accept payment in US dollars, but it's best to check beforehand.
In Tanzania, it's customary to tip safari guides, drivers, and hotel staff. The amount varies depending on the level of service provided, but a general guideline is US$5-10 per day for safari guides and drivers per person, and US$1-2 per day for hotel staff such as housekeeping or porters.
Tipping is always optional, but it's a way to show appreciation for good service. For more info, you can read our guide to tipping on safari.
Both Christianity and Islam are strong religions in Tanzania. While Christianity is common throughout, the Muslim communities tend to be concentrated along the coast and in Zanzibar.
While visiting Tanzania on safari it is a good idea to dress and behave more conservatively, especially in more rural areas like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The Maasai people have some strong taboos around having their pictures taken. Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it is prohibited to take photographs of locals and if you visit a Maasai village ask for permission before snapping.
Always ask before taking pictures of people, and never take snaps of children. Talk to your safari guide who will have experience and will give you the best advice.
When visiting cultural villages (like a Maasai village), taking pictures is usually acceptable.
Always be conscious of your belongings when you are in transit and don't leave your baggage unattended either at the airport, train station, hotel lobby or on the beach. Try to keep your valuables out of sight and never flash your cash.
While it’s a good idea to be on your guard in big cities, staff at lodges in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are well-trained. They depend on having excellent reputations which includes being impeccably honest.
The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is an unbelievable African safari destination. Located in northern Tanzania on the famous northern safari circuit there is a wide variety of attractions for visitors, from wildlife to scenery, cultural and historical excursions are all available. Below is a list of tours and packages offered by African Budget Safaris.
If you’d rather talk to a human, get in touch with one of our experienced African safari experts who are available to help wherever they can. Get in touch, and start planning your safari trip to the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania today.
Use the Google map to explore Ngorongoro Crater.