Ngorongoro Conservation Area
ABOUT NGORONGORO
A World Within a World
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of northern Tanzania’s most remarkable landscapes, where volcanic highlands, sweeping grasslands and abundant wildlife come together. At its heart lies the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast volcanic caldera whose floor supports an extraordinary concentration of animals.
Beyond the crater, the conservation area extends across highlands and open plains shared by wildlife and Maasai communities. Its location between the Serengeti and Tanzania’s other northern parks also makes Ngorongoro a natural part of many safari journeys.
Quick Facts
FAMOUS FOR
Ngorongoro Crater
LANDSCAPE
Crater, highlands & plains
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Year-round
HIGHLIGHTS
Big Five & crater scenery
COMBINE WITH
Serengeti & Tarangire
WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE
Ancient Crater. Abundant Wildlife.
Descending from the forested crater rim onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor reveals one of Tanzania’s most distinctive safari landscapes. Grasslands, wetlands, woodland and seasonal waters support a remarkable concentration of wildlife within the crater walls.
Lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and hyenas are commonly encountered, while Ngorongoro is also one of Tanzania’s important areas for seeing the endangered black rhino.
BIG FIVE
BLACK RHINO
CRATER LANDSCAPE
MAASAI CULTURE
Nature’s Great Amphitheatre
Ngorongoro Crater is the centrepiece of the conservation area and one of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
The enormous volcanic caldera creates a naturally enclosed landscape of grassland, woodland, wetlands and lakes. Its permanent water and rich grazing support large numbers of animals throughout the year.
A typical crater safari begins with a descent from the rim in the morning, followed by several hours exploring the crater floor before climbing back into the surrounding highlands.
EXPLORE NGORONGORO
Beyond the crater.
Crater Floor
Wildlife at every turn.
The crater floor offers rewarding game viewing across open grasslands, wetlands and woodland, with opportunities to encounter predators and large herbivores within a relatively compact area.
Lerai Forest
An oasis beneath the crater walls.
This woodland area provides habitat for elephants and other wildlife, creating a beautiful contrast to the open grasslands elsewhere on the crater floor.
Lake Magadi
Life around the water.
The shallow alkaline lake attracts waterbirds and other wildlife, while the surrounding grasslands are frequently visited by zebras, wildebeest and predators.
Ngorongoro Highlands
Beyond the crater rim.
Rolling green hills, volcanic landscapes and Maasai communities surround the crater, revealing a broader side of Ngorongoro beyond its famous wildlife-filled caldera.
Ngorongoro Through the Seasons
Wildlife remains within and around the crater throughout the year, making Ngorongoro a rewarding destination in every season.
JAN – MAR
Green Season
Green landscapes surround the crater during this period, while resident wildlife provides excellent game-viewing opportunities on the crater floor.
APR – MAY
Long Rains
Rain transforms the highlands into rich shades of green. The scenery can be particularly beautiful, with generally fewer visitors than during the main dry-season months.
JUN – OCT
Dry Season
Cooler and drier conditions make this a popular period for visiting Ngorongoro. Wildlife remains concentrated across the crater floor and game viewing is consistently rewarding.
NOV – DEC
Short Rains
Short rains refresh the crater and surrounding highlands, bringing greener landscapes while wildlife remains abundant throughout the area.
Experience Ngorongoro
Crater Game Drive
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater with a private guide and explore its grasslands, wetlands and woodland in search of wildlife.
Big Five Safari
Search for lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino while exploring the wider northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Wildlife Photography
Photograph wildlife against crater walls, open grasslands and the distinctive landscapes of this ancient volcanic caldera.
Maasai Cultural Experience
Learn about Maasai traditions and their long connection with the landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Highland Scenery
Travel through dramatic crater-rim landscapes, rolling hills and highland viewpoints while journeying between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.