Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera
Ngorongoro Crater is a 260 km² caldera floor teeming with wildlife. The Conservation Area also includes Olduvai Gorge and the Ngorongoro Highlands. It's the only place in Tanzania where Maasai coexist with wildlife.
Key Facts
Crater Size
260 km² floor, 610 m deep
Crater Rim
2,286 m (7,500 ft) elevation
Total Area
8,292 km² Conservation Area
Established
1959
UNESCO Status
World Heritage Site since 1979
Crater Wildlife
~25,000 large animals
Wildlife
Signature Species
High Probability
Moderate to Rare
Best Time to Visit
Recommended: Year-round, but June-October for best weather
Peak Dry
July-October
Short Dry
January-February
Long Rains
March-May
Short Rains
November-December
Is Ngorongoro Conservation Area Right for You?
Best for
Big Five in one day, unique landscape, first-time visitors
What You Gain
- +Almost guaranteed Big Five in one day
- +Unique geological formation
- +High wildlife density in small area
- +Good rhino sighting chances
What You Trade
- -Very crowded at popular times
- -6-hour crater limit restricts flexibility
- -Expensive crater fees
- -Rim can be cold and foggy
Want to visit Ngorongoro?
We'll build an itinerary around your preferences
Activities
Available
- Crater game drives
6-hour limit enforced
- Rim walking
With armed ranger
- Olduvai Gorge visit
Cradle of mankind site
- Maasai village visits
Not Available
- Night drives
Practical Information
Getting There
Drive from Arusha (3-4 hours) or fly to Lake Manyara airstrip
Typical Stay
1-2 nights on rim, often combined with Serengeti
Itineraries Including Ngorongoro
Tanzania Classic Northern Circuit
7–10 days
Tanzania Great Migration Safari
8–12 days
Tanzania Southern Wilderness
9–14 days