Ngorongoro Conservation

Ngorongoro Crater is unique even amongst Tanzania’s incredible array of wild spaces. This enormous caldera is all that remains of an extinct volcano, dating back approximately two million years and comprising no fewer than 260 square kilometers of jaw-dropping wilderness. The walls of Ngorongoro Crater rise higher than 600 meters, enclosing a surprising variety of landscapes where many of East Africa’s most notable wildlife species roam free. You’ll find a rolling savanna where the rare black rhinoceros can still be found beside great herds of plains game, green swamps where hippos dwell, and lakeside forests where countless birds and monkeys weave their way through the canopy. The secret to Ngorongoro’s diversity of habitats lies in its elevation. The crater floor sits at approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, allowing for wide swathes of open grassland to flourish. In comparison, the heavily forested crater rim rises to about 2,300 meters in elevation. The best lodges in the region are tucked amongst the trees here along the crater’s rim, and visitors on safari can enjoy daily excursions into the heart of Ngorongoro on thrilling game drives that last all day long.

Geographical location: Northern Circuit

Area: 8 292 km²

Ngorongoro Crater offers an array of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy amidst its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Here are some top things to do in the crater:

1. Game Drives:
   Explore the vast crater floor on a thrilling game drive, where you can encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and various bird species.
2. Visit Maasai Villages:
   Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai people by visiting one of the Maasai villages surrounding the crater. Learn about their way of life, customs, and traditions, and interact with community members.
3. Sightseeing:
   Marvel at the breathtaking views of the crater from various lookout points along the rim. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the crater floor and surrounding landscapes, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
4. Hiking:
   Embark on guided hiking trails along the crater rim or within the nearby Empakaai and Olmoti craters. Explore the lush forests and grasslands while enjoying close encounters with wildlife and stunning scenery.
5. Picnicking:
   Take advantage of the designated picnic areas within the crater and enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
6. Birdwatching:
   Ngorongoro Crater is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 bird species recorded within the area. Bring your binoculars and spot colorful birds such as flamingos, ostriches, and various raptors.
7. Camping:
   Spend a night under the stars at one of the designated campsites within the crater rim. Experience the tranquility of the wilderness and listen to the sounds of nature as you camp amidst the stunning scenery.

For enthusiastic wildlife aficionados, the greater Ngorongoro Conservation Area has plenty to recommend it. A visit to one or both of the smaller volcanic calderas called Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater will reward intrepid travelers with stunning scenery and prolific birdlife. For big game, you won’t want to miss the plains of Ndutu. Situated between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, this lakeside acacia savanna is distinguished by its dense concentration of predators. Big cats like the cheetah and lion can be regularly found, and travelers with a discerning eye for the smaller animals of the bush will be especially delighted to discover the smaller cat known as the serval. And thanks to a great local road network, it’s easy to combine your visit to Ngorongoro with other stops on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti National Park.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Map