Grazing animals on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Home to one of the densest animal populations in Africa, renowned both for its geological importance and as a natural wildlife reserve.

Overview

The Ngorongoro Crater formed 2–3 million years ago when a volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself. With 2,000-foot walls, very few animals migrate in or out, so a remarkable concentration of wildlife lives in a relatively small area.

Highlights

What makes Ngorongoro Conservation Area worth the journey.

  1. An incredible variety of flora and fauna, shaped by the crater forming its own ecosystem.
  2. Yellow fever trees in the south and pods of hippo wallowing in the east.
  3. The drier north, where most of the game lives, including the famous resident black rhinos.

When to go

Month by month, at a glance.

Dry seasonJune to October

  • Wildlife sightings more likely in the shorter grass
  • Warm and sunny, with very little rain
  • Fewer mosquitoes, so a lower risk of malaria
  • The crater is popular and can be very crowded

Green seasonNovember to May

  • Spectacular wildlife viewing all year round
  • Lush green landscapes
  • April and May is low season and much quieter
  • Excellent for birdwatchers, with migratory birds present
  • Peak wet season is March to May, with frequent heavy downpours

Where to stay

9 camps and lodges in and around the park. Tell us your style and budget and we'll suggest the best fit.

  • Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp
  • Farm of Dreams Lodge
  • Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
  • Lion's Paw Camp
  • Ngorongoro Forest Camp
  • Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
  • Ngorongoro Farm House
  • Ngorongoro Neptune Luxury Lodge
  • Oldeani Ngorongoro Mountain Lodge

Tours that visit

Our packages that include Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

2 Days / 1 Night Tarangire & Ngorongoro Express View package 3 Days / 2 Nights Serengeti & Ngorongoro Classic View package 4 Days / 3 Nights Northern Circuit Highlights View package 4 Days / 3 Nights NCA – Serengeti Family Safari View package 5 Days / 4 Nights Northern Circuit in Depth View package 5 Days / 4 Nights Serengeti – Ngorongoro Extended View package
Keep exploring

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