NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A Complete Guide to Tanzania’s Natural Wonder
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa. Located in northern Tanzania, it covers approximately 8,292 square kilometers and is home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater – the largest unbroken and unflooded volcanic caldera on Earth.
The Ngorongoro Crater, formed over two million years ago after a massive volcanic eruption, stretches about 20 kilometers in diameter and plunges to a depth of 600 meters. Its rich volcanic soil and year-round water supply make it one of the most fertile and wildlife-rich areas in Africa, supporting a dense concentration of animals, including the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
What makes Ngorongoro unique is its blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and human history. The area is also home to the Maasai people, who continue to live and graze their cattle within the conservation boundaries, maintaining a delicate balance between people and wildlife.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the best time to visit, top attractions, and essential safari tips.
Overview of What We’ll Cover:
Why Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique
Best time to visit for wildlife and photography
Top things to do and see in the area
Wildlife highlights – including the Big Five and rare species
Practical travel and safari tips
Why Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Unique
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not just about the crater – it’s an ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife and human activity.
Key features that make Ngorongoro unique:
Largest intact volcanic caldera – The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world.
Big Five in one location – Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Africa where you can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) in a single game drive.
Coexistence of people and wildlife – The Maasai people have lived within the conservation area for centuries, grazing their cattle alongside wildlife.
UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ngorongoro was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its ecological and cultural significance.
Cradle of Humanity – The Olduvai Gorge, located within the conservation area, is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, where early hominin fossils were discovered.
Ngorongoro’s combination of geological, ecological, and cultural richness makes it one of the most fascinating destinations in Africa.
Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but different seasons bring different experiences.
June to October – Dry Season
Best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
Clear skies and less vegetation make it easier to spot animals.
Large predator activity increases as prey becomes more concentrated.
Cooler mornings and evenings, with warm, dry days.
November to May – Wet Season
Best time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive.
The crater becomes lush and green, creating stunning photographic opportunities.
Calving season for wildebeests and zebras, attracting predators.
Afternoon rains are common but rarely last all day.
Pro Tip: The dry season (June to October) offers the best overall safari experience, but the wet season provides dramatic landscapes and fewer tourists.
Top Things to Do and See in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
1. Game Drives in the Ngorongoro Crater
A game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.
The crater floor is home to over 25,000 large mammals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, and wildebeests.
Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are frequently spotted hunting along the open plains.
Hippos and crocodiles are found in the crater’s lakes and swamps.
2. Visit Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.
Fossils discovered here by Mary and Louis Leakey in the 1950s provided evidence of early human evolution.
The Olduvai Museum offers fascinating exhibits on human ancestry and archaeological discoveries.
3. See the Big Five
Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Africa where you can see all five members of the Big Five in one day.
Lions and leopards hunt in the open grasslands.
Elephants graze near the Lerai Forest.
Black rhinos, one of Africa’s most endangered species, are often seen on the crater floor.
4. Visit the Empakaai Crater
Empakaai Crater is smaller than Ngorongoro but equally scenic.
A hike to the crater rim offers panoramic views of the crater and Lake Empakaai.
Flamingos and other waterbirds gather around the lake.
5. Experience Maasai Culture
The Maasai people have lived in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for centuries.
Visiting a Maasai village provides insight into their traditional lifestyle and customs.
Maasai guides lead walking safaris, sharing their deep knowledge of the land and wildlife.
6. Birdwatching
Ngorongoro is home to over 500 bird species. Notable species include:
Kori bustard
Crowned crane
Flamingos
Secretary bird
African fish eagle
Wildlife Highlights – What to Look For
Lions
Ngorongoro has one of the highest densities of lions in Africa. Prides are often seen hunting near the crater floor.
Black Rhinos
Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can see the critically endangered black rhino.
Elephants
Massive bull elephants with impressive tusks are a common sight in the crater.
Leopards
Leopards are elusive but are often seen resting in trees near the crater rim.
Flamingos
Lake Magadi, at the center of the crater, attracts thousands of flamingos during the wet season.
Travel and Safari Tips
1. Getting There
The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about a 3-hour drive to the Ngorongoro entrance.
Most visitors access Ngorongoro from Arusha by road or as part of a larger northern circuit safari.
2. Choose the Right Accommodation
Luxury lodges like Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offer spectacular views of the crater.
Budget options and campsites are available near the crater rim.
3. Pack Smart
Light, breathable clothing for warm days.
A jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings.
Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography.
4. Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from animals.
Follow your guide’s instructions.
Avoid loud noises and sudden movements.
Interesting Facts About Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater is over two million years old.
The Maasai name for the crater, El-Nkoronkoro, means “gift of life.”
The crater’s ecosystem supports over 25,000 large mammals.
Olduvai Gorge is considered the “Cradle of Mankind.”
