
Conservation area · Northern Circuit
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world's largest intact volcanic caldera.
Last updated
- Circuit
- Northern Circuit
- Type
- Conservation area
- Best time
- Year-round, best June to September
- Location
- 3.17° S, 35.58° E
- Safaris
- 8 trips visit
Overview
About Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's most remarkable natural wonders - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact, unflooded volcanic caldera. This 260 km² "Garden of Eden" supports the highest density of large mammals anywhere in Africa, with over 25,000 animals living permanently on the crater floor.
The crater rim rises 600 meters above the floor, creating a natural amphitheater where wildlife thrives year-round. Unlike other parks where animals migrate, Ngorongoro's residents stay put, making it one of the most reliable places in Africa to see the Big Five. This is one of the few places in Tanzania where you have a good chance of spotting the critically endangered black rhino.
Beyond the crater, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses 8,292 km² of highland plains, forests, and archaeological sites. Olduvai Gorge, located within the conservation area, is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world - where some of our earliest human ancestors were discovered. The area is also home to the Maasai people, who continue to live traditionally alongside wildlife.
- Crater Floor
- Big Five
- Maasai Culture
- Olduvai Gorge
On the ground
What you can see and do
Wildlife you may see
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Black Rhino
- Buffalo
- Hippo
- Flamingo
Things to do
- Game Drives
- Cultural Visits
- Walking Safaris
- Olduvai Gorge Tour
Inside Ngorongoro
Areas to know
Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to 25,000+ animals.
Black rhino · Dense wildlife · Crater floor · Stunning views
Ngorongoro Highlands
Cool highlands with stunning views and walking safaris.
Walking safaris · Maasai villages · Cool climate · Scenic views
Empakai Crater
A smaller crater with a deep soda lake and flamingos.
Flamingos · Hiking · Remote location · Stunning views
Where to stay
Lodges and camps
Lodge · Mid-range
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Location
Where Ngorongoro is
3.17° S, 35.58° E in the Northern Circuit. See it with every other park.
“I've been on safaris in Kenya and South Africa, but Tanzania with Bald Eagle was something special. The Ngorongoro Crater is like nowhere else on Earth. The attention to detail and personalized service exceeded all expectations.”
Trips
Safaris that visit Ngorongoro
- 5 days · Wildlife5-Day Budget Tanzania SafariExperience the magic of Tanzania's Northern Circuit without breaking the bank. This camping safari visits Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater with professional guides and quality camping equipment. Perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.Price on requestView itinerary
- 7 days · Wildlife7-Day Classic Tanzania SafariOur most popular Tanzania safari takes you through the legendary Serengeti, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and elephant-rich Tarangire. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience the best of Tanzania in one week.Price on requestView itinerary
- 8 days · Family8-Day Family Safari AdventureCreate unforgettable family memories on this kid-friendly Tanzania safari. Designed for families with children ages 5+, this adventure features shorter drives, family-friendly lodges with swimming pools, and special activities that keep young explorers engaged.Price on requestView itinerary
- 9 days · Migration9-Day Great Migration SafariFollow the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti on this expert-guided safari. With 5 nights in the Serengeti positioned in the migration's path, this trip maximizes your chances of witnessing river crossings and predator action.From $6,800 ppView itinerary
- 10 days · Photography10-Day Wildlife Photography SafariDesigned for serious photographers, this safari features optimal timing for golden hour, extended time at key locations, and a vehicle configured for photography with bean bags, extra space, and charging stations.Price on requestView itinerary
- 10 days · Honeymoon10-Day Honeymoon Safari & Zanzibar BeachThe perfect Tanzania honeymoon combines thrilling wildlife encounters with pristine tropical beaches. Enjoy 5 days of luxury safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then fly to Zanzibar for 4 nights of pure romance on white-sand beaches.Price on requestView itinerary
Nearby
More in the Northern Circuit
- Mountain
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Uhuru Peak Summit · Five Climate Zones · Glaciers3.08° S, 37.35° EDestination guide - National park
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania's most famous park, home to the Great Migration and endless plains teeming with wildlife.Great Migration · Big Five · Endless Plains2.33° S, 34.83° EDestination guide - National park
Tarangire National Park
Famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.Elephant Herds · Baobab Trees · Tarangire River4.02° S, 36.02° EDestination guide - Town
Arusha
The safari capital of Tanzania and gateway to the Northern Circuit parks.Safari Gateway · Mount Meru · Coffee Tours3.39° S, 36.68° EDestination guide









