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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

  1. Ngorongoro Crater

    The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to 25,000+ animals.

    Black rhino · Dense wildlife · Crater floor · Stunning views

  2. Ngorongoro Highlands

    Cool highlands with stunning views and walking safaris.

    Walking safaris · Maasai villages · Cool climate · Scenic views

  3. 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.

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“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.”
Michael Chen · Singapore · 5-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara · June 2024

Trips

Safaris that visit Ngorongoro

All safaris