The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in the Ngorongoro district, west of the town of Arusha in northern Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established in 1959 although the giant volcanic Ngorongoro Crater is recorded to have been formed approximately 2.5 million years ago. The conservation area is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the coveted “Big Five”. The size of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is 3202 square miles of which contains the 102 square mile Ngorongoro Crater.

• Natural Wonder Ngorongoro Crater

The famous Ngorongoro Crater is the main feature of this area. Two to three million years ago the large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. As a result, the crater formed which then created a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of vegetation.

Today the crater is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. It is home to zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches and hippos. You can find a high population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and leopards. And a big attraction of the Ngorongoro Crater is of course the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino. You can see them all in these 20 kilometers (12,5 miles) wide and 600 meters (2,000 feet) deep crater. Enjoy the variety of animals and beautiful colors of the landscapes. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are incredible. Because of its natural beauty, the crater is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

• Maasai Tribe

Outside of the Ngorongoro Crater area, you will find wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai Tribes, who are practicing traditional livestock grazing. The Maasai are an ancient tribe with fargoing knowledge about the bush and can survive from what is given to them by nature. They live in small, self-made villages, wear colorful clothing and have wholesome traditions, making a visit such a great addition to your safari. 

Excursions and Activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Mountain bike tour Lake Manyara
• Visit Maasai village
• Visit Hadzabe tribe
• Cultural tour to Mto wa Mbu

Travel Time to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation area and the Ngorongoro Crater can be visited all year-round. Usually, the best time to travel is based on one’s personal preferences.

If great weather is preferred, the best time to visit Ngorongoro is considered to be from January to March or from June through October. 

Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 3 hours

Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park: 2 hours’ drive.