Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Welcome to Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2025: the Ngorongoro Crater. Besides the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five and the entire cast of The Lion King, this one-of-a-kind scenery is also home to the famous Maasai tribe.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans from Serengeti National Park in the north, to the Great Rift Valley in the east. In total, the conservation area covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 sq. miles). It consists of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater and Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. The mix of forests, valleys, savanna, craters, lakes, and swamps is home to a wide range of animals.

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 are of course the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino. You can see them all in this 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) wide and 600 metres (2,000 feet) deep crater. Enjoy the variety of animals and beautiful colours 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.

During your safari, it is also possible to visit the Maasai tribe. They are allowed to let their livestock graze in this area. If you really want to learn more about the lifestyle and rituals of this fascinating tribe, we recommend you to book a Maasai Tour.

You like to incorporate Ngorongoro Crater into your itinerary? Check our Tanzania safaris for inspiration, or contact us for personal advice.

Mountainbike tour Lake Manyara
Visit Maasai village
Visit Hadzabe tribe
Cultural tour Mto wa Mbu

Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 3 hours
Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park: 2 hours
Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Lake Manyara: 1 hour
Ngorongoro to Tarangire: 2 hours

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the main reasons many people visit Tanzania. It is a spectacular experience and I recommend everyone to spend at least 1 day at the crater floor.

How long to stay? 1 day at the crater floor and an extra day if you want to explore the area around the crater.

Which hotel? Ngorongoro Sopa lodge, because of the beautiful views, friendly staff and beautiful rooms.

08.00 - 09.00: Breakfast