Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A vast volcanic crater full of wildlife, cool highlands above it, and the calving plains of Ndutu.
- The Crater
- Black rhino
- Lion
- Highland walks
- Ndutu calving
- Olduvai Gorge
Our view
Your first view into the Ngorongoro Crater, from the rim about 600 metres above the floor, is one of the great moments of any Tanzania safari. Down below is a closed world of grassland, swamp, forest and a soda lake, with lion, elephant, buffalo, hyena and one of the best chances in East Africa of seeing black rhino.
The crater is also busy, and I plan around that. A crater day works best with an early start, so you are on the floor as the gates open and leave before the vehicles build up around midday. One full day is usually enough.
What many people miss is the rest of the Conservation Area. The highlands around the crater are cool, green and good for walking, with Maasai villages, the Empakaai crater and the Olmoti waterfall. To the west, the plains around Ndutu are where the migration gives birth from December to March, and the Olduvai Gorge is on the way.
Ngorongoro is not a national park: Maasai herders live here alongside the wildlife, and that is part of what makes it special.
Areas within the Conservation Area
The Crater
The famous caldera, with resident wildlife including black rhino. Visited on day trips from the rim, best with an early start.
The highlands
Cool montane forest and grassland above the crater, with walks to Empakaai and Olmoti and visits to Maasai communities.
Ndutu
Short-grass plains and lakes on the edge of the Serengeti, where the migration calves from December to March.
Olduvai Gorge
One of the world's most important sites for early human remains, with a small museum on the road to the Serengeti.
When to go
Nights on the crater rim are cold for much of the year. Bring warm layers.
Where to stay
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Entamanu Ngorongoro
$1,920 – $2,250
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Entamanu Private
$1,280 – $2,250
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
$1,012 – $1,107
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Rates on request
Ngorongoro
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
$657 – $1,061
Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tanzania
Serian Serengeti South Camp
$1,535 – $1,920
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
The Highlands Ngorongoro
$1,080 – $1,450
Karatu, Tanzania
The Manor at Ngorongoro
$1,209 – $1,449
Safaris that go here
9 Nights Chem Chem, Ngorongoro and Northern Serengeti
Arusha › Burunge WMA › Lake Manyara › Tarangire › Ngorongoro › Northern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
A private-guided safari through three of northern Tanzania's most distinct landscapes, travelling by road through the north and flying to the far northern Serengeti
Ngorongoro’s Rim to Serengeti’s Herds – 7 Days
Ngorongoro › Southern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
7 Days Privately Guided Safari to Northern Tanzania visiting: 3 nights Ngorongoro Crater at Entamanu Ngorongoro and 3 nights Southern Serengeti at Kusini Serengeti. Drive in / Fly out
Passage to Kusini – 7 Days
Tarangire › Randilen WMA › Ngorongoro › Southern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
This 7 Day Privately Guided Safari to Northern Tanzania, visits Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Southern Serengeti National Park. Your skilled guide will collect you from Kilimanjaro airport and…
Northern Tanzania Through Kusini – 9 Days
Tarangire › Randilen WMA › Ngorongoro › Northern Serengeti
From US$8,745 pp · 2026 rate
This 9 Day Privately Guided Safari to Northern Tanzania, visits Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 locations in Serengeti National Park. Your skilled guide will collect you from Kilimanjaro…
Northern Expedition – 8 Days Flying Safari
Tarangire › Randilen WMA › Ngorongoro › Central Serengeti › Grumeti
2027 rates on request
This 8 day Flying Safari will see you embark on a journey from the lush farmlands of northern Tanzania to the sweeping golden plains of the north. Along the way,…
Tanzania SkySafari – 10 Days
Arusha › Tarangire › Central Serengeti › Ngorongoro
2027 rates on request
This 10 day SkySafari will see you embark on a journey from the lush farmlands of northeast Tanzania to the sweeping golden plains of the north. Along the way, experience…
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Questions
How long do I need in the Ngorongoro Crater?
One full day on the crater floor is enough for most people, with an early start to beat the crowds. Add a night or two in the highlands or at Ndutu if you want more than the crater.
Can I see rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater?
Yes. The crater has a small population of black rhino and is one of the most reliable places in East Africa to see them, usually at a distance.
Where should I stay for the Ngorongoro Crater?
On the rim for the earliest start, or in the highlands and the farmland around Karatu for more space and lower rates. Ndutu camps suit the calving season.
Is Ngorongoro part of the Serengeti?
No, they are neighbours. Ngorongoro is a conservation area where Maasai herders live with the wildlife, and the migration moves between its Ndutu plains and the Serengeti.
Plan a safari to Ngorongoro
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.