Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) currently identifies over a dozen major attractions and 15 activities within the conservation area.

What is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

The NCA was established in 1959 as a multiple land-use area. the coexistence of wildlife conservation with the traditional livestock-keeping practices of semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists is the model upon which it thrives.

This makes Ngorongoro different from Tanzania’s national parks. The conservation area is not only a wildlife sanctuary reserved exclusively for animals but also for people, livestock, wildlife, archaeological sites and natural landscapes, which are all part of the wider conservation story.

The area stretches across a volcanic and geological landscape associated with the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. Ngorongoro highlands descend toward the plains of the Serengeti and volcanic craters, forests, grasslands and seasonal plains create a variety of habitats.

UNESCO recognises the area for both its natural and cultural importance, including its wildlife populations, annual migrations and extensive archaeological record.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the centrepiece of the conservation area and serves as the main attraction. This volcanic caldera forms a natural enclosure of grasslands, wetlands, woodland and water sources, creating an astonishing concentration of wildlife within its walls. The crater is one of the world’s largest intact and unfilled volcanic calderas. It covers approximately 260 sq. km, measures 19 km across, and reaches a depth of about 610 metres from the rim to the crater floor. The floor itself lies at around 1,700 metres above sea level. However, some parts of the surrounding rim rise to between approximately 2,100 and 2,400 metres.

How the Ngorongoro Crater Was Formed?

The Ngorongoro Crater is the collapsed caldera of a huge extinct volcano. Geological evidence indicates that the volcano existed in the Ngorongoro Highlands before its central structure collapsed about 2.5 million years ago at the start of the Pleistocene Epoch. Rather than being formed by an explosion that excavated a hole in the ground, the crater resulted primarily from the collapse of the volcanic cone inward after major volcanic activity. As the volcanic structure subsided, it left behind the enormous depression that forms the present-day caldera. Before its collapse, the volcano is thought to have reached a height comparable to some of East Africa’s great mountains. The exact original height is uncertain. However, the scale of the resulting caldera gives an indication of the enormous volcanic system that once occupied this part of northern Tanzania. Today, the crater is considered the world’s largest intact, unfilled volcanic caldera. Its steep walls separate the relatively enclosed crater floor from the surrounding highlands. And the volcanic geology continues to influence the area’s soils, vegetation, water systems and wildlife habitats.

The Crater Landscape

The floor of the Ngorongoro Crater is not a uniform expanse of grassland. Its relatively enclosed environment contains several interconnected habitats, including open plains, wetlands, woodland, springs, rivers and a shallow alkaline lake. Together, these habitats provide food and water for the large concentration of wildlife found inside the caldera.

Crater floor

The broad crater floor is dominated by open grassland, providing grazing for wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelles among other herbivores. Such abundance of grazing animals in turn supports predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, African painted dogs, and leopards. The openness of the floor also makes wildlife relatively easy to observe from safari vehicles, one of the reasons the crater has become one of Tanzania’s most visited wildlife destinations.

Grasslands

Short grass plains cover much of the crater floor and change in appearance according to rainfall and the availability of moisture. During wetter periods, the grasslands tend to become greener and more productive. The drier months can produce shorter, more open vegetation that makes wildlife easier to spot.

Wetlands and swamps

Wetlands occur around the crater’s water sources and form important habitats for both wildlife and birds. These areas remain greener than the surrounding grasslands and provide drinking water, feeding areas and refuge for a variety of species. The wetlands also demonstrate how water flowing from the surrounding highlands helps sustain life within the enclosed caldera.

Lake Magadi

At the centre of the crater lies Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake whose appearance and extent vary with seasonal conditions. The lake is an important habitat for waterbirds, especially flamingos. During favourable periods, large numbers of flamingos can gather around its shallow waters, adding another distinctive feature to the crater landscape. The NCAA’s Geopark describes Lake Magadi as a shallow saline lake whose depth varies seasonally and does not exceed approximately three metres.

Lerai Forest

Lerai Forest is one of the unique wooded habitats on the crater floor. It covers roughly 5 sq. km and is dominated by yellow fever trees, which are especially recognisable for their pale trunks and branches. The forest provides habitat and shelter for a range of animals, including elephants and rhinoceros, as well as birds. Its trees create a striking contrast with the surrounding open grasslands. The name Lerai comes from the Maasai name associated with the tall yellow-barked acacia trees found in the forest.

Springs and rivers

Water is one of the reasons the crater can support such a concentration of wildlife. Freshwater springs occur along the crater floor and around its edges, supplied by water moving through the surrounding volcanic landscape. Seneto Spring and Ngoitoktok Spring are among the important permanent water sources inside the crater. The NCAA’s Geopark notes that several freshwater springs eventually contribute their water toward Lake Magadi. Ngoitoktok Spring also feeds a small lake and associated wetland habitat. The Munge River is another important watercourse. It originates outside the crater at Olmoti and eventually enters the Ngorongoro caldera before draining toward Lake Magadi.

Crater walls and rim

The steep crater walls are one of Ngorongoro’s defining geographical features. From the crater floor, the walls rise hundreds of metres toward the surrounding highlands, creating the dramatic enclosed landscape seen in photographs of Ngorongoro. Vegetation changes with elevation. Parts of the rim support dense highland forest. Other sections are more open and drier. The forested slopes provide habitat for birds and mammals and form an important transition between the crater floor and the wider Ngorongoro highlands. From viewpoints along the rim, visitors can see the spectacular relationship between the crater’s enclosed floor, its surrounding walls and the broader volcanic landscape of northern Tanzania, creating one of Tanzania’s must-visit gem for a keen photographer.

Wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater

The combination of permanent water, fertile grasslands, woodland and wetlands makes the crater an important refuge for wildlife throughout the year. The crater is rich in biodiversity including the Big Five mammals which include elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and black rhinoceros as well as large numbers of wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, hippos, hyenas, warthogs among other mammals. According to NCAA’s Geopark, the crater is thought to be supporting over 25,000 animals. However, wildlife numbers naturally vary according to species, season and counting method. Black rhinoceros are among the most significant animals found in the crater. Their presence, together with the concentration of other large mammals and predators, makes the Ngorongoro crater safari an important part of Tanzania wildlife viewing. The different habitats also mean that wildlife is not distributed evenly across the crater. Grazers are often associated with the open plains, hippos congregate around water, elephants use woodland and water sources, and predators follow concentrations of prey.

Ngorongoro Crater game drives

A game drive is the principal way to explore the crater floor. Vehicles descend from the rim via zig zag roads through the surrounding highland forest and enter the open habitats below. Once on the floor, visitors can move between grasslands, wetlands, woodland and water sources following game tracks looking for different species. The enclosed geography and concentration of wildlife can make the crater particularly productive for a relatively short safari experience. The NCAA identifies the Ngorongoro Crater as its most popular game-drive destination. Its current tourism guidance also notes that the descent through the highland forest provides opportunities for bird watching for visitors before reaching the grassy crater floor. Therefore, a crater game drive combines two experiences which include the wildlife itself and the dramatic volcanic landscape in which that wildlife lives. For many, this combination is what makes Ngorongoro one of the must-visit destinations of a Northern Tanzania safari.

Beyond the Ngorongoro Crater

The name Ngorongoro is often used interchangeably with the crater. However, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is much larger than the caldera. NCA attractions include among other volcanic craters, highland forests, archaeological sites, migration plains, mountains and culturally important landscapes.

Empakai Crater

Empakai is one of the volcanic craters in the Ngorongoro highlands.  Much of its floor is occupied by a deep alkaline lake. Walking into the crater provides a unique experience from a conventional game drive. The rim also offers expansive views across the surrounding highlands and, under favourable conditions, toward distant volcanic landscapes.

Olmoti Crater

Olmoti is another volcanic crater in the highlands and is especially suited to walking experiences. The crater and surrounding landscape provide opportunities to experience the volcanic terrain on foot, including the vegetation and scenery of the highlands.

Northern Highland Forest

The highland forests form an important part of the ecological diversity of Ngorongoro. They provide habitat for wildlife and birds contributing to the landscape’s water systems. For those intending to see more than open savanna, the forests offer a different perspective on the conservation area’s ecology.

Ndutu Plains

The Ndutu Plains lie in the southern part of the wider Serengeti-Ngorongoro ecosystem and are particularly important during the annual wildebeest calving season. Ndutu extends across the boundary between the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making for particularly relevant to travellers planning a migration safari. For detailed information about the calving season and Ndutu, see our Serengeti Calving Season Guide.

Gol Mountains and Sale Plains

At the northern end of the conservation area, the Gol Mountains rise above the surrounding short-grass plains. During the rainy season, these plains attract migratory herbivores including wildebeest, zebra and gazelles. The NCAA identifies game drives and hiking among the activities available in this part of the conservation area.

Nasera Rock and Olkarien Gorge

Nasera Rock and Olkarien Gorge form another geological feature to the northern landscapes of Ngorongoro. These areas can be incorporated into experiences beyond the conventional crater game drive, especially for travellers interested in hiking, geology and photography.

Endoro Waterfalls and Elephant Caves

The Endoro area offers another opportunity to explore the highland environment away from the crater floor. Waterfalls, forest and caves contribute to the diversity of experiences available in the conservation area. The NCAA includes Endoro Waterfalls and Endoro Elephant Caves among its major attractions.

Wildlife in the Larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Wildlife viewing is not restricted to the crater. The larger conservation area encompasses grasslands, highlands, forests and northern and southern plains that support a wide range of mammals and birds. Seasonal movements of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles are an important part of the wider ecosystem. The northern plains around the Gol Mountains and Sale Plains become particularly significant during the rainy season. Ndutu is closely associated with the annual wildebeest calving period. This broader geography is important when planning a Ngorongoro Conservation Area safari. A traveller interested in the Big Five may focus on the crater, while someone interested in migration, hiking, archaeology or culture may want to explore other parts of the conservation area.

Maasai, Hadzabe and Datoga culture

People are an integral part of the Ngorongoro landscape. The conservation area is home to Maasai pastoral communities as well as Hadzabe and Datoga communities. The co-existence of wildlife conservation and traditional pastoralism is one of the characteristics that distinguishes Ngorongoro from conventional national parks. Maasai communities have long practised livestock keeping across the northern Tanzania and southern Kenya region. Their relationship with the landscape, livestock and wildlife forms an important part of the cultural character of Ngorongoro. For a broader background on Maasai history, culture and pastoralism, see our Maasai People guide. Cultural experiences in the conservation area can include visits to communities and cultural bomas, where travellers can learn about traditional homes, food, crafts, music, dance and pastoral life. The NCAA currently identifies Maasai, Hadzabe and Datoga among the cultures associated with the conservation area.

Archaeology and human origins

Ngorongoro is also one of Africa’s most important landscapes for understanding human evolution. The conservation area contains an astonishing concentration of archaeological and palaeoanthropological sites, including Olduvai Gorge, Laetoli, Engaruka and Mumba Rockshelter.

Olduvai Gorge

Research conducted in the gorge has produced fossils, stone tools among other evidence documenting different stages of human evolution and the changing environments in which early humans lived. The gorge lies within the wider Ngorongoro landscape between the highlands and Serengeti National Park. Our dedicated Olduvai Gorge archaeological site guide explores the site’s geological history, archaeological discoveries and connection with the wider Northern Tanzania safari circuit.

Laetoli footprints

The Laetoli site is famous for fossilised hominin footprints preserved in ancient volcanic ash. UNESCO identifies the footprints as evidence of early human bipedalism dating back approximately 3.6 million years during the Cenozoic Era. Together, Laetoli and Olduvai help make Ngorongoro much more than a wildlife destination. The area offers a remarkable long record of interactions between humans, animals and changing environments.

Engaruka

This archaeological landscapes in northern Tanzania preserves the remains of a large agricultural settlement and an extensive irrigation system developed in the Rift Valley landscape. As highlighted above, Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli are particularly important for understanding much earlier human evolution. Engaruka offers evidence of a much later period of settlement, farming and technological adaptation associated with Sonjo people. The ruins date mainly from the second millennium AD, with the irrigation and cultivation system developing from around the 15th century. Engneered stone-lined channels carried water from the surrounding escarpment into cultivated fields. Terraces, field boundaries among other stone structures formed a highly organised agricultural landscape. Archaeological research has identified an extensive system of irrigated and terraced fields, making Engaruka one of the largest known abandoned irrigated agricultural landscapes in East Africa.

The scale of the remains is proof of a substantial and organised farming community capable of managing water, cultivating crops and modifying the landscape on a large scale. Archaeological and geoarchaeological research has shown that the agricultural system changed over time and included the construction of stone structures that captured alluvial sediments, helping create and maintain fertile cultivation areas. Engaruka was eventually abandoned, although the precise reasons remain an important subject of archaeological research. Changes in water availability, climate, social conditions and regional patterns of movement have all been considered in explaining the site’s decline. Today, the Engaruka ruins offer visitors a chance to see a different chapter of northern Tanzania’s history. The remains of a sophisticated agricultural society that transformed a semi-arid Rift Valley landscape through irrigation and cultivation.

Mumba Rockshelter

Mumba Rockshelter lies near the northeastern shore of Lake Eyasi. The site preserves one of the most important archaeological sequences for understanding prehistoric human occupation in East Africa. The rockshelter formed beneath a large outcrop of metamorphic gneiss and contains a sedimentary sequence nearly 11 metres thick. Archaeological evidence from the deposits records human occupation extending back at least 130,000 years, making Mumba an important place for studying the Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age.

Excavations have recovered stone tools, human remains, animal remains among other archaeological evidence. The sequence records technological and cultural changes through time, including the transition from Middle Stone Age industries to Later Stone Age technologies and later occupations associated with food production.

As such, Mumba is not significant due to its age, but also due its archaeological layers which preserve evidence of changing human behaviour and technology over a very long period. The site helps researchers examine how people adapted to changing environments around the Lake Eyasi basin and how stone-tool technologies developed through successive periods. The archaeological record also extends beyond the Stone Age. Later deposits include evidence associated with pastoral and Iron Age communities, providing a long sequence through which researchers can examine the transition from hunting and gathering toward food production and animal husbandry.

Those interested in the human history of Ngorongoro, Mumba offers an important complement to Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli. Together, these sites demonstrate that the region was repeatedly occupied by different human populations over hundreds of thousands of years.

Things to do in Ngorongoro

A Ngorongoro safari can include several different types of experience.

Game drives

Game drives in the crater are the classic Ngorongoro experience, with opportunities to see the Big Five among other endangered wildlife including African wild dogs and cheetahs.

Walking and hiking

Walking experiences take visitors into parts of the highlands and other landscapes that cannot be experienced in the same way from a safari vehicle. The NCAA lists walking destinations including the crater rim, Empakaai, Olmoti, Mount Lolmalasin, Ndutu, Nasera Rock, Gol Mountains, Olkarien Gorge and Olduvai Gorge. Guided walking activities require prior arrangement and an armed ranger according to NCAA procedures.

Bird watching

The variety of grasslands, wetlands, forests and highland habitats supports over 500 species of birds. Bird watching can therefore complement a conventional wildlife safari, especially for travellers interested in the ecological diversity of the wider conservation area.

Cultural experiences

Cultural visits offer opportunities to learn about the communities living within and around the conservation area and the relationship between people, livestock and the landscape.

Archaeological tours

Those interested in human history can explore archaeological sites and museums associated with the wider Ngorongoro landscape.

Photography

The combination of crater walls, volcanic landscapes, open plains, wildlife and pastoral communities offer opportunities for landscape, wildlife and cultural photography.

Best time to visit Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro can be visited throughout the year. However, different seasons offer different experiences.

June to October

The drier months generally provide good conditions for wildlife viewing, with relatively easier movement through the landscape and clearer views.

November to December

The short rains bring fresh vegetation and greener landscapes. Migratory wildlife also begins moving into areas of the southern ecosystem.

January to March

This is an important period for the Ndutu calving season, when large numbers of wildebeest gather in the southern Serengeti-Ngorongoro ecosystem. If calving and predator activity are your priority, this period deserves special consideration.

April to May

The long rains transform the landscape with fresh vegetation and fewer visitors in some areas. Those who value green scenery, photography and a quieter safari atmosphere may find this season appealing.

Where to stay in Ngorongoro

Accommodation is available in different parts of and around the conservation area, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to campsites.

Ngorongoro Crater rim

Staying around the crater rim provides proximity to the crater and spectacular views over the caldera.

Ngorongoro Highlands

Highland accommodation is useful for those interested in combining crater visits with walking, cultural experiences and exploration of the surrounding landscapes.

Karatu

Karatu lies outside the conservation area and is an important accommodation base for those intending to visit Ngorongoro. It can also work well as part of a Northern Tanzania itinerary linking Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. More accommodation ideas across Tanzania, see our Where to Stay in Tanzania guide.

How to get to Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro forms part of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and is commonly combined with destinations such as Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Travellers arriving by international air commonly use Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by road travel toward Arusha and the Northern Circuit.

Arusha is an important starting point for overland Northern Tanzania safaris. From there, itineraries can continue toward Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti depending on the route and length of the safari.

Domestic and safari flights can also be used to connect different destinations, particularly for travellers with limited time.

Combining Ngorongoro with other Tanzania destinations

Ngorongoro works particularly well as part of a Northern Tanzania itinerary.

Ngorongoro and Serengeti

This is one of the classic Northern Circuit combinations. The two destinations offer complementary experiences: Ngorongoro provides concentrated crater wildlife and dramatic volcanic scenery, while Serengeti offers a much larger open ecosystem and the wider Great Migration experience.

Ngorongoro and Tarangire

Adding Tarangire creates a varied safari covering different landscapes and wildlife habitats.

Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara can be incorporated before or after Ngorongoro when travelling through the Northern Circuit.

Ngorongoro and Mount Kilimanjaro

Travellers combining wildlife and mountain experiences can add a Kilimanjaro climb or a shorter visit around the mountain before continuing into the safari circuit.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Frequently Asked Questions