Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Location

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in the Ngorongoro district, west of the town of Arusha in northern Tanzania.

Size

The size of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is 3,202 square miles, of which 102 square miles comprise the iconic Ngorongoro Crater.

History

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established in 1959 although the giant volcanic Ngorongoro Crater is believed to have formed approximately 2.5 million years ago. The conservation area is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the coveted “Big Five”.

Entrance Fees & Permits

Entry into the Ngorongoro Crater is USD 70 per person in the high season, and USD 60 per person in low season. Vehicle permits cost USD 40 per vehicle, covering a 24-hour period.

Hours of Operation

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is open between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily.

How to Get There

By Road

Arusha is the nearest town, approximately 110 miles away—about a two-hour drive through the town of Karatu. Visitors enter through the Lodare Gate near Karatu. Safari-goers coming from the Serengeti can access the Ngorongoro Conservation Area through the Naabi Hill Gate, travelling on gravel roads ideal for wildlife viewing.

By Air

The nearest airports are Arusha International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport, with road transfers required thereafter. Chartered flights to an airstrip at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater are also available.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The area enjoys mild temperatures, with short rains in October and November and longer rains from March to May. Days are mild while nights in the crater can be chilly. July and August are the best months for game viewing due to dry conditions.

Avoiding Crowds

To avoid crowds, consider visiting outside of the peak season months of June to August. Travel in September or early October before the short rains for dry conditions and better accommodation availability.

Value for Money

Lodging ranges from USD 300 to USD 1000 per person sharing, depending on proximity to the crater. Staying further from the crater offers more affordable options. Day trips are available, allowing access to wildlife without high accommodation costs.

Wildlife and Landscape

Popular Wildlife Sightings

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is rich in biodiversity with over 500 recorded bird species. Lake Magadi is famously dotted with pink flamingos, and the wildebeest calving season from December to March sees mass migrations into the region.

The Terrain

The area includes grasslands, savannas, and forested woodlands near the Ngorongoro Crater rim. It is part of the larger ecosystem that includes Serengeti National Park and the Great Rift Valley.

Experiences

Game Drives

Explore the wildlife in open or enclosed 4×4 vehicles—perfect for observing the Big Five and other unique species in the area.

Guided Walking Safaris

Enjoy guided walking safaris ranging from short excursions to longer treks through the Great Rift Valley and Olkarrien Gorge, always accompanied by experienced guides.

Plan your Ngorongoro adventure today with Adventure In The Wild Safaris—your expert partner for unforgettable wildlife experiences in Tanzania.