Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wildlife Conservancy

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

A UNESCO World Heritage site with a vast volcanic crater and diverse ecosystems.

Tanzania
Location
8,292 km²
Geographic Size
Dry season
Best Time to Visit

About Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania is a unique protected area in the eastern arm of the African Rift Valley. It is renowned for the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, which serves as a natural enclosure for an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and le...

When to go

Excellent
Good
Fair
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasons

June - October
Best time to go
Less rain and abundant wildlife make this the optimal time for visits.
June - September
High Season
Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
April - May
Low Season
The area experiences heavy rainfall, which might affect some activities, but the landscape is beautifully green.
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What to do

Featured Experiences

Wildlife

The area boasts an abundant and diverse array of wildlife, including many species that are easy to spot in their natural habitat.

Lion

Common

Elephant

Common

Black Rhino

Occasional

Cheetah

Rare

Hippo

Common

Hyena

Common

Leopard

Occasional

Giraffe

Occasional

Zebra

Common

Gazelle

Common

Buffalo

Common

Wildebeest

Common

Where to stay

Hotels & Lodges

Ngorongoro Lions Paw

Ngorongoro Lions Paw

4.7
Lodge
Luxury
Gibb's Farm

Gibb's Farm

4.7
Lodge
Luxury
Lemala Ngorongoro

Lemala Ngorongoro

4.3
Tented Camp
Luxury
View all hotels & lodges

Related destinations

Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Loduare Gate
Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Seneto Gate
Tanzania

What to know

Safety & Vaccinations
Travelling to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is generally safe, but visitors should take precautions against malaria and ensure they have travel insurance. Vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A, and typhoid are recommended. Always follow local guidance and park rules to ensure your safety, especially when encountering wildlife.
For more information regarding vaccinations and health notices, view the CDC’s page :
CDC Travelers' Health
CDC Travel health notices and vaccination recommendations
Getting There
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is most commonly accessed via Arusha, Tanzania. Visitors can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and then take a vehicle to the conservation area. The journey from Arusha takes approximately 3-4 hours by road.
Getting Around
Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, travel is primarily by 4x4 vehicles. These vehicles are suitable for the rough terrain and allow visitors to navigate the area effectively. Guided tours are available and recommended for the best experience.
Visas
For visitors to Tanzania, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required for most foreign nationals. The eTA can be applied for online in advance of travel. Citizens of neighbouring East African Community countries and a few others are exempt from this requirement. Always check the latest visa requi...
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