Ngorongoro Conservation Area Voyage Tips and guide

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a park and UNESCO World Heritage site in Northeast Tanzania. It contains an old volcano that has collapsed and formed a crater (caldera). The steep sides of the crater have become a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife.

The Ngorongoro highlands were formed millions of years ago by massive volcanic activity, creating a chain of craters and fertile slopes that today support rich wildlife and Maasai communities. For centuries, the Maasai lived as semi-nomadic pastoralists in the region, coexisting with wildlife under communal land traditions.

Scientific interest in Ngorongoro began in the early 20th century, but global recognition came later through the work of Louis and Mary Leakey, whose excavations in Olduvai Gorge revealed early hominin fossils dating back nearly 2 million years. These discoveries—including Homo habilis and early stone tools—helped shape modern understanding of human evolution and cemented Ngorongoro’s reputation as “the cradle of humanity.”

The area was declared a conservation area in 1959, distinct from Serengeti National Park, in order to protect wildlife while allowing the Maasai to maintain traditional grazing practices. In 1979, UNESCO added the entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural significance.

Today, it remains a rare protected area where wildlife, archaeology, and Indigenous culture coexist, though balancing conservation and Maasai livelihoods continues to be an ongoing challenge.

The Ngorongoro Crater is geologically speaking not a crater, but a collapsed volcano. It is a natural "utopia" for East African wildlife, and thus is rich in a wide diversity of animals. Roughly 100 square miles (260 km²) of savanna is completely encircled by a mountainous ring which is covered in dense jungle. Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, with a diameter of roughly 21 kilometers. The walls of the crater rise on average 600 meters above the floor. The rim of the crater is approximately 2 200 meters above sea level.

The Ngorongoro Crater is located in a highland area, called the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, and is the largest of three major craters/calderas in this area; the other two are Empakai Crater and Olmoti Crater.

Lions are in the highest density in the world in the crater, so there is a good chance of seeing them. There are herds of wildebeest, zebra, and a lot of buffalo and Grants' gazelles too. This is one of the best places in East Africa to see a Black Rhino. Hippos and flamingos are seen in Lake Magadi. Hyenas are a common predator, and cheetahs are frequently seen. Leopards are in the conservation area but rarely seen, along with Wild Dogs. The crater is a special protection area for rhinos.

Ngorongoro Crater is, due to its altitude, a lot cooler than most areas in northern Tanzania. The rim of the crater experience chilly nights and mornings, especially between May and August and temperatures are moderated through out the year. The floor of the crater can on days with little wind become quite hot in the afternoons, especially in the hot months between October and March. The Ngorongoro Crater has distinct dry and rainy season with the rainy season being from mid-November to mid-May, but a slightly drier period in January and February and the dry season between mid-May and mid-November. The dry season is not entirely dry however, rain does occur. Due to rain patterns in East Africa, where rain mostly comes from the east, there is actually quite a significant difference between the eastern and the western, outer, slopes of the crater, with the western side being noticeably drier. The eastern side is dominated by forests and quite dense vegetation where as the slopes on the western side of the crater is open and quite dry savannah.

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Map of Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Most people come to Ngorongoro from Arusha on organized safaris. It is, however, cheaper to organize a safari from Karatu, a town 10 km from the gates. Here you can organize a safari with an independent driver. If using an independent driver, the profit will go to an individual Tanzanian instead of a larger safari company, however these vehicles are less reliable and are known to have parts fall off while driving around the crater. That can add or detract from your experience, depending on what you're looking for.

For foreigners:

• US$70.80 per person/day.
• US$295 per car/day (not a car full of people, just the car.)

No credit cards or cash are accepted, payment by prepaid TANAPA card only.

For Tanzanians it's Tsh 15,000 per day. Most of the locals believe that the bulk of the park fees go into pockets.

• -2.9833335.351 Olduvai Gorge. One of the most important sites for the investigation of human evolution and adaptive technology. There is a small museum with a collection that includes two million year old fossils and stone tools found in the gorge.  
• -2.91335.842 Empakaai Crater. This extraordinary caldera (collapsed volcano) consists of a ring of cliffs encircling, some 300 m below, a salt lake around 6 km across. Its colours range from vivid turquoise to sparkling marine to pewter, depending on the time of day and the mood of the cloudscape.  
• -3.019935.65873 Olmoti Crater. Beautiful landscape for a hiking safari. Olmoti Craters’s floor is shallow and covered with tussocks of grass. Besides the Maasai and their livestock you can sometimes see eland, buffalo and reedbuck.  
• -2.76361135.9144444 Ol Doinyo Lengai. is an active volcano located northeast outside the park. It's a long and difficult drive to reach it.  

• -2.651535.85851 Hiking (close to Lake Natron Camp Site). Scenic hike in a canyon of a stream leading in to Lake Natron. Go and return to a small waterfall which you can dive through into a hidden cave. Guide is required. (updated Jul 2016)

There are no major shops inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), but small gate kiosks at Loduare Gate and Naabi Hill Gate sell bottled water, snacks, postcards, hats, and basic supplies. Prices are higher than in Arusha or Karatu, so most travelers stock up before entering.

A number of lodges have small curio shops selling Maasai beadwork, shukas, carved wooden animals, woven baskets, jewelry, batik fabrics, and books on wildlife and archaeology. These are convenient but more expensive than village markets.

For better prices and wider selection, visit the Karatu markets before or after your visit. This includes textiles, Maasai souvenirs, spices, coffee, tea, and practical goods.

ATMs are not available inside the NCA. The last reliable ATMs are in Karatu and Arusha.

Most meals in Ngorongoro are taken at lodges, tented camps, or picnic sites. There are no public restaurants inside the crater or the wider conservation area.

Lodges offer buffets or plated meals featuring a mixture of international and Tanzanian cuisine—grilled meats, stews, vegetables, rice, chapati, soups, and desserts. High-end lodges often include multi-course dinners and fresh produce.

For day trips into the crater, lodges prepare packed lunches, usually including sandwiches, chicken, fruit, boiled eggs, pastries, and juice.

Outside the NCA, Karatu has a variety of restaurants and cafés offering local dishes (ugali, nyama choma, banana stew) as well as Western-style meals.

Safe drinking water is provided at lodges (bottled or filtered), but tap water should not be consumed. Always bring at least 1–2 liters on crater game drives, as temperatures can rise rapidly in the caldera.

Soft drinks, bottled water, and juices are available at gate shops and lodge bars. Popular Tanzanian beers include Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Safari Lager. Many lodges offer wine and cocktails, especially at sunset viewpoints.

Non-alcoholic options include fresh fruit juices, local chai, and Tanzanian coffee. Alcohol is not permitted during crater descent.

Accommodation in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area ranges from crater-rim luxury lodges to mid-range tented camps, budget campsites, and special wilderness camps. Staying on the rim provides unmatched views but comes with higher prices and colder temperatures.

• Crater Rim Lodges: Offer unmatched sunrise views into the crater. These include luxury properties with fireplaces, gourmet meals, and high-end service. They are the closest to the crater descent road, making early-morning game drives convenient.
• Tented Camps (inside the NCA): Semi-permanent or seasonal camps located along the crater slopes or in remote parts of the conservation area. They offer a more intimate safari experience with comfortable tents, hot bucket showers, and full-board dining.

• Karatu Lodges (outside the NCA): A more affordable base, located 20–40 minutes from the gate. Options range from boutique eco-lodges to simple guesthouses. Ideal for travelers combining Ngorongoro with Lake Manyara or the coffee farms of the highlands.

Camping is allowed only at designated NCA campsites, which range from basic public sites to special camps reserved for tour groups.

• Public Campsites: Offer simple facilities such as shared toilets, basic washing areas, and limited lighting. Popular sites include Simba A (on the crater rim) and Simba B.
• Special Campsites: Private-use wilderness sites that must be booked in advance. No infrastructure—visitors must be fully self-sufficient. Used primarily by safari operators on mobile camp itineraries.

Night temperatures on the crater rim can be very cold; warm clothing and good sleeping gear are essential.

Backcountry camping—not in official campsites—is not permitted in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This rule exists to protect wildlife, Maasai grazing lands, and the archaeological heritage of the region.

However, mobile tented camps that operate under special NCA permits set up temporary wilderness-style accommodations in designated zones. These are run by licensed safari companies only.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is generally safe for visitors, but its wildlife, steep terrain, and high-altitude environment require caution.

Wildlife is abundant, and animals—including lions, elephants, and buffaloes—freely roam through much of the conservation area. Never leave your vehicle during game drives except at designated viewpoints or picnic sites. Follow guide instructions closely during crater descents, as visibility can change quickly and predators often rest near the roads.

Temperatures on the crater rim can be cold and windy, especially in the early morning and at night. Pack warm clothing, gloves, hats, and layers. Inside the crater, temperatures rise rapidly by midday, so bring water and sun protection.

The crater descent and ascent roads are steep, narrow, and occasionally slippery during the rainy seasons. Only 4×4 vehicles are permitted, and driving conditions become hazardous in heavy rain or fog. Always stay on authorized roads.

Altitude can affect some visitors. The crater rim sits around 2,200–2,400 m, which can cause mild headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Take your time, drink water, and avoid strenuous activity if you feel unwell.

Mosquitoes are present at lower elevations and in the camps. Use repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under a mosquito net. Malaria prophylaxis should be discussed with your doctor before travel.

Lodges and camps inside the NCA are often unfenced, meaning wildlife may pass through at night. Always request an escort when walking after dark and stay inside your room or tent once settled for the evening.

Crime inside the NCA is extremely rare, but as in all travel, keep valuables secure and avoid leaving belongings visible in vehicles, especially at busy gates and viewpoints.

• Serengeti National Park. Continue west into one of the world’s most famous parks, home to the Great Migration, big cats, and endless savanna.
• Lake Manyara National Park. A short drive south, known for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and lush groundwater forests.
• Tarangire National Park. South of Manyara, famous for massive elephant herds, baobab trees, and superb dry-season wildlife.
• Olduvai Gorge. Within the wider conservation area, this world-renowned archaeological site offers a museum and guided tours explaining early human evolution.
• Arusha. The main safari hub of northern Tanzania, ideal for resting, resupplying, and arranging onward travel.
• Karatu. A charming highlands town just outside the NCA gates, with coffee farms, craft shops, and good mid-range lodging.
• Lake Eyasi. A cultural destination offering visits with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga blacksmiths.

• Lake Natron. A remote, starkly beautiful landscape of flamingos, volcanic formations, and the sacred volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.