Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is among the top attractions in Tanzania, located in northern Tanzania, about 180 Km from Arusha town and bordering Serengeti to the north; Ngorongoro is a must visit destination. What makes the area most popular, is the mighty Ngorongoro Crater; the world largest intact caldera situated within the conservation area and is home to over 20,000 wild animals, over 350 bird species, beautiful Lake, woodland and hills. A great place for wildlife watching safari, nature excursion and leisure.
What to encounter on a normal day on Safari at Ngorongoro Crater
On the left is a distance view of the Crater and on the right is what to see at the bottom of the Crater.
The beautiful lake surrounded by wildlife.
Safari activities in Ngorongoro Crater
Some of the top end safari lodges at Ngorongoro
More hotel pictures at Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is an exceptional national Park; made up of a large spectacular bowl of about 265 km2, with sides of about 600m deep. It’s part of the Serengeti ecosystem, bordering the open plans of Serengeti National Park to the north and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that scientists believe if it were not for the eruption; it would have been the highest Mountain in Africa, high than the nearbyMount Kilimanjaro.
The Crater is home to almost every wildlife species in Africa; this include the great migration, all the Big five, over 350 bird species, large heads of elephants, zebras, gazelles, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, warthog, among many others.
Main activities at Ngorongoro Crater are centered on wildlife watching, cultural and nature walks; this is done by going on game drives within and around the Crater, nature walks down the crater and along crater rim, visiting the local Masai villages to learn about their rich culture and how they coexist with wildlife.
Ngorongoro has a wide range of accommodation, from the luxury top end safari lodges, the authentic and Eco friendly African Safari Camps, the private secluded Camps to the traditional Campsites.
The best time to spot most wildlife is on the dry season, animal are easily spotted on the open plains and near rivers or water holes in search of food and water. In Tanzania the dry season are between January-March and July-October, this is the best time to spot wildlife. April, May and November are considered to be shoulder season with lesser wildlife compared to the high season. Bird’s watching is best in October – December and the great Migration is in Tanzania between December and June.
Ngorongoro is about 180 km from Arusha and it takes about 4 hours by road or a 30 minutes via chartered flight from Arusha, most parts of the road is okay except some sections which are dirt/Murram road. The best and easiest way is taking your international flight to either Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), which is about 46km from Arusha or to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and then taking a chartered flight to Ngorongoro.
Alternatively, you can pick up a cheaper flight to Nairobi in Kenya, then take a direct chartered flight to Ngorongoro or take a shuttle bus to Arusha, then proceed to Ngorongoro.
This a three days wildlife and Landscape watching safari at Ngorongoro national reserve, this itinerary is focused on wildlife watching, Crater exploration and a short cultural tour to the local Masai Villages; it’s an adventurous tour with opportunity to watch thousands of animals, bird species and stunning landscape.
This is a 5 days safari, full of real adventure and opportunity to view 1000’s of wildlife and birds species in Tanzania; taking you through Ngorogoro Crater the home to the best natural geographical views and the famous Serengeti national reserve, the world’s best known home to the
This a seven days safari holiday, exploring the best of Serengeti National Park, Ngorogoro Crater and Lake Manyara; to watch the stunning landscapes and wildlife. It’s a great itinerary for wildlife and nature lovers, additional attractions would include passing by the Olduvai Gorge and a distant view of
This a nine days safari holiday, exploring the best of Serengeti National Park,Tarangire, Ngorogoro Crater and Lake Manyara national park; to watch the stunning landscapes and wildlife. It’s a great itinerary for wildlife and nature lovers, additional attractions would include passing by the Olduvai Gorge and a distant
This a ten days family safari and beach holiday, exploring the best of Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater; to watch the stunning landscapes and wildlife and then winding up with a few days on the beach. It’s a great itinerary for families who love wildlife,
This a twelve days safari holiday, exploring the best of Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater; to watch the stunning landscapes and wildlife, then flying to Zanzibar for a five days beach vacation. It’s a great itinerary for a combined wildlife and beach holiday; additional attractions
There are plenty of Hotels, Lodges, Tented camps and Camping sites in Ngorongoro Conservancy; accommodation ranges from top luxury 5 star hotels, private excluded bush lodges, to budgeted camping sites. Whether it’s a wildlife watching safari, nature walk safari, photography tour or birds watching safari; there is accommodation for you. Check out our recommended hotels below or contact our holiday expert to find you accommodation that suits you.
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