Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans from Serengeti National Park in the north to the Great Rift Valley in the east. In total, the conservation area covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 sq. miles). It consists of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater, and Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. The mix of forests, valleys, savannahs, craters, lakes, and swamps is home to a wide range of animals.
Animals to see in Ngorongoro: Rhinos, Hippos, Lions, Grant Gazelles, Thomson Gazelles, Zebras, Wildebeests, Warthogs, Highland Antelopes, Elephants, Jackals and ostriches
Discover the Wonders of Ngorongoro Crater
The famous Ngorongoro Crater is the highlight of this area. About two to three million years ago, a massive volcano erupted and collapsed, creating the crater. This event led to the formation of a unique ecosystem with diverse vegetation.
Today, the crater boasts the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. Zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches, and hippos call this place home. Predators like lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and leopards are also found here.
One big draw of the Ngorongoro Crater is the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. You can spot all these iconic animals in this 20-kilometer (12.5 miles) wide and 600-meter (2,000 feet) deep crater.
Enjoy the variety of animals and the beautiful colors of the landscapes. The views from the crater rim overlooking the crater floor are breathtaking. Thanks to its natural beauty, the crater is recognized as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
About Ngorongoro
• Explore the unique habitat and wildlife on the Ngorongoro Crater floor in a 1-minute 22-second video.
• Discover the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands in a quick 16-second video.
• Visit Olmoti Crater and Empakaai Crater.
• Immerse yourself in a tropical rainforest through a 1-minute video.
• Explore Olduvai Gorge, the earliest known place of human existence on earth, in a 2-minute 6-second video.
• Check out the Laetoli Footprint Museum, featuring the oldest known footprints of early humans.
The Maasai Tribe
While on your safari, you can also visit the Maasai tribe, who are permitted to graze their livestock in the area. If you're interested in learning about their lifestyle and rituals, we suggest booking a Maasai Tour.
Interested in including Ngorongoro Crater in your travel plans? Check our Tanzania safaris for inspiration or contact us for personalized advice.
Explore and Enjoy Activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Take a mountain bike tour around Lake Manyara.
• Visit a Maasai village.
• Explore the Hadzabe tribe.
• Experience a cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu.