Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most impressive areas in Africa. With an environment consisting of volcanoes, gorges, grasslands, mountain forests, lakes and waterfalls together with a rich history of humanity and wildlife it is often called the 8th wonder of the world. It is the only protected area where human habitation is allowed within its territories. Just outside the crater’s ridge Massai shepherds water their cattle and goats living alongside the wildlife as they used to do for centuries. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been declared a UNESCO world Heritage Site since 1978.

The Ngorongoro crater is the most attractive and famous feature of the NCA. It is the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. It measures about 16-19km in diameter, with walls of 400-610m in height and as it is watered all year round, it provides shelter for more than 25000 animals. Large herds of zebras, wildebeests and all the “big five” are present in the crater rim including the nearly extinct black rhino. The crater floor consists of mainly open grassy plains with water lakes, swamps and acacia woodlands.

For your accommodation there are several lodges and public camps with fabulous views of the crater rim.

However the greater Conservation Area has a lot more to offer. Its natural features include Olduvai Gorge, Olmoti Crater and Empakaai Craters, the Gol Mountains, Mount Lolmalasin (3rd highest in Tanzania), Lake Ndutu, Lake Natron and Ol’Doinyo Lengai to the north.

The best way to explore the Ngorongoro Highlands is on foot. This little-visited wilderness with its tropical highlands peppered with Maasai villages is pure Africa.
In our Activities section you will find extended information for trekking in this area.

If you are interested in paleontology, you should not miss a visit to the world famous Olduvai Gorge, to see valuable fossil remains of early hominids including Australopithecus and Homo habilis as well as fossil bones of many extinct animals.

Have a look at our Ngorongoro itineraries. A safari to the Ngorongoro Crater is well- combined with other parks of the northern circuit. Grab the opportunity to trek on one of the many trails at the Ngorongoro Highlands. A few hours or one day trekking close to the crater can be easily arranged and combined with your 4X4 safari. For a more interesting 10 day hike to less visited natural landscapes, we need to make special arrangements as it involves bush camping and local Massai guides.

As there are numerous opportunities for exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we will be happy to help you find and arrange an itinerary that fulfills your wishes.