Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A Natural Wonder

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.

Natural Wonder: Ngorongoro Crater

The famous Ngorongoro Crater is the main feature of this area. Two to three million years ago, the large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. As a result, the crater formed, creating a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of vegetation.

Today, the crater is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. It is inhabited by zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches, and hippos. The crater also supports a high population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and leopards. One of the big attractions of the Ngorongoro Crater is, of course, the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. You can spot all of them in this 20-kilometer (12.5 miles) wide and 600-meter (2,000 feet) deep crater. Enjoy the variety of animals and the beautiful landscapes. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are incredible. Because of its natural beauty, the crater is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

Maasai Tribe

During your safari, it is also possible to visit the Maasai tribe. They are allowed to let their livestock graze in this area. If you want to learn more about the lifestyle and rituals of this fascinating tribe, we recommend you book a Maasai Tour.

Would you like to incorporate Ngorongoro Crater into your itinerary? Check our Tanzania safaris for inspiration or contact us for personalized advice.

Excursions and Activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Mountain bike tour at Lake Manyara
• Visit Maasai village
• Visit Hadzabe tribe
• Cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu

Travel Time to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 3 hours
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park: 2 hours’ drive
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Lake Manyara: 1 hour drive
• Ngorongoro to Tarangire: 2 hours’ drive