The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a vast protected area (8.300 sq km) of several volcanic mountains and craters within the Great Rift Valley; it stretches from Lake Natron in the northeast to Lake Eyasi in the south, Lake Manyara in the east and famous Serengeti National Park on the west.

The area is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). The focus is on balancing the needs of the wildlife, the local Maasai people and their domestic stock, the general natural environment, and to control the effects of tourism on the area. This amazing area comprises archaeological sites, extinct and active volcanoes, breathtaking mountains, forests, vast lakes and magnificent wildlife. Due to the varying topography, altitude varies from under 1.500m to 3.648m, and hence climate, a wide scope of habitats are found here including dense montane forests, grassy plains with both fresh and salty water lakes, swamps, undulating plains covered in grass and upland woodlands consisting mainly of Acacia tree species.

The main attractions include »the eight wonder of the world« and »the natural Zoo«, the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the archeological site of Olduvai Gorge, East Africa’s only active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and Maasai tribe. The famous »Serengeti Plains«, where the greatest concentrations of mammals and the spectacular »Great Migration« take place from, are shared between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park.

Until 1959, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was a part of the Serengeti National Park. Out of consideration to the local Maasai who lived in the area for centuries, its status was changed to the conservation area; now both, the wildlife and the Maasai rights are protected. Maasai are allowed to lead their cattle into the crater to water, but they can not stay inside permanently; the cattle must leave the crater on the same day.

On the southern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at Lake Eyasi, the Haadzabe tribe or »the real Bushmen« live.

Activities
Game viewing and Bird-watching in the Ngorongoro Crater, Walking safaris/Trekking in the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, Cultural Tourism (Maasai, Haadzabe), archeological findings at Olduvai Gorge.

Have a look at our Safari Tours and Trekking Tours!
And for more photos, take a look at our Photo Gallery!

Map of the Area

When to go
All year round.

Accommodation
Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area there are five up-market lodges, a public and a number of special campsites. Additional campsites and middle-range accommodation are available in Karatu town. Have a look at some of the Safari Accommodation.

Getting there
A drive from Arusha (5h), Lake Manyara or Tarangire (2h) or a flight from Arusha (1h).