NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtakingly beautiful setting and the best place in East Africa to see the Big Five. It is a fantastic way to kick off your African safari adventure. As one of the world’s most astonishing and renowned natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater can become quite crowded, especially during peak seasons. Due to the crowds, we recommend a two-night stay here before moving on to the Serengeti for a quieter, more private safari experience.
Any Northern Tanzania safari should ideally include a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater: it is not only one of the most stunning natural wildlife safari sites in the world but also an exceptional location to engage with the Maasai tribe.
The Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding highlands collectively form one of Africa’s most spectacular regions. The volcanic craters provide breathtaking backdrops to some of the continent’s most fertile and productive grazing grounds. As the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, Ngorongoro boasts the highest density of big game in Africa, making it justifiably one of the continent's premier safari destinations.
How to Get to the Ngorongoro Crater | Arusha to Ngorongoro
Driving from Arusha: Depending on your party size, it might be more economical to share a private vehicle and guide from your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport until you depart from the Ngorongoro region. If you choose to drive, ensure you stay at a camp on the crater rim or a lodge about a 20-minute drive away in the Ngorongoro Highlands the night before and after your crater descent. This allows you to arrive early and avoid the peak crowds.
Flying from Arusha: If you are staying at a “fly-in” camp where your guide and vehicle are provided by the camp, you can fly into the Lake Manyara airstrip and be picked up by the camp. This option can be cost-effective for smaller groups and is often preferred for luxury camps such as Nomad’s Entamanu or The Highlands Asilia.
Ngorongoro Crater Weather - When to Go
The crater’s wildlife remains active throughout the year, so there’s no strictly “bad” time to visit. However, visiting during the low season can make for a more pleasant experience due to fewer vehicles on the crater floor. Higher water levels in Lake Magadi during the rainy season can also attract larger numbers of flamingos. Regardless of when you visit, the Ngorongoro Crater guarantees excellent safari action, and its unique micro-climate allows for enjoyable experiences year-round