Ngorongoro
Conservation Area

Summary

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife and cultural destinations. At its center lies the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, famous for its dense concentration of wildlife — including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
The crater’s enclosed ecosystem supports over 25,000 large animals, making it one of the best places in Africa for year-round game viewing. Beyond its extraordinary biodiversity, Ngorongoro offers rich cultural experiences — it is home to the Maasai people, who continue to live in harmony with the land, preserving their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle.
The area also encompasses the legendary Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site where early human fossils and tools were discovered, offering fascinating insights into our origins.
 

Best Time to Visit

• Wildlife Viewing: June to October (dry season; animals are easier to spot)

• Calving Season: January to February (many newborn animals on the crater floor)

• Bird Watching: November to April (migratory species arrive)

• Cultural Visits: Year-round (Maasai villages and heritage sites are always accessible)
   

Activities

• Game Drives in Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the crater floor for Big Five sightings

• Wildlife Photography: Capture elephants, lions, rhinos, and stunning crater views

• Cultural Visits: Meet the Maasai community and learn about their traditions

• Visit Olduvai Gorge: Discover one of the world’s most important archaeological sites

• Birdwatching: Spot flamingos, crowned cranes, ostriches, and raptors around the crater lakes