Ngorongoro Conservation Area safaris

The Ngorongoro Crater is a collapsed volcano whose floor holds lion, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, hippo and flamingo in one enclosed bowl, and it is one of the few places in Tanzania where black rhino are sometimes seen. The surrounding Conservation Area is shared with Maasai herders, which makes it unusual among East African parks.

How a crater day works

Vehicles descend early in the morning and spend a limited time on the floor, so an early start gives the best light and the quietest sightings. Lodges sit on the crater rim, where evenings are cool, so pack a warm layer at any time of year.

When to go

The crater is good all year because the wildlife stays put. The dry months from June to October are busiest; the green season brings lush scenery, fewer vehicles and lower lodge rates.

Ngorongoro sits between Arusha and the Serengeti, so it fits into almost every northern Tanzania route. Ask us to add it to a Serengeti or Tarangire safari.