With Its Animal Packed Ngorongoro Crater!

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

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WELCOME TO THE NATURAL AND ECOLOGICAL MARVEL

Ngorongoro Conservation Area ranks among some of Tanzania’s must-see destinations, with more than 25,000 animals & hundreds of bird species living with semi-nomadic Maasai tribes

When going for a Tanzania safari, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated to the west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands. To the northwest, it connects Serengeti National Park, and to the south and west are volcanic highlands that is Ngorongoro Crater. Southern and eastern borders run along the Great Rift Valley.

Formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, the crater is a natural enclosure providing stunning sights, and with a wide variety of flora and fauna that will definitely blow your mind away. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a natural and ecological marvel.

«How did the hippopotamus find its way up into the Crater Highlands, to blunder into the water of Ngorongoro? Today one sees them there with wonder, encircled by steep walls.» Peter Matthiessen, naturalist, in the book "The tree where man was born"

This 19km wide crater is one of the largest calderas in the world. What’s unique about a Ngorongoro Crater tour is that the crater is not a lake- and that is extremely rare. The walls of the caldera rise up over 400-600m, providing a stunning and protected enclosure for nature drama to occur.

SIZE: 8,292 kmq; the crater is 260 square kilometers, 610 meters deep

LOCATION: Northern Tanzania

CRATER SIZE: 260 sq.km of surface

CRATER DIAMETER: 22.5 Km

Get to Know the Ngorongoro Conservation Area! The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's supreme geological features. Our Ngorongoro Safari Packages are like the spots the best of wildlife sightseeing. Suricata Safaris will tailor-make your trip to suit your individual needs rather than simply asking you to choose. Contact us today, we'll take care of all of that for you.

Our Travellers Says

Breathing in the pure air of the African highlands, it went to my head like wine, I was all the time slightly drunk with it.

Wildlife Of Ngorongoro

A shortlist of the “most wanted” animals in the Ngorongoro Conversation Area and in the Crater, including the chances of spotting them. Some animals are unique to each park or only appear in certain areas. It’s important to let us know your wildlife preferences, so we can give you the best chance of spotting your favorite animal.

The numbers listed are an estimation of how often we’ve seen these animals ourselves based on our visits. Some animals we’ve seen 100%, every time we’ve visited. However, it’s not a zoo, so there’s always a chance you miss an animal.

Feel like visiting yet?

Lion
70%
Elephant
80%
Leopard
0%
Rhino
50%
Zebra
95%
Buffalo
85%
Hippo
95%
Wildebeest
95%
Crocodile
0%
Giraffe
50%
Hyena
60%
Wild Dog
5%
Cheetah
30%

Things You Love About, And Love To Do In The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

  • The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is one of Tanzania's most popular safari destinations. This region takes its name from the Ngorongoro Crater. It is one of the world's oldest inactive volcanic calderas formed 2-3 million years ago,
  • What once was a fiery, lava strewn, hostile area is now home to 25,000 large animals, including lion, black rhino, elephant, and giraffes.

  • The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the topmost places for hiking in Tanzania, with one of the most popular routes. Here, thousands of flamingos gather in the shallows, and the views from the trail are incredible.

  • The site is of significant archaeological significance, and you can visit these sites at Oldupai Gorge and at Alaitole in the Ngarusi area.

Safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater

  • Safaris In Ngorongoro are game drives. The game drive in Ngorongoro crater is an exciting day, you can see a lot of animals very close and enjoy the crater view.

  • You can also visit a Maasai village to learn and experience Maasai culture and traditions.

  • All our Tanzania Safari Packages include a visit to the Ngorongoro crater.

  • You can also take an Ngorongoro Walking Safari with an experienced ranger up to the rim of the Western Great Rift Valley.

Best Time To Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area

  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be visited at any time during the year because even in the humid season the rains are not heavy and nature is wonderful.

  • The Best Time To Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area is from June to February if you are coming for the Great Migration. Wildlife lives at the crater year-round, which means you can visit at any time of year and still get great game viewing.

  • If you have the desire to witness the Great Migration, the best time is from late December to early March when the herds move from Central Serengeti to South Serengeti and Ndutu Area in Ngorongoro.

Accommodations In The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

There are 6 lodges along the crater rim, and 16 campsites that can be treated as the best Accommodations In Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If you stay closer to the crater, you can often be the first to arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater the following morning, allowing for the best wildlife sightings and photo opportunities.

Getting To The Ngorongoro Crater

There are two options to get to the crater. The first is to drive from Arusha to the crater, which takes about 4 hours. A common setup is to get picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport.

Note that if you have booked your safari with us, all transport will be taken care of for you.


Ngorongoro Wildlife

With more than 25,000 large animals and hundreds of bird species, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area lives up to its reputation for incredible wildlife viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle. From the crater rim, watch the herd’s journey across the base in long columns. The crater is home to some 30,000 animals as well as 500 species of bird.

Hiking In The Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater offers at least one day’s worth of Tanzania Safari, but those staying for more than a day or two can enjoy some hikes up the wall of the crater.

Spend a day on safari in the crater, pausing for a special lunch in the bush. Visitors can also hike up the Olmoti volcano, trek down to the Empakaai Crater Lake (where pink flamingos flock in the shallows).


Tanzania Is Our Home

Allow us to let you experience one of the most unique vacations you will ever have. Your eyes would glow from the beauty of the wildlife and nature of Tanzania. We also provide the possibility of visiting traditional Tanzanian villages to further your understanding. It will be an exhilarated experience!

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