Located in the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti Plain, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This protected area is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, antelopes, and buffaloes. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area, from when to go to where to stay.
Where it’s Located
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is situated in the caldera of a dormant volcano, nestled in the Serengeti Plain. The crater has an altitude of 2,200 meters and covers an area of 265 square kilometers. The area includes two smaller craters, Olmoti and Empakaai, as well as the archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge.
When to Go: Climate and Best Time Information
The climate in Ngorongoro Conservation Area is subtropical, with mild daytime temperatures and cold night temperatures. There are two main seasons: a dry season from June to September and a wet or rainy season from October to May.
- Dry Season (June to September): This is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as the temperatures are relatively lower (around 8°C), although the night temperatures can be slightly lower.
- Wet or Rainy Season (October to May): Avoid visiting during this period, particularly April, which is the wettest month of the year.
What to Bring: Clothing and Equipment Recommended
When planning your trip to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it’s essential to pack the right clothing and equipment. Here are some essentials:
- Clothing: Long pants, cotton shirts, heavy sweater, raincoat, comfortable shoes, hat, and thick sleeping bag.
- Equipment for camping: Tent, mattress, portable stove, lightweight blanket.
10 Things to See: Animals and Places of Interest
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Here are some must-see attractions:
- Sunrise on the crater’s edge: Wake up at dawn and watch the sunrise from the crater’s edge.
- Jeep ride into the volcano: Take a 30-minute jeep ride into the volcano for an unforgettable experience.
- Safari inside Ngorongoro National Park: Spot lions, elephants, leopards, antelopes, buffaloes, and rhinoceros (although rare).
- Lakes and marshes within the crater: Stay near the lakes and marshes to spot phantoms, hippos, and crocodiles.
- Birdwatching: Use binoculars and with a guide’s help, you can identify various bird species.
- Dining at one of the many excellent lodges on the crater’s rim: Enjoy an unforgettable experience at one of the many excellent lodges on the crater’s rim.
- Visiting Olduvai Gorge archaeological site: Explore the 40 km-wide depression where early human settlements were first discovered.
- Exploring Empakaai Crater: Visit this other crater included in the area.
- Visiting Ndutu region: Discover a lake, undulating grasslands, and alcaline lakes that attract flocks of phantoms and forests of acacia trees.
- Visiting Masai village: Learn about these tribes and their traditions with a guide.
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Escursions and Guided Tours in Ngorongoro National Park
Visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be expensive, but there are ways to save money:
- Daily entry fee: $78 (€71) per person.
- Vehicle permit: $297 (€270).
- Accommodation on the crater’s rim: From $20 (€17) for a basic campsite to $300 (€270) per night for a luxurious lodge.
- Food can be arranged autonomously by renting a camping stove or eaten at the lodge’s restaurant, with an average cost of $30 (€28).
Request a Personalized Quote
Click here to request a customized quote for your trip to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some answers to common questions about visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
-
How do I get there?
- There are no direct flights from Italy. The most convenient airport is in Arusha.
- From Italy, Qatar operates flights with a stopover at Doha and Kisauni (18 hours), Ethiopian with a stopover at Addis Abeba and Kisauni (17 hours), and KLM with a stopover at Amsterdam, Kilimanjaro, and Dar Es Salaam (23 hours).
-
How do I reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
-
Once you arrive in Arusha, you can reach the area by driving approximately 3 hours on asphalt road B144 – A104.
- Although it’s possible to rent an auto, it is strongly recommended not to drive inside the park without a licensed guide.
-
What time of year is best for visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
-
The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit, as the temperatures are relatively lower (around 8°C).
-
What should I pack when visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
-
Long pants, cotton shirts, heavy sweater, raincoat, comfortable shoes, hat, and thick sleeping bag.
-
Can I drive inside the park without a licensed guide?
-
No, it is strongly recommended not to drive inside the park without a licensed guide.
-
How much does it cost to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
-
Daily entry fee: $78 (€71) per person.
- Vehicle permit: $297 (€270).
-
What are some must-see attractions in Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
-
Sunrise on the crater’s edge, jeep ride into the volcano, safari inside Ngorongoro National Park, lakes and marshes within the crater, birdwatching, dining at one of the many excellent lodges on the crater’s rim, visiting Olduvai Gorge archaeological site, exploring Empakaai Crater, visiting Ndutu region, and visiting Masai village.