Ngorongoro Crater | Safari and Tours
Ngorongoro Crater (Conservation area)
Ngorongoro Crater was created as a result of an imploded volcano, establishing a unique caldera that stretches 20km in diameter, is home to its very own eco-system and is teeming with indigenous wildlife. Located right near the famous Serengeti National Park, it is ideally located for visitors to explore the variety of plant and animal life living within the crater walls.This is one of the most magnificent tourist destinations in Africa unparalleled in its distinguished scenic beauty, wildlife and atmosphere.
When to to Ngorongoro Crater ?
Ngorongoro truly is an all year-round destination. Because it is an space of around 20 x 20 kilometres enclosed by the beautiful and dramatic crater rim, the animals really are there the whole time. It can get very busy in the peak season months of July and August – there may be slightly less tourists there in the rainy season. However, the crater is truly astonishing to behold so we can honestly say that it will always be busy, but don’t let this stop you ticking it off your list.
Getting to Ngorongoro
The recommended point of entry is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which lies between the towns of Moshi and Arusha. The airport is located about 132.6 miles from the park’s southern entrance. There are a couple of international flight options such as KLM (daily), Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines (a couple of times per week).
Kilimanjaro International Airport also has daily connections with Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya, which offers more international flight possibilities. Additional airlines such as British Airways, Emirates and others fly into Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam (DAR).
Please note that arriving at Dar es Salaam may require an extra overnight and a domestic flight on a small regional airline with luggage restrictions.
Most travellers start their Ngorongoro safari adventure at either Kilimanjaro International Airport or bustling Arusha. From here you may either travel to your preferred lodge by means of a short transfer flight or by safari vehicle. It is also possible to combine the two and enjoy the best of both worlds!
Attractions in Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is in northern Tanzania. It’s home to the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and “big 5” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino). Huge herds of wildebeests and zebras traverse its plains during their annual migration. Livestock belonging to the semi-nomadic Maasai tribe graze alongside wild animals. Hominin fossils found in the Olduvai Gorge date back millions of years. Click below to read more about Ngorongoro.
Where to stay in Ngorongoro
The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking place, with its steep sides and vast grassland in its bowl. It provides visitors with incredible wildlife viewing in a setting about as spectacular as is physically possible. While there is no accommodation on the crater floor, there are a number of luxury lodges balanced around its rim, giving incredible views across the crater floor and providing instant access to the crater floor for day time game drives.
Browse our Top Ngorongoro Safari tours
A Ngorongoro Crater tour is usually combined with a safari in neighboring Serengeti National Park. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area protects the volcanically formed Crater Highlands, which are dotted with deep volcanic craters of which the best known, Ngorongoro, is the world’s largest intact caldera and a natural wildlife reserve with few peers.
Ngorongoro safari tours offer your best chance in Tanzania of spotting all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino) in one game drive. The crater is also notable for the spectacular scenic combination of the verdant plains of the lake-studded crater floor and imposing 600m-/1,968ft-high cliffs that enclose it on all sides.
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