Ngorongoro Crater Park

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in northern Tanzania and covers a vast landscape extending from the Serengeti plains towards the Great Rift Valley. Established in 1959 as a multiple land-use area, the conservation area is home to wildlife alongside semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists who continue traditional livestock grazing. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional natural, cultural and archaeological importance. The landscape changes considerably across the conservation area, from highland forests and open grasslands to savannah woodlands, volcanic craters, mountains, wetlands and plains. This variety creates habitats for a wide range of wildlife and provides visitors with different experiences beyond the famous crater. The Ngorongoro Crater remains the area's most famous attraction. The world's largest unbroken caldera provides a dramatic setting for wildlife viewing, with grasslands, wetlands and Lake Magadi supporting a high concentration of animals. However, the conservation area extends well beyond the crater. Visitors can also discover Empakaai Crater, Olmoti Crater, Ndutu Plains, Gol Mountains and Sale Plains, Nasera Rock, Olkarien Gorge and Lolmalasin Mountain.

Wildlife, Migration and Safari Experiences at Ngorongoro Crater Park.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports an impressive variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, black rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. Other species include cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, elands, gazelles, hippos, baboons and other antelope species. The wider conservation area is also part of the Serengeti ecosystem and supports seasonal movements of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles. The northern plains, including areas around Ndutu and the Gol Mountains and Sale Plains, can become particularly important for migratory wildlife during suitable seasonal conditions. With Samton Safaris, visitors experience game drives in several parts of the conservation area, including Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu Plains, Sale Plains, Gol Mountains, Nasera Rock, Embulbul and Olkarien Gorge. This gives visitors opportunities to explore different habitats rather than limiting the safari experience to the crater floor. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on animal movements, season, weather, vegetation and local conditions.

Craters, Hiking and Outdoor Adventures at Ngorongoro Crater Park.

Ngorongoro is also a destination for visitors who want to experience its landscapes on foot. The NCAA offers walking safaris and guided nature walks across different areas of the conservation area, including the crater rim, Empakaai Crater, Olmoti Crater, Mount Makarot, Mount Lolmalasin, Ndutu, Nasera Rock, Gol Mountains, Olkarien Gorge, Olduvai Gorge and Endoro Waterfalls. Empakaai Crater offers a different experience from Ngorongoro Crater, with a crater lake surrounded by steep forested slopes. Olmoti Crater provides another opportunity to explore the volcanic highlands and their natural scenery. Visitors can also discover attractions such as Endoro Waterfalls, Endoro Elephant Caves, Nasera Rock and Olkarien Gorge, depending on the activities included in their itinerary.

Experience culture, Archaeology and Birdwatching at Ngorongoro Crater Park.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is distinctive because wildlife conservation takes place alongside living human cultures. Visitors can learn about the traditions and livelihoods of Maasai, Datoga and Hadzabe communities through designated cultural experiences. Maasai cultural tours can include visits to designated bomas where visitors learn about traditional ways of life. The conservation area is equally significant for understanding human history. Olduvai Gorge, Laetoli Footprints, Mumba Caves and Engaruka Ruins are among the archaeological and historical attractions found within the wider area. Laetoli is particularly significant for its fossilised footprints dating back approximately 3.6 million years, while Olduvai Gorge has produced important evidence relating to human evolution. Birdwatchers can explore more than 550 bird species across the conservation area. Its combination of grasslands, forests, lakes, marshes and highlands supports both resident and migratory birds. Lake Magadi in Ngorongoro Crater can attract thousands of lesser flamingos and other waterbirds under suitable conditions giving a spectacular view for visitors.

Book your Ngorongoro Conservation Area safari with Samton Safaris and discover a destination combining wildlife, volcanic landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, birdlife and vibrant local cultures. From the Ngorongoro Crater and Ndutu Plains to Empakaai Crater, Olduvai Gorge and Maasai cultural experiences, Samton Safaris can help you build a Tanzania itinerary around the experiences that interest you most.