Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Conservation Area At 19km wide and with a surface of 264 sq km, Ngorongoro is one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world that isn’t a lake. Its steep walls soar 400m to 610m and provide the setting for an incredible natural drama, as prey and predators graze and stalk their way around the open grasslands, swamps and acacia woodland on the crater floor. It's such an impressive sight that, other vehicles aside, you'll wonder whether you've descended into a wildlife paradise.

Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro
Your trip of a lifetime

Bespoke Experiences

Intimate, extraordinary and exclusive, every trip is unique. From top safari destinations to off-the-beaten-track experiences,

Month-by-month guide

When to visit


  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

There are two main seasons in the crater – the dry season and the wet season. The dry season from June to October is generally the most popular time to visit the Crater. During this time there is less rain and the grass cover is short making wildlife viewing and wildlife photography easier. Wildlife frequents the lakes and watering holes making it easier to spot them. It is not unusual to see leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant all in one day. Clear skies mean you will experience clear views over the crater. You will however find the most visitors in the park from July to September making this a very busy time in the crater.

The best time for seeing as many animals as possible is May or June to October, because the grass is shorter. The vegetation is much drier and browner in the dry season, so the crater overall isn’t as attractive during this season. Elephants also tend to leave the crater in the dry season. Temperatures are fairly manageable throughout the year, with a summer average of 18.6° C and a winter average of 14.5° C, so at no time of the year will you melt or freeze

Activity 01

Game Drive

Having an abundance of flora and fauna, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is undoubtedly the best tourist destination you will ever discover. The Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve, is home to spectacular volcanic craters, landscapes, and an array of wildlife species. Game drive destinations within NCA are the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu Plains, Sale Plains, Gol Mountains, Nasera Rock, Embulbul, and Olkarien Gorge. A gradual descent into the Ngorongoro Crater through a lush highland forest, provides countless opportunities to spot magnificent birdlife among various tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor, you may encounter a wide range of grazing herbivores, as well as predators drawn to the plentiful supply of prey.

Activity 02

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS

Archaeology in the Ngorongoro Conservation area is well-justified. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are tremendous opportunities provided by numerous archaeological sites visited for the purposes of learning, researching, or solely for leisure in the NCA. The site comprises the world’s best archaeological locations with prehistoric remains, preserved materials and some interesting information that are worthy of researching, learning, and exploring more about. The Archaeological sites in the Ngorongoro Conservation Are include the World’s famous Olduvai Gorge, Laetoli Footprints, Engaresero Footprints (hosting traces of the ancient hominid), Mumba Caves and Engaruka.

Activity 03

CULTURAL TOURS

A cultural tour in Ngorongoro Conservation Area is yet another iconic activity you don’t want to miss. It provides room to learn and experience the lifestyle of the most famous and ancient ethnic groups; Hadzabe Datoga and the Maasai. The most prominent being the Maasai people who migrated southeast from the Nile area in the 18th century. The Datoga are pastoralists. The Hadzabe Tribe are an indigenous ethnic group residing near Lake Eyasi. They are hunter-gatherers with a population of less than 1000 and famously known for their absolutely unique lifestyle compared to any other ethnic group in the area.

Activity 04

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is perhaps one of the most photographer-friendly destinations in the world. From its dense woodlands, grassland plains, craters, high and low lands, pre-historic sites, and waterfalls, the Ngorongoro provides a great deal of opportunities for photographic safaris – creating lasting memories.

Other Places you can visit

Start your unique journey

HOW TO BOOK

At offthebeathen, we like to make things easy for you. Browse our website for inspiration or pick up the phone. Whether you’re full of ideas or unsure of where to start, we’re here to help. Serial safari-goer or first-time visitor, we’re ready to create your ultimate tailormade itinerary.

How to book 3 x2

Connect

Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.

How to book 3 x2

Customise

Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 24 hours to start designing your bespoke itinerary.

How to book 3 x2

Confirm

We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.

How to book 3 x2

Travel

Receive your beathen travel documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime!