The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

is one of East Africa’s most stunning natural landscapes and a must-visit on any Northern Tanzania safari. Home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views and an extraordinary concentration of wildlife — making it one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five.

While its beauty draws large numbers of visitors, especially during peak season, a 2-night stay is often recommended before continuing to quieter and more remote destinations like the Serengeti.

Wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is often regarded as the best place in Tanzania to see The Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — all in one place. It’s especially notable for:

• A healthy population of black rhino

• Some of Africa’s largest tusker elephants

• Strong numbers of lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas

• Large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo

You may also encounter cheetahs, serval cats, jackals, flamingos, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, bat-eared foxes, and over 400 species of birds. Despite the Crater’s relatively small size, it offers one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in all of Africa.

Safari Activities

Within the Ngorongoro Crater, activities are limited to game drives due to conservation rules. There are designated picnic areas where visitors can step out of the vehicle, but otherwise, exploring is vehicle-based.

In the broader Ngorongoro Conservation Area, however, there’s more flexibility. Activities include:

• Guided nature walks and treks

• Visits to the Olduvai Gorge (a key site in human evolutionary history)

• Cultural tours to meet the Maasai people and other local tribes

Where to Stay

You have two main options when visiting Ngorongoro: stay on the Crater rim or in the nearby town of Karatu.

Crater Rim

Staying on the rim offers unparalleled views into the Crater and quick access for early morning game drives. However, accommodations here tend to be larger lodges and may be busier.

• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – A world-class luxury lodge (high-end budget)

• Serena Lodge and Sopa Lodge – More affordable with equally great views, though facilities are larger and more traditional

Karatu Area

Located just outside the Conservation Area in the Ngorongoro Highlands, Karatu offers smaller, more intimate lodges — often surrounded by coffee farms and forest. Though they lack crater views, they offer better value, fewer crowds, and activities like walking and cycling.

Top recommendations include:

• Gibbs Farm

• Plantation Lodge

• The Manor