Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area

What you’re looking at

Ngorongoro is what remains of a volcano that collapsed about two million years ago. The crater, or caldera, is about 19 km wide, and its walls rise roughly 600 m above the floor. Inside, the grassland, swamps, small lakes and forest patches support a large, permanent wildlife population, which means animals don’t need to migrate out.

That’s why the crater is so reliable. You can see lions, hyenas, wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, hippo and jackals in a single morning. Elephants inside the crater are mostly older bulls. It’s also one of the best places in East Africa to have a chance of seeing black rhinos.

The wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers roughly 8,300 sq km, including the Ndutu plains, Olduvai Gorge and the volcanic highlands. Maasai pastoralists live in the area alongside wildlife, and there’s continuing public debate about how many people can live in the conservation area and under what conditions.

When to go

June to October is dry and easiest, and the crater is visited year-round. During the wet months of March to May the crater floor is green and quieter, but roads can be muddy and cloud can cover the rim. The rim is cold all year.

What does it cost?

Costs add up faster here than in most Tanzanian parks. As of September 2026, an adult pays about US$82.60 per 24 hours in the conservation area, including VAT. The crater descent fee is about US$295 per vehicle, so it makes sense to share a vehicle with other guests. Rim lodges range from basic to luxurious. Some are expensive because of the views and the effort needed to build at that altitude.

How long to stay

Most itineraries include a single night on the rim and a full morning in the crater. Vehicles must leave the crater floor by early evening. Many operators aim to be at the gate by 6am. Because animals are concentrated, a half day can be enough if you’re on a tight schedule, but two mornings (with an overnight in between) would suit photographers.

Getting there

From Arusha, the drive to the crater rim is about 3.5 hours by road via Mto wa Mbu and Karatu. The road is good. The crater is on the main route from the northern circuit to the Serengeti, so it is often combined with Lake Manyara and Tarangire on the way. See our Tanzania northern circuit itinerary.

Beyond the crater

Olduvai Gorge (Oldupai), where important early human fossils have been found, has a small museum and a viewpoint. Empakaai Crater has a walking trail down to a flamingo-lined lake. For adventurous hikers, Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano that stands apart from the main crater highlands.