Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Africa's Eden, where nature, wildlife, and humanity coexist harmoniously. Home to the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, 25,000 large animals, and the cradle of mankind at Olduvai Gorge.

Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region

Africa's Eden, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area stretches across an area of 8,300 sq. km. It's one of the only places on our planet where nature, wildlife, and humanity coexist harmoniously. This protected area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's located in the Ngorongoro District.

The NCA is named after the Ngorongoro Crater, a huge volcanic caldera within the area's premises. Going back almost 2.5 million years ago, the calderas in the NCA were formed after major eruptions. A once-active volcano erupted so fiercely that it caused an explosion, creating what we now refer to as the largest intact caldera in the world.

The land inside the area is multi-purposeful, providing a haven for wildlife as well as humans. It serves as a way to advance human development without leaving footprints on natural resources. In the modern era, the land of the NCA is the only conservation area across Tanzania that helps in wildlife conservation as well as allowing human habitation.

Some fossil pieces of evidence were found in the Olduvai Gorge showing that hominid species were occupying the area for 3 million years. The name was given by the Maasai pastoralists and it resembles the sound a cowbell makes. Ngorongoro means 'big hole' in English. If the volcanic eruption hadn't happened then, the Crater could have been as tall as Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is easily accessible. You'll have a couple of options to choose from – by road or by air.

The NCA is about 180 km from the town of Arusha. There's a paved road connecting the NCA and Arusha which enters the area through the Loduare Gate. The gate is about 30 km from the town of Karatu.

Another option is driving from Serengeti National Park. There's a good gravel road through the Naabi Hill Gate.

Flying into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is by far the most convenient option. You can get to NCA by charter plane. An airstrip is situated on the rim of the crater close to the headquarters.

This is the southernmost gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It's one of the most popular gates for visitors because of its proximity to the town of Arusha. The gate is located close to the hippo pools and Lake Magadi. Opening hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

This gate is the main access point for the Western Corridor region. Located around 145 km from the Seronera region. This gate is also the administrative checkpoint and has the offices of both the Tanzania National Park Authority and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, last entry 4:00 pm.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area experiences a mild, temperate climate. Generally, there are two wet seasons: short rains (October to November) and long rains (March to May).

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Conservation Area is excellent throughout the year. The vegetation of the crater floor is shortest in the dry season, making spotting wildlife easier. The spectacular landscapes in the wet season are some of the best you'll ever see.

January is the breeding season or mass calving season in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Nearly 8,000 newborn babies are born each day. Right after birth, these calves can be seen running around the grasslands, but face challenges from predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Mothers form protective barricades while moving in herds.