Everything you need to know before visiting Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Planning a safari in Africa can be overwhelming. With countless parks, lodges, and wildlife hotspots, it’s hard to know where to go for the ultimate wildlife experience.
And you don’t want to waste time travelling long distances only to miss iconic wildlife or arrive at lodges far from the action, right?
Ngorongoro offers the perfect balance. The area has the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and is teeming with wildlife (including the Big Five). Keep reading to find out where Ngorongoro is, how to get there, the best places to stay, and when to visit for the ultimate safari experience.
Where is Ngorongoro?
Ngorongoro is in northern Tanzania, Africa, within the Arusha Region. The area forms part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Take a look at the map below to see where Ngorongoro is:
The NCA covers roughly 3,200 square miles (8,300 square kilometres) and encompasses a variety of landscapes, including the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, rolling highlands, volcanic ridges, and forests.
Visits to Ngorongoro are often combined with trips to nearby destinations such as Lake Manyara National Park and the Serengeti National Park. The mix of dramatic scenery and dense wildlife makes it one of the most rewarding safari destinations in East Africa.
Ngorongoro is also home to Maasai communities, who have lived alongside the wildlife for generations. The community maintains traditional pastoral lifestyles that help preserve the region’s ecological balance.
What is the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania?
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera (a large, cauldron-like depression formed when a volcano collapses into itself after an eruption).
The area is a vast, natural amphitheatre teeming with wildlife. Because the crater’s walls rise steeply around the plains, many animals live here year-round, creating an incredible density of wildlife in a relatively small area.
But Ngorongoro offers more beyond its famous crater.
Why is Ngorongoro worth visiting?
One of the main reasons Ngorongoro is worth visiting is the wildlife. The area is one of the few places where travellers can realistically see the Big Five in a single day (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo).
Massive elephants, majestic lion prides, and elusive black rhinos all roam its floor, sharing space with zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species. The surrounding highlands offer mist-covered forests, rolling green slopes, and Maasai communities who have lived alongside wildlife for generations.
How to get to Ngorongoro
Most travellers reach Ngorongoro through Arusha, the main safari hub in northern Tanzania. Here’s how that journey looks:
1. Fly into Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport
Most travellers arrive at one of these airports:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main international airport. After landing, you take a 45-minute road transfer to Arusha, where most safaris begin.
- Arusha Airport (ARK) handles regional flights. If you land here, you can start your safari drive straight from Arusha.
2. Drive from Arusha to Ngorongoro
The usual approach to Ngorongoro is a drive south-west from Arusha:
- Distance: Approximately 112 miles (180km).
- Travel time: 3.5–4.5 hours
- Road quality: The first 50 miles (80km) is on a good tar road, while the remaining road is gravel (which can be rough in places).
The route passes through Mto wa Mbu, where fuel is available, climbs the Great Rift Valley wall, and reaches the area’s entrance at Loduare Gate.
If you want to shorten the road journey, you can take a short flight from Arusha or the Serengeti to Lake Manyara Airstrip. From here, it’s a 1–1.5 hour drive to the crater rim.
Important info: Entry into the crater itself is 4x4 only. Side tracks and remote routes aren’t suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles and can be impassable in the rainy season. Avoid remote tracks unless you are with a guide!
3. Visit as part of a guided safari
The easiest and safest way to get to Ngorongoro is to join a safari experience where operators arrange some of the travel logistics for you. At Kandoo, for example, we arrange:
- Private airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your hotel in Arusha.
- Private 4×4 Ngorongoro Crater safari vehicles with a professional guide for the duration of your safari.
- Road transfers from Arusha to Tarangire National Park.
- Road transfers from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Return transfers from Ngorongoro back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
If you’re arriving at Kilimanjaro after a long-haul flight, the last thing you want to deal with is the logistical hurdle of getting to Ngorongoro. With a guided safari, you leave the heavy lifting to your tour operator. As soon as you step off the plane, you’re in safe hands.
Where to stay in Ngorongoro
There’s a wide range of Ngorongoro accommodation available, from luxury lodges perched on the crater rim to convenient mid-range hotels in nearby Karatu.
Choosing the right Ngorongoro Crater accommodation depends on your budget, desired comfort level, and how close you want to be to the wildlife.
Here are some of the top options to consider:
Crater rim lodges
Staying on the rim gives travellers the iconic experience: waking up above a vast volcanic amphitheatre. These lodges offer sweeping views, cooler temperatures, and the quickest access to the crater floor in the morning.
Best for: stunning views, comfort, minimising drive time.
What to expect: cosy rooms, fireplaces, dramatic sunsets, early game-drive access.
Ngotongoro Crater rim lodges:
- Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge. The Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is known for its spacious cottages, excellent hospitality, and a peaceful setting close to the crater.
- Ngorongoro Crater Hhando Coffee Lodge. A serene lodge set on a 15-acre coffee farm with fireplaces, private verandahs, and stunning crater views.
Highlands and forest lodges
A short drive from the crater rim, the highlands are quieter and more secluded. Visitors can enjoy views of rolling hills, coffee estates, or forests alive with birds and colobus monkeys.
Best for: peaceful stays, boutique-style lodges, cooler mountain air.
What to expect: warm hospitality, nature walks, fewer vehicles around.
Highlands and forest lodges:
- Gibbs Farm. Nestled among coffee plantations and forested slopes, the lodge offers a tranquil, family-friendly stay.
- Ngorongoro Safari Lodge. A boutique lodge with panoramic views over the highlands, warm interiors, and personalised service.
Ngorongoro campsites
For the adventurous, there are public and special campsites within the conservation area. Camping on the rim is rustic but unforgettable, with wildlife often wandering close by at night.
Best for: budget-friendly safaris, immersive nature experiences.
What to expect: basic facilities, cool nights, star-filled skies.
Ngorongoro campsites:
- Simba A Campsite. The main public campsite on the crater rim (with pit toilets and showers) is close to excellent viewpoints. You don’t need to book this campsite in advance.
- Private safari camps. These special camps in Olduvai Gorge and near Ndutu offer more comfort and privacy than public sites.
Accommodation outside the gate (Karatu Town)
Karatu sits just outside the park boundary and offers excellent mid-range and boutique properties. It’s a popular base for travellers who want comfort without paying crater-rim prices.
Best for: reliable comfort, affordability, easy access to park gates.
What to expect: spacious rooms, good food, shorter driving days between parks.
Karatu Town accommodation:
- The Highlands Hotel. Mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and a convenient location.
- Ndutu Lodge, Karatu. Boutique-style lodge offering peaceful gardens, local charm, and excellent service.
What is the best time to visit Ngorongoro?
Ngorongoro is a year-round destination, but the experience changes subtly with the seasons. Understanding these shifts helps you choose the perfect time for your journey.
Dry season (June–October)
This is peak safari time.During this period, water sources shrink, animals gather in predictable places, and visibility is excellent. The weather is cool and clear, especially on the crater rim. Travellers who prioritise big wildlife encounters should visit during this period!
Green season (November–May)
Rains transform the crater into a lush, green amphitheatre. Birdlife is exceptional, the landscapes are photogenic, and crowds thin out. Afternoon showers are common, but they don’t stick around for long. Most last 30–60 minutes, leaving the crater fresh, bright, and incredibly picturesque.
The green season is also one of the best times for photographers who want to capture rich colours, dramatic skies, and crisp, rain-washed scenery. It’s ideal for travellers who prefer quieter safari moments, too.
Top tip: Head to the Ngorongoro Crater in late Jan/Feb to have the best chance of seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles follow the rains for fresh grazing. It’s quite the spectacle, where predators are abundant and new calves are born in a spectacular display of life.
Fees, permits, and practicalities when visiting Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro is carefully protected, which means visiting requires planning. Here are some of the permits and fees you’ll need to consider before your trip.
Fun fact: If you book a safari adventure with Kandoo, we handle all the fees and permits for you!
Park Ngorongoro entry fees
All visitors pay a 24-hour conservation fee, which grants access to the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This fee supports wildlife protection, local communities, and infrastructure to support tourism.
Crater descent fee
If you want to enter the crater floor (which almost everyone does, and we definitely recommend it), there’s an additional per-vehicle fee. Only registered 4×4 vehicles with proper permits can descend via the steep crater roads.
Opening time and access rules
Ngorongoro operates on a tight schedule. Gates open early at 6am and close at 6pm, access to the crater closes at 4pm. This helps protect wildlife and reduces environmental impact. Most travellers prefer early-morning game drives, when animals are active, and the light is spectacular.
Tips for guides and accommodation
Entry fees are almost always paid electronically in advance. Within the conservation area, small purchases and tips often require cash. US dollars are widely accepted, though ATMs are scarce.
Accommodation and concession fees
Staying on or near the crater rim may involve extra concession or camping fees. Fees vary depending on the type of accommodation. For example, there’s a $35.40 (£26.60) fee for non-East African citizens when staying at a public campsite.
Prices are usually included in the total cost of the accommodation, but it’s worth asking if that’s the case to avoid any unwanted fines.
Ngorongoro FAQs
How to pronounce Ngorongoro?
Ngorongoro is pronounced “N-gor-on-gor-o”. The first “N” is lightly sounded before “gor.”
How was the Ngorongoro Crater formed?
If you’re asking yourself, “How did the Ngorongoro Crater form?”, here’s the answer:
Around two–three million years ago, a volcano erupted and collapsed in on itself. This eruption created a caldera, a huge, bowl-shaped depression. Over time, the crater became a natural habitat for wildlife, forming one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.
How big is the Ngorongoro Crater?
The crater is approximately 12 miles (19km) wide and covers about 100 square miles (260 square kilometres). It’s the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera!
How high is Ngorongoro Crater?
The crater rim sits around 7,200–7,900 ft (2,200–2,400 metres), meaning chilly evenings and crisp mornings. The crater floor is slightly warmer but still cooler than many safari destinations.
Why is Ngorongoro not a national park?
Although often referred to as “Ngorongoro Crater National Park” or “Ngorongoro National Park”, the area isn’t officially a national park. Why? Because it’s part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which has a different management model.
Unlike other national parks, the area allows Maasai communities to live and graze their livestock alongside wildlife. This makes Ngorongoro a unique blend of conservation and cultural heritage.
How far is Ngorongoro from Arusha?
Ngorongoro is roughly 112 miles (180km) from Arusha. The journey usually takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Why are giraffes not found in the Ngorongoro Crater?
Giraffes rarely enter the crater because its walls are steep and difficult to descend. Their long legs and top-heavy bodies make the journey challenging. However, they’re commonly seen on the Ngorongoro Conservation Area plains.
How many days should you spend at the Ngorongoro Crater?
Most travellers spend one or two days in the crater:
- One day on a Ngorongoro safari is enough to see the major wildlife highlights.
- Two days allow for a more relaxed pace, better photography opportunities, and a chance to explore additional viewpoints and surrounding areas.
Visit the Ngorongoro Crater with Kandoo
Ngorongoro truly is a safari destination like no other. Whether you’re hoping to spot the Big Five, enjoy breathtaking views from the crater rim, or immerse yourself in the peaceful highlands, Ngorongoro has something for every traveller.
For first-time visitors, the logistics of getting to the area, choosing the right accommodation, and planning drives into the crater is a huge undertaking. That’s where a guided safari with Kandoo can help.
From private airport transfers to expert-led 4×4 game drives, Kandoo handles the details so you can focus on what really matters: the wildlife, the scenery, and the unforgettable memories.
Let Kandoo guide you through the ultimate Ngorongoro adventure. Get in touch with the team to get the ball rolling or take a look at some of our safari trips!