Ngorongoro Conservation Area
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
Overview
Located in the highlands of northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a place where wildlife, landscapes, and ancient cultures coexist in harmony. Covering over 8,300 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken and unflooded caldera in the world. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” it serves as a natural sanctuary for a breathtaking concentration of wildlife year-round.
Unlike traditional national parks, Ngorongoro is a multi-use conservation area where both wildlife and the Maasai people live side by side—making it a truly unique destination on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Its rich biodiversity, stunning scenery, and cultural depth offer one of Africa’s most immersive and meaningful safari experiences.
Unique Attractions in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater
At the heart of the conservation area lies the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater—a vast, bowl-shaped caldera that stretches 20 kilometers in diameter and teems with wildlife. It hosts an extraordinary variety of animals, including lions, elephants, hippos, hyenas, and the critically endangered black rhino.
Olduvai Gorge (The Cradle of Humankind)
Often dubbed the “Cradle of Mankind,” the Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites on Earth. Discover ancient fossils and stone tools, and learn how early humans lived in this very landscape nearly two million years ago.
Empakaai Crater
Hidden in the northern reaches of the conservation area, the Empakaai Crater is a lesser-known gem filled with a sparkling alkaline lake often visited by flamingos. The crater is surrounded by dense forest and offers fantastic trekking opportunities and panoramic views, including glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Maasai Cultural Encounters
Unlike other protected areas, Ngorongoro is a living cultural landscape where the Maasai people continue their traditional way of life.
Visiting a Maasai boma (homestead) offers insight into their customs, attire, and deep spiritual connection to the land.
Activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Game Drives
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive in one of the most wildlife-dense areas in Africa.
Spot the Big Five, herds of wildebeest and zebra, and a wide array of birdlife, all within a self-contained ecosystem.
Highland Trekking
Explore the scenic highlands on eco-conscious treks through Empakaai or Olmoti craters.
Guided by local rangers, these hikes offer spectacular views, birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful moments away from the safari vehicles.
Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages
Join a responsibly guided cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village.
Learn about their age-old traditions, see their intricate beadwork, and understand their role in conservation as co-inhabitants of this globally important ecosystem.
