Discover the Majestic Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Explore the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with wildlife and stunning landscapes in Tanzania.
A brief summary to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a true gem of Tanzania, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, which provides a unique ecosystem for a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceros. The crater's steep walls create a natural sanctuary, making it one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to witness the spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat. The area is also rich in Maasai culture, allowing tourists to gain insight into the traditional lifestyles of the local communities. Numerous viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas, perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The lush highlands, rolling savannahs, and vibrant flora provide a picturesque backdrop that captivates every visitor. For those who enjoy hiking, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, showcasing the region's natural beauty. As the sun sets over the crater, the vibrant hues of the sky create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or a chance to connect with nature, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is an essential stop on any traveler's itinerary.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best wildlife sightings and cooler temperatures.
- Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience with their knowledge of the area.
- Bring binoculars and a good camera to capture the incredible scenery and wildlife.
- Respect the wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and following park regulations.
Getting There
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Car
From Ruaha National Park, head northwest on the A104 road towards Iringa. Continue on A104 for approximately 120 kilometers until you reach the town of Iringa. In Iringa, take the bypass road to connect with the A7 highway towards Dodoma. After about 90 kilometers, you will reach the junction for the A104 towards Mbeya. Follow the A104 for another 40 kilometers until you reach the town of Mbeya. From here, follow the signs for the A104 towards the town of Njombe. Travel through Njombe and continue on A104 until you reach the turn-off towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The entrance is approximately 30 kilometers from the main highway. Please note that you may need to pay an entrance fee to access the conservation area, which is around $70 per person for international tourists.
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Public Transportation
From any location in Ruaha Region, you can take a daladala (shared taxi) or a bus to Iringa. The journey will take approximately 2-3 hours. Once in Iringa, switch to a bus that heads towards Arusha, which will take approximately 8-10 hours. Be aware that these buses may not always run on a fixed schedule, so it's advisable to check local listings for times. Once you reach Arusha, you will need to take another bus towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The final leg of the journey will take about 4-5 hours. Ensure to keep cash handy for bus fares and the entrance fee to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is around $70 per person.
Attractions Nearby to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Olduvai Gorge Monument & Museum
- Olduvai Gorge Museum
- Leakey Camp Living Museum.
- Massai Dorf
- Ngorongoro Entrance Gate
- Nomad camping
- Magnetic Shifting Sands of Olduvai Gorge
- Picknic site
- Project T Fountain
- Ngorongoro crater national park
- Mandusi Swamp
- Lake Magadi
- Lerai Forest NCA
- ngorongoro conservation area authority headquater
Landmarks nearby to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Entamanu Ngorongoro Camp
- Nomad Tanzania - Entamanu, Ngorongoro
- Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
- Simba Campsite A
- Ngorongoro Wildlife
- Ngorongoro Kuhama Camp
- Ngorongoro Wild Camp
- andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection
- Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
- Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
- Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
- Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp Tanzania
- The Highlands, Ngorongoro
- Crater Highlands