Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, 180 kms west of Arusha City, covers about 8,292 square kilometres. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, its main highlight is the impressive Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater is home to a diverse wildlife population of around 25,000 animals, including ungulates, four of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros), and other large mammals.

The park is famous for having one of the densest populations of Masai lions and plays a vital role in supporting the Great Migration of wildebeest and other herbivores. The conservation area is also home to the Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, where some of the earliest human remains have been discovered. It also includes the river Laetoli, adding to its geological and paleontological importance.

In addition to the Ngorongoro Crater, the area features diverse ecosystems like mountain forests, woodlands, grasslands, lakes, and swamps. Apart from the Big Five, visitors can also spot zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and an array of bird species, all within the crater’s unique ecosystem

Beyond wildlife viewing, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a variety of activities for visitors. Game drives in the crater provide an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat, while guided walking safaris offer a more intimate experience with the landscape and its inhabitants.

The area also boasts stunning viewpoints, such as the rim of the crater, where visitors can take in panoramic vistas of the lush caldera below. Accommodations in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area range from luxury lodges to tented camps, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the wilderness. Cultural experiences with the Maasai people, who coexist within the conservation area, provide insight into their traditional way of life and harmonious relationship with nature.

Entry Fees to Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
Park Entry Fees:
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 2,000
Residents: Adult - $30, Child - $10
Non-EAC: Adult - $60, Child - $20

Special Activities & Others:
Walking Safaris:
Short Walks (1-4 hours):
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 2,500
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5,000
Non-EAC: Adult - $20, Child - $10
Long Walks (above 4 hours):
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5,000
EAC: Adult – TSH 20,000, Child – TSH 10,000
Non-EAC: Adult - $25, Child - $15

Endero Trail and Elephant Caves:
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 2,500
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5,000
Non-EAC: Adult - $15, Child - $10

Ol Duvai Gorge Visit:
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 1,000
EAC: Adult – $20, Child – $10
Non-EAC: Adult - $30, Child - $10

Hot Air Balloon Safari (above 8 years): EAC – TSH 40,000, Non-EAC - $33.50
Horse Riding Safari: EAC – TSH 10,000, Non-EAC - $10
Mountain Biking Safari: EAC – TSH 10,000, Non-EAC - $15

Safari Crew:
Tour Operator – TSH 1,500, Camping Crew – TSH 1,500, Tour Guide – TSH 1,500

Entrance Gates to Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has four primary entrance gates:
1. Loduare Gate: The Loduare Gate is closest to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the main attractions within the conservation area. The gate is located approximately 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Arusha City.
2. Seneto Gate: The Seneto Gate is closest to the western side of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering access to areas like Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater. The gate is situated approximately 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Arusha City.
3. Naabi Hill Gate: The Naabi Hill Gate is situated close to the southern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and serves as the main entrance gate for visitors coming from the Serengeti National Park. The gate is located approximately 185 kilometres (115 miles) from Arusha City. Travellers arriving from the Serengeti National Park or planning to combine a visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a safari in the Serengeti should use the Naabi Hill Gate.
4. Lemala Gate: The Lemala Gate is situated in the eastern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, providing access to Lemala Hill and the eastern plains. The gate is located approximately 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Arusha City. It is also a convenient option for travellers coming from the town of Karatu.