Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A UNESCO World Heritage multi-use protected area encompassing the Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, and vast Maasai highland pastoral lands.
About This Destination
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and IUCN Category VI protected area covering 8,292 km² of the Crater Highlands in northern Tanzania. Unlike a national park, the NCA is a multi-use conservation area where Maasai pastoralists continue to graze their cattle alongside the wildlife.
The NCA encompasses the Ngorongoro Crater itself — a 264 km² collapsed volcanic caldera — along with the Olmoti Crater, Empakaai Crater, the Ndutu Plains, Olduvai Gorge (the ‘Cradle of Mankind’), and the vast Crater Highlands escarpment.
Beyond the crater, the NCA offers some of the most spectacular highland scenery in East Africa: Empakaai Crater’s flamingo-dotted lake, the remote Olmoti Crater, and panoramic views from the Ngorongoro highlands towards the Serengeti plains and Lake Natron. Maasai cultural experiences are widely available throughout the NCA.
Destination Highlights
Area
Area → 8,292 km²
Location
Northern Tanzania (Arusha Region)
UNESCO Status
World Heritage Site (since 1979)
Famous For
Ngorongoro Crater (largest intact volcanic caldera)
Wildlife
Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season)
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; June–September best for crater game drives; January–March for green season and Ndutu calving
Location Map
Photo Gallery
Safari Packages Visiting This Destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We can build a safari around this destination and combine it with nearby parks and accommodation options.
We usually recommend combining this destination with other parks for the best safari flow.
Need Help Planning This Destination?
We can combine this destination with the right parks, accommodation level, and safari length for your trip.