A GUIDE FOR SEEING THE ANIMALS IN NGORONGORO CRATER
Animals in Ngorongoro Crater / Image: @mariolagr
The majestic Ngorongoro Crater is an inactive caldera that is situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the big five live amongst an array of wonderful wild animals such as wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, and giraffes to name but a few.
The Ngorongoro Crater boasts such a wealth of diverse wildlife, it's become one of the most sought-after locations within Africa. If you've been dreaming about your perfect safari adventure in Tanzania, you must add this stop to your 7-day itinerary and make sure you visit the Crater.
This guide will go through everything you need to know about visiting the animals in Ngorongoro Crater - from its intriguing species to its entry fees.
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Animals in Ngorongoro Crater / Images: @jorgetung
Where Is the Ngorongoro Crater?
Getting to the Ngorongoro Crater requires going to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of the best safari parks in Tanzania.
You'll first need to make your way to the city of Arusha, which is around 170 km away from Ngorongoro, or a three-hour drive. Arusha has a small domestic airport with just a handful of flights each day, meaning most visitors will first need to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport before getting to Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is the most convenient starting point for a Northern Tanzania safari, as it has flight connections to both regional and international cities. From here, you'll have a one-hour drive to reach Arusha, which can be done with a car rental, private transfer, or local taxi.
The next step on your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is to head to Karatu, the last major town you'll find before the park entrance. This leg of the journey will take around 3 hours. Once you land in Karatu, you'll be just 30 minutes from Loduare gate, the main entry point to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
If you're not partaking in a fully-guided excursion and are planning a self-drive safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you have the option of picking up a rental car either at Kilimanjaro Airport or in Arusha to complete the journey detailed above. Those of you who plan to join a tour will likely find that all of the steps above will be taken care of for you, so you won't need to worry about getting from place to place.
What Are the Fees for the Ngorongoro Park Area?
Currently, the fees for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are as follows:
$71 USD per day for foreign, non-resident adults
$24 per day for children aged 5 to 15 years old
Children under five can visit for free
$295 USD per vehicle (with up to 7 passengers) driving to the Ngorongoro Crater
It's important to note that these entry fees are typically single-entry and are valid for 24 hours, so you'll need to pay again if you plan to exit and enter the park outside of a 24 hour time period or visit for a second time on your trip.
Animals in Ngorongoro Crater / Image: @benpreater
What Animals Live in the Ngorongoro Crater?
It's believed that there are over 25,000 different animal species found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area overall - it’s an absolute guarantee you'll witness quite an array of wild animals on your visit here.
The highlight for many is the possibility of encountering the Big 5 in their natural habitat. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalos are all present in the park, though the elusive leopard can sometimes be harder to find.
Although these animals are Ngorongoro's most well-known residents, they only make up a fraction of those that inhabit the area. You'll often find cheetahs, antelopes, wildebeest, zebras, kudu, hippos, hyenas, and so many more within the Ngorongoro Crater.
There are also many wildlife species that live within the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area that you won't see within the Crater itself, such as giraffes, impalas and crocodiles.
Migrant birds like Montagu's harriers, European bee-eaters, and Caspian lapwings frequent the Crater during certain times of the year while the likes of eagles, hawks, storks, pelicans and flamingos are typically sighted all year round.
Animals in Ngorongoro Crater / Image: @dmitrii_zhodzishskii
What Are the Best Attractions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area When Visiting the Crater?
There's an abundance of exciting things to see and do in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, from the world-class game drives to visiting the local Maasai tribe.
Some of the best things to do in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area include:
Take a Game Drive
Without a doubt, the ultimate Ngorongoro experience is to go on a game drive and explore the magical wildlife that reside here. Along with the big five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, African buffalo) you'll have the chance to spot zebra, wildebeest, and hippos among so many other species. The best spot for wildlife watching is the Ngorongoro Crater itself but there are animals dotted throughout the park that you can see during your time there too.
Visit the Maasai Tribe
For something a little different but equally as fascinating, pay a visit to the Maasai tribe, an indigenous tribe that has inhabited the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for centuries. Learning about their traditional way of life is among the most incredible and informative things you can do in Ngorongoro. Typically you will get to visit a traditional Maasai home, be invited to partake in their signature dance as well as enlighten you about their local customs.
Take a Nature Walk or a Hike
The landscapes that make up the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are breathtaking. One of the best ways to experience them is by joining one of the many walking and hiking trails. You can take guided treks along the top rim of the Crater wall and view the Crater from above, enjoy stretching your legs outside of the safari vehicle as well as be in prime position to spot wildlife too.
Do Some Birdwatching
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to thousands of diverse and interesting species of animals - 500 of these are beautiful winged creatures. As is the case with any safari, there's no guaranteeing which animals you'll see, but you'll have a good chance of spotting augur buzzards, kori bustards, white-eyed slaty flycatchers and the famous pink flamingos. Lake Magadi specifically, is ideal for keen birdwatchers.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Take in the scenery and the wildlife all at once with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience that's even more mesmerizing during the migration.
Animals in Ngorongoro Crater / Image: @tanzania_wild_sky
The Perfect Time to Visit the Ngorongoro Crater?
The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater will depend on a number of factors…..
June to October is often considered the best time to visit Tanzania as this is the dry season when rainfall is rare, sunshine is plentiful and temperatures are pleasant. This is also the time when the extraordinary Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles occurs in the nearby Serengeti National Park, which means that these months are often the busiest and expensive of the year.
Tanzania's rainy season runs from November until May, and heavy downpours can make wildlife viewing more challenging and often much less enjoyable. That being said, there are still some wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities, and these months bring fewer visitors which will feel much more authentic and stress-free. If you choose to plan your safari in January or February you will witness calving season in action, meaning that you can catch a glimpse of hundreds of adorable baby animals.
Animals in Ngorongoro Crater / Image: @jeffrey_lemond
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Guide for Seeing the Animals in Ngorongoro Crater?
While it's possible to visit Ngorongoro Crater by self-driving, hiring a licensed guide is strongly advised, and the rangers at the gate may ask you to do so. Unsure about which company to choose? Check out our customized African safaris, which can always include a stop to the Crater.
How Long Should I Spend Between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Conservation Area?
Spending two to three days between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Crater is optimal, as you'll have time to explore the park at a relaxed pace. One of these days can ideally be dedicated to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Can You Stay Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
You can stay overnight in private accommodation Ngorongoro Conservation Area, though you'll need to pay concession fees in addition to your entrance tariffs and accommodation costs.
At present, concession fees come in at $71 USD for foreign, non-resident adults and $12 USD for children aged between 5 and 15 years. These are the costs of staying overnight per person per night. Children under 5 are exempted from these fees.
Animals in Ngorongoro Crater / Image: @mtsjrdl
A Final Note on Seeing the Animals in Ngorongoro Crater
We've thoroughly enjoyed providing you with our helpful guide on visiting the animals in Ngorongoro Crater. You can now start planning your trip to witness the beauty of the Crater in real time.
If further inspiration or assistance is needed in booking your adventure to the Crater or exploring Tanzania, feel free to head over to our African Safaris page to speak with one of our travel agents about creating your next safari adventure.
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