Wildebeest Migration / Wildebeest Crossings / Herdtracker

Wildlife / Safaris / Holidays

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Heart of the Great Migration and a Predator’s Paradise

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

All About Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. Located in northern Tanzania, this vast, protected area spans over 8,292 square kilometers and is home to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera.

The crater is a haven for diverse wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos) as well as large populations of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and more. The Ngorongoro Crater serves as a crucial calving ground for the Great Wildebeest Migration between December and March, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Beyond the crater, the conservation area also includes Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most significant paleoanthropological sites, where early human fossils and tools dating back millions of years have been discovered. Visitors can also experience the unique Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, who continue to live traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyles in the region. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural significance, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The best time to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area

When is the Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

Peak Season

June to October. This is the best time for general wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

High Season

December to February. The Great Wildebeest Migration passes through the area, with the calving season occurring in the Ndutu Plains. This attracts large predators, making it an exciting time for safari-goers.

Low Season

March to May. The long rains make roads muddy and difficult to navigate, but the landscape is at its greenest, and there are fewer tourists.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Weather and Climate

Weather and Climate in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Month Season Temperature (°C) – Day/Night Rainfall (mm) Notes
January – February Wet Season (Short Rains) 23-26°C / 10-15°C 50-100mm Warm days, occasional short rains, excellent for birdwatching and calving season in Ndutu (Dec-Mar).
March – May Wet Season (Long Rains, Low Season) 18-22°C (Day), 6-10°C (Night) 100-180mm Wettest months with heavy rains and muddy roads, but lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
June – October Dry Season (High & Peak Season: Jul-Sept)** 8-22°C Minimal Cool mornings & nights, best wildlife viewing, peak tourist season (Jul-Sept) with high rates.
November – December Short Rains (Shoulder Season) 10-22°C 50-100mm Occasional showers but good game viewing. Start of green season, birdwatching improves.

How to Get to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ways to Travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

By Road: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is about 180 km which is 4 to 5 hours from Arusha, passing through scenic landscapes, coffee plantations, and Maasai villages. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended due to the rugged terrain, especially during the rainy season.

By Air: The nearest airstrips to Ngorongoro are Lake Manyara Airstrip and Ndutu Airstrip. These airports receive flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar via local airlines such as Coastal Aviation and Auric Air. From the airstrips, lodges offer transfers into the park.

Google Map of Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Map Showing its location

The below Ngorongoro Conservation Area Map shows the exact location. Expand it to see more details, surrounds, and directions of where you could be coming from, to help you access it easier and better.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Fees Entrance

Park Fee Entrance to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Category Non-Residents (USD) Residents (Tanzanians/EAC Citizens)
Adults (16+ years) $70 10,000 TZS
Children (5-15 years) 20 5,000 TZS

Visitors must obtain an entry permit before visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The payment process is straightforward:

  1. Visit the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) website or go to the nearest KWS office.
  2. Select “Pay for Park Entry” and choose Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  3. Provide details such as the number of visitors and your preferred visit date.
  4. Choose a payment method, which can be mobile money (MPESA, Airtel Money, or Tigo Pesa), credit card, or a bank transfer.
  5. Complete the payment and save the confirmation receipt, as you will need to present it at the park entrance.

Book a Wildebeest Safari

Get in touch with us directly and our experts will be ready to help you with the planning

book your 2026 safari

Let’s help you plan the best wildebeest migration safari, and book you in the best camps for your best experiences of wildebeest sightings and crossings.

Other National Parks in East Africa

Other best Parks and Reserves in East Africa

Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Ngorongoro Crater - Wildebeest Sightings

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. Located in...

Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania - Wildebeest Calving Season - Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Wildebeest Sightings

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. It’s famous for its annual wildebeest migration, the largest in...

Amboseli National Park - Wildebeest Sightings

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park was established in 1974 and is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in southern Kenya, near the Tanzanian border....

Book a Wildebeest Safari for 2026

Get in touch with us directly and our experts will be ready to help you with the planning

Personal Information
Add Your Personal Information here for to be able to get in touch with you easily and in an efficient way.

Avoid The Pressure To Book Your 2026 Wildebeest Safari.

We have had so many people miss availability for their migration safaris in 2025. Contact us now to secure your spot for this amazing spectacle in 2026. 

Subscribe to the best Inspirations, Wildebeest Sightings, and Predictions Newsletters

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get notified about new wildebeest sightings