Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Tanzania - Best Tourist Guide
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is widely regarded as one of the most stunning spectacles in Africa, and rightly so. This location is renowned for having the highest density of wildlife in the whole of this great continent and is sometimes referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.
Often referred to as the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world’ the Ngorongoro Conservation Area combines some of the best wildlife and scenery the country has to offer with the culture of its Maasai inhabitants and the history of its archaeological sites.
The conservation area covers 8288 sq km, embracing the eastern half of the Serengeti Plains, highland plateaus, volcanic mountains, craters, and gorges, and is home to Ngorongoro Crater – the breathing central attraction.
The Ngorongoro Crater attracts a quite jaw-dropping amount of visitors each year thanks to its great wildlife viewing opportunities and genuinely mind-blowing environment. You can be fully assured that there is nowhere quite like the Ngorongoro crater! Being a Tanzania top destination, you can not go wrong in choosing Ngorongoro Crater as part of either Kenya and Tanzania Safaris or your Wildebeest Migration Safaris.
Why Go on safari to Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Tanzania - Safaris to Ngorongoro
The Ngorongoro Crater Promises a Rich Safari Trip
This magnificent location can be home to approximately 30’000 animals at any given time, and thanks to the crater’s multiple habitats the diversity of the game here is second to none. One particular species that’s worth mentioning that you may encounter here is the endangered Black Rhino, as a small population of this beautiful animal is thriving in this idyllic and protected environment.
The crater floor consists of several different habitats that include grassland, swamps, forests, and Lake Makat (Maasai for ‘salt’) – a central soda lake filled by the Munge River. All these various environments attract wildlife to drink, wallow, graze, hide, or climb.
Although animals are free to move in and out of this contained environment, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests, and spring source lakes on the crater floor (combined with fairly steep crater sides) tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain throughout the year.
In addition to this, you can also expect to witness other captivating games on your visit to the Ngorongoro crater, like flamingos, leopards, and lions! The Ngorongoro Crater neighbors the Serengeti National Park to the South and the Ndutu Conservation Area. We offer affordable and incredible Ngorongoro Crater Safaris from Arusha or Nairobi.
A population of about 30,000 large animals, including the highest density of mammalian predators in Africa, lives in the crater. These include black rhinoceros, hippopotamus which are usually very uncommon in the area. There are also wildebeest, zebra, eland, Grants and Thomson’s gazelles.
The crater has the densest known population of lions. On the crater rim are leopard, elephant, mountain reedbuck, and buffalo. Lake Magadi, filled by the Munge River in the center of the crater is, like many in the rift valley, a soda lake supporting flocks of flamingos and a variety of other water birds.
More than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been found in the crater including; ostriches, kori bustards, secretary birds, and crowned cranes as well as vultures, egrets, herons, and geese. The rainy season lasts from November through to May, with the dry season running from June through to October. June and July are the coldest months of the year. The rim of the crater is often shrouded in dense clouds that pour over the crater into the vastness below.
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Best Time To Visit Ngorongoro Crater
When to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area for safaris
Generally, Tanzania is best to visit in the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry and wildlife viewing is dramatic, easy, and action-packed.
LOW SEASON:
1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec
If you are looking for an intimate exclusive safari but affordable Tanzania Safari, this is the best time to visit.
The best places to visit include the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Ndutu Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park among many others.
high SEASON:
Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec
One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Ndutu Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park other major parks.
PEAK SEASON:
15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan
An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season.
In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you
Ngorongoro Crater Entrance Fee
Park Fees to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater Area Entrance fee
Below are the Ngorongoro Crater entry fees for 2024
Here are some of the Fees you will pay while visiting the Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Crater Entry Fees.
The Ngorongoro crater vehicle entry fee is USD 295 per vehicle. This USD 295 only needs to be paid if you plan to descend (drive inside) the Ngorongoro cater. And yes, this USD 295 Ngorongoro crater vehicle entry fee is per vehicle and not per person!
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Fees (NCA Transit Fees)
When you are commuting through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you are required to pay the NCA transit fees. As an example, you want to drive from Arusha to Serengeti, and while en route, you will cross Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering the Serengeti National Park.
In this scenario, you will be required to pay the NCA Transit fees at the Ngorongoro gates which is the same as the Ngorongoro park fees mentioned above in the tables. Yes, even if you do not plan to descend inside the Ngorongoro crater, you still need to pay the NCA Transit fees. You do not need to pay the Ngorongoro crater vehicle entry fee of USD 295 per vehicle in this case as you do not descend inside the crater.
The NCA Transit Fees paid are also valid for 24 hours so in case you return to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area after 24 hours, you need to pay these NCA Transit Fees again!
It is best to plan a safari with an expert to ensure there are no last-minute surprises! Use the form below to start planning.
NGORONGORO CRATER | PARK FEES | VAT | TOTAL |
Kids (1yrs to 11 yrs)
| Ngorongoro Crater | $ 10.00 | $ 1.80 | $ 11.80 |
Children Above 11yrs and Below 17yrs
| Ngorongoro Crater | $ 50.00 | $ 9.00 | $ 59.00 |
Adults from 17 yrs and above
| Ngorongoro Crater | $ 60.00 | $ 10.80 | $ 70.80 |
How to Pay for Ngorongoro Crater Fees
How do you pay for Ngorongoro Conservation Area Fees? To pay for Park Fees, you will have to visit the Tanapa Account, create an account, and select Ngorongoro Crater to pay for the park fees.
How to Pay
- Online Payment:
Some parks allow online payment of park entrance fees, and some do not. Always check official websites for updated data on how to pay your park fees online.
You can generate a permit ticket at the park entrance gates and pay using your preferred payment method like credit card or M-pesa.
2. Payment at Park Gates:
Some parks accept payments at the entrance via mobile money or credit cards. Always ask your Tour operator, our team member, or the national park authority to check if you can pay at the park gates.
Most National Parks accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. American Express is not recommended.
Most national parks do not accept Cash payments; if it happens they do, then it should be in both Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) or USD.
Tanzania National Parks FAQs
Tanzania Safari Bookings Q&A
If you have any questions regarding any of our Tanzania National Parks and Reserves safari tours, you may find your answer below in our most frequently asked questions. However, don’t be afraid to get in touch if your query is not included in order for our experts to help you design your best African Holiday Safaris.
Our team is happy to help discuss any of our safari packages, destinations, or general information, so you have peace of mind! Get in touch with us now.
Which National Park in Tanzania is the best?
Serengeti National Park. Home to the Great Migration, Serengeti National Park easily makes its way into most bucket lists. This fascinating park presents all kinds of ecosystems which allows it to host a variety of plants, birds and animals.
What is the largest park in Tanzania?
Nyerere National Park is now the Largest National Park in Tanzania with the size of 30,893km square….
How many national parks are in Tanzania?
What is Serengeti National Park famous for?
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