Ngorongoro for a first safari

Ngorongoro is one of the best choices for a first safari.

Suitability: ★★★★★

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania is run by its own authority, and Maasai pastoralists live alongside the wildlife. Its centrepiece is Ngorongoro Crater with abundant resident game, and the area also holds major archaeological sites.

Why Ngorongoro for a first safari?

• With the Big Five present, it delivers a classic first safari.
• 1–2 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in Ngorongoro

• Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact, unflooded volcanic caldera
• Good chances of black rhino on the crater floor
• Olduvai Gorge museum and the Laetoli footprints
• Hikes to Empakaai and Olmoti craters
• Maasai pastoralism alongside wildlife

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes and zebras.

Suggested time on the ground: 1 to 2 days. The crater rim is reached by road from Arusha via Karatu, about 4-5 hours from Kilimanjaro airport; Lake Manyara airstrip is relatively close.

Activities that fit

game drives, walking safaris and cultural visits.

When to go

The best period overall is January to February and June to September.

Dry season; nights on the crater rim are cold and can drop below 10°C.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa
• Ol Pejeta Kenya

Full Ngorongoro guideBest safaris for a first safari

Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.