Things To Do
in Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro, Tanzania sits in the Crater Highlands of northern Tanzania at approximately -3.2496, 35.52. It is world-renowned for the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera on Earth, surrounded by rolling savannahs and lush forests. The entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area is co-managed by the Maasai people and the Tanzanian government, blending wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.
Visitors here can expect spectacular wildlife viewing, dramatic scenery, and chances to explore ancient human history in the surrounding volcanic terrain.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and take a scenic drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Check into your lodge with breathtaking views of the crater. Settle in and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while absorbing the surroundings.
After lunch, embark on a guided tour of the nearby Maasai villages to learn about their culture and traditions. Interact with the locals, and witness traditional dances that highlight the vibrant culture of the Maasai people. This enriching experience will provide insight into the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture in this stunning region.
Return to your lodge where you can savor a delicious dinner featuring local and international cuisine. Spend the evening relaxing by the fireplace while sharing stories about your day. As the stars emerge in the sky, reflect on the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Rise early for an exciting breakfast before entering the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Join a guided safari to discover the diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos, all thriving in this unique ecosystem. Take in the incredible panoramic views as you explore the crater floor.
Enjoy a packed lunch with your group amidst the remnants of an ancient volcanic caldera. Continue your safari, observing wildlife and the stunning flora that blankets the crater. Capture awe-inspiring photographs of the magnificent landscapes and animals in their natural habitat.
After a thrilling day of exploration, head back to your lodge for dinner. Discuss the highlights of the day with fellow travelers while enjoying the cool evening breeze. Take a moment to gaze at the stunning Milky Way, unhindered by city lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $30-60 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $25-60 |
| 🚗Local transport (short ride) | $2-10 |
| 🗺️Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance fee | $70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic crater setting with diverse wildlife
- Rich Maasai culture and archaeology nearby
- High-quality lodge experiences and comfortable baselines
- Stunning photography opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset
- Remote location with limited nightlife and entertainment
- Roads can be rough and weather-dependent
- Conservation fees and lodge costs can be high
- Crowds during peak dry season may affect solitude
- "Habari" - Hello / How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- " Tafadhali" - Please
- "Jina lako nani?" - What is your name?
- "Pole" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Ngorongoro
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping, panoramic vantage points ideal for sunrise shots over the caldera and the open plains, with a chance to spot distant wildlife below.
A wildlife-rich water source where elephants, hippos, and huge herds gather; great for close-up animal photography and reflections in water pools.
A dramatic crater with a forested rim and a pristine lake; perfect for dramatic silhouettes and bird photography at dawn.
Geological and archaeological site with striking rock formations; excellent for wide-angle landscape shots and cultural context.
Colorful beadwork, traditional dress, and pastoral scenery provide vibrant portraits and cultural photography moments.
Food in Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple pairing of stiff maize porridge (ugali) with sautéed greens (sukuma wiki), commonly served as a wholesome accompaniment.
Must-Try!
Grilled meat (often goat or beef) that is popular at roadside shikamas and lodge bars alike, typically served with sides like chips or Kisamvu beans.
Fragrant, spiced rice cooked with cumin, cardamom, and sometimes meat or vegetables; a common special-occasion dish in lodges.
Steamed plantains (banana family) often prepared with tomato sauce and spices; a comforting, hearty option.
Strong Kenyan-style tea (chai) served with warm, flaky chapati—popular for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, beans, maize flour, bananas, and occasional street snacks; a good place to sample fresh fruit and interact with residents.
A lively market area where you can try roasted maize, peanuts, and local snacks, plus crafts and beaded goods from nearby communities.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Jambo' or 'Habari' and a handshake; use the right hand for giving and receiving objects.
Ask permission before photographing people or their livestock; dress modestly when visiting villages; support local customs and crafts respectfully.
Be mindful of quiet hours, conserve water and energy where possible, and follow staff instructions on wildlife safety and camp rules.
Safety
Tipping in Ngorongoro
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary for good service. Guides and drivers: USD 5–20 per day per vehicle; lodge staff: USD 1–3 per person per day; rangers and crews for exceptional service may receive a higher tip. Carry small bills and present tips discreetly at the end of a service.
Credit cards are commonly accepted at lodges and larger camps; cash (USD) is widely used for park fees, tips, and smaller purchases. ATMs are available in Karatu and Arusha, but cash should be carried for remote areas and to avoid bank fees. Park entrance fees and guide services are typically paid in cash or via lodge-managed payment systems.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best for wildlife viewing, clear skies, and dramatic scenery. Wildlife concentrates around water sources, lighting is superb for photography, but roads can be dusty and crowds are common.
Short rains (Nov–Dec) and long rains (Mar–May) bring lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but some tracks may be muddy or intermittently closed. Birdlife is prolific, and cultural activities can be more authentic with fewer visitors.
Ngorongoro at Night
Hiking in Ngorongoro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest-clad crater rim hike with a lake at the bottom; rewarding for birders, wildlife watchers, and photographers seeking dramatic viewpoints.
A gentle hike near the Olmoti crater area offering scenic landscapes, viewpoints over the plains, and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Ngorongoro by plane.
Major international gateway for Northern Tanzania; roughly 150–180 km from Ngorongoro, with road transfer times typically 3–4 hours by 4x4 vehicle.
Domestic and regional flights; convenient for travelers combining safari experiences in Arusha and Karatu before reaching Ngorongoro.
Used for regional flights and short charters; useful for quick connections to the Ngorongoro area or nearby parks.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous pastoralist community in the region; known for distinctive dress, beadwork, and traditional cattle-herding culture. Visitors may engage in respectful cultural exchanges and crafts.
Residents of Karatu, Mto wa Mbu, and surrounding areas, including farmers and traders who contribute to markets and crafts around travel corridors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Tanzania, played casually in schools, towns, and on beaches—great for cultural context and people-watching.
Played in urban centers and some lodges; a common recreational activity among visitors and residents alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ngorongoro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian guests can typically rely on fresh vegetable dishes, beans, lentils, ugali, rice, and fruit. When ordering, specify no meat or fish and ask for separate utensils for vegetarian preparations if needed; many lodges can accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.