Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located west of Arusha City in Tanzania and spans approximately 8,292 square kilometres. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, its main attraction is the astounding Ngorongoro Crater, famous for being the largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera in the world. The crater teems with a diverse wildlife population, including approximately 25,000 animals, featuring ungulates, four of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros), and other large mammals.

This unique conservation area is renowned for being home to one of the densest known populations of Masai lions and plays a crucial role in supporting the Great Migration of wildebeest and other herbivores. Apart from the Ngorongoro Crater, the area covers a variety of ecosystems, including mountain forests, woodlands, grasslands, lakes, and swamps. It also encompasses two major rivers, Oldupai Gorge, and Laetoli, which adds to its rich geological and paleontological significance.

Entry Fees to Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
Park Entry Fees:
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 2,000
Residents: Adult - $30, Child - $10
Non-EAC: Adult - $60, Child - $20

Special Activities & Others:
Walking Safaris:
Short Walks (1-4 hours):
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 2,500
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5,000
Non-EAC: Adult - $20, Child - $10
Long Walks (above 4 hours):
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5,000
EAC: Adult – TSH 20,000, Child – TSH 10,000
Non-EAC: Adult - $25, Child - $15

Endero Trail and Elephant Caves:
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 2,500
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5,000
Non-EAC: Adult - $15, Child - $10

Ol Duvai Gorge Visit:
Tanzanian Citizens: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 1,000
EAC: Adult – $20, Child – $10
Non-EAC: Adult - $30, Child - $10

Hot Air Balloon Safari (above 8 years): EAC – TSH 40,000, Non-EAC - $33.50
Horse Riding Safari: EAC – TSH 10,000, Non-EAC - $10
Mountain Biking Safari: EAC – TSH 10,000, Non-EAC - $15

Safari Crew:
Tour Operator – TSH 1,500, Camping Crew – TSH 1,500, Tour Guide – TSH 1,500

Entrance Gates to Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has four primary entrance gates:
1. Loduare Gate: The Loduare Gate is closest to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the main attractions within the conservation area. The gate is located approximately 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Arusha City.
2. Seneto Gate: The Seneto Gate is closest to the western side of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering access to areas like Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater. The gate is situated approximately 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Arusha City.
3. Naabi Hill Gate: The Naabi Hill Gate is situated close to the southern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and serves as the main entrance gate for visitors coming from the Serengeti National Park. The gate is located approximately 185 kilometres (115 miles) from Arusha City. Travellers arriving from the Serengeti National Park or planning to combine a visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a safari in the Serengeti should use the Naabi Hill Gate.
4. Lemala Gate: The Lemala Gate is situated in the eastern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, providing access to Lemala Hill and the eastern plains. The gate is located approximately 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Arusha City. It is also a convenient option for travellers coming from the town of Karatu.