My Wishlist
1.800.557.2841or Contact Your Travel Advisor
View of the Ngorongoro crater from atop the mountain
Home/Destinations/Africa/Tanzania/Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Vacation Packages and Tours

Ngorongoro Crater

Overview

Take a trip to Ngorongoro Conservation Area on your Tanzania Vacation

When undertaking a Tanzania safari, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located to the west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands of Tanzania. To the northwest, it adjoins Serengeti National Park and to the south and west are volcanic highlands that include Ngorongoro Crater. Southern and eastern borders run along the Great Rift Valley.

The conservation area was originally part of Serengeti National Park when it was established by the British in 1951. The area was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1979 because it provided protection for wildlife while allowing human habitation, which was unique in Tanzania.

The most famous part of the conservation area is the Ngorongoro Crater. It was formed when a giant volcano exploded and then collapsed around two to three million years ago. The crater hosts some of the highest densities of lions in the world and is a good place to see the endangered black rhino on a Tanzania safari. Wildebeest, zebra, elands and Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles also live in the crater. The rim hosts leopards, elephants and buffalo. In total, the crater houses a permanent population of more than 30,000 animals.

The Great Migration, one of the most incredible natural phenomena in the world passes through Ngorongoro, moving south in December and then returning north in June, something special to be experienced on a Tanzania vacation.

At a Glance

Languages

Swahili, English

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Trending Trips

Unforgettable Journeys.
12 Trips Found
Show
per page
12 Trips Found

Odysseys by Goway

Tarangire National Park
+1

Tanzania Odyssey

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha, and Mount Kilimanjaro
Discover Tanzania on a Goway-exclusive small-group safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti on select departures.
7 days
From US$5,549/p.p.
Request a Quote

Escorted Tours

Serengeti National Park,  Africa,  Tanzania.
+1

Simba Safari Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Arusha, and Mount Kilimanjaro
Experience Tanzania on a small-group safari through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with spectacular wildlife viewing.
8 days
From US$4,268/p.p.
Request a Quote

Classics

Lion Pride, Serengeti National Park
+1

Classic Tanzania: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha, and Mount Kilimanjaro
Explore northern Tanzania’s iconic parks, encounter remarkable wildlife and Maasai culture, and stay in distinctive safari lodges and camps.
7 days
From US$5,737/p.p.
Request a Quote

Goway Select

The Great Migration, Masai Mara
+1

Tanzania Great Migration Safari

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park
A private safari through northern Tanzania, where elephant-rich plains, crater wildlife and the Serengeti’s sweeping grasslands bring migration drama close.
7 days
From US$6,491/p.p.
Request a Quote
Leopard resting on a tree branch, yawning lazily in the wild.
+1

Tanzania Tented Camps

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha, and Mount Kilimanjaro
Discover Tanzania's wild heart on this safari, staying in luxurious tented camps across Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti amid breathtaking wildlife.
9 days
From US$11,634/p.p.
Request a Quote
Serengeti National Park
+1

Signature Tanzania: Ngorongoro & Serengeti Private Reserve

Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A private-guided safari through Tanzania, from misty crater highlands to remote Serengeti plains, with unrushed game drives and immersive wildlife encounters.
6 days
From US$14,156/p.p.
Request a Quote
Cheetahs roaming the plains of Tanzania
+1

Highlights of Tanzania

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha, and Mount Kilimanjaro
Witness the Big Five and more on this small group safari through Tanzania’s top wildlife spots—Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the iconic Serengeti.
7 days
From US$9,542/p.p.
Request a Quote

Escorted Tours

Sky Safari
+1

Tanzania SkySafari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti

Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park
Discover Tanzania on a small-group fly-in safari through Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, combining spectacular wildlife with stylish Elewana stays.
8 days
From US$13,547/p.p.
Request a Quote

Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.

Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.

What do the experts say?

Kelley Cleaveland

Kelley Cleaveland

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
An ideal first-time itinerary starts in Arusha and ends in Zanzibar. To maximize time, “Sky Safari” packages using small aircraft to fly guests directly between lodges offer breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes as well as convenience.
Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
The people and wildlife are amazing. You always feel safe at the tented camps, even knowing animals are around. The locals treat you with such warmth and respect.
Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
We provide local experiences, manage client expectations, and work with trusted suppliers so travellers feel safe and enjoy every moment of their trip.
Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park are simply spectacular. There’s no place quite like the massive crater or the migration-covered plains.
Brooke Theron

Brooke Theron

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Tanzania’s hospitality is incredible. You’ll always feel welcomed, wherever you go.

Travel Stories

Get Inspired About Your Trip to Tanzania

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.

With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.
Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
Newsletter signup visual
ExcellentBased on 5,326 Reviews
Verified
Bijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie Becker
Verified
Josie was incredible to work with. She replied to all emails quickly and effectively. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Would definitely work with Josie again!! Clients had an incredible 14 days in Italy with no complaints. A dream vacation!!Chattell Blue
Verified
Our safari in Tanzania was excellent. Brooke Theron, our Goway representative, was easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable. Our guide in Tanzania, Anwar Razak, was outstanding. His knowledge and his driving ability was impressive. He was also engaging. We enjoyed our time with Anwar. The camps that Goway recommended were comfortable, welcoming and surprisingly luxurious while capturing the essence of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had a wonderful trip. Jack B.
Verified
My agent Lisa made the booking process easy. Her expertise on the Azores was extremely helpful. Final documents were precise and thorough. Transfers were on time, tours were informative and fun, and the lovely accommodations were well suited to our needs.Christine Hosty
Verified
I am so happy to use Goway for my tour experience while visiting Vietnam during Oct 15 through October 29, 2026. We had 3 very good, thoughtful, and caring guides in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They were very knowledgeable for each of their respective areas. they all fulfilled every part of our itinerary. I wish to give an extra acknowledgment to my guide in Danang and Hoi An. Mr. Phung Van Hung was very friendly and caring for me. During my stay in Hoi An, I became sick and required a visit to the local hospital in Hoi An. I contacted Mr. Phung, and he graciously offered to take me and stay with me to interpret during my visit for medical care even though he was not working that day. I really appreciate his extra above and beyond service he provided. I really must let Goway know, he is a wonderful guide!George C.
Verified
Suzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories Travel
Verified
Mike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy Challgren
Verified
Goway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCrory
Verified
Thank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYD
Verified
This was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce Robinson
Follow Us On
instagramfacebook
Contact UsCustomer ServiceGeneral Inquiries
Featured in
Travel + LeisureAfarCondé Nast TravellerSmithsonian
Accreditations & Memberships
ASTA — American Society of Travel AdvisorsUSTOA — United States Tour Operators Association
 
© Copyright 2026. Goway Travel