Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Few safari destinations compare to the Ngorongoro Crater. While there are larger and wilder parks in Tanzania, this is one of the most rewarding game-viewing spots in East Africa. The ancient volcanic caldera is home to around 30,000 animals, and it’s not unusual to see the Big Five in a single day.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a very easy and suitable park to explore. The safari tracks on the crater floor are well-maintained and signposted, and it’s impossible to get lost in Ngorongoro. Nevertheless, the authorities require that all self-driving visitors must be accompanied by a park ranger while inside the crater. This should be arranged upon arrival at the gate. The fee is USD 40, payable in cash only. Please note that the ranger is not allowed to drive our vehicle; they just guide you on your crater safari. A ranger is not compulsory if you are only in transit through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and do not go down the Crater. 

1. Driving times
2. Timing your visit
3. Lodges & camps near the crater rim
4. To: Ndutu Area
5. To: Arusha
6. To: Serengeti

Understanding the driving times to the Ngorongoro and onwards to the Serengeti is crucial for a smooth trip. Here’s a breakdown: 

• Karatu → Loduare Gate (NCA entrance): 15 km | 30 min
• Loduare Gate → Ngorongoro Crater entrance: 15 km | 1 hr
• Crater entrance → Naabi Hill Gate (Serengeti entrance): 85 km | 2–3 hrs
• Naabi Hill Gate → Seronera (central Serengeti): 60 km | 1 hr

Note

• In peak season (Jul–Sep & Dec–Jan), expect queues: approximately 30 min at the Ngorongoro gate, and another 30 min at the Serengeti gate.

• NCA day pass – valid for 12 hrs
• NCA overnight permit – valid for 24 hrs

Plan carefully:

• Driving from the Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti Central (Seronera) takes 3–4 hrs. From Seronera, allow an extra 15 min to 2 hrs to reach your lodge.
• Gate closing time: 6 PM. Driving after dark is not allowed.

Suggested timings

• From Karatu: enter the NCA early morning (6 AM), visit the Crater, and exit early afternoon.
• If overnighting in NCA: enter late morning, enjoy an afternoon safari, spend the night, and continue to Serengeti early the next day.

1. Pakulala Safari Lodge
2. Simba Public Campsite A

• Location: close to each other on the crater rim.
• Distance: 20 km | 1 hr from Loduare Gate.
• Navigation: route is signposted; navigation apps are reliable.
• From camp: 6 km to Seneto Descent Road, the main access point into the Crater.

Distance & time

• From Naabi Hill Gate → Ndutu: 30 km | 1.5 hrs

Route

• Just before Naabi Hill Gate (Serengeti entrance), turn left and head south towards Lake Ndutu.
• Continue ~30 km to Africa Safari South Serengeti (Ndutu).

Driving times

• Ngorongoro Crater entrance → Loduare Gate: 15 km | 1 hr
• Loduare Gate → Karatu: 15 km | 30 min
• Karatu → Arusha: 140 km | 3 hrs (smooth tarmac)

On the way

• Stop in Mto wa Mbu for coffee, lunch, or a stroll through the craft markets.
• Pass Lake Manyara National Park on your left.
• At the top of the Rift Valley escarpment, take in the beautiful views — a great photo stop.

For routes and driving times, see the Serengeti section.