Ngongoro Conservation Area

Another Tanzania’s most stunning tourist destination is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and here the Ngorongoro Crater is the most famous feature which is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the northeastern of Tanzania. The conservation is among the largest protected areas in Tanzania spanning an area of 8,292 square kilometers a spread of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Due to various reasons, Ngorongoro Conservation Area hosts one of the largest number of tourist in Tanzania. The crater is geographically considered to have formed about thousands of years ago and currently hosts one of dense population of wildlife in the country.

A stunningly beautiful place, it’s often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’. Ngorongoro has been the site of numerous archaeological discoveries over the years, and it’s now one of the best places for safari in East Africa.

Features of Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro has a lush green plains, woodland trees and wildflowers, and a wider plain of golden savannah. This conservation are features several landscapes among which are the Ngorongoro caldera an important landmark for human history, as well as an essential habitat safeguarding animal diversity. The Olmoti and Empakai volcanic craters, the Olmoti is eminent for its beautiful waterfalls, and the Empakai is known for its deep lake and lush green walls.

Also the Olduvai Gorge is among the amazing and gorgeous feature of the area. In the way of protecting this incredible 14km long ravine natural wonder, the number of guests is closely monitored. And the Ngorongoro crater, this was formed around 2.5 million years ago where the volcano is thought had roughly the same height as Kilimanjaro, erupted and collapsed in on itself. Now dormant, the volcano’s crater is 610 meters deep and 20km wide, making it the world’s largest inactive caldera.

Wildlife at Ngorongoro

The networking ecosystems accommodates a variety of wildlife species with the population of over 30,000 animals, and some of them migrate here during the Great Migration. The Ngorongoro profound golden savannah plain spread across the fertile volcanic supports a wider variety of wildlife including; warthog, impala, and buffalo, and predators, including lions, hyena, cheetah, leopard, wild hunting dog and golden cat. Honey badgers, jackals, foxes, and ostrich can be found here year-round. A high population of cheetahs and lions can be found in the Lake Ndutu region west of the crater. Over 500 species of bird, including the Rüppell’s Griffon vulture calls the crater their home of which some are migrant birds.

Best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro can be visited throughout, but the dry months remain the most favorable. Sometimes, when there is less rainfall reception. During this season, rainfall is less, grasses are shorter for clear wildlife view and roads are just dry, though dusty and easy to drive through. The dry months are mainly from December to February, and during the June to September.

Getting to Ngorongoro

By road, Ngorongoro is about 185 km from Arusha by driving your 4×4 safari customized vehicle which trip can last for about 2 to 3 hours. The conservation area is located in larger Serengeti Conservancy, and it connects directly to Serengeti national park visit.

Adventures to do at Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Game drive experiences

Ngoromgoro game drives rewards with the higher number of animal watching. The park hosts a high concentration of animals like wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, the big fives, several antelope species among others. The game drive is the most catching adventure here, it’s done in two shifts either in the morning or evening depending on your safari itinerary. The game drive descends you into the crater bay of lush mountain forest for bird life. The smaller part of the park during the dry months becomes more attractive for wildlife enthusiasts.

Hiking the Ngorongor Crater

Visiting the Masai Communities

Taking a visit to these Africa’s renowned Masai communities is indeed one that offers true experiences concerning culture. The Masai people are generally pastoralists, and they always take cattle as their number one priority. Arrangement can be made for tourists to visit one of their homes or cultural centers of the Masai people to learn about their traditions and culture.

Visiting the Olduvai Gorge

The Olduvai Gorge is one of the oldest archaeological sites within East Africa. Actually, studies shows that oldest man’s skull was discovered here. A lot of things to discover while at the gorge including the fossils and many more. There is also a small museum that is composed of various information about the remains and art crafts of man.

Exploring the Ngorongoro crater rim

This is one of ideal places to visit while with in Ngorongoro, this crater rim is famously known for offering impressive and scenic views of the surrounding. The rim is a home to a diverse range of ecosystems such as the lush forests, alpine meadows and more which have invited a number of wildlife.

Hot air balloon safaris

Ngorongoro is a sister destination to Serengeti National Park, and among the activities shared here is exploring Ngorongoro conservation area with the hot air balloon. Hot air balloon safaris offer clear views of the surrounding, watch various animals thus many refer to it as the Garden of Eden.