Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Welcome To Ngorongoro
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Tanzania’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations, renowned for its incredible landscapes, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural significance. Spanning approximately 8,292 square kilometres, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that uniquely combines wildlife conservation with the preservation of traditional Maasai pastoralism. At its heart lies the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, which is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to its stunning beauty and concentration of wildlife.
All About Ngorongoro
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique in that it integrates wildlife conservation with the preservation of the Maasai people’s traditional way of life. The Maasai live within the conservation area, herding their cattle alongside wild animals, making it a living example of harmonious human-wildlife coexistence.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in northern Tanzania, bordering the Serengeti National Park to the northwest and just west of the Great Rift Valley. The area is easily accessible by road from Arusha, the main hub for safaris in northern Tanzania, with a drive of approximately 3.5 hours (about 180 kilometers).
The closest airstrip is in the nearby town of Karatu, or travellers can fly into the Lake Manyara or Serengeti airstrips and continue by road. The well-maintained roads and proximity to other major safari destinations make Ngorongoro a convenient and essential part of any northern Tanzania safari itinerary.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater, a 260 square kilometer caldera, harbors around 25,000 large mammals, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards.
The crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Other species commonly seen include zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, and a variety of antelopes. Birdlife is equally impressive, with over 500 species recorded, including flamingos that seasonally inhabit the crater’s alkaline lakes.
The Ngorongoro Crater is undoubtedly the highlight of the area, offering one of the most unique wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. Beyond the crater, the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes other attractions such as the Olduvai Gorge, often called the “Cradle of Mankind,” where some of the earliest human remains have been discovered.
The Empakaai and Olmoti craters offer scenic hikes and spectacular views, while Lake Magadi attracts flamingos and other waterbirds. The Lerai Forest within the crater is a prime spot for spotting elephants and leopards.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be visited year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. The dry season, from June to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals are easier to spot in the sparse vegetation.
The wet season, from November to May, brings lush green landscapes and the calving season for many animals, though some roads may be more challenging to navigate due to mud.
Finally, The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Tanzania. Its combination of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and deep cultural and historical significance makes it a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Get Inspired - Day Trips
Whether you are looking to get away for a day and fully appreciate the incredible diversity of Tanzania’s natural and cultural wonders in quick succession, our Day Trips in Tanzania, which is our favourite type of safari, are specially designed for people with less time in hand and can cover just about any interest in quick succession.
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