Ngorongoro Conservation
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a stunning crater and diverse wildlife.
Overview
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Tanzania, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse plant and animal species. The area covers an area of approximately 8,292 square kilometers and is home to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The area’s climate is tropical, with hot and dry summers and cool and dry winters. The area’s diverse geographical areas, including forests, grasslands, and lakes, make it an ideal habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos), zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests.
Things to Do
Ngorongoro Crater Safari: Take a safari in Ngorongoro Crater to see lots of animals, including elephants, buffalos, lions, and more. The crater is a unique natural wonder with a beautiful landscape.
Empakaai Crater Hike: Go on a hike to Empakaai Crater to enjoy breathtaking views of the caldera and its flamingo-dotted lake. It’s a great opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages: Visit some Maasai villages to learn about their unique culture, traditions, and way of life. The Maasai people are known for their vibrant attire, rich traditions, and warm hospitality.
Olduvai Gorge Exploration: Explore the Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Learn about the evolution of early humans and see fossils and artifacts that date back millions of years.
Bird Watching Excursions: Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to over 500 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Join a birdwatching excursion to see some of the rarest and most beautiful bird species in the world.
Â
What to See
Ngorongoro Crater: See the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact volcanic caldera. Marvel at the diverse wildlife population, including lions, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
Olduvai Gorge Museum: Visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn more about the history and evolution of early humans. The museum displays fossils, tools, and other artifacts that were found in the area.
Gol Mountains: Check out the Gol Mountains, a range of extinct volcanoes that adds a scenic backdrop to the landscape. You can take some amazing photographs of the area.
Empakaai Crater: Enjoy the serene beauty of Empakaai Crater, a caldera with a deep-blue lake surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a great place to relax and take in the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Wildlife Migration: Experience the annual wildebeest and zebra migration as they move through the conservation area in search of fresh grazing lands. It’s a unique opportunity to see one of the most spectacular natural events in the world.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, the park’s vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. Additionally, the dry season is the ideal time for visitors to witness the renowned wildebeest migration, which typically takes place between July and September. It is also important to note that the dry season is peak tourist season, so visitors should expect higher prices and larger crowds.
Getting there
By road: you can take a scenic drive from the town of Arusha. The journey is approximately 190 kilometers and takes about four to five hours depending on traffic. The drive takes you through stunning landscapes and allows you to witness the local way of life. You can choose to drive yourself or hire a private car with a driver.
By Air: There are daily flights from Arusha to Lake Manyara Airport, which is the closest airport to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Once you arrive, you can hire a private car with a driver to take you to the conservation area. Alternatively, you can take a scheduled flight to Seronera Airstrip, which is located within the conservation area.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge Â
Located just 5 km from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this lodge offers spacious rooms with a private balcony, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a swimming pool. The lodge also offers guided tours of the nearby areas.
Endoro Lodge
Located just 20 minutes away from the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge offers comfortable and spacious chalets with en-suite bathrooms. Each chalet has a private balcony with stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. 3. Acacia Farm Lodge – This lodge is located in the Karatu area, just 20 km from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge offers comfortable and spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
Â
Luxury Accommodation:
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge Â
This luxury lodge is set on 50 acres of lush green forest, and offers stunning views of the Ngorongoro Forest. The lodge features 20 elegant and spacious suites, each with a private terrace, fireplace, and en-suite bathroom. The lodge also offers a restaurant, bar, spa, and swimming pool.
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
This luxury tented camp is located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering breathtaking views of the crater. The camp features 12 spacious tents, each with a private deck, en-suite bathroom, and fireplace. The camp also has a lounge, bar, and dining area.
Other Attractions in Tanzania
Changu Island
Pemba Island
Mount Kilimanjaro
Katavi National Park
Mikumi National Park
Tarangire National Park
Arusha National Park
Serengeti National Park
Mafia Island
Zanzibar
Saadani National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
General Knowledge Base
General information about Ngorongoro Conservation, Tanzania.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania that includes the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, and the Serengeti Plains.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera, with a diameter of approximately 19 km and a depth of 610 meters.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and many more.
The Maasai people have lived in and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for centuries and have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land and its wildlife.
The Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, where some of the earliest human fossils have been found.
There are over 500 bird species found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the endangered bearded vulture and the kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the world.
The highest point in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Oldeani Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 3,188 meters above sea level.
Approximately 600,000 people visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanzania.
