Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Overview

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a top destination for Tanzania Safari Tours, offering incredible Big Five game viewing. This ancient volcanic crater, located near the Serengeti, boasts the highest concentration of large animals in Africa, including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, cheetah, hyena, and hippo.

The crater floor is also home to Maasai herders tending to their cattle, creating a unique blend of man and nature. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest caldera, and visitors can enjoy stunning views from accommodations located on its rim or on sweeping savannah grassland or coffee estates.

While game viewing is the main attraction, guests can also participate in other activities such as bird watching, cultural tours, mountain biking, and walking safaris. Lodges offer outdoor dining under the stars and some even have resident wellness experts. Whether you're a honeymooner or a family, there's something for everyone at this wildest destination that can be explored only on Tanzania Safari Tours. Contact us for more information.

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What To See

Ngorongoro is home to a diverse range of wildlife and features diverse landscapes making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Here are some of the top attractions to see in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area:

Wildlife:

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a haven for wildlife, with an estimated 25,000 large animals living within its borders. The area is home to the "big five" animals - elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos - as well as other wildlife species like wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, and jackals.

Birdlife:

Additionally, over 500 bird species can be found in the area, making it a paradise for bird watchers. It includes some Waterfowl, Lesser Flamingos which are found on the lakes and marshes of the reserve.

Ngorongoro Crater:

This is the most famous attraction in the area and is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. It is a massive volcanic crater that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos. Visitors can take a game drive around the crater to see the animals in their natural habitat.

Olduvai Gorge:

This is a significant archaeological site where the remains of some of the earliest human ancestors have been found. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the history of human evolution.

Empakaai Crater:

This is a smaller, lesser-known crater that offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. It is also a great place to spot flamingos and other bird species.

Maasai Culture and Community:

The Maasai people have lived in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for hundreds of years, and have managed to maintain their traditional way of life despite the modernization and development that has taken place around them.

The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists who move their herds of cattle, sheep, and goats in search of water and grazing land. The Maasai are known for their unique culture, which includes their colourful clothing, intricate beadwork, and jumping dance rituals.

Handy Tip: When visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area, show respect for the local culture and greet people with a friendly "Jambo!"

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Activities

Whether you are interested in wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a lot of magic to show you. And here are some top Activities To Do In The Ngorongoro Conservation Area:

Game Drives:

Taking a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most popular activities in the area. Spot a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Game drives are usually led by experienced guides who can help you identify the animals and provide insights into their behaviors.

Hiking:

A range of hiking trails are available in Ngorongoro, from easy walks to more challenging treks. You can hike to the Olmoti Crater, Empakaai Crater, or other areas for stunning views and a chance to see wildlife up close.

Cultural Experiences:

You can experience the traditional way of life of the Maasai people by visiting a Maasai village. They can learn about their culture, participate in traditional dances, and even spend a night in a Maasai boma (hut). 

Bird Watching:

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, ostriches, eagles, and vultures. Visitors can take a guided bird-watching tour to spot some of these fascinating birds.

Archaeological Tours:

Visit the Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site where the remains of early human ancestors have been found. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site to learn about human evolution.

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Accommodation

As a popular tourist destination, there are several accommodations available for visitors in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

  • One of the most popular accommodation options in Ngorongoro is the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. This lodge is situated on the rim of the crater and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Another popular option is the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, which is also situated on the crater rim. This lodge features 97 spacious rooms, each with its own private balcony overlooking the crater.
  • For those looking for a more rustic experience, the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the crater. This lodge is located inside the crater, providing guests with an up-close view of the wildlife.

For visitors who want to immerse themselves in the local culture, the Rhino Lodge is a great option. This lodge is located on the edge of the crater and offers basic but comfortable accommodation in traditional Maasai-style huts

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Best Time to Visit

The Best Time To Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area is from June to October when the weather is dry, and the wildlife is concentrated around water sources.

This is also the peak tourist season, and visitors are advised to book their accommodation and activities in advance to avoid disappointment. The wet season from November to May is also a good time to visit, as the scenery is lush, and the birdlife is abundant.

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How to Get

Getting to Ngorongoro Conservation Area is possible by both road and air travel.

By Road:

The conservation area is located 160 km from Arusha and 140 km from the Seronera area of Serengeti National Park. Visitors can travel by private vehicle, or taxi or hire a tour company to transport them to the area.

By Air:

Visitors can also fly to Ngorongoro Airport via charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam. From there, they can arrange for ground transportation to their preferred accommodation in the conservation area.

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Discover the wildest Tanzania destination

With its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for any Tanzania Safari Tour. From the Big Five game viewing to cultural tours and outdoor activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So why wait? Book your adventure today with us and experience the wonder of this incredible destination for yourself!

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