Overview

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is one of Tanzania’s most renowned and ecologically diverse protected areas. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this unique conservation area spans approximately 8,292 square kilometers (3,200 square miles) in northern Tanzania. What sets Ngorongoro apart from other parks is its blend of wildlife conservation with human habitation, particularly the presence of the indigenous Maasai people, who live and graze their cattle alongside the wildlife.

At the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Beyond the crater, the area includes diverse landscapes such as volcanic highlands, vast grasslands, forests, and lakes. The area also holds important cultural significance due to the presence of ancient human remains at Olduvai Gorge, considered the “Cradle of Mankind.”

Key Attractions

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the conservation area’s most iconic feature. The crater was formed around 2.5 million years ago when a large volcano collapsed, leaving a massive caldera measuring 19 kilometers in diameter and 600 meters deep. The crater floor, covering 260 square kilometers, is a natural sanctuary for a dense concentration of wildlife.

• Big Five: The crater is one of the few places in Africa where visitors can see the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and critically endangered black rhinos—in one location.
• Black Rhinoceros: Ngorongoro is one of the best places to spot the rare and endangered black rhinoceros.
• Lions: The crater is home to a large population of lions, with some of the highest densities in Africa.
• Elephants: The crater’s elephants, especially old bulls with massive tusks, are often seen near the Lerai Forest.
• Lake Magadi: A shallow soda lake within the crater that attracts flocks of flamingos, creating a stunning sight.

Olduvai Gorge

Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” Olduvai Gorge has yielded some of the oldest evidence of human evolution, including fossils and tools dating back nearly 2 million years. Visitors can explore the Olduvai Museum, which displays important finds made by paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey, and learn about the origins of humanity.

Empakaai and Olmoti Craters

In addition to Ngorongoro Crater, the conservation area includes the lesser-known Empakaai and Olmoti Craters.

• Empakaai Crater: This smaller and more secluded crater features a deep soda lake at its center, surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can hike down to the lake’s edge, where flamingos and other bird species are often seen. On clear days, hikers are treated to views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Ol Doinyo Lengai, a sacred Maasai volcano.
• Olmoti Crater: This shallow, forested crater is known for its scenic beauty and a waterfall that cascades into the crater. The area is ideal for short hikes and exploring its diverse flora and fauna.

Maasai Culture

The Maasai people are an integral part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with around 42,000 Maasai living within the area. The Maasai maintain a traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle, raising cattle and coexisting with wildlife. Visitors can experience Maasai culture firsthand by visiting a Maasai boma (traditional homestead) and learning about their customs, beadwork, and way of life. Cultural tours offer insight into how the Maasai balance tradition with modern challenges.

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including:

• Lions: The crater hosts a dense population of lions, with large prides often seen lounging on the plains.
• Black Rhinoceros: One of the few places in Tanzania where visitors can spot the critically endangered black rhino.
• Elephants: The crater is known for its large bull elephants, often seen in forested areas.
• Buffalos: Large herds of buffalos roam the grasslands, often seen grazing alongside zebras and wildebeests.
• Leopards: While elusive, leopards can sometimes be spotted in the forested areas along the crater rim.
• Hippos: The Ngoitokitok Springs in the crater are home to a population of hippos that can be seen wallowing in the water.
• Flamingos: The alkaline Lake Magadi on the crater floor attracts large flocks of flamingos, creating a colorful display against the crater’s backdrop.

Safari Activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Game Drives

Game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. The crater floor is a natural sanctuary for a wide variety of animals, making it possible to see a large number of species in a relatively short amount of time. Visitors can expect to see lions, elephants, rhinos, and a variety of herbivores such as zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles. Game drives usually take place in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active.

Crater Rim Walks

For a more immersive experience, guided walks along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater provide stunning panoramic views of the crater floor and surrounding highlands. These walks allow visitors to explore the area’s flora, spot smaller mammals, and enjoy birdwatching while learning about the local ecosystem from knowledgeable guides.

Cultural Tours

Visitors can take part in cultural tours to nearby Maasai villages, where they can engage with the local Maasai people and learn about their traditional way of life. These tours offer a deeper understanding of how the Maasai coexist with the wildlife in the conservation area. You can witness traditional dances, explore local markets, and visit Maasai homesteads.

Hiking Empakaai Crater

The Empakaai Crater hike is a rewarding adventure for those looking to explore a more remote and less-visited part of the conservation area. The hike down to the crater’s soda lake offers spectacular views, and visitors can walk along the lake’s shores, where flamingos and other birds are often seen.

Olduvai Gorge Museum Tour

A visit to the Olduvai Gorge Museum is a must for history and archaeology enthusiasts. The museum showcases the fossils and tools discovered at the site, which provide insight into the early development of human ancestors. Guided tours of the gorge offer a fascinating look at one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world.

Best Time to Visit

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:

• Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals are concentrated around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense. The dry season also offers cooler temperatures, making it ideal for game drives and crater hikes.
• Wet Season (November to May): The wet season brings lush green landscapes and is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive. The calving season (January to March) is also an exciting time to visit, as wildebeests and zebras give birth, attracting predators like lions and hyenas.

Accommodation

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury lodges with stunning views to budget-friendly campsites:

• Luxury Lodges: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is one of the most luxurious lodges in Tanzania, offering opulent accommodations and breathtaking views of the crater. Other high-end options include The Highlands Ngorongoro and Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
• Mid-Range Lodges: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge offer comfortable accommodations with excellent views of the crater and easy access to the conservation area.
• Campsites: For budget travelers, there are several public and special campsites located within and near the conservation area, providing a more affordable way to experience the beauty of Ngorongoro.

Getting There

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located approximately a 3-hour drive from Arusha, the main gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Most visitors arrive by road as part of a safari itinerary that includes visits to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Serengeti.

For those flying, Lake Manyara Airport and Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti offer access to the area, with flights from Arusha and other parts of Tanzania.

Why Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

• Incredible Wildlife: Ngorongoro is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five, particularly the rare black rhinoceros.
• Cultural Encounters: Visitors have the opportunity to engage with the Maasai people and learn about their traditional way of life.
• Stunning Landscapes: From the Ngorongoro Crater to the vast plains and volcanic highlands, the area offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Africa.
• Historical Significance: Explore Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and learn about the early evolution of humans.
• Varied Activities: Whether you’re interested in game drives, hiking, birdwatching, or cultural tours, Ngorongoro offers something for everyone.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari experience, combining incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.