Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site found in the Republic of Tanzania. It was established in 1959 covering approximately 3,200 square miles (8,300 square km) of vast expanses of craters, gorges, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, savanna grasslands and woodlands. The stunning combination of landscape and wildlife rivals those in neighboring Serengeti and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The famous award-winning movie “Out of Africa” was partly filmed in Ngorongoro. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is made up of the famous Ngorongoro crater (from which it gets its name), Olduvai Gorge and the remote crater highlands.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area supports the world’s largest herds of ungulates, including wildebeests, plains zebras, and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. Predators such as lions, spotted hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs are also found here, along with the endangered black rhinoceros and African hunting dog. Among the more than 400 bird species in the area are ostrich, turaco, crowned cranes, Egyptian goose, yellow-billed duck, helmeted guineafowl, scaly francolin, lesser and greater flamingo, speckled pigeon, red-eyed dove, yellow-throated sandgrouse, black-billed bustard, white-browed coucal, Abyssinian nightjar, African swift, Eurasian moorhen, Kori bustards, long-toe lapwing and Africa jacana among others.
Though cultivation is prohibited, approximately 25,000 to 40,000 Maasai are permitted to graze their livestock within the area. Concerns in the late 20th century included ecosystem damage from overgrazing and tourist vehicles, as well as declining populations of black rhinoceroses, leopards, and elephants due to poaching.
Attractions found in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro crater
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, offering a spectacular showcase of Africa’s rich biodiversity. The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as ‘the Garden of Eden’ because it is a true paradise for animals. The crater is important for global biodiversity because it contains threatened species and high concentration of animals. The crater was formed about 3 million years ago when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. its dramatic landscape features lush grasslands, demise forests and acacia woodlands, supporting diverse array of wildlife. The massive explosion left behind a floor covering an area of 260 square kilometers and 2,000 feet deep. As a major attraction, the Ngorongoro crater is home to an impressive population of over 25, 000 large mammals including lion, buffalos, leopards, elephants, black rhinos others animals such as waterbucks, cheetahs, crocodiles, East African wild dogs, elands, grant’s gazelle, zebra, hippopotamus, impala, oribi, Thomson’s gazelles, Topi and wildebeest. Most of these animals remain in the natural enclosure without migrating except for a few wildebeest and elephants. The crater consists of water bodies like Lake Magadi and the Ngoitokitok Spring. The water bodies provide water for wildlife throughout the year but the Maasai herdsmen also use them to supply water for their animals – especially during the dry months of the year. Visitors can embark on exhilarating safari to obverse these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, often spotting them within the crater’s floor, which offers excellent visibility.
Olduvai Gorge
The Olduvai Gorge is another attraction in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area drawing the attention of many tourists, a prehistoric site id located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is a key attraction for visitors interested in human evolution and archaeology. The Olduvai Gorge is located in-between the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater. Often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind”, the yielded stretches approximately 48 kilometers long and has yielded some of the most significant fossils and artifacts in history. The site was discovered in the 1930s by the Leakey family, it provided crucial evidence of early human ancestors including Homo habilis and Australopithecus boisei. Olduvai Gorge is visited by thousands of tourists who are interested in learning about the work of the Leakey family and understanding how the earliest humans evolved. There is a small museum at the sight where fossils dating back to about 3 million years ago are kept.
Laetoli
Laetoli is located within the Ngorongoro conservation area, is a remarkable archaeological site renowned for its ancient hominin footprints, which date back approximately 3.6 million years. the site was discovered in 1976 by the paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey and her team, these footprints provide invaluable insight into early human evolution and movement. The preserved footprints were created by a group of Australopithecus afarensis, a key ancestor of modern humans, demonstrating bipedalism and social behavior. Visitors Laetoli offers a unique opportunity for both tourists and scholars to connect with human history. The site is surrounded by stunning landscapes, characterized by the iconic East Africa savannah and an array of wildlife, adding to its allure. Guided tours provide educational context, allowing visitors to appreciate the significance of the footprints in understanding human ancestry.
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai, often referred to as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai people, is an active stratovolcano located near the Ngorongoro conservation area. it is renowned for its unique volcanic activity, particularly its carbonatite laves, which is rare compared to typical basaltic lava. This vibrant, white and gray lava, along with periodic eruptions, creates a mesmerizing landscape that attracts tourists and geologists. hiking Ol Doinyo Lengai offers stunning panoramic views the surrounding plains and the Great Rift Vally. The trek is challenging but rewarding, providing an opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the African landscape abd diverse wildlife. This volcano’s geological significance, coupled with its cultural importance to the Maasai, makes its a unique attraction in the Ngorongoro conservation area. Visitors often leave with unforgettable memories of both natural wonder and rich cultural heritage.
The Empakaai Crater
The Empakaai Crater is located with the Ngorongoro conservation area, is a stunning geological marvel and hidden gem for nature enthusiast, the crater is renowned for its breathtaking views and rich biodiversity, the crater features a deep, turquoise lake surrounded by lush forest and steep walls, creating a habitat for various wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot Flamingos and other migratory bords while the surrounding trails offers superb hiking opportunities. Visitors are captivated by the serene landscape and the chance to experience a less crowded alternative to the famous Ngorongoro crater, making The Empakaai Crater a must- visit destination.
Amazing things to do in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Birdwatching
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to over 500 bird species, the diversity of vegetation in the area and the topography, which includes grassland plains, lakes, marshes and highlands provide habitats for a wide range of birdlife. During your birdwatching tours in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you have birdlife the chance to spot colorful bird species such as red-eyed dove, yellow-throated sandgrouse, black-billed bustard, white-browed coucal, Abyssinian nightjar, African swift, Eurasian moorhen, Kori bustards, long-toe lapwing, ostrich, turaco, crowned cranes, Egyptian goose, yellow-billed duck, helmeted guineafowl, scaly francolin, lesser and greater flamingo, speckled pigeon and Africa jacana among others.
Game drives
One of the most exhilarating experiences in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is embarking on a game drive through the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO world heritage site houses a diverse array of wildlife within its 260 square kilometers caldera. Game drives are conducted in sections, that’s to say, early morning game drives and the evening drives. The early morning game drives are especially rewarding as many animals are active during this cooler time of the day. During your game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, you will have the chance to encounter with a variety of wildlife such as waterbucks, African leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, crocodiles, East African wild dogs, elands, grant’s gazelle, zebra, hippopotamus, impala, lions, oribi, Thomson’s gazelles, Topi and wildebeest as well as beautiful bird species. Besides the Ngorongoro Crater, game drive safaris can also be conducted along the Ndutu plains, Sale plains, Nasere rock, Embulbul, olkarien Gorge and Gol mountains among others. The site has the experienced guide who will provide the insights into animal’s behaviors and the unique ecosystems within the crater. The landscape features grasslands, swamps and woodlands, creating habitats that houses different wildlife species including birds.
Visiting the Olduvai Gorge
A visit to Olduvai Gorge is a must for history and archaeological enthusiasts during a safari in the Ngorongoro conservation area. This significant archaeological site, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind”, is renowned foe its fossil finds, including some of the earliest known hominid remains. A guided tour of the Gorge introduces visitors to the fascinating story of human evolution, highlighting the discoveries mad by researchers like Louis and Mary Leakey. The visitor center features informative exhibits about the geological and ecological history of the region as well as detailed timeline of human ancestry. Walking along the Gorge, visitors can appreciate the dramatic landscape while reflecting on the evolution of early humans in Africa. The site also offers unique photography opportunities, with stunning views of the Gorge and surrounding savannah. Engaging with experienced guides enhances the experience, as they share insights about ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Getting to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
By road. The most common way to reach to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is by road. From Arusha the closest town, is about 180 kilometers of about 2–3-hour drive passing through Karatu. Tourists typically enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area via the Lodare Gate near Karatu. Safari visitors from Serengeti National Park can access the Ngorongoro Conservation Area through the Naabi Hill Gate, driving on gravel roads and keeping lookout for wildlife along the way.
By air. The nearest airport to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Arusha international airport, from which visitors would need to transfer by road. There are companies that offer chartered flights to an airstrip at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area is during the dry season runs from June through until September. During this season, you can see the iconic Wildebeest Migration from Tanzania to Kenya. Many people dream of seeing the herd at a river crossing, and you can see these at the Grumeti or Mara Rivers. As with any destinations, traveling at this time means large crowds and more expensive accommodations.
Accommodation facilities at Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range to budget- friendly. Such accommodations include the Manor at Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Lodge Melia’ Collection, Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge, Lake Nduku Luxury Tented Lodge by TNS Hospitality, Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge, Ndutu Safari Lodge, Tlomo Mountain Lodge, Andbeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp, Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Rhino Lodge, Ang’ata Migration- Ndutu Camp, Ngorongoro Wild Camps, The Octagon Safari Lodge, Crater Forest Tented Camp among others
