Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Named after Ngorongoro Crater a wide volcanic Caldera situated in between the Serengeti National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is managed by Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority with lots of wildlife animals that drain their thirst from the Lake.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater lies about 60 kms North west of Lake Manyara, 145 kms South West of the Serengeti, 190 kms West of Arusha with a crater that was once an infant volcano that collapsed forming a caldera of 18 kms and 1 km deep. The Crater attracts various birds, wildlife i.e wildebeest, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo, Olive baboon, Blue Monkeys, bush babies, rhino, elephant, cheetah, zebra and many species of antelope.
The Ngorongoro Crater stands 7,600 ft high at the rim with a base floor of about 2,000 ft under a thick canopy of lichen-draped tropical forest usually covered with mist.
Enjoy remarkable Adventures and Wildlife safaris using 4×4/ 4 WDs that can handle the terrain.
The crater includes the Olduvai which is known to have fossil.
The Ngorongoro Crater Trek
The Ngorongoro Crater Trek is an amazing trekking trail that takes you through the Loduare Gate to heroes point then to the Crater. You transfer to the Nainokanoka village at the Ranger Post.
Things to do in Ngorongoro
Game Drives and Wildlife watching
Game Drives around the Ngorongoro Crater are very exceptional as you transfer in a 4×4 wheel vehicle and these are in two sessions i.e Morning and afternoon. By 4:30 pm, all vehicles must be out of the Crate. There are numerous wildlife animals, birds, lakes, lush forests and the green Savannah vegetation.
Photographic Safari
Ngorongoro Crater is perfect for all travellers interested in taking remarkable wildlife Safari Photos of birds, lakes and savannah vegetation as well as the Masai local people.
Masai Cultural Encounter
The Masai People are an exceptional safari attraction to encounter while in the Crater. They are allowed to graze their animals around the edges of the crater as well as take the animals to drink from it during the dry months of the year. Arrangements can be made to visit the villages/ homesteads to learn about their way of life, traditions and customs.
Enjoy Picnic Lunch
The Ngorongoro Crater is ideal for all travellers interested in having a delicious picnic lunch in the African wilderness watching wildlife wander around their natural habitat.
Visit Tanzania’s Last Bushmen
The Bushmen in the park that lived here were driven out by the Masai-Hadzabe Tribe, despite the fact that some remained behind and these are visited by travellers interested in learning more about the local Bushmen and how they have survived since the ancient days.
Nature and Crater View Walks
Ngorongoro Crater is ideal for travelers interested in nature and crater view walks as these take you along the rims of the crater with the western section offering you exceptional views of the woodlands, acacia forests and open grasslands. On your guided walk, you will watch the Masai people too.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is incredible in the Ngorongoro Crater as you watch various bird species like the African cytrill sights, forest buzzard, golden winged sunbirds, white eyes slate, flamingos, Kori bustards and crowned cranes etc.
Other Activities to do around the Crater
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Ballooning is very ideal around the Crater as it offer you an aerial view of the Plains and wildlife animals from heights above. You watch these wander from one place to another.
….Hiking to the summit of the Gol Mountains
Visit Olduvai Gorge
Visit the Empakaai Crater
How to Get to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Access Ngorongoro Conservation Area by use of a 4×4 fleet as the Conservation area is situated along the way on a 3 hours’ drive from Arusha the starting point for all Safaris in Tanzania.
By Road to the Crater
On arrival in Arusha Town, transfer with a driver guide who transfers you in a 4×4 vehicle via Karatu Town then to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Lake Manyara National Park.
By Air to the Crater
You can access the Crater by use of Air where you board a flight that drops you at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport where you are picked up by a driver guide who transfers you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Domestic flights to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be accessed by use of domestic flights too and these include; Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Regional Air, ZanAir, Safari Air Link, or Coastal Aviation.
Best Time to Visit the Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be visited any time around the year travellers although the Best time to visit is during the rainy season in the months of April to May since there are far fewer visitors and the crater is wonderfully lush and green compared to the dusty dry-season landscape in the months of September to December and January.