Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania | Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is situated within the Ngorongoro district situated in the northern part of Tanzania, about 180 kilometers (110 miles) west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands and it also located within the Eastern Great Rift Valley arm. Also, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is close to other well-known national parks in Tanzania, such as Lake Manyara National Park, which is home to tree-climbing lions, and Tarangire National Park, which is home to Tanzania’s largest herd of elephants.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area History
This area was discovered in the late 1800s by the Austrian explorer Oscar Baumann, and it has been exploited in various ways since then until the British established the Serengeti National Park in 1951, which included what is now the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, protecting it from over-exploitation and poaching. The park covers an area of 8,292 square kilometers. It is renowned for its rich wildlife, supporting over 25,000 large animals and 550 bird species. Initially part of Serengeti National Park, the entire area was designate a separate reserve in 1959. Later, in 1980, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2010, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was added to UNESCO’s list of mixed world heritage sites. Since 2013, Tanzania has been recognized as the capital of Africa’s New Seven Natural Wonders, owing to the inclusion of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Kilimanjaro-the continent’s highest peak-and Serengeti National Park.
In 2018, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was further recognized with an additional UNESCO accreditation, it now forms a part of he Ngorongoro-Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark located in Northern Tanzania. UNESCO defines Global Geoparks as single, unified geographical regions that contain internationally important monuments and landscapes, managed through a comprehensive approach emphasizing protection, education, and sustainable development. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area contains nine craters: Keramasi, Empakaai, Lolmalasin, Losirua, Olmoti, Ngorongoro, Oldean, Loroklukunya, Sadiman, and Makaruti. other attractions found in the area includes Lake Natron, Mount Oldonyo Lengai, Grimezk Grave, Rim Forest, Malanja Depression, Serengeti Plains, Leakey Camp, Soitoo Quartzite Hills, shifting sand, Bao Site, Nasera Rock, An’gatakiti Hills, Olkarien Gorge, Natural Stone Bridge, Ruppell’s Vulture, Accacia Rim Site, Gol Mountain, Lake Eyasi, Sacred Tree among others. The most prominent feature within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the main feature is the Ngorongoro Crater itself, which is the largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera in the world. Additionally, the area protects the Oldupai or Olduvai Gorges located in the plains. This is where the first known specimens of the human genus were discovered. The plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area also witness the annual migration of wildebeests as they search for greener pastures.
Discover Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded, volcanic caldera. A caldera is created after a volcano has erupted, spewing liquid hot magma into the surrounding area, and creating a hollow pocket of space below the surface of the volcano. More so, the park harbours a range of endangered species, such as the Black Rhino, Wild hunting dog and Golden Cat and 500 species of birds. It also supports one of the largest animal migrations on earth, including over 1 million wildebeest, 72,000 zebras and 350,000 Thompson and Grant gazelles.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Safaris
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania boasts numerous attractions that continually draw a large number of tourists from around the world. Visitors often visit this destination for holidays, with many opting for honeymoon safaris. In response to this influx, several safari companies have emerged to cater to the needs of these travelers throughout the year. Each of these tour operators endeavors to provide suitable safari packages tailored to foreign visitors. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the traveler to select the most appropriate safari package. A safari package typically outlines the itinerary, starting from the moment the traveler is picked up from the airport or accommodation, and continuing through the safari experience until their departure. A safari package is sort of a detail on how the trip shall flow right from the start when they pick you from the airport or from your accommodation facility, to when the safari ends when you are flagged off. This is more of an itinerary and it also shows how much you will spend on the tour till the end. A traveler is therefore advised to pick a safari package that offers more activities that will keep you engaged on your journey not forgetting to use a trusted tour operator.
3 Days Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Safari
4 Days Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Migration Safari
4 Days Ndutu Migration and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
4 Days Kilimanjaro Hike and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
5 Days Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti Safari
7 days Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar safari
Activities to Do in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater a large volcanic caldera within the area, making it one of the most popular attractions in Tanzania. It is one of the best places to spot all 5 of Africa’s famous mammals such as lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Other animals found within the crater include hippos, jackals, reedbuck, waterbuck, wildebeest, warthogs, hartebeests, servals, zebras, cheetahs and crocodiles. the area is also home to over 500 species of birds. However, this article emphases on the activities to do while on a Tanzania safari at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they include; game drives, photographic Safaris, picnics, nature walks, birding, visiting the Maasai villages and hot air ballooning among others
Game drives:
One of the most popular and exhilarating activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is embarking on a game drive through the stunning landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater. The area is renowned for its diverse wildlife, the crater is often referred to as the “garden of Eden” for animals’ enthusiast. During your guided game drive safari in the along the Ngorongoro crater, you’ll have the chance to encounter with the Big Five animals such as lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and the black rhino roaming in their natural habitat, all within the unique geological setting of the volcanic caldera.
Nature and Crater View Walks:
taking a walk along the edge of the crater is a truly amazing experience while on a safari in Ngorongoro Conservation area. while on a safari, you’ll get to see the Masai people as well as wildlife species. Here you can see how the Maasai manage their cattle, keeping them safe from predators like lions and leopards. Nature walks here also offer you with the chance to the astonishing views of the vast. You might even spot some birds and have the chance to snap some pictures, creating memories you won’t forget.
Bird watching:
The Ngorongoro conservation area is one of the best places for birding in Tanzania. With a recorded number of over 500 bird’s species. Birdwatching tours here are best done along the Ngorongoro highland and crater. During your bird watching tour, you’ll have the chance to spot different bird species such as ostriches, Kori Bustards, Secretary Birds, and other birds. Gray-delegated Cranes, Northern Anteater Chat Capped Water, Fischer’s Sparrow Lark, Red-covered Lark, Grassland Pipit, Superb Starling.
Visit Olduvai Gorge:
Visiting the Olduvai Gorge is another exciting to do in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. the Olduvai Gorge is a prehistoric site situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is a key attraction for visitors interested in human evolution and archaeology. Often refer to as the “Cradle of mankind”. This long stretch of land, about 30 miles or so, has given us some incredible finds – fossils and tools that tell us a lot about where we came from. The Leakey family found this place back in the 1930s, and their discoveries, like finding early human relatives called Homo Habilis and Australopithecus Boisei, totally changed how we understand human history.
Attractions in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The conservation area contains Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. While on a Tanzania safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll have the chance to engage in a variety of activities within/around the Ngorongoro such as game drives, photographic Safaris, picnics, nature walks, birding, visiting the Maasai villages, hot air ballooning, a tour of Olduvai Gorge, visiting the Empakaai Crater, hiking to the summit of the Gol Mountains and Oldoinyo Lengai.
The Ngorongoro Crater:
The Ngorongoro Crater, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, presenting a stunning display of Africa’s abundant natural life. Situated within Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this vast depression covers about 260 square kilometers. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most iconic sights, with the highest concentration of wild species on the continent. The Crater, sometimes referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world,” has gained international acclaim, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. Shaped millions of years in the past, its striking terrain encompasses verdant grasslands, thick forests, and acacia groves, supporting a varied collection of animals. The Ngorongoro Crater hosts a notable population exceeding 25,000 large mammals, including Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, hippos, jackals, reedbuck, waterbuck, wildebeest, warthogs, hartebeests, servals, zebras, cheetahs, East African wild dogs, Grant’s gazelles, giraffes, Thomson’s gazelles and crocodiles. The majority of these animals reside within this natural enclosure without migrating, with the exception of a limited number of wildebeest and elephants. This has resulted in considerable inbreeding among certain species, including lions. Those who visit can undertake thrilling safaris to observe these magnificent beings in their native surroundings, often spotting them on the crater floor, which provides excellent viewing opportunities.
Olduvai Gorge:
The Olduvai Gorge is the site where early human remains were discovered, situated within the Ngorongoro conservation area. The Olduvai Gorge is approximately 50 kilometers long and up to 90 meters deep. This significant find was made by Dr. Leakey and Mary Leakey. Nestled beneath the Ngorongoro highlands, Olduvai Gorge is situated on the eastern side of the Serengeti plains. It is also known as the driest part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the area, evidence of human evolution was discovered. Stone tools and fossils were among the discoveries made at the site. There is also a museum where visitors can see the findings and learn about the history of human evolution. 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. Apart from the main attraction-the Ngorongoro Crater, other attractions in the Ngorongoro conservational area include Lake Magadi, Laetoli, Lerai Fever Tree Forest, Shifting Sands, Gol Mountains, Nasera Rock, Salei Plains, and Ol Karien Gorge, Hadzabe Tribe, Maasai bomas, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and Lake Natron, Empakaai Crater, Olmoti Crater among others.
Wildlife:
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area boast a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with over 115 different mammal specie inhabiting the region. Among the carnivores present are lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, jackals, serval cats, and endangered wild hunting dogs, highlighting the area’s vibrant ecosystem. The crater is home to a wide herbivore, including elephants, elands, hartebeests, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, waterbucks, warthogs, and kudus, as well as endangered rhinos. Hippos are commonly seen in the crater’s permanent freshwater pools and swamps. while giraffes are often observed near Lake Ndutu, where acacia trees flourish. The Conservation Area is home to over 550 bird species, some of which are residents and others are migratory.
Lake Magadi attracts thousands of lesser flamingos and other waterfowl, which can also be spotted around Lake Ndutu and the Empakaai Crater Lake. The forests within Ngorongoro are teeming with birdlife, including species like turacos and hornbills. Raptors such as goshawks and harriers patrol the plains, adding to the area’s rich avian diversity.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Weather
Ngorongoro and the Crater Highlands are situated less than 200 kilometers south of the equator, yet their high elevation—typically above 2,000 meters—results in a surprisingly cool climate. Daytime temperatures rarely go beyond 25°C, while nighttime temperatures often drop below 10°C. The weather during the day is generally sunny, though cloudy days are also common, and the altitude difference between the crater floor and the rim leads to significant mist formation in the early mornings.
Being near the equator, Ngorongoro experiences minimal seasonal variation in temperature; however, the months from October to March tend to be a few degrees warmer than those from May to August. Rainfall is much more seasonal, as it is linked to the moist trade winds that blow inland from the Indian Ocean from November to May. More than 80% of the annual precipitation of 1,000 mm falls during these months. The wettest months are March and April, while the dry season extends from June to September.
Despite these weather patterns, Ngorongoro can be visited throughout the year. When planning a trip, it’s important to consider other factors beyond climate. During peak seasons, the crater can become crowded with safari vehicles, so travelers looking for a less crowded experience should aim for April and May, which are the quietest months for tourism, not only in Ngorongoro but throughout the northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Best Time Visit to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro conservation area has a wide array of species such as both flora and fauna which leaves it open to travellers throughout the year. However, there are some seasons which are very interesting for tourists to visit. The most exciting season is the dry season during the month of June- September and December to February which are usually dry months unlike the wet season which makes the animals hide in search for shelter and also the roads are somehow slippery which makes it a little bit difficult to access.
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