How to get to Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected area and a World Heritage Site located 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, an arm of the Tanzanian government, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro Division of the Arusha Region. It’s home to the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and “big 5” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino). Huge herds of wildebeests and zebras traverse its plains during their annual migration. Livestock belonging to the semi-nomadic Maasai tribe graze alongside wild animals. Hominin fossils found in the Olduvai Gorge date back millions of years.
How do you get there? The Ngorongoro Conservation area can be accessed by road and air, it’s approximately 185 kilometers from Arusha. Traveling by road typically tales around 3 hours. visitors also have the options of chattered flights from Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport to Lake Manyara Airstrip in Ngorongoro. Upon arrival at the airstrip, a vehicle arranged by their tour operator or accommodation will be ready to transport them to the crater.
Entry Requirements
Visitors panning a safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area should ensure they meet the following entry requirements to enjoy a smooth and memorable experience:
- Valid passport: Travelers mist carry a valid passport with at least six month’s validity beyond the date of entry
- Visa requirements: Citizens from most countries require a visa to enter Tanzania. visa applications can often be competed online or upon arrival at designated entry points. Its is advisable o verify specific visa requirements based on your nationality before travel.
- Conservation area Enty fee: Visitors are required to pay conservation fees, which include park entrance fee and vehicle fees. These fees contribute to the preservation and management of the area.
- Permits and bookings: It is recommended to book permits and accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. To enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and entry permits may be obtained at the Lodware Gate, the Naabi Hill Gate in the southern Serengeti, and the conservation area headquarters at Ngorongoro. Non- Tanzanian residents are required to pay any fees in US dollars.
- Health precautions: Travelers should have up-to-date vaccinations including yellow fever if coming from endemic regions. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended. Carry necessary medications and consult healthcare providers before traveling.
- Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellations is highly recommended
- Respects of regulations: Visitors must adhere to the park’s rules and regulations, including designated routes, wildlife viewing guidelines, and restrictions on littering and noise. The gates into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m., but movement is allowed after dark between the campsites and the lodges
Accommodation and Facilities
Visitors to the Ngorongoro Crater can choose from a variety of Accommodation options. You can stay in a budget, mid-range, or luxury lodge. some of the popular lodging options include Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro crater rim, Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro Farm House and Plantation Lodge, Gibbs Farm, Lemala Ngorongoro Lodge, Lions Paw Camp Ngorongoro, Kirurumu Ngorongoro Camp and Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge among others
When to Go
The Ngorongoro Conservation area can be visited throughout the year because the animals remain in the gathering around the crater throughout the year. Most tourists tend to visit during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, spotting wildlife is generally easier due to the shorter grass, although the area can become quite crowded. Each season offers unique experiences: from January to February, thousands of wildebeest calves are born just outside the crater, making it an ideal time for photography and observing wildlife interactions. Between March and May, the region experiences heavy rains that transform the landscape into lush greenery, and visitor numbers decrease, making it an excellent season for birdwatching. Bird enthusiasts can expect to see species such as white backed vultures, weavers, splay-footed ostriches, secretary birds, rosy-breasted longclaw, long-crested eagles, lesser flamingos, harriers, grotesque kori bustards, grey crowned cranes, caspian lapwing, blue mantled superb starlings and Augur buzzards.
Currency
Non-Tanzanian residents are required to pay park and lodge fees in foreign currency, typically US dollars. however, expenses for food, alcohol, fuel and other purchases can be settled in Tanzanian shillings. It is advisable to Currency exchange currency at the state banks, which usually offers the best rate.it is important to avoid changing money on the street, as it is illegal and can lead to police traps with several penalties, while most of the major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at the lodges but the majority of retail outlets insist on cash.
What to Take
When preparing for a safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation area, it’s important to pack thoughtfully to ensure a comfortable and successful trp. here are some key items to consider bringing;
Travel documents such as valid passport with necessary visas, safari permits and reservation details, travel insurance documents.
Clothing’s such as light breathable clothing for daytime, warm layers for early mornings and evenings, a hat or cap for sun protection, a waterproof jacket in case of rain and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
Photography gear like camera with extra batteries and money cards, binocular for wildlife viewing and lens cleaning kit.
Health and safety items like personal medications and a basic aid kit, sunscreen and insect repellent and hand sanitizer and wipes.
Other essentials you should consider include reusable water battles to stay hydrated, snacks for long game drives, a flashlight or headlamp and powerband or portable charger among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about a Tanzania safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation area including how to get and travel us at African Vacations Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on you are in the country.