Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Considered the world’s largest caldera, Ngorongoro is a unique span and vast expanse of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests. Established in 1959 as a multiple land use area, with wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing. It has been designated as a geopark, a UNESCO world heritage site and also one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders due to its breathtaking natural features.

A Complete Overview

Location and Accessibility

Location: Northern Tanzania, between Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Park.
Coordinates: Latitude 3°10′S, Longitude 35°34′E.
Size: Approximately 8,292 square kilometers (3,202 square miles).
Accessibility:
- By Road: A 3–4 hour drive from Arusha, the gateway city for the northern safari circuit. The area is also accessible from Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Parks.
- By Air: Flights are available to the nearby Lake Manyara or Serengeti airstrips, followed by a short drive to the NCA.

Key Features and Ecosystems

Ngorongoro Crater
- Size: The crater spans 19 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter and covers 264 square kilometers (102 square miles).
- Depth: About 600 meters (2,000 feet).
- Significance: The crater is a microcosm of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, swamps, and lakes, hosting an incredible diversity of wildlife.
- Wildlife Density: Home to approximately 25,000 large animals, it is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife up close.
Olduvai Gorge
- Known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” this archaeological site has yielded fossils and tools dating back over 2 million years, providing key insights into human evolution.
Empakaai and Olmoti Craters
- Empakaai: A smaller, less-visited crater featuring a deep alkaline lake, often frequented by flamingos.
- Olmoti: A crater with a beautiful waterfall and excellent for hiking.
Lake Magadi
- A soda lake within the Ngorongoro Crater that attracts flamingos and other waterbirds.
Highland Forests and Grasslands
- The rim of the crater is lush with montane forests, while the surrounding conservation area includes expansive savannahs and woodlands.
Wildlife Corridors
- The NCA serves as a migration corridor for animals moving between Serengeti National Park and Lake Manyara.

Birds in Ngorongoro

Over 500 bird species are found, including:

Resident Birds: Crowned cranes, kori bustards, and secretary birds.

Migratory Birds: Flamingos, European storks, and various waterfowl.

Human-Cultural Heritage

Maasai People
- The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists who coexist with wildlife in the NCA. They graze their cattle and continue their traditional way of life within the boundaries of the conservation area.
Olduvai Gorge
- This archaeological site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Discovered by Louis and Mary Leakey, it contains fossils and artifacts that trace the evolutionary history of humans.
- Key Attractions:
  - Fossils of early hominins.
  - The Olduvai Museum, which showcases artifacts and explains the significance of the site.
Shifting Sands
- A fascinating geological feature consisting of crescent-shaped black dunes that move gradually across the plains due to wind.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October)
Wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. This is also the best time for game drives in the crater.
Wet Season (November to May)
The area is lush and green, with excellent birdwatching opportunities. The calving season (January to March) in the surrounding plains attracts predators.

Accommodations

Ngorongoro offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences:

Luxury Lodges
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: An opulent lodge with spectacular crater views.
- Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge: A high-end retreat near the park entrance.
Mid-Range Lodges
- Rhino Lodge: Offers comfort and proximity to the crater.
- Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge: A budget-friendly option with excellent views.
Tented Camps
- Sanctuary Ngorongoro Camp: A mobile tented camp offering a more immersive experience.
Public Campsites
Basic camping facilities for budget travelers, ideal for adventure seekers.

Why Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

Unique Crater Ecosystem: A natural amphitheater for wildlife viewing.
Cultural Richness: Interactions with the Maasai and a glimpse into ancient human history.
Diverse Activities: From game drives to hikes and cultural tours.
Scenic Beauty: Dramatic landscapes ranging from highland forests to volcanic craters.

Attractions in the conservation area

The Ngorongoro crater is the largest and most scenic crater in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a large concentration of wildlife. The big five animals; elephant, buffalos, rhinos, lions and leopards are all found in the crater. As well as other animals such as hippos, hyenas, gazelles, zebras, wildebeest and elands to name a few.

The Nasera rock is a spectacular 50 meter (165 feet) high inselberg located in the southwestern part of the Gol Mountains with drawings said to be made during ancient times when they used the area as temporal settlements or hiding burrows.

A 3.5-hour drive from Arusha can get you to the park and a visitor may opt to descend into the crater the same day or take up accommodation and spend the next day experiencing what more Ngorongoro has to offer.

Attractions in the conservation area

The Olduvai Gorge, considered as the Man’s cradle is also found in the area, giving it an attraction to both tourists and archeological enthusiasts.

It was here that the famous Zinjanthropus (Australopithecus boisei) skull, as well as remains of Homo habilis were unearthed, the presumed maker of the numerous early stone tools found in deposits ranging in age from 1.6 to 1.8 million years ago, and Homo erectus, the larger- bodied and larger- brained hominin that preceded the earliest modern humans (Homo sapiens). The gorge may be visited year-round. It is necessary to have an oﬃcial guide to visit the actual excavations.

The Empakai crater is one of the calderas in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater is almost 8 kilometers wide with the highest rim of all. More than half of its floor is covered by a deep soda lake, home to flamingoes and other water birds around this Crater’s Lake coastline.