Ngorongoro Crater

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

The Ngorongoro crater, also known as ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden’, Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the Crater Highlands in Tanzania. Ngorongoro has the largest population of predators in Africa and can be accessed by scenic flights and road transfers. Ngorongoro is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations and game viewing at this Tanzania safari area is truly enchanting – approximately 25 000 mammals freely roam the area. Among the spectacular wildlife of Ngorongoro are leopard, jackal, zebra, buffalo and elephant. The flamingo migration at Lake Magadi is one of the highlights of a Ngorongoro safari, witness thousands of flamingo gathering at the saline waters of the lake. Ngorongoro Crater accommodation in Tanzania is offered at lodges and tented camps. Activities in Ngorongoro includes game drives, cultural tours and walking safaris.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans from Serengeti National Park in the north, to the Great Rift Valley in the east. In total, the conservation area covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 sq. miles). It consists of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater and Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. The mix of forests, valleys, savannah, craters, lakes and swamps is home for a wide range of animals.

Natural wonder Ngorongoro Crater

The famous Ngorongoro Crater is the main feature of this area. Two to three million years ago the large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. As a result the crater formed which then created a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of vegetation.

Today the crater is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. It is home to zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches and hippos. You can find a high population of predators, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and leopards. And a big attraction of the Ngorongoro Crater are of course the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino. You can see them all in this 20 kilometres (12,5 miles) wide and 600 metres (2,000 feet) deep crater. Enjoy the variety of animals and beautiful colours of the landscapes. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are incredible. Because of its natural beauty, the crater is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

Excursions and activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Flora And Vegetation Of Ngorongoro

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s primary flora is the vibrant green vegetation as well as desert plants. Apart from this, the area is a combination of plenty of short grass, used for grazing, arid and semi-arid plants, highland forests, and lowland vegetation.

Wildlife And Birdlife

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a huge concentration of more than 25,000 large animals. This includes a population of around 115 mammals. The three primary game-viewing areas are the Ngorongoro Crater, the surroundings of Lake Ndutu, and the short-grass plains of the Gol Mountains.

The Annual Migration In Ngorongoro

The Great Wildebeest Migration also makes its way through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is when over 2 million hooved animals move to the southern part of the area in December. They move out in June to head north. The migrant that passes through the NCA plains includes around 1.8 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles.

Cultural Tours

Tanzania Cultural Tours are a great way to learn about the lifestyle of the native tribal communities. And there’s no better place to go on cultural excursions than the NCA because the Maasai people live in harmony with the area’s surrounding and wildlife. On a visit to the Maasai villages, you can buy native arts and crafts at the cultural centres and shops. This way you’ll have a souvenir of your enriching time at Ngorongoro.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Maasai tribe

During your safari it is also possible to visit the Maasai tribe. They are allowed to let their livestock graze in this area. If you really want to learn more about the lifestyle and rituals of this fascinating tribe, we recommend you to book a Maasai Tour.

Travel time to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 3 hours
Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park: 2 hours’ drive.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Lake Manyara: 1 hour drive.
Ngorongoro to Tarangire: 2 hours’ drive