Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected area and a World Heritage Site located 180 km west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania and 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.

Large mammals in the crater include the black rhinoceros, the African buffalo or Cape buffalo, and the hippopotamus. There also are many other ungulates: the blue wildebeest, Grant’s zebra, the common eland, and Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, Water bucks occur mainly near Lerai Forest, cheetah, East African wild dog, and African leopard are rarely seen, spotted hyenas.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a healthy resident population of most species of wildlife. The Ndutu Lake area to in the west of the conservation area has particularly strong cheetah and lion populations and common in the area are hartebeest, spotted hyena, and jackals.

Activities in Ngoro Ngoro conservation area

Ngoro Ngoro conservation area boasts of all kinds of attractions and there’s just so much to keep you occupied, this wondrous park has something to offer irrespective of when you’re visiting. From abundant wildlife viewing, Hiking and See the Big 5 in a single day, these are the top things to do in Ngoro Ngoro conservation area.

Bird watching

The park is excellent for bird watching with more than 400 species of birds, some of this are residential while others are migratory birds examples are golden winged birds, white eyed slaty flycatcher, African cytrill, mountain buzzard, flamingos, Kori bustard, black kite, crowned eagles, grey headed negro Finch, barred tailed trogon, , vultures, herons, storks, falcons and steppe eagle.

Wildlife viewing

The conservation area is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a natural wonder, animals to expect while on a game drive are, lions, elephants, Buffalos, leopards, black rhinos, hyenas, wildebeests, zebras, cheetahs, jackal, serval cat, gazelles to mention a few. The game drive experience is very thrilling as you view predators hunting and pursing their prey along the way

Hiking

The best way to make your trip memorable at Ngoro Ngoro conservation area is by hiking to the Olmoti volcano and have striking views of the whole crater. The hike will provide you with a very thrilling experience of rocky out drops, mountain forests and grasslands as well as come along birdlife and various butterflies.

Nature walks

Guided nature walks can be done at various walking trails however, tourists must be accompanied by an armed game ranger and be very keen with instructions, visitors to the park can slope to the Empaakai soda lake with spectacular views of numerous flamingoes at the shorelines. One of the best walking trails is a walk on the western rim of the crater. A walk to Lake Eyasi is also rewarding as you come across bush men with untouched culture and breathtaking views.

Cultural encounters

Explore the Maasai culture by visiting a traditional village, the Masai homesteads known as manyattas or bomas and experience culture by being entertained with local traditional dances or even join the herd’s men in grazing cattle or acquire outstanding handmade jewelry

Visit Olduvai Gorge

Olduvai Gorge contains one of the earliest remains of Homo sapiens, it’s a wondrous archeological and historical site you must not miss on your safari to the conservation area then tourists can continue to the crescent shaped volcanic dunes known as shifting sands

See the Big 5 in a single day

There are plenty of elephants, wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes and gazelles, and they are hunted by the hyenas, lions, jackals, and leopards. A visit to the crater will also bring you closer to watch the endangered black rhino