Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Africa’s Crown Jewel.
Find out what makes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area one of the most amazing safari spots on the planet and how to organise your ideal trip there.
What is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
Located in the northern Tanzanian highlands, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is among the most famous and ecologically important places in Africa. Covering more than 8,000 square kilometres, this site, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is distinguished by the well-known Ngorongoro Crater, the largest volcanic caldera formed naturally and still intact in the world, and also by vast grasslands, thick forests, and a very high diversity of animal species. It is a place that never fails to impress, so it doesn’t matter if you are an old hand at Tanzania safaris or this is your first trip to Africa; you can be sure that it will be one of the top safari destinations globally.
Major Points of Interest at Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the highlight of the conservation area and is about 19 kilometres in diameter and 600 metres in depth. It thus forms a natural fence for about 25,000 wild animals of all kinds, some of which are the Big Five, which are lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and black rhinoceros, whose numbers in Tanzania still allow them to be spotted here. Actually, it is quite easy to see all five animals on the same day, which makes it one of the best Big Five safari places in the whole of Africa.
Olduvai Gorge and the Laetoli Footprints
Generally referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind“, Olduvai Gorge is where the archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey made the discovery of fossil bones and stone tools approximately 2 million years old. A visit to its museum will make you more aware of the early human story. The footprints of Laetoli, some 3.6 million years old and preserved in volcanic ash, are at the location too, and so interested visitors in human history should not miss this place.
Lake Magadi
Located at the bottom of the crater, Lake Magadi is a very beautiful shallow soda lake, and when thousands of flamingos come to the lake, its water turns bright pink. Besides, there are hippos and many types of aquatic birds which are attracted to the lake, hence making it a dream location for wildlife photography in Ngorongoro.
Empakaai and Olmoti Craters
Empakaai Crater is an extraordinary hidden highland gem that showcases a deep lake shrouded in montane forest and offers incredible views of faraway volcanoes, including Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai. Olmoti Crater, a shallower grassy caldera, is a perfect place for guided walks where visitors can see buffalo, reedbuck, and rare bird species in a quiet and untouched natural environment.
Things You Can Experience at Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Game Drives
Occasionally, the Ngorongoro Crater game drive is the main event, where the visitors are taken in a 4×4 safari vehicle on a tour across the crater floor. If you want to see the predators in action, the best time is in the morning. By going out for a full-day drive, you will not only have the most encounters with animals but also the most amazing emotional and photographic moments.
Guided Hikes and Nature Walks
Permitted walking safaris in the area outside the crater are around the craters of Empakaai and Olmoti, and they present to the visitors a much more detailed interaction with the natural environment of the highlands. Please always be accompanied by a licensed armed ranger for safety when hiking alone.
Birdwatching
There are over 500 types of birds found in the Ngorongoro area, which makes it the best birdwatching place in Tanzania. The species include flamingos and crowned eagles, ostriches, and even some migratory species. The choice is amazing, and it becomes more attractive during the rainy season.
Maasai Cultural Village Visits
Unlike most national parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a multiple-use area where native Maasai people live together with the wild animals. Cultural visits to Maasai bomas (homesteads) are an insight into their pastoral traditions, beadwork, and ceremonies, a very enriching experience for any traveller.
Photography Safaris and Archaeological Tours
Ngorongoro is most easily considered to be one of the best safari photography spots in Africa due to the combination of its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Those who are interested in the history of mankind will find that a guided archaeological tour of Olduvai Gorge is a highly rewarding educational experience that can complement any itinerary.
Best Time to Visit and How to Get There
Animal spotting is best during the dry season (June to October) when the animals concentrate near water sources, and the roads are in good condition. The green season (November-May) offers the advantage of the scenery being greener, fewer tourists, and great birdwatching. If your trip includes the Serengeti Great Migration, which is when the wildebeest calving is done on the short grass plains nearby, February is the best month for your trip.
The closest airports are Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport, both of which can be reached through Nairobi. The drive from Arusha to the conservation area is approximately 3 hours. Most visitors do a safari in Northern Tanzania and see Ngorongoro along with the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara areas.
Where to Stay and Entry Fees
The range of accommodation options available here caters not only to people’s different tastes but also to their varying budgets. For those who want luxurious crater rim views, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is the place; if one desires a comfortable mid-range, dependable place, then Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is ideal, and budget travellers are provided for at Simba Campsite and Rhino Lodge. The one thing common to all these places is the unforgettable experience of waking up on the crater rim.
Entry fees levied by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) are about $70 per person per day (conservation fee) and $70 per vehicle (crater service fee). For campers, the fee is $50-70 per person per night. It is always advisable to check up on the latest prices with your tour operator before your trip.
Essential tips: For a traveller to have uninterrupted access to the crater at any time of the day, one should book well in advance, as the limit on the number of vehicles allowed daily is strictly followed. Early morning game drives will be rewarded with the best sightings. It is advisable to wear several layers of clothing when on the rim since it is located at an elevation of over 2,300 meters. Always ensure that the rules of the park are followed and do not drive off-road inside the crater.
Final Thoughts
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a dream travel destination that surpasses the fairy tale pictures and stories. It grants an extraordinary experience, from up-close-and-personal fauna encounters and cultural heritage from the Maasai tribe to ancient human history and beautiful volcanic scenery. Whatever the type of trip to Africa, be it solo, honeymoon, or luxury safari, Ngorongoro is a sure bet for any traveller’s bucket list as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.
Start scheduling your Ngorongoro safari with a trusted Tanzania travel agency today, and look forward to having the time of your life.
