An Overview of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) was once a part of the Serengeti National Park, which was established under the National Park Ordinance of 1948 and implemented in 1951 for the purpose of preserving its natural geographical and ecological make-up. In 1959, the two National Parks were split into two designated Protected Areas, with varied outstanding universal values and conservational statuses.

As one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, NCA was universally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1979 under the natural and cultural criteria owing to its global importance for biodiversity conservation having demonstrated by the existence of globally threatened species, the density of wildlife inhabiting the area, and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other wild animals into the northern plains. Its cultural recognition stemming from an exceptionally long sequence of crucial evidence related to human evolution and human-environment dynamics. Due to its exceptionally long sequence of this crucial evidence, spanning nearly four million years to the beginning of this era, including physical evidence of the most important benchmark in human evolutionary development, NCA’s global identity is fairly justified.

At its inception, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was primarily established as a multi-land use area, where wildlife could co-exist with the most dominant semi-nomadic Maasai residents, who always move from one place to another in search of water and pasture for their livestock.

Natural and Cultural Assets in NCA

1. Ngorongoro Crater, Empakaai Crater, Olmoti Crater, The Northern Highland Forest Reserve,
2. Endoro Waterfalls, Endoro Elephant Caves, Olduvai Gorge, The New Olduvai Gorge Museum
3. Dr. Mary Leakey Living Museum, Laetoli Footprints, Shifting Sand, Lolmalasin Mountain
4. Olkarien Gorge, Nasera Rock, Ndutu Plains, Gol Mountain and Sale Plains

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area's main tourists’ attraction. It is the largest and most scenic crater in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a large concentration of wildlife. It is also one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders due to its breathtaking natural features. The Ngorongoro Crater is known as a home to over 25,000 animals, including the big five; elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions and leopards.

Other animals found in this crater include hippos, hyenas, warthogs, zebras, elands, gazelles, wildebeests, just to name a few. This makes Ngorongoro Crater probably the best site in Tanzania to spot and watch the big five as well as other wild species more easily.

More on the Crater

The crater rim and its floor provide the best viewing and photographing opportunities. History records that the crater was the ideal spot on the planet where humans and nature interacted more closely than anywhere else; and today, one can actually glance at the settlements and cemeteries of the area’s earliest occupants.

Geological records show that the cone of the volcanic caldera collapse inwards, forming what is currently known as a crater. The site is named after a Maasai phrase, ‘orgirra le kkorongorro,’ which means “Big Bowl.” Earlier documentation of the area misspelled the word ‘kkorongorro’ into today’s Ngorongoro with its intricate depth ‘caldera/crater,’ resulting in Ngorongoro Crater.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a peculiar geographical feature with diverse habitats such as grasslands, swamps, rivers, and woodlands; making it uniquely abundant in wildlife and vegetation. It is a natural formation that allows animals to freely wander in and out throughout the year and is well-known for being a better place where local and international tourists can interestingly observe wildlife behavior more easily than any other place.

Geologically, the Ngorongoro Crater was formed approximately 2.5 million years ago when a massive volcano (nearly the size of the present-day Mt. Kilimanjaro) burst and collapsed as a result of continuous tectonic activities and movements. The area covers almost 260 square kilometers, has a diameter of approximately 20 kilometers, and is a massive volcanic caldera that collapsed to a depth of 610 meters.

Tourism Activities:

1. Game Drives:

Ngorongoro Crater is home to a vast range of wildlife, including the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Game drives allow tourists to experience wildlife in a unique setting. Visitors can also spot zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, cheetahs, and many bird species.

1. Bird Watching:

The crater has over 500 bird species, including flamingos that frequent the crater's alkaline lakes. Other notable birds include crowned cranes, ostriches, and kori bustards.

1. Cultural Tours:

Tours to the nearby Maasai villages offer visitors a chance to learn about the traditional Maasai way of life. The Maasai live in harmony with the wildlife within the conservation area.

1. Hiking and Walking Safaris:

Walking safaris on the crater rim are popular, offering incredible views and opportunities to explore the diverse ecosystems up close.

Some hikes lead through the Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater, providing stunning vistas and less crowded experiences.

1. Olduvai Gorge Visit:

The nearby Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Visitors can learn about early human ancestors and the discoveries made in the area.

1. Picnic and Photography:

The crater’s stunning landscapes, with its backdrop of lush green vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and wildlife, make it a paradise for photographers.

1. Crater Rim Walk:

Guided walks along the crater rim offer panoramic views of the caldera, a more serene alternative to the crowded game drives within the crater itself.

Accommodations:

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge:

Perched on the crater rim, this lodge offers luxury accommodations with panoramic views of the crater. The lodge is designed to blend with the natural environment, using local materials and traditional Maasai styles.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge:

A high-end, luxury lodge that combines opulence with African design. Each suite has stunning views of the crater and includes personal butler services.

Rhino Lodge:

This eco-friendly lodge is located on the crater’s rim and provides cozy accommodations at a more affordable price compared to the luxury lodges.

Ndutu Safari Lodge:

Located near the Serengeti and Ngorongoro boundary, this lodge offers a more rustic experience while being surrounded by nature.

Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge:

This lodge offers prime views over the crater and provides a comfortable stay with modern amenities. It’s ideal for those looking to stay on the crater rim but at a moderate price.

Camping:

Several campsites within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offer affordable accommodation options for budget travelers. The most notable ones include Simba A Campsite, which is popular for its proximity to the crater rim and basic facilities.

Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp:

This camp offers a more intimate, safari-style experience with luxury tents situated near the crater rim. It provides a balance of comfort and wilderness.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time for game viewing is during the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense. However, the crater is an all-year-round destination due to its permanent water supply, which keeps wildlife in the area year-round.

The combination of wildlife diversity, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes makes Ngorongoro Crater one of the most visited locations in Tanzania.

Ready to Start Planning Your Ngorongoro Crater Safari?