Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Arusha

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – A UNESCO World Heritage Gem

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is one of the most iconic and ecologically significant areas in Tanzania. Famous for its Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder, the area is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its unique combination of geology, biodiversity, and human history.

Quick Facts

• Location: Northern Tanzania, part of the northern safari circuit, near the Serengeti
• Area: Approximately 8,292 square kilometers
• Established: 1959 as a conservation area to balance wildlife conservation with human habitation
• UNESCO World Heritage Status: Since 1979
• Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season for optimal wildlife viewing)
• Nearest Town: Karatu, about 180 kilometers from Arusha

What to Expect

1. Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the most famous feature of the conservation area and is often considered one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

• Crater Dimensions: It is a massive volcanic caldera that measures 20 kilometers in diameter and is 610 meters deep.
• A Unique Ecosystem: The crater’s floor is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses), making it a premier safari destination.
• Lake Magadi: A shallow alkaline lake at the center of the crater, frequented by flamingos, and surrounded by rich wildlife and birds.
• Scenic Views: Visitors are treated to breathtaking views from the rim, with panoramic vistas over the crater floor.

2. Wildlife

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to an incredible variety of animals:

• Big Five: The crater is one of the best places to see all five members of the Big Five in a relatively small area.
• Lions: Often seen in the open grasslands of the crater floor, hunting and resting in the shade.
• Black Rhinos: One of the most endangered species, the crater hosts one of the highest densities of black rhinos in Africa.
• Elephants and Buffaloes: These majestic creatures are abundant in the area.
• Birdlife: The area is also home to numerous bird species, including flamingos, eagles, and vultures, especially around Lake Magadi.
• Hyenas and Wildebeests: Hyenas are commonly spotted, while wildebeests and zebras graze in the crater’s grasslands.

3. Crater Rim and Highland Forests

The area surrounding the crater is just as spectacular:

• Forest Walks and Scenic Drives: You can explore the highland forests, which are lush with flora and often misty, and enjoy drives with amazing views of the crater below.
• Birdwatching and Hiking: The highlands are an excellent place for birdwatching, with a variety of species that inhabit the forests and montane landscapes.

4. Olduvai Gorge

Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.

• The gorge is where fossils of early humans (hominids) were found, dating back over 2 million years.
• The site provides fascinating insights into human evolution, with a small museum offering a detailed exploration of the area’s significance.

5. The Maasai People

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not just a wildlife haven, but it also supports the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries.

• The Maasai continue to practice their traditional pastoralist lifestyle, herding cattle and living within the conservation area alongside wildlife.
• Visitors can interact with the Maasai and learn about their culture, traditions, and connection to the land.

Why Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

• Unique Natural Beauty: The Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding landscapes offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in Africa.
• Incredible Wildlife Viewing: One of the best places on Earth to see the Big Five, including endangered black rhinos, in a relatively small area.
• Cultural Heritage: Learn about the Maasai people, their traditions, and their role in preserving the conservation area’s biodiversity.
• Historical Significance: Explore Olduvai Gorge, a key site in human evolution, and see ancient fossils that help us understand our origins.
• Scenic Drives and Hikes: With its varied ecosystems, you can enjoy wildlife safaris, scenic drives along the crater rim, and walks through lush forests.

How to Get There

• By Car: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is approximately 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Arusha. It’s easily accessible by road, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for safaris and navigating rough terrain.
• By Air: Charter flights are available to Manyara Airstrip, about 40 kilometers from the conservation area.
• By Public Transport: Dala-dalas (local minibuses) travel to Karatu, which is the closest town to the park.

Tips for Visiting

• Early Morning Safaris: To see the most wildlife, it’s recommended to start your safari early in the morning when animals are most active.
• Bring Warm Clothing: The crater rim can be cool and misty in the early mornings and evenings, so pack a jacket.
• Respect the Maasai Culture: While in the conservation area, be mindful of the Maasai people's way of life and ask permission before taking photos.