Ngorongoro National Park
- The world's largest intact volcanic caldera
- Northeastern part of Tanzania
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Ngorongoro is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ngorongoro District, 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha City in Arusha Region, within the Crater Highlands geological area of northeastern Tanzania. The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority administers the conservation area, an arm of the Tanzanian government, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region. The western portion of the park abuts the Serengeti National Park, and the area comprising the two parks and Kenya’s Maasai Mara game reserve is home to Great Migration, a massive annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals. The conservation area also contains Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.
The 2009 Ngorongoro Wildlife Conservation Act placed new restrictions on human settlement and subsistence farming in the Crater, displacing Maasai pastoralists, most of whom had been relocated to Ngorongoro from their ancestral lands to the north when the British colonial government established Serengeti National Park in 1959.
Best Time to Visit
April to May rainy season
Although the roads around the caldera can get rather muddy, the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is during the April to May rainy season. There are far fewer visitors this time of the year, and the crater is wonderfully lush and green compared to the dusty dry-season landscape. High visitor numbers can be expected during the July to September peak season, and again during the December to February calving season that follows the November rains.
All Year Around
With Ngorongoro’s wildlife remaining in the steep-walled crater all year round, the question of when to go on Ngorongoro Crater safaris is less about optimising your game viewing experience and more about how many other people and vehicles you want to share the crater with.
Exceptional
The Ngorongoro Crater is special for several reasons:
-
Breathtaking Scenery:
-
Incredible Wildlife Viewing:
-
Conservation Efforts:
-
Cultural Significance:
The crater itself is a stunning sight to behold, with its vast expanse of grasslands, forests, and lakes set against the backdrop of the crater walls. The landscape is truly awe-inspiring and offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including all of Africa’s “Big Five” (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards). Additionally, the crater supports large populations of other animals such as wildebeests, zebras, hippos, and various species of antelope. This makes it one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing, as visitors have the chance to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which encompasses the crater, is dedicated to preserving the natural environment and wildlife of the region. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is managed carefully to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
The area surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with the wildlife for centuries. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about Maasai culture and traditions, adding another layer of richness to the experience.
Overall, the Ngorongoro Crater offers a truly unique and unforgettable safari experience, combining stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It’s no wonder that it’s considered one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Activities
In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Ngorongoro Crater itself, various activities take place, offering visitors a range of experiences to enjoy the natural wonders and cultural richness of the area. Here are some common activities:
-
Game Drives:
-
Walking Safaris:
-
Cultural Visits:
-
Hiking:
-
Picnicking and Camping:
One of the primary activities in the Ngorongoro Crater is game drives. Visitors embark on guided tours in safari vehicles, exploring the crater’s diverse habitats and searching for wildlife. Game drives typically offer excellent opportunities to see animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and more in their natural environment.
Some areas within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area allow for walking safaris, accompanied by experienced guides. Walking safaris offer a more intimate experience of the landscape and wildlife, allowing visitors to observe smaller creatures, tracks, and plants up close while learning about the area’s ecology and conservation efforts.
Visitors can also engage in cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai villages or participating in cultural demonstrations. These activities provide insights into the traditional lifestyle, customs, and traditions of the Maasai people who inhabit the region, including their herding practices, dance performances, and crafts.
Some trails around the crater rim and in other parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offer hiking opportunities for those interested in exploring the area on foot. Hiking trails provide breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding landscapes, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
There are designated picnic areas within the conservation area where visitors can enjoy meals amidst the natural beauty of the landscape. Additionally, camping sites are available for those who wish to spend the night in the wilderness, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of the African bush.
These activities allow visitors to experience the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage while contributing to the area’s conservation and sustainable tourism efforts.
