Activities to do in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Tourist activities at Ngorongoro Conservation Area attracts thousands of tourists to Tanzania each year. It is one of the best places to spot all 5 of Africa’s famous mammals including lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. The park is also home to other animals such as hippos, jackals, reedbuck, waterbuck, wildebeest, warthogs, hartebeests, servals, zebras, cheetahs and crocodiles. In total, over 26,000 big mammals and 500 species of birds call the crater home. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established in 1959 and encompasses of a vast expanse of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests. More so the area includes the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest caldera, and Olduvai Gorge. However, this article presents to you about the amazing tourist activities to do while in a safari in Ngorongoro conservation area. and these includes;
Game Drive:
Game drive is the main highlight of any safaris in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The area is home to variety of wildlife species including waterbucks, African leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, crocodiles, East African wild dogs, elands, grant’s gazelle, zebra, hippopotamus, impala, lions, oribi, Thomson’s gazelles, Topi and wildebeest as well as beautiful bird species. During your
game drive tours, you will have the chance to encounter with these creatures as they roam in their natural habitat. Game drives are done with a standard safari vehicle and are organized in two shifts that’s morning and afternoon. This memorable drive is conducted along the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu plains, Sale plains, Nasere rock, Embulbul, olkarien Gorge and Gol mountains among others.
Walking Safaris:
Walking safaris is one of the most exciting activities to do while on your Tanzania safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. this activity of done on foot which offers you with the chance to explore areas left out while on a traditional game drive. While on your walking tours,you’ll encounter breathtaking views, observe wildlife, and even meet the local people.You'll explore areas like extinct volcanoes and engaging terrains while learning about the Maasai, Datoga, and Hadzabe tribes.
This extraordinary walking safari will take you to remarkable spots, including the famous Ngorongoro Crater, the highest unbroken caldera in the world. You’ll have the chance to trek around the stunning crater rim, Empakaai Crater,and Olmoti Crater,or hike up scenic peaks like Mount Makarot and Mount Lolmalasin. Other fascinating places include the Gol Mountains,the historic Olduvai Gorge, and the serene Elephant Caves,all within the lush highlands of the conservation area. Most walks are manageable,taking less than four hours with options for longer treks.
Archaeological Tours:
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not only a spectacular natural wonder but also rich in history and archaeology. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it boasts many important archaeological sites perfect for exploration and education. Here, you’ll find remarkable locations like Olduvai Gorge, where ancient human fossils were discovered, and the
Laetoli Footprints, which provide a glimpse into prehistoric life.During your Archaeological Tours, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit Engaresero Footprints, Mumba Caves, and Engaruka, each spot revealing fascinating stories from our past and offering a chance to learn more about the early days of humanity.
Cultural Tours:
Embark on a cultural journey in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a fantastic way to learn about the unique traditions of the region's indigenous communities, including the Maasai,Hadzabe,and Datoga tribes. The
Maasai people, known for their distinct customs, have called this area home since migrating from the Nile in the 18th century.
The Datoga are herders, while the Hadzabe are a small group of hunter-gatherers living near Lake Eyasi. Meeting these groups offers a chance to see their way of life firsthand. While on your cultural tours, you can visit the traditional Maasai bomas (villages), where you’ll learn about their fascinating culture, take memorable photos, and even shop for local handicrafts as souvenirs.
Visiting Olduvai Gorge:
A visit to Olduvai Gorge is a must for history and archaeological enthusiasts during a safari in the Ngorongoro conservation area.This significant archaeological site, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind”,is renowned foe its fossil finds, including some of the earliest known hominid remains.A guided tour of the Gorge introduces visitors to the fascinating story of human evolution, highlighting the discoveries mad by researchers like Louis and Mary Leakey. The visitor center features informative exhibits about the geological and ecological history of the region as well as detailed timeline of human ancestry. Walking along the Gorge,visitors can appreciate the dramatic landscape while reflecting on the evolution of early humans in Africa. During your tour, you’ll also have the chance to visit a small museum that was built for public viewing and contains excavated remains and artifacts for tourists to see.
Botanical Tours:
If you have a passion for plants, consider joining a botanical tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region is home to hundreds of plant species, each contributing to the local ecosystem and beauty. These tours celebrate the rich variety of flora here and emphasize the importance of environmental conservation. While on your botanical tour, you'll learn about different plants and their roles in the ecosystem. This collection contains unique and typical catalos that are essential for education, scientific purposes,exhibition,and tourism.
Birdwatching :
The Ngorongoro crater is one of the best places for birding in Tanzania. The park is home to over 500 bird species. The park is encompassing of grassland plains, lakes, marshes and highlands provide habitats for a wide range of birdlife. During your
birdwatching tours in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll have the chance to spot colorful bird species such as flamingos, Kori bustards, crowned cranes, speckled pigeon, red-eyed dove, yellow-throated sandgrouse, black-billed bustard, white-browed coucal, Abyssinian nightjar, African swift, Eurasian moorhen. From the crater rims, one can observe species like the African citril sights, forest buzzard, golden winged sunbirds and white eyes slaty among others.
What to see in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wildlife:
This UNESCO world heritage site houses a diverse array of wildlife within its 260 square kilometers caldera.
Game drives are conducted in sections, that’s to say, early morning game drives and the evening drives. The early morning game drives are especially rewarding as many animals are active during this cooler time of the day.Some of the animals found here includes waterbucks, African leopards,
black rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, crocodiles, East African wild dogs, elands, grant’s gazelle, zebra, hippopotamus, impala, lions, oribi, Thomson’s gazelles, Topi and wildebeest among others
Birdlife:
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to over 500 bird species, the diversity of vegetation in the area and the topography, which includes grassland plains, lakes, marshes and highlands provide habitats for a wide range of birdlife. Some of the bird species found here includes red-eyed dove, yellow-throated sandgrouse, black-billed bustard, white-browed coucal, Abyssinian nightjar, African swift, Eurasian moorhen, Kori bustards, long-toe lapwing, ostrich, turaco, crowned cranes, Egyptian goose, yellow-billed duck, helmeted guineafowl, scaly francolin, lesser and greater flamingo, speckled pigeon and Africa jacana among others.
Ngorongoro Crater:
At the heart of the area lies the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera globally and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning caldera, spanning around 260 square kilometers,features an assortment of landscapes, from grassy plains to thick forests,leading to a thriving population of wildlife. With over 25,000 large mammals including lions, elephants,and rhinos, the crater serves as a fantastic location for safari excursions, allowing visitors to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Olduvai Gorge:
Another highlight is Olduvai Gorge, a key archaeological site known as the "Cradle of Mankind.” Discovered in the 1930s, it has unearthed crucial evidence of early human ancestors, earning its place as one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the world. Visitors can explore the geologic layers of the gorge and learn about important discoveries that shape our understanding of human evolution. A small museum on-site showcases fossils and fascinating exhibits that bring this ancient history to life.
Gol Mountains:
The Gol Mountains are found within Serengeti National Park. The slopes are excellent for wildlife viewing and cultural encounters with the resident Maasai Herdsmen. At the base of the Gol Mountains is the famous Nasera Rock where tourists can spot a variety of birds and hundreds of baboons. The Leakey family excavated remains of humans who lived there during the stone age period. The Gol Mountains will capture your imagination if your dream is to explore the remote African wilderness. After exploring the Gol Mountains, you can also choose to conquer an active volcano known as Oldoinyo Lengai.
Lake Magadi:
Lake Magadi offers a view into another unique aspect of the conservation area. With its salty blue waters framed by the Ngorongoro Crater, this lake attracts a variety of bird species, including flocks of flamingos. The area's geological features, including hot springs and volcanic formations, make it an appealing destination for those who enjoy nature and wildlife photography.
Ol Doinyo Lengai:
Often called the "Mountain of God" by the Maasai, Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano that is famous for its unique carbonatite lava. Standing at 2,962 meters, it provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding regions. Hiking this mountain is a challenging but unforgettable experience that allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of Africa’s diverse landscape and potentially encounter wildlife along the way.
The Shifting Sands:
The Shifting Sands is an intriguing natural wonder within the conservation area. These crescent-shaped dunes, formed from volcanic ash and sand, constantly change shape with the winds, creating a dynamic landscape. Visitors are often enchanted by the contrast between the pale dunes and the lush grasslands, making it a perfect spot for exploration and photography.
Lake Natron:
Nearby, Lake Natron enchants with its unique and striking tapestry. This alkaline lake is situated below Mount Ol Donyo Lengi in northern Tanzania. The lake is famous for its striking red color, which is from the many salt-loving microorganisms (and the macroalgae they produce) that thrive in the lake's extremely saline waters. These microorganisms not only give the lake its color but also lure millions of lesser flamingos, making Lake Natron one of the most significant
flamingo birds nesting areas of the world. The extreme heat (up to 60°C or 140°F), combined with the extreme alkalinity of the lake, makes it inhospitable to most life forms, which contributes to the lake's other-worldly, almost surreal appearance. In the dry months, salt crusts form on the surface of the lake, and create bizarre patterns and mirages, an appeal that draws photographers year after year, each documenting the same place in beautiful, unique ways. Swimming is out of the question due to the caustic nature of the lake; however, there is no shortage of reasons to visit this place, due to the unique volcanic terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities alone.
Olmoti Crater:
Lastly, Olmoti Crater. Traditionally, Olmoti means cooking pot according to the Maasai language. The shallow crater is found within the Ngorongoro conservation area highlands and stands at 3080 meters above sea level. The grassy hollows of the crater are excellent for hiking and nature walks. It is where most of the Maasai herdsmen take their domestic animals for grazing alongside buffaloes, bushbucks, eland and reedbuck. You can crown your tour of the Crater by visiting a nearby waterfall (100 meter) that feeds into Lake Magadi.
The Empakaai Crater:
Empakaai Crater offers a more secluded experience for nature enthusiasts. This stunning crater, encircled by steep walls and filled with a turquoise lake, is rich in wildlife and caters to birdwatchers who may spot flamingos and other migratory birds. The surrounding trails provide excellent hiking opportunities, making it a refreshing alternative to the more crowded Ngorongoro Crater.
To truly soak in the beauty and wonder of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, connect with experienced tour operators like Focus East African Tours, who provide excellent safari packages to explore this remarkable country.
Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area has an amazing combination of cultural heritage, wildlife, and scenery, and contains the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. You can visit at any time of year, but things are different depending on the timing, and if you have specific interests in mind, your choice of timing of the year can be quite important.
The dry season, which lasts from June to October, is considered to be the best time to see wildlife. Animals can be seen more easily because there is less vegetation and rainfall, and many of them gather inside the crater in search of food and water. Visitors can expect to see large herds of buffaloes, zebra, elephants, rhinos, lions, and wildebeest. The nights are cooler, and the weather is usually sunny and pleasant. Reservations should be made well in advance to secure accommodations and Tanzania tours, as this is also the busiest travel season.
The wet season in the Ngorongoro Crater is defined by two distinct periods: the short rains (November to December) and the long rains (March to May). Even with a brief and light shower, this time of year turns the crater into a lush oasis. This time of year also offers great opportunities for birdwatching, since it is the height of the migratory season. The wet season is particularly noteworthy for January and February when one of the highlights of the year, the wildebeest calving season draws in predators and spectacular views of wildlife. The wet season also sees herds of tourists, as all national parks tend to be quieter due to the possibility of rain related issues including muddy roads and visibility from March to May.
Location of Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in northern Tanzania in the East African Rift Valley, about 180 km (112 miles west of Arusha, a key northern safari circuit gateway city. The area covers an area of over 8,000 square km (3,200 sq miles) and is part of the Serengeti ecosystem that contains Serengeti National Park and surrounding wildlife reserves. The most notable feature is its Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and a natural enclosure for thousands of animals.
Ngorongoro is situated at the crossroads of a number of Tanzania’s most famous destination areas. To the west is the Serengeti, known for the Great Migration; to the east are Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. The conservation area as a whole is part of the Northern Safari Circuit, so it’s an excellent stop on most Tanzania safari itineraries. It’s also easy to reach by road from Arusha (about 3-4 hours by car) and many travelers will do a day trip to Ngorongoro or a multi-day excursion including other parks.
Ngorongoro is not only strategically located, but it is also culturally and archaeologically important. Located adjacent to the Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the "Cradle of Mankind," where some of the oldest human fossils were found, Ngorongoro also has the Maasai people living and herding livestock within the conservation area. These aspects, along with its stunning beauty and fabulous wildlife habitat, undoubtedly puts Ngorongoro in the top tier of interesting and well-located places in all of Africa.
Getting to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Getting to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is fairly easy, especially for travelers who are on Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit. The closest major city is Arusha, which is the primary departure point for most Tanzania safaris. The city is reachable from the various domestic flights through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) as well as international flights. After you arrive in Arusha, you will need to drive to Ngorongoro and the drive has an estimated duration of about 3.5 to 4-hours depending on road conditions. The drive is mostly a well made pavement road that will take you through beautiful landscapes, and past sights such as Lake Manyara.
Most travelers arrive at Ngorongoro with an organized safari package that will include a guide and driver all included in transport in a 4x4 vehicle, park fees, and accommodation. These packages will most likely include Ngorongoro with another destination stop (Serengeti National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara), and in this way, your route will be a complete travel package. If you fly into the Serengeti, charter flights from Arusha or other airstrips will get you to Ngorongoro don't even a lot closer from the Lake Manyara Airstrip (from there it is a drive of only a few hours) or, if you feel motivated to drive, you can drive from Arusha.
Independent travel is more rare because of the area and it is recommended that having a driver-guide locally to better access the area, entering the crater, and to maximize wildlife viewing potential. Whether you arrive overland or through the sky, the journey to Ngorongoro is only part of the adventure, offering some dramatic views, cultural interactions, and world class safari experience to come.
