How to get to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
How to get to Ngorongoro Conservation Area : Tanzania’s most iconic destination has to be when it comes to landscapes and wildlife and that is the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area, nestled within the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities – and the Big Five. If you’re coming here for a visit, here is a guide to getting to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Traveling to Tanzania
In order to get to Ngorongoro, you’ll have to first make it to Tanzania. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the busiest arrival airport for people directing to Ngorongoro, but there are many more throughout the country.
– Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): The airport is situated about 46 kilometres (29 miles) from Arusha town and some of the major airlines connect this airport to other international destinations.
– Other Airports: Alternatively, if you’re coming in from an airport in Dar es Salaam or Mwanza, you can fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Mwanza Airport (MWZ) depending on your preferred route; Kilimanjaro is usually the easiest route, however.
- Getting to Arusha
When you get there, you’re often headed to Arusha, which acts as a gate to Ngorongoro.
– By Taxi or Shuttle: A taxi or shuttle service will take you from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha. It’s a one hour journey, straightforward and there are several transport options.
– Bus Services: You can get a bus from the airport to Arusha, alternatively. There are several bus companies that do routes, bus, between the airport and the city, giving a cheap way to get transporte.
- How to Travel from Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
From Arusha, you can reach Ngorongoro by various means of transportation:
– Self-Drive: To be free of driving you can rent a vehicle in Arusha. It’s roughly 6 hours to Ngorongoro hide and 180 kilometers (112 miles) away. It’s a beautiful route and you’ll be passing the town of Karatu, which provides for a nice stop to make supplies and have some food.
– Guided Tours: A few travelers opt to take guided tours from Arusha to Ngorongoro and one way transportation has included. However, there are many tour operators who will provide compounds, transportation, accommodation and guided safaris within the conservation area. Especially for first time visitors or who want to dive into their wildlife viewing, this option is the best.
– Public Buses: If you don’t have a lot of money though, you can catch a public bus from Arusha to Karatu. There are buses leaving often throughout the day, and it will take 3 hours. If you are near Karatu, you can hire a taxi or take a tour group to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Driving in to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
When you get here and you will have to pay some bucks for admission into the park. The fees will depend on your nationality and length of your stay here. Make sure to verify the current fees as well as the payment methods before.
– Visitor Center: Visitors enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area through the visitor center where you can obtain information of the area, maps and recommendations of your visit.
- Things to Consider
– Accommodation: Booking of accommodation is vital to be made well in advance; especially during peak travel seasons. From budget campsites within or near the conservation area, to luxury lodges, there are a variety of options.
– Wildlife Safari: In case you want to go on a wildlife safari, you can either hire a guide and go, or you can join a guided tour. Yet this can make your experience even better, as guides know about the best places to see the wildlife and can share interesting pieces of the area about it.
– Road Conditions: The main roads to Ngorongoro are mostly good, but access roads at times within the conservation area can be rough. Self-drive travellers are best with a 4WD vehicle.
Conclusion
A lot of transport choices exist to get to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is fairly located. Wherever you decide to go, whether by self drive, guided tour, or by public transport the journey will be breath taking and exciting. When you get there you’re going to encounter one of the most amazing living worlds to be had, one of the world’s most amazing wildlife habitats.
