Ngorongoro Crater is a protected area and a UNESCO world heritage site located in Ngorongoro district, 180km west of Arusha city northern Tanzania. The area is named after the Ngorongoro crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. During the annual great migration, millions of wildebeest and zebras roam across the vast plains of the Serengeti national park and attract thousands of spectators including predators. The area was established in 1959 as a multiple –land-use-area with wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing.
In 1979, the Ngorongoro conservation area was inscribed on the world heritage list and also part of the Serengeti-Ngorongoro biosphere reserve. This incredible conservation area provides a lush environment for countless flora and fauna.
Local attractions within the Ngorongoro conservation area include the Ngorongoro Crater, Oldupai gorge, Ol doinyo lengai, Ndutu Lake and Empakaai Crater. Ngorongoro is always referred to “Garden of Eden” in Africa and has a unique setting, boasting an incredible 25000 animals.
Wildlife
Ngorongoro conservation area is a paradise for safari enthusiasts. This world–class destination is home to the big five-the rhinos, lions, elephants, cape buffaloes and leopards. Visitors from across the globe head to the park between July and October for the great migration-one of the most spectacular natural phenomenon to occur in the world. Ngorongoro crater is the world’s largest unbroken caldera and home to the dense known population of lions.
A large part of a caldera floor is covered by Soda Lake over 61m deep and home to various wildlife species and the flamingos’ seasonal feeding site with over 500 other bird species
Accessibility
Arusha airport is approximately three and a half hours from Ngorongoro conservation area by car, making it easily accessible from the town. Most travelers fly into Arusha airport from Kilimanjaro international airport which boasts a selection of international flights from, many destinations across the globe.
Best time to visit
Ngorongoro conservation area is generally a year-round destination. However, the dry season provides the best viewing opportunities as the grass on the crater floor is shorter. The dry season occurs between June to October and December to March.
