Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Africa’s few priceless surviving wildernesses perched in the Ngorongoro district governed by Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. This protected area derives its name from the Ngorongoro crater, a big caldera found in the Arusha region. This destination got its name from the local Masai who christened it more Ngoro after the resounding echoes formed in its valleys by the cowbells.

Ngorongoro conservation area is filled with fascinating facts as it’s the only gazetted area in Tanzania that permits co-existing of wildlife and human habitation, existence of human activities, particularly subsistence farming and pastoralism which are closely monitored in the efforts to protect wildlife and entire ecosystem. This arose from the fact that Ngorongoro initially acted as a temporal haven to the displaced Masai who were relocated from Serengeti national park in 1951.

Over the years, government of Tanzania has been trying to displace the people living in the area which has caused great strife between locals and governing bodies since they have nowhere else to run to. The International Union for Conservation of Nature is however trying to create likely solutions and ease the tension and conflicts between these two parties.

Ngorongoro conservation area, being part of the Serengeti ecosystem makes it one of the desirable destinations to explore on African continent. From the picturesque sceneries of endless undulating plains, outstanding highlands, beautiful local people and diverse biodiversity, this area is a must-visit for countless guests every year.

Attractions in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Ngorongoro shelters a huge number of intriguing attractions open to be relished by visitors to this exquisite destination.

Ngorongoro crater.

This is the chief attraction as several guests every year travel to observe the largest, intact, inactive, and void volcanic caldera in the world. The caldera was left behind from the massive eruption about 3 million years back when an enormous volcano erupted and collapsed itself leaving behind a basin-like feature covering 1800 meters.

The crater floor is home to different wildlife in addition to awe-inspiring views from the rim of the crater over continuous areas and plains.

Olduvai Gorge.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area furthermore shelters the famous Olduvai Gorge regarded as the seat of humanity. This is credited to the discovery of the earliest known specimens of humans (Homo habilis). The gorge is found within sharp escarpments of the Great Rift Valley and runs over a distance of 50 kilometers.

It’s one of the driest regions and it lies in the rain shadow and limited wildlife wanders to this extreme zone. The word Olduvai is loosely translated from the Maasai expression for the sisal plants that are abundant in the area.

Wildlife.

Ngorongoro conservation area is, without a doubt a richly blessed wildlife destination and a magnet for travelers looking for unbeatable Safaris in Africa. The ecosystem favors existence of exceptional fauna and flora; some not found anywhere else on the continent. What is most exceptional about its wildlife is the fact that the conservation area is among the limited sites where guests can encounter all the African big five mammals, including lion, elephant, buffalo, African leopard, and rhino in one locality. A mixture of ungulates and non-ungulates fill the crater from large mammals like the African elephant, buffalo, black rhino to the hippopotamus. These are accompanied by grant’s zebras, over 7000 wildebeests, elands, Thomson gazelles and water bucks.

This automatically leads to several predators arriving in the area where they can pick such easy and abundant prey. Notable predators include lions, the elusive leopard, cheetah, East African wild dog, and spotted hyena which is a subject of long-term research in the Ngorongoro since 1996. Ngorongoro is known for its great concentration of lions more than 62 individuals according to the last census.

Best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The area is an all year round recommended tourism destination due to its amazing climate conditions for most of the year. However, unlike other African destinations where it is advised to visit during peak season usually from June to September, Ngorongoro is best recommended to visit in the low season. This begins from October to early December and March to May. This is characterized by fewer crowds, lush vegetation and birding is vibrant due to migratory birds & excellent wildlife viewing.

With this in mind, visit the Ngorongoro conservation area at any time of the year and expect unforgettable African wildlife safari experiences as it is an adventure-filled destination any month of the year.