NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans from Serengeti National Park in the north, to the Great Rift Valley in the east. In total, the conservation area covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 sq. miles). It consists of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai, Olmoti Crater and Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. The mix of forests, valleys, savannah, craters, lakes and swamps is home for a wide range of animals. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is the main and famous feature of this area. Two to three million years ago the large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. As a result, the crater formed which then created a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of vegetation.
Today the crater is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. It is home to zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches and hippos. predators are also plenty in this area, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and leopards. In addition, big attraction of the Ngorongoro Crater is due to the presence of all the big five in the free ranging environment i.e. buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino. These animals are easily spotted in these 20 kilometers (12,5 miles) wide and 600 metres (2,000 feet) deep crater. Enjoy the variety of animals and beautiful colours of the landscapes. The views from the crater rim over the crater floor are incredible. Because of its natural beauty, the crater is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
During your safari it is also possible to visit the Maasai tribe. They are allowed to let their livestock graze in this area. If you really want to learn more about the lifestyle and rituals of this fascinating tribe, we recommend you to book a Maasai Tour.
Moreover, during this safari it is also possible to visit the Hadzabe tribe. Hadzabe is one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes on Earth. Known for shunning material possessions and social hierarchy, the Hadza roam as needed to find game, tubers and wild berries. Hunter-gatherer societies understand that their survival depends on natural resources. If you really want to learn more about the lifestyle and rituals of this fascinating and marginalized tribe, we recommend you to book a Hadzabe Tour where you can even participate hunting with them.
Activities
- Game drives,
- photographic Safaris,
- picnics, nature walks,
- birding,
- visiting the Maasai villages,
- hot air ballooning,
- a tour of Olduvai Gorge,
- visiting the Empakai Crater,
- hiking to the summit of the Gol Mountains and Oldoinyo Lengai.