Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of popular and most visited protected wildlife areas in Tanzania. It is located in the North part of the country. The conservation area is famed by the Ngorongoro crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 7 African natural wonders.
It is the largest unbroken, unfilled and unspoiled volcanic caldera in the whole world and home to over 25,000 animals inhabiting a space spanning only 260 square kilometers and over 500 varied species of birds. All these together with beautiful lush green scenic landscapes provide excellent Tanzania safari experiences.
Let us look at the different tourist activities one can take part in while on a safari in Ngorongoro conservation area:
Game drives
This is the best way to see the wildlife in Ngorongoro conservation area. Go on game drives at different times of the day and in the different areas of the conservation area for a complete rewarding wildlife viewing experience. The area teems with an abundance of wildlife both within the crater and outside the crater. Look out for the big 5 (elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards and black rhino) at the floor of the crater among other animals like cheetahs, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, gazelles, giraffes (outside the crater), zebras among others and birds like ostriches, flamingos, pelicans, plovers, sun-birds and more.
Read more about game drives in Ngorongoro Crater
Bird-watching
Birding is an activity you can’t miss out on while on safari in Ngorongoro conservation area. Over 500 different bird species including migrants have been recorded here, making it a birdwatchers’ paradise. Look out for ground nestling birds, tree nestling birds, water birds, birds of prey and grassland birds.
Read more about the birds of Ngorongoro Crater
Guided nature/safari walks
Get up-close and be one with nature was you trod on the same ground the animals of Ngorongoro walk and feed. You will be guided by an armed park ranger during your long or short walks. You will be able to get up close to the smaller wildlife that you could easily miss out when in a tourist van like the dung beetle, butterflies, termites, birds, different tree species and plant species. Go on treks to Empakai crater, Lake Eyasi walks and crater rim walks for those scenic picturesque landscape views.
Maasai cultural tours
During this activity, you will visit the Maasai communities / villages that are located near the conservation area for an educative yet entertaining cultural experience. Get to learn about their ways of living and co-existence with the animals of Ngorongoro. Watch or take part in the Maasai traditional dances or buy some handmade authentic crafts as gifts or souvenirs.
Olduvai “Oldupai” Gorge and Museum
Visit the historical archeological site and the Olduvai museum to learn about the discoveries that the Leakey family unearthed here decades ago. Learn more about the human evolution.
Lastly, Photography is another activity you can take part in in this picturesque conservation area. Best done in the morning and evening hours.
Visit the Ngorongoro conservation area anytime of the year, whenever you are ready and take on the above activities.
Visit Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania with these recommended Tanzania tour operators or contact us below to book your safari directly through this website.
