Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the top places you will see while on a safari in Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited protected areas in East Africa. It is best known for the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest intact volcanic crater in the world. Since 2015, the crater has also been listed among the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Below are the main reasons why a visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is worth adding to your Tanzania safari.
The Garden of Eden
Many visitors describe the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as the Garden of Eden because it offers almost everything in one place. You can see lions and all of the African Big Five within a short time. The area also has wide open landscapes and good views across the crater floor. Wildebeests are common here, especially during the calving season before the great migration begins. The Ngorongoro Crater is the main attraction in this area, and it supports many animals all year round. There are also two rivers that help provide water for wildlife.
Maasai Village Experience
The Maasai people are one of the ethnic groups living in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Visitors can visit a Maasai village to learn about their daily life, culture, and traditions. One of the main cultural experiences is the Adumu dance. This is a traditional dance performed by young Maasai men to mark adulthood. The dance involves jumping while keeping the body straight. Warriors form a circle, and individuals take turns jumping in the center before returning to the group.
Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is an important stop for travelers interested in archaeology and human history. The site is known for discoveries that explain the early stages of human evolution. Some of the oldest human remains and tools were found here. A visit to Olduvai Gorge gives you a clear understanding of why this area is important in the study of human origins.
The Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater covers about 3,202 square kilometers and is about 610 meters deep. It is often called the largest crater lake in the world. Many animals stay close to the crater because it provides reliable water and grass throughout the year.
Close to the Serengeti
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies close to the Serengeti National Park. These two areas are the only places where wildebeests calve before starting the great migration. Visiting both parks on one safari allows you to see a wide range of wildlife in a short time.
Self Drive Safaris
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is safe and has clear driving routes. Visitors can choose a self drive safari, which allows more freedom to move slowly and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
