Ngorongoro conservation area

    One of the few places in the world where humans safely co-exist alongside wild animals, as well as the location of several paleontological sites deemed to be the oldest in the world.

    Predominantly Maasai lands, a tribe known for its fearless warriors, the park is one of the most blessed national parks in tanzania sporting several natural wonders such as Ngorongoro, Empakaai, Olmoti and Kerimasi craters, Olduvai and Olkarien gorges, as well as animal wonders such as the wildebeest migration.

    For this reason, it along with mount Kilimanjaro are the most frequented parks in the country.

    Due to its many attractions and presence of humans, it has been given the status of a conservation area managed by its own special authority - the NCAA, unlike others which fall under TANAPA.

    What to do there?See its many attractions and wonders for which you will need about a whole week to completely cover. You can do it in a vehicle or by walking - there are hikes that take as long as 5 days starting at all Oldeani mountain and ending at Oldonyo lengai.

    Luckily enough the place has a litter of campsites and hotels that you could use for your entire stay there, although most are special ones with the only public campsite in the area being simba A.

    For a list of other attractions in the area, please see the section below after map, or the attractions page.

    Best time to visit?Any time of the year as most of its roads can be used even when it rains. Although there are no tarmac roads, most are lined with gravel that makes them usable all year round.

    Towards the end of the year, the wildebeest migration passes through the western end of the park, spending some time in the south west for calving, before moving on to Maswa and serengeti as the new year begins.

    Location of Ngorongoro conservation areaNgorongoro conservation area is located in northern tanzania, right next to Serengeti national park and Maswa game reserve. In fact most of its western part - the border with Serengeti, consists of endless savannah while the eastern half is made up of hills, plains and craters.

    It is also within the gregory rift or eastern rift valley with many of its relief features being formed as a result of volcanic activity. For more information on its location, please see the map below.

    How to get there?By air or vehicle. There are several airstrips throughout the park that you use to get here from airports nearby such as Mwanza, Kilimanjaro or Dar es salaam. Alternatively, you could either use a passenger bus, or a private, rental or tours and travel vehicle.

    There is no restriction as to vehicle type, except for the Ngorongoro crater, where only 4x4’s are allowed. For information on park fees and permits, please see the TANAPA website

    Abbreviations1. TANAPA - Tanzania Parks Authority
    2. NCAA - Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority


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