Do you know that the name Ngorongoro was coined from Maasai word ‘ngoro ngoro’? It refers to the sound produced by cow bells which Maasai pastoralists hanged on their cattle’s neck. The main aim of the sound is to alert them of their livestock’s location when they are grazing out of their view.

Location and size
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is found in the Northern region of Tanzania. It sits on 8,292km 2 land with rich and diverse biodiversity. It is 153km west of Arusha city. Ngorongoro Conservation Area also borders Serengeti National Park to the north west and the Great Rift Valley to the East. The nearest town is Karatu town.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Ecosystem.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts of a rich ecosystem ranging from the Northern Highland Forest Reserve to the lush Savanna grasslands. You won’t miss a chance to get a glimpse of the fascinating common sight of wildlife and birds scenes. Some of wildlife include:

• The Big Five-lions, African elephant, leopard, endangered Black Rhino, Cape buffalo.
• Thomson’s gazelle,
• Flamingoes
• African Golden wolf…. the list goes on and on.

Ngorongoro Consevation Area also consists of:

• Wetlands such as Mwandus swamp and Olmot crater.
• Expansive Acacia and Commiphora woodlands.
• Two major rivers- Oljoro Nyuki and Munge- that feed Ngorongoro Crater.
• Fertile volcanic soils.
• Wildlife migratory routes like Empakai-Olmoti-Ngorongoro Crater.
• Breeding habitats such as Olkarien Gorge for vultures.
• Riverine areas including Munge, Endolo, Marera,and Lemala.
• Wildlife corridors such as Lake Manyara-Lake Eyasi-Yaeda Valley landscape. 

What are the major tourist attraction sites in Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is renowned globally for Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Crater provides a breathtaking landscape of one of the world’s oldest and inactive caldera. Other tourist attractions are:

• Ngorongoro National Park.
• Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli- holds archaeological evidence of human history and evolution.
• Lake Magadi,Empakaai and Olmoti crater lakes.
• Rich Maasai culture.
• Oldeani Mountain.

Which tourist expedition activities can I engage in?
At Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you have a wide array of expedition activities to choose from:

• Morning and evening game park drives.
• Bird watching.
• Crater rim,short and long walks safaris.
• Maasai cultural tours.
• Crater rim camping safaris, and many more.

Accommodation facilities within Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
There are many accommodation facilities within Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you can stay during your tour. Examples are:

• Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge
• Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
• And Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
• Ndutu Safari Lodge
• Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge among others.

Bottom line
In summary, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Tanzanian iconic places to visit in 2024. Whether on a romantic getaway, work retreats, private and custom tours, it is the top destination site to unwind and appreciate the nature’s stunning wonders.

Book your safari package hot deal of your preference today with Umani Bliss Safaris and we’ll take care of the rest.