Ngorongoro conservation area. An Exhilarating African Safari experience.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania is a must-visit destination for an incredible African safari adventure. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning over 8,000 square kilometers, Ngorongoro offers some of the most abundant and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities on the planet.

Embark on an exhilarating game drive across vast grasslands and forests, where you may spot everything from lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants, to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and more. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera, for a chance to see the Big Five and over 500 bird species gracing this unique habitat.

In addition to spectacular wildlife, Ngorongoro Conservation Area provides a window into Maasai culture. Visit a traditional Boma village to gain perspective on daily life for these legendary warriors who coexist peacefully alongside the animals.

With its dramatic landscapes, up-close encounters with iconic African wildlife, and amazing cultural experiences, an African safari in Tanzania’s renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area promises to be the adventure of a lifetime. Let our expert guides plan your tailored itinerary to ensure you experience the very best of this UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

ARTICLE SUMMARY

Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A Comprehensive Guide to Tanzania’s African Safari Destination

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania that spans over 8,292 square kilometers. It is a unique area that boasts of vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands, and forests. The area is situated on the southeastern boundary of the Serengeti National Park and is contiguous with Maswa Game Reserve to the west, the Loliondo Game Controlled Area to the north, and the Lake Natron Game Controlled Area to the northeast.

The conservation area is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five animals – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. It is also home to over 500 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera, is a major attraction in the area and is home to an estimated 25,000 large animals.

Tourism and recreation are major economic activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with thousands of tourists visiting the area every year. However, the area faces several challenges and threats, including poaching, habitat destruction, and conflicts between wildlife and humans. To address these challenges, various conservation efforts have been put in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area.

Key Takeaways

 

• • Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania that spans over 8,292 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife.

• • The area is a major tourist attraction and is famous for the Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera that is home to an estimated 25,000 large animals.

• • Despite facing several challenges and threats, various conservation efforts have been put in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area.

Geographical Location

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in the northern part of Tanzania. It is situated between the Serengeti National Park to the northwest and the Lake Manyara National Park to the east. The conservation area covers an area of 8,292 square kilometers, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region.

The area spans vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands, and forests, from the plains of the Serengeti National Park in the northwest, to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley. It is situated on the Serengeti National Park’s southeastern boundary and is also contiguous with Maswa Game Reserve to the west, the Loliondo Game Controlled Area to the north, and the Lake Natron Game Controlled Area to the northeast.

The conservation area is situated on a high plateau, with altitudes ranging from 1,020 meters to 3,648 meters above sea level. The area features several volcanic craters, including the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater is approximately 20 kilometers in diameter and 600 meters deep, and it is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

The conservation area is also home to several rivers, including the Munge River, the Engare Sero River, and the Olbalbal River. These rivers are essential sources of water for the wildlife in the area and provide habitat for several species of fish. The conservation area is also home to several lakes, including Lake Magadi, which is a shallow soda lake that is home to thousands of flamingos.

History

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in Tanzania and is considered one of the most important natural reserves in Africa. The area has a rich history that spans millions of years and is home to several unique species of flora and fauna. This section will discuss the history of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including its prehistoric era and establishment as a conservation area.

Prehistoric Era

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for its prehistoric sites, including Olduvai Gorge. This area is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, as it has provided valuable insights into the evolution of humans and other species. The gorge has yielded fossils of several extinct animals, including elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. It has also provided evidence of early human activity, including stone tools and the remains of hominids.

Establishment as a Conservation Area

In 1959, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established as a multiple land use area, with wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing. The area was separated from the larger Serengeti National Park and designated specifically for conservation purposes. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, in recognition of its unique natural and cultural significance.

The 2009 Ngorongoro Wildlife Conservation Act placed new restrictions on human settlement and subsistence farming in the Crater, displacing Maasai pastoralists, most of whom had been relocated to Ngorongoro from their ancestral lands to the north when the British colonial government established Serengeti National Park in 1959. Although cultivation is not permitted within the area, some 25,000 to 40,000 Masai are allowed to graze their livestock there.

In conclusion, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a rich history that spans millions of years. It has provided valuable insights into the evolution of humans and other species, and is considered one of the most important natural reserves in Africa. The establishment of the area as a conservation area has helped to protect its unique natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Flora and Fauna

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The area’s unique landscape, which includes highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands, and forests, provides a variety of habitats for different plant and animal species.

Plant Species

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for its rich plant diversity. The area is home to over 2000 plant species, including several endemic species. Some of the common plant species found in the area include:

 

• • Ekebergia capensis (Dogplum)

• • Eleusine jaegeri (Enneapogon persicus)

• • Euclea divinorum (Magic guarri)

• • Euphorbia schimperi (Gutenbergia cordifolia)

• • Grewia damine (Caribbean fingergrass)

• • Vangueria madagascariensis

The area also has several tree species, including Acacia, Combretum, and Terminalia. The vegetation in the area varies depending on the altitude, with the lower areas dominated by grasslands and the higher areas dominated by forests.

Animal Species

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a diverse range of animal species. The area’s unique landscape provides an ideal habitat for different animal species, including the Big Five. Some of the common animal species found in the area include:

 

• • African Buffalo

• • African Elephant

• • Black Rhino

• • Leopard

• • Lion

Apart from the Big Five, the area is also home to several other animal species, including hyenas, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. The area is also known for its birdlife, with over 500 bird species recorded in the area.

Overall, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a unique ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. The area’s rich biodiversity makes it a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike.

Tourism and Recreation

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a popular tourist destination in Tanzania, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including safari tours and cultural tourism.

Safari Tours

Safari tours are the most popular activity in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Visitors can explore the area’s vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands, and forests, from the plains of the Serengeti National Park in the northwest to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the main attraction of the area and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Visitors can take a guided game drive through the crater and witness the animals in their natural habitat.

Cultural Tourism

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also a hub for cultural tourism. Visitors can learn about the Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries, and experience their traditional way of life. The Maasai are known for their distinctive customs, clothing, and jewelry, and visitors can witness their traditional dances and songs.

The area is also home to several archaeological sites, including the Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest human remains were discovered. Visitors can learn about the history of human evolution and the significance of the area in shaping our understanding of the past.

Overall, Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a unique blend of wildlife, culture, and history, making it an ideal destination for tourists who seek adventure and exploration.

Conservation Efforts

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several endangered species. The conservation area is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which is responsible for protecting and preserving the natural habitat of the area.

Protection of Endangered Species

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to several endangered species, including the black rhinoceros, African hunting dog, and elephant. The conservation authority has implemented several measures to protect these species, including anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community education programs.

The black rhinoceros population in the area has been steadily increasing due to these efforts. In 2015, the conservation authority reported that there were over 30 black rhinos in the area, up from only 10 in the early 2000s. The African hunting dog, which was once on the brink of extinction, has also seen its population increase in recent years.

Ecosystem Preservation

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to several unique ecosystems, including the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The conservation authority has implemented several measures to preserve these ecosystems, including controlled burns, reforestation, and soil conservation programs.

The conservation authority has also implemented measures to control the impact of tourism on the area’s ecosystems. These measures include limiting the number of visitors to the area and enforcing strict guidelines for tour operators.

Overall, the conservation efforts in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area have been successful in protecting and preserving the area’s unique ecosystems and endangered species. However, continued efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area’s natural resources.

Challenges and Threats

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) faces several challenges and threats that pose a significant risk to its biodiversity and conservation efforts. This section will discuss some of the most pressing challenges and threats that the NCA is currently facing.

Poaching

Poaching is a significant threat to the NCA’s wildlife populations. The illegal hunting of wildlife for bushmeat, ivory, and other animal products continues to be a major issue in the area, despite efforts to curb poaching activities. Poaching is particularly prevalent in the Ngorongoro Crater, where animals are easily accessible and vulnerable to hunting.

To combat poaching activities, the NCA has implemented several measures, including increasing patrols, setting up anti-poaching units, and working with local communities to raise awareness about the negative impacts of poaching. However, poaching remains a persistent problem that requires ongoing attention and resources.

Climate Change

Climate change is another significant threat to the NCA’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. The area is experiencing changes in weather patterns, including increased temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and more frequent and severe droughts. These changes are affecting the area’s vegetation, water resources, and wildlife populations.

The NCA is taking steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including implementing sustainable land management practices, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting renewable energy. However, these efforts are limited by the lack of resources and funding, and the scale of the challenge is vast.

Overall, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area faces several challenges and threats that require ongoing attention and resources. While efforts are being made to address these issues, more needs to be done to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main attractions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as other animals such as wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and hippos. The area also contains the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest intact caldera in the world. Visitors can go on game drives to see the wildlife and take in the stunning views of the crater.

What are the fees for visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

As of August 2023, the entrance fee for Ngorongoro Conservation Area is $70 per person per day for non-residents, $50 per person per day for residents, and 10,000 Tanzanian shillings per person per day for East African citizens. Additionally, there is a vehicle fee of $200 per vehicle per day for non-residents and $100 per vehicle per day for residents.

What makes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area unique?

One of the unique features of Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the presence of the Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries and continue to graze their cattle alongside the wildlife. The area is also home to the Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, where fossils of early humans and prehistoric animals have been found.

What is Ngorongoro famous for?

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is famous for its wildlife, particularly the “Big Five” and the Ngorongoro Crater. It is also known for its stunning landscapes and the presence of the Maasai people.

What are the Big 5 in Ngorongoro Crater?

The “Big Five” are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. All of these animals can be found in Ngorongoro Crater, along with many other species of wildlife. Visitors can go on game drives to see these animals in their natural habitat.