TANZANIA TOURS INFORMATION NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
The world renowned Ngororngoro Crater (NCA) is just one part of a much larger area of interrelated ecosystems consisting of the striking beautiful crater Highlands together with vast stretches of plains, bush and woodland. The 8,300km2 Ngorongoro Conservation Area is named after its central feature, the Ngorongoro crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, and arguably its most spectacular natural arena.
The entire NCA covers about 8300 sq km and encompasses Oldvuvai gorge, the alkaline lakes Ndutu and Masek and a long string of volcanoes. Just outside the NCA’s eastern boundary is the archaeologically important Engaruka, and to the south is Lake Eyasi. To the northeast of the NCA on the Kenyan border is the alkaline lake natron.Ngorongo Conservation Area (NCA) boasts the finest blend of landscape, wildlife, people and archaeological sites in Africa.
Ngorongoro Crater is set in northern Tanzania, sharing part of the Serengeti plains to the north-west and with the towns of Arusha and Moshi, and Mount Kilimanjaro, to the east forming part of the unique Serengeti ecosystem. Ngorongoro is also a pioneering experiment in multiple land use. For Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the idea of multiple land use means the idea of allowing the co-existence of mankind and wildlife in a natural setting. Traditional African pastoralists co-operate with Tanzania’s government bodies in preserving the natural resources of the area and help to ensure a fantastic experience for tourists.
The Crater and its Wildlife:
The jewel in Ngorongoro’s crown is a deep volcanic crater – the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world!
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, its magical setting and abundant wildlife never failing to enthrall visitors. The rich pasture and permanent water of the crater floor supports a large resident population of wildlife of up to 25,000-predominantly grazing animals. These include wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Buffalo, Eland, Kongoni and warthog. The swamp and forest provide additional resources for these animals. The steep inner slopes provide a habitat for dikdik and the rare mountain reedbuck. Lerai Forest is found in the south west of the crater and it shelters Eland, Elephant, Vervet monkeys, bushbuck, tree hyrax, francoline, saddle-billed stork, vulture and eagle. A picnic site is located in the forest. Lions are abundant in the crater. There are five main crater prides of between 10 and 20 animals, each defending its own territory. The bull elephants descend regularly to the crater floor. The large breeding herds wander throughout the forest rim where they find the most suitable food.
Leopards are found in the forest and along the munge stream, but they are solitary, secretive and hard to sport. The Ngorongoro crater is the single most visited site. The rest of the Ngorongoro Conservation area offers many rewards for those visitors prepared to explore further a field.
Open grassland covers most of the crater floor, turning yellow with wild flowers in June. The soda lake Makat is great attraction for flamingos and other water birds, while predators hide in the marsh to ambush animals that come to drink from the river that feeds the lake. Also on the crater floor are swamps, providing water and habitat for elephant and hippo as well as numerous smaller creatures such as frogs, snakes and several cats.
Best time to Visit:
It can be surprisingly cool at the top of the mountain even in summer so be prepared with a pullover. Thunderstorm activity occurs in November - December and saturating rains fall from March to May.
Safaris Activities :
Game viewing: The opportunity of spending a day on the crater floor is simply not to be missed. There are few places where you can so reliably see such large concentration of wildlife all year round and your game viewing and photography will be enhanced by striking backdrop of the 600m-high crater wall.
Walking safaris: Walking in and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is encouraged. Long walks can be adventurous and rewarding and suitable walking routes include the area from Olmoti crater to Embakaai Highlands and down to the Great Rift Valley, the northern highland forest reserve and the eastern Serengeti plains around Nasera Rock, Gol Mountains and Olkarien Gorge.
Bird watching: the mixture of forest, canyons, grassland plains, lakes and marshes provide habitat for a wide range of birdlife. The wet months see the arrival of the Eurasian migrants at the open pools. White storks, yellow wagtails saddle-bail storks, ibis, ruff, and various species of duck.
Cultural visits: About 200 years ago the Maasai arrived in this area and have since colonized the area in substantial numbers, their traditional way of life allowing them to live in harmony with the wildlife and the environment. The Maasai are allowed to take their animals into the crater for water and grazing, but do not live or cultivate there. Visitors are welcomed at two designated Maasai culture bomas one on the road to Serengeti and another close to Sopa Lodge at Irkeepusi Village.
Hiking: a number of trails covering most of the main points of interest enable you to explore the Ngorongoro Conservation area. A network of longer trails that connect lake Eyasi in the south of Lake Natron in the north, as well as running west across the plains towards Laetoli and Lake Ndutu and northwest to Olduvai Gorge make hiking an interesting activity.
TANZANIA SAFARI LODGES AND ACCOMMODATION IN NGORONGORO
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge:
This is one of the oldest lodges on the crater rim and it shows its antiquity both in the architecture and the fittings. It is situated roughly 2km away from Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge:
Meeting the usual Serena standards, this is arguably the pick of the more conventional lodges on the crater rim, receiving consistent praise from tourists and from within the safari industry. It lies on the western crater rim along the road towards seronera. The setting is a secluded wooded valley rustling with birdlife and offering a good view over the crater.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge:
Architecturally, the lodge is literary fantastic. Each individual suite consists of 2 adjoining round structures, similar to African Huts. The entire lodge has been designed in such a way that the crater is almost constantly in sight, and the food, service and ambience are all world class.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge:
Situated on the forested eastern edge of the crater rim some 20km distant from the headquarters and main cluster of lodges, this attractive modern hotel is similar in standard to the Serena and arguably nudges ahead of it on the basis of location.
Simba Campsite:
Situated about 2 km from the park headquarters, this is the only place where you can pitch a tent on the crater rim.
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