Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to abundant wildlife species, it is an enclosed space from the eruption of the world’s largest caldera, it is said to have erupted over 3 million years ago the crater elapsing on itself, forming the unfilled caldera, around the crater region is the Oldeini mountain, Lake Magadi which is usually filled with flamingoes. The crater is the cherry of Tanzania’s crown, it is the one place to find animal species in almost every corner, it was a gazette in 1952 as a game reserve and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ngorongoro crater is rich with wildlife, it is one of the most possible places to see the so-called big five of the wilderness(Lions, leopards, African buffaloes, African elephants and Rhinos), there are several other species to be seen through the well distributed trails of the biodiverse environment these include Zebras, elands, warthogs, oribi, Jackson hartebeests, wildebeests, wild dogs, jackals, spotted hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs to mention a few and over 500 species of birds are present in the protected area.
Game drives in the Ngorongoro conservation area are the most popular activity, they give a chance to experience the best of the region, and these are conducted using 4WD car drives to beat the tough terrain of the African wilderness, the safari cars are characterized by their open roofs with enough space for guests to take some photos or even capture a video, the drives are done in sessions, in the early morning at 6:00 am it is the most recommendable time to do game drives as animals are super active during this time, drives in the afternoon hours defer with timing, animals are relaxed during the afternoon time and can be easily found.
Game drives are guided by an experienced game ranger who is well experienced with the conservation area and is knowledgeable, they last from 2-3 hours per session or even all day long drive, in this case, participants do take packed lunch along with them or return to the lodge for a hot lunch. To enjoy a proper game drive it is important to pack right for your great African safari experience, take long-sleeved light shirts and trousers, boots, huts, hand gloves, sunscreen and any other important items of a personal nature.
Game drives in the Ngorongoro conservation area are best done during the dry season between the months of December-February and June –September, it is a time when the trails of the park are less slippery and can be easily accessed, water ponds dry up and animals gather around the drinking places which makes them easy to spot. This said the wet season can also be ideal to visit the ecosystem except that it comes with more difficulty in seeing animals.
Besides Game drives in the Ngorongoro conservation area, there are other things to do while in the region for example birding, visiting the Olduvai Gorge, guided nature walks, and mountain hikes, to mention a few.