Ngorongoro conservation area is a large ecosystem comprising the Ngorongoro crater, this is the world’s largest caldera it is said to have erupted over 3 million years ago as a result of volcanicity, it was initially part of the Serengeti National Park to the north of Tanzania until it was gazette as a protected conservation area in 1952, the Masai local people are the original settlers of the region, they are pastoralists in nature and graze their cattle along the foothills of the crater region. Ngorongoro conservation area boasts a variety of animal species including the so-called big five of the wilderness (Lions, leopards, Rhinos, African buffaloes, and African elephants).
Ngorongoro crater is the perfect place to visit on your Tanzanian Safari, it is one of the greatest places with a high population density of wildlife species present in the biodiverse ecosystem including zebras, elands, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, jackals, wildebeests, wild dogs, wild cats, among other species and over 500 species of birds have been recorded in the conservation area, for example, ostriches, crown cranes, European swallows, secretary birds, Kori bustards, flamingoes, African harrier hawks, most of these are seen while conducting tourism activities as below,
Game drives, are conducted using 4*4 wheel car drives with an open rood top to view animal species, the drives are done in 2 sessions in the morning starting at 6:00 a min search 2sq1 of morning risers, this is the most recommendable time to search animals, predators are out to hunt while herbivores are out to graze, the afternoon time begins at 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm which ends in sundowners, it takes 2-3 hours doing the activity in search of the game with an experienced guide, during the drive you will descend the crater, through a lush green beautiful forest, through the well-distributed game tracks of the conservation area, expect to meet several species including birds.
Birding in the Ngorongoro conservation area, a variety of bird species including migratory birds, grassland birds, and endemics to the destination, birds are everywhere in the park right from your lodge verandah, bird watching can be done all day long but best done in the morning, and evening times, expect to see most of the bird species, to enjoy a birding experience it is important to carry binoculars, good cameras. During the birding tour, you will be able to see birds like the white-eyed salty flycatcher, African eagles, African spoonbill, yellow barbets, plover birds, sunbirds, and Abyssinian ground hornbills.
Cultural encounters with the Masaai people, during the cultural tour you will have the chance to interact with the local Masai people, they exhibit one of the most unique cultures depicting the original African way of living, and they will perform their traditional songs and dances, and show you their way of doing things, guests are free to interact and take part in the dancing sessions, take pictures or even buy souvenirs.
Visit the Olduvai Gorge, also termed Oldupai Gorge stretching about 48 kilometres, the experience is best at the Olduvai Museum where remains of early Earth findings have been gathered, it exhibits fossil findings, while here you can enjoy a guided walk to the Olduvai River and also have the chance to view perfectly preserved footprints of early man.
In conclusion, the Ngorongoro conservation area is a perfect destination to do activities while in Tanzania, it is situated approximately 2-3 hours’ drive from Arusha, and it is possible to fly to the destination. There is available accommodation in the park ranging from the best budget to Luxury Examples of facilities include the Ngorongoro Neptune Lodge.