Ngorongoro conservation area is one of the most amazing areas you can think of on your Tanzanian bucket list, it is the world’s largest caldera filled with wildlife, the Caldera was formed as a result of volcanicity, and it is said that over 3 million years ago a mountain the size of Kilimanjaro erupted and collapsed on its weight, the region was gazette as a conservation area in 1952 which separated from the Serengeti National park. Ngorongoro conservation area is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized as a way of protecting several animal species within the biodiverse environment.
Ngorongoro conservation area boats a beautiful growing savannah grassland, acacia forest, woodland and the oldvai gorge a place where the remain of early man was found by Richard Leakey and his family he discovered the last remains of the very first homo sapiens, it is also home to a variety of animal species including the so-called big five of the wilderness (Lions, leopards, African elephants, African buffaloes and Rhinos), zebras, antelopes, oribi, crocodiles, hippos, among others and over 500 species of birds are present within the ecosystem, for example, forest bustards, cattle egrets, Augur buzzard, eastern double coloured sunbirds, kori bustard, African spoonbill, Jackson’s widow birds, red and yellow barbet to mention a few.
How to reach Ngorongoro conservation area is convenient the region is placed along the same route as that going to Serengeti by car it takes approximately 185 kilometres from Arusha, and the drive is about 2 and half hours, it is a beautiful drive along the northern circuit of the country, other routes to the crater can be from other national parks it isone hour and 30 minutes scenic drive to accommodation from Lake Manyara, from Serengeti the distance is 140 kilometres. The other option is to fly to the destination, there are daily flights from Arusha to the nearest airstrips, and domestic flight handlers include Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, Regional Air, and Precision Air. These operate flights on both schedule and charter.
Ngorongoro conservation area can be reached throughout the year but is best during the dry season between the months of December –February and June-September when the trails of the region are much drier and easier to access, this is also regarded as a high tourism season hence many travellers to the crater, the wet season is equally beautiful with its presentation of lush green vegetation. The best time to do activities here is in the dry season.
Things to do while in Ngorongoro include game drives these are conducted in sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening times, through the well-distributed game trails they are done using 4×4 wheel car drives with open rooftops to enhance the guest experience on photography and animal views, visit the Masai people, enjoy a guided nature walk and crater views, visit the Olduvai Gorge to see the remains of the last homo-sapiens.
In conclusion, the Ngorongoro conservation area can be reached by use of any means, it is more adventurous when one considers taking a journey through the northern circuit of Tanzania and along the floor of the Great Rift Valley.