NGORONGORO
conservation area
The Ngorongoro Nature Conservation Area is named after its main feature, the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera (collapsed volcanic cone). The area is known as one of the world’s natural wonders due to its geological features. The crater serves as a refuge for several large African mammals and the name ‘Ngorongoro’ is derived from the sound made by the bells around the necks of the Maasai cattle.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the most densely populated wildlife area in the world. An estimated 25,000 animals live on the crater floor. With a diameter of 17-21 kilometers and an area of approximately 260 km2, this increases the chance of spotting a lot of wildlife. In addition, the crater is ‘Big 5′ area par excellence; Lions, elephants and buffaloes can be seen with almost certainty, the rhino is often spotted from a distance and even getting a leopard in your sight is possible. You won’t spot the giraffe in the crater, because it can’t make the descent from the steep crater rim. At night, herds of zebras and elephants climb the rim of the crater to continue towards the Serengeti National Park.
ACTIVITIES Ngorongoro
GAME DRIVE
Since the Ngorongoro crater is much smaller than, for example, Serengeti National Park or Tarangire National Park, half a day in the crater is enough to see this natural wonder and meet the different animal species. You descend into the crater on one side and drive out on the other.
OLDUVAI GORGE
Olduvai Gorge is a deep gorge of about 45 kilometers in length in the great rift valley, between Ngorongoro and Serengeti. The gorge is named after the wild sisal plant, whose Masai name is Oldupaai. Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important sites of prehistoric man in the world and East Africa is the cradle of mankind. Louis and Mary Leakey pioneered this in the 1950s, and since then their descendants have continued the search for the oldest human. In 1974 ‘Lucy’ was found here, until then the oldest human ever found.
HIKE OVER THE CRATER RIM
A walk over the crater rim is an impressive experience and a nice change after the various jeep safaris in the various parks. During this 2-hour hike, you will discover the different vegetations and see the animals on the crater floor in the distance. Due to the high altitude, the climate, with a temperature of about 20 degrees, is wonderful.
hiking in the ngorongoro highlands
With this 2-day (or 3-day) walk you will discover the Masai culture in an authentic way and you will also enjoy the different landscapes undisturbed. From vast plains to active volcanoes and forested areas, you’ll see it all without encountering any tourist. It is possible to extend this hike by a few days and, for example, climb the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.