Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Tanzania’s Iconic Wildlife and Cultural Adventure

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established as a unique haven to protect wildlife and Maasai traditions, born out of the government’s efforts to reduce human impacts like poaching and fires in the nearby Serengeti. The result? A stunning blend of landscapes, wildlife, and Maasai culture set against one of the most dramatic backdrops in the world.

Today, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is its own authority, distinct from Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). The area covers several famous sites, including the Ngorongoro Crater, Maasai villages, the legendary Olduvai Gorge, Empakai Crater, and a portion of the Ndutu region, which connects with the southern Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, stretching about 265 square kilometers, with 600-meter-high walls enclosing a paradise of around 30,000 animals. Gazing down from the rim, which stands over 2,200 meters above sea level, you can often catch glimpses of the diverse wildlife moving across the crater floor far below.

The crater floor features lush grasslands, forests, swamps, and Lake Makat—a soda lake fed by the Munge River. This unique ecosystem keeps many species around year-round, from grazing zebras and wildebeest to stalking lions and elusive leopards. Ngorongoro is also one of the few places in Tanzania where the endangered Black Rhino still roams freely, and hundreds of flamingos color the shores of Lake Makat.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Every December, the great wildebeest migration begins, as massive herds move into the Ndutu area in Ngorongoro. They stay through March, feeding on the nutrient-rich short grass that’s perfect for raising their newborn calves, which arrive in February. It’s a captivating spectacle that showcases nature’s powerful cycles.

The Maasai and Their Way of Life

The conservation area was designed to ensure the Maasai people could continue their traditional lifestyle, blending cultural heritage with conservation. Known for their distinct, pastoral way of life, the Maasai build circular homesteads called “bomas” and often move in search of green pastures for their cattle. Tourists can visit a typical Maasai village to experience their unique culture, including the tradition of building huts in order of wives and the warmth of fire-centered, chimney-free dwellings. The Maasai still graze their cattle in the conservation area, coexisting with the wildlife nearby.

The Olduvai Gorge Archaeological Site

One of the area’s most fascinating sites is the Olduvai Gorge, where famed archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey uncovered evidence of early humans dating back over 3.6 million years. The gorge’s museum holds these incredible discoveries and is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Fascinating Facts

• Established in 1959 as a conservation zone where wildlife coexists with semi-nomadic Maasai.

• World Heritage Site (since 1979) and top-tier travel destination.

• Ngorongoro Crater: The largest unbroken caldera in the Eastern Great Rift Valley.

• Big Five Spotting: One of the few places on Earth where you can see the Big Five in their natural habitat within just a few hours.

• Oldoinyo Lengai: Tanzania’s only active volcano, visible from Empakai Crater.

• Archaeological Hotspot: Famous discoveries about early humans, with four hominid species identified.

Things to Do

• Game drives through the crater.

• Olduvai Gorge: Uncover the story of early humans.

• Visit a Maasai Village: Discover the Maasai way of life.

• Hike Oldoinyo Lengai: A six-hour night hike for the adventurous.

• Crater Highlands Trekking: Traverse dramatic landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round! The Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers unforgettable experiences in every season.