Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (809,440 ha) spans vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests, from the plains of the Serengeti National Park in the north-west, to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley. The area was established in 1959 as a multiple land use area, with wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practising traditional livestock grazing. It includes the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, and Olduvai Gorge, a 14km long deep ravine.
The area has been subject to extensive archaeological research for over 80 years and has yielded a long sequence of evidence of human evolution and human-environment dynamics, collectively extending over a span of almost four million years to the early modern era.
Extra Activities To Take During Safari
Sometimes called the eighth wonder of the world, the Ngorongoro caldera and the surrounding conservation area is a place of unmatched beauty.
The best place in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhinoceros, the park offers up a variety of activities from wildlife encounters to cultural exchanges to hiking.
Oldupai Gorge
Sometimes known as the Cradle of Humanity, the Oldupai Gorge Museum is a testament to the long journey that humanity has made from its humble roots in East Africa to its current state as the dominant species on earth.
This small museum houses a small exhibition of ancient tools and bones as well as a plaster cast of footprints that act as some of the oldest evidence of human habitation.
Masai Village visit
Probably the most famous of tribes, the Maasai were known primarily as warriors and shepherds. Visiting a Maasai village is the best way to learn about their culture.
When you arrive at the Maasai village, you can expect to be greeted in the traditional manner: plenty of singing and dancing, with participation very much encouraged! And after spending a day in their village, you will have experienced their culture first-hand and learned a lot about how life used to be several hundred of years ago and still is in some of the most remote areas.
Hiking
The craters and mountains around Ngorongoro Conservation Area offer a wealth of hiking opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Hiking routes available nearby include Olmoti Crater, Mount Lemargut, Empakai Crater, and Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
You can read more about the many hiking options available with FAHARI SAFARI.
Crater Rim Hike
For an unparalleled view of the world-famous Ngorongoro caldera, a short hike to the forested rim can be arranged.