Ngorongoro Conservation Area is among Africa’s a handful precious surviving wildernesses perched in the Ngorongoro district governed by Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. The large caldera known as the Ngorongoro Crater, located in the Arusha region, is the source of the name of this protected area. The name Ngoro was given to this location by the Masai people of the area, who were inspired by the cowbells that created loud echos in the valleys.
There are a lot of interesting facts about the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is the only gazetted area in Tanzania that allows humans and wildlife to coexist. Human activities, like pastoralism and subsistence farming, are also allowed, and they are closely monitored in an effort to protect the ecosystem as a whole. The reason for this was that, when the Masai were forcibly relocated from the Serengeti National Park in 1951, Ngorongoro served as a temporary refuge for them.
Over the years, government of Tanzania has spent time trying to displace the people living in the area which has caused great dispute between locals and governing bodies since they have nowhere else to run to. The International Union for Conservation of Nature is however trying to create likely solutions and ease the tension and conflicts between these two parties.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought-after safari destinations to visit in Africa because it is a component of the Serengeti ecosystem. From the picturesque sceneries of never-ending undulating plains, outstanding highlands, beautiful local people and diverse biodiversity, this area is a must-visit for countless guests every year.
Attractions in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Ngorongoro shelters an immense amount of fascinating attractions open to be relished by visitors to this exquisite destination.
Ngorongoro crater.
This is the most prominent safari attraction as several guests every year travel to observe the largest, intact, inactive, and void volcanic caldera in the world. The caldera was left behind from the enormous eruption about 3 million years back when an enormous volcano erupted and collapsed itself leaving behind a basin-like feature covering 1800 meters.
The crater floor is home to different wildlife in addition to awe-inspiring views from the rim of the crater over continuous areas and plains.
Olduvai Gorge.
The well-known Olduvai Gorge, which is thought to be the seat of humanity, is also protected by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is ascribed to the finding of the oldest known human specimens, Homo habilis. The gorge spans 50 kilometres and is located within the Great Rift Valley’s jagged escarpments.
It’s one of the driest regions and it lies in the rain shadow and constrained wildlife wanders to this extreme zone. The word Olduvai is loosely translated from the Maasai expression for the sisal plants that are abundant in the area.
Wildlife.
Ngorongoro conservation area is, lacking any doubt, an abundantly fortunate wildlife destination and an attraction for travelers seeking formidable Safaris in Africa. The ecosystem prefers the world of outstanding fauna and flora; some not found anywhere else on the continent. What is most exceptional about its wildlife is the fact that the conservation area is among the limited sites where guests are able to see all the African big five mammals, including lion, elephant, buffalo, African leopard, and rhino in one locality. A mixture of ungulates and non-ungulates fill the crater from large mammals like the African elephant, buffalo, and black rhino to the hippopotamus. These are accompanied by grants zebras, over 7000 wildebeests, elands, Thomson gazelles and water bucks.
This consequently leads to various predators arriving in the area where they can pick such easy and abundant prey. Significant predators include lions, the elusive leopard, cheetah, East African wild dog, and spotted hyena which is a subject of long-term research in the Ngorongoro since 1996. Ngorongoro is known for its great concentration of lions more than 62 individuals according to the last census.
Best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The area is an all year round suggested tourism destination due to its outstanding climate conditions for most of the year. However, unlike other African destinations where it is advised to visit during peak season usually from June to September, Ngorongoro is best recommended to visit in the low season. October through early December and March through May are when this starts. Less people, lush vegetation, vibrant birding because of migratory birds, and great wildlife viewing are what make this place unique.
In light of this, the Ngorongoro conservation area is an adventure-packed destination any month of the year. Visit it at any time of year and prepare for amazing African wildlife safari experiences.
