Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Game Drives

Game drives in Ngorongoro Conservation Area are an exhilarating experience. They commence early in the morning at 6:00 AM and in the afternoon at 1:00 PM. Conducted in open-roof 4×4 vehicles and open-sided vehicles, these drives provide excellent opportunities to capture stunning photographs of wildlife. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide array of animals including elephants, lions, black rhinos, buffaloes, African hunting dogs, spotted hyenas, bat-eared foxes, large herds of antelopes, zebras, Thompson’s gazelles, and the rare tree-climbing lions. Other fascinating animals like bush babies, civets, aardvarks, leopards, dik diks, bat-eared foxes, scrub hares, jackals, and mongooses also inhabit the area.

Bird Watching

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is celebrated for its diverse ecosystem, which attracts a myriad of bird species. The park boasts an impressive bird population with over 500 species recorded, prominently around the waters of Lake Makatare. This lake serves as a sanctuary for thousands of flamingoes and numerous other water birds. The prime months for bird watching are from November to July, although bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings throughout the year.

Nature Walks

Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers visitors the opportunity to step out of their vehicles and stretch their legs on guided nature walks. These walks, led by knowledgeable park rangers, can vary from short strolls to longer hikes, providing a close-up experience of the area’s flora and fauna. Whether inside or outside the park boundaries, these walks are typically conducted during daylight hours.

Where to Stay in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Accommodation options in Ngorongoro Conservation Area cater to various preferences and budgets, ranging from budget-friendly lodgings to luxurious retreats:

Luxury Accommodation:

• Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
• Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
• Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge
• Ganako Luxury Lodge
• Acacia Farm Lodge
• Ndutu Safari Lodge

Midrange Accommodation:

• Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
• Gibbs’s Farm
• Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
• Octagon Safari Lodge
• Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Budget Accommodation Options

For travelers seeking affordable accommodations in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, several options are available:

• Kifaru Lodge
• Eunoto Retreat
• Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Best Time of Year to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The best time to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area depends on seasonal weather patterns:

The dry season, from mid-May to mid-October, is generally recommended for optimal game viewing due to reduced vegetation and easier wildlife spotting. The rainy seasons, experiencing heavy rainfall from January to March, can still offer rewarding visits but may present challenges such as muddy roads. Climate changes attributed to global warming can affect rainfall patterns from year to year, so it’s advisable to check current weather forecasts and plan accordingly for an enjoyable visit to this remarkable conservation area.

How to Get to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be accessed from Arusha town, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours. Here are the transportation options available:

By Road:

The most common mode of transportation to the park is by road, which offers the opportunity for sightseeing along the way. The roads are generally in good condition, although closer to the Game Reserve they may become gravel (Marram roads), providing what locals humorously refer to as the “African Massage.” It’s advisable to use a 4×4 vehicle, which typically costs between $200 and $350 per day excluding the driver’s allowance.

By Air:

Air transportation to Ngorongoro Conservation Area is available through scheduled or chartered flights from Serengeti, Arusha, and Lake Manyara. Several airlines operate routes to the area:

• Coastal Aviation
• Air Tanzania
• Zan Air
• Precision Air

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