Safari guide to the Ngorongoro conservation area
Safari guide to the Ngorongoro conservation area : The Ngorongoro conservation area is a wildlife viewing destination which is found in the northern part of Tanzania.
The big 5 are among the wildlife species which can be seen while on safaris around the Ngorongoro conservation area. The big 5 include elephant, lion, leopards, rhinos as well as buffalos.
The black rhinos are among the endangered species which can be seen during safaris in the Ngorongoro conservation area which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. These rhinos are known for their solitary nature.
Flamingos are also among the attractions which are found in the Ngorongoro conservation area. They can be spotted along the shores of Lake Magadi which is found in the center of the Ngorongoro crater.
The Maasai also live in the Ngorongoro conservation area and can be seen during safaris around the destination as they graze their livestock like cattle, goats and sheep. They are known for their nomadic way of life and unique culture.
Activities which are carried out during safaris around the Ngorongoro conservation area include the following;
Game drives
Game drives around the Ngorongoro conservation area involves exploring the crater while looking out for different wildlife species like lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, warthogs, impalas, gazelles, hippos, cheetahs, jackals among others.
Wildlife viewing around the Ngorongoro conservation area can be carried out at any time of the year; however, the dry season from June to October is recommended for visiting the destination during safaris.
To descend into the Ngorongoro crater, vehicles are charged 295 USD for entry into the crater. Park entrance fee for the Ngorongoro conservation area is different from this charge.
Guided nature walks
Another unique way to explore the Ngorongoro conservation area is by engaging in guided nature walks and getting a close experience with the natural surroundings. The activity is carried out on foot in the company of a ranger guide.
Different wildlife species can also be seen along the way as the tourists follow different trails while exploring the Ngorongoro conservation area. The destination is known for its high concentration of wildlife species including large numbers of predators.
These walks can also be carried out around the Ngorongoro crater rim where wildlife species can be seen. The activity also involves walking through the forested are in Ngorongoro where wildlife species like elephants can be spotted.
Bird watching
There are over 400 bird species which can be seen during safaris in the Ngorongoro conservation area and they include flamingos, starlings, rufous tailed weaver, grey crowned cranes, Livingstone turaco among others.
Bird watching around the Ngorongoro conservation area is best done during the months of November to March.
Cultural visits
During safaris to the Ngorongoro conservation area, tourists can also engage in cultural visits which involves interactions with the Maasai people, visiting the traditional homesteads of the Maasai, watching traditional dance performances, seeing local arts and crafts like beaded jewelry made by the Maasai women among other activities.
The Maasai can also be seen in the neighboring towns near the Ngorongoro conservation area such as in Karatu.
Attractions around Ngorongoro conservation area
The different attractions which can be seen during safaris around the Ngorongoro conservation area include the following;
- The Ngorongoro crater
The Ngorongoro crater is an unfilled volcanic caldera in the Ngorongoro conservation area. The Ngorongoro crater was formed as a result of volcanic activity and is the world’s largest inactive caldera.
During safaris in the Ngorongoro conservation area, visitors descend about 600 meters into the crater where they enjoy looking out for different wildlife species such as wildebeests, hippos, cheetahs, lions, leopards, zebras, gazelles, waterbucks, impalas among others.
The crater is among the seven natural wonders of Africa and was formed over 2 million years ago when a volcano erupted. Empakaai crater and Olmoti crater are similar in formation as the Ngorongoro crater.
- Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is a salt lake which is found in the center of the Ngorongoro crater. The lake is also referred to as Lake Makat.
The word Magadi means salt which is a description of the seasonal salt lake in the Ngorongoro crater. Many bird species can be seen around Lake Magadi which is a good birding spot at the destination.
The flamingos which can be seen along the shores of Lake Magadi feed on the algae and this is among the reasons why flocks of flamingos can be seen along the shores of Lake Magadi during bird watching experiences.
- Ol duvai gorge
Ol duvai gorge is an archaeological site which is found around the Ngorongoro conservation area.
Evidence of human evolution was discovered at Ol duvai gorge by Dr Louis and Mary Leakey. Some of the discoveries made at the site include stone tools and fossils. The gorge is found in the Great Rift Valley and located between Serengeti national park and the Ngorongoro conservation area.
Ol duvai gorge is also a UNESCO world heritage site and during tours around the gorge, guides provide tourists with information about the history and importance of Ol duvai gorge.
There is also a museum where tourists can see the findings and learn about the history of evolution of mankind. Ol duvai gorge is also referred to as the cradle of mankind and is an attraction in the northern part of Tanzania.
- Wildlife species
The Ngorongoro conservation area is known for its high concentration of wildlife species which can be seen during safaris. The destination has amazing views which can be seen as tourists explore the crater floor and look out for different wildlife species.
Predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas can be spotted while exploring the grassy plains of the Ngorongoro conservation area. Other wildlife species which can be seen around Ngorongoro include wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, impalas, kudu, waterbucks, antelopes, hartebeests, warthogs and many others.
Despite the many wildlife and bird species around the Ngorongoro crater, giraffes cannot be seen during safaris.
How to get to the Ngorongoro conservation area
The Ngorongoro conservation area can be accessed by both flight and also driving from Arusha. Flights can be got from Kilimanjaro international airport to Lake Manyara airstrip.
Visit Ngorongoro conservation area and enjoy a safari as you look out for wildlife species like the big 5.
