Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Size:
8,300 sq km (3,205 sq miles).
Location:
Southeast of Serengeti National Park, in the northern part of
Tanzania. You have to pass trough (and pay entrance for) the
Serengeti in order to go to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
How to get there:
By air: One needs to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport at
Moshi, situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there
one can get a charter flight, take a taxi or make use of the
free shuttle service. The distance from Moshi to Arusha is
about 55km.
By road: Take note: The road from Arusha to
Lodoare Entrance Gate is 160km long. As of recently, the entire
journey is on tarmac and it takes about two hours. Unless
you stay on the main roads, which are graveled, a 4x4 vehicle
is essential when entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and
the Serengeti National Park.
To do:
Walking safari through the Crater Highlands,
visit archeological and paleontological sites like
Olduvai Gorge, Laetoli and Lake Ndutu,
meet the Maasai, enjoy huge numbers of wildlife.
Wildlife:
Wildebeest, black rhino, elephant, hippo, zebra,
leopard, baboon, waterbuck, bushbuck.
Birds:
Flamingo, waterbirds.
Best time:
Rainy season (November to April):
The short rains are
from November to December and the long rains
from February to April, the latter generally being considered
the off season. However, the rainy season is a very
exciting time of year as this is when animals congregate
on the Short Grass Plains to have their young. Late February,
early March is usually a good time to see the migration
on the plains. In turn, this attracts a large number of predators
and results in spectacular interactions between predators and
prey. Keep in mind that part of the Serengeti Plains fall
within the NCA.
Dry season (May to October):
The dry season
holds its own beauty. In Africa the dry season is the best time
for game viewing because the animals are concentrated
along permanent water sources. Within the Crater game
viewing is excellent during this time. However, keep in
mind that the Short Grass Plains become completely
devoid of game during this season.
Accommodation in partner lodge:
Crater Forest Tented Camp (Moivaro) (Video link)
Lake Natron Tented Camp (Moivaro) (Video link)
Tindiga Tented Camp (Moivaro) (Video link)
Download here a pdf with a
more detailed description of this park.
