The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a protected area and a World Heritage Site located 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, an arm of the Tanzanian government, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro Division of the Arusha Region.
Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 610m (2,000 feet) deep and its floor covers 260 square km (100 square miles). Estimates of the height of the original volcano range from 4,500 to 5,800m (14,800 to 19,000 feet) high. The elevation of the crater floor is 1,800m (5,900 feet) above sea level. The Crater was voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The Crater is oval shaped and it’s bounded by Lake Eyasi, Gol Mountains, Olbalal swamps & Olduvai Gorge. There are vast numbers of animals – Zebra, Wildebeest, eland, gazelle, wart hog, buffalo etc which attracts predators – lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena. Also you will find birds – flamingo, fish eagle, heron, crested crane, marabou stork, secretary bird etc.
Dry Season:
June – Mid November: Best time for game viewing:
December – February: Humid & Hot: Good time for game viewing.
Rain Season:
Mid November – Mid December: Short Rain: Wonderful for birdlife and lush scenery
April – May: Heavy rain : Wonderful for birdlife and lush scenery.
Activities :
Game drives, Bush Walking Safari
3 days/ 2 nights BY CAR 4x4: (Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Moshi)
Itineraries
DAY 1: Pickup: From your Accommodation and drive to Lake Manyara National Park with picnic lunch. Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park then drive to Ngorongoro where you will arrive on time for a Sun Downer on the Rim’s view point. Dinner and overnight at Rhino Lodge-Ngorongoro.
DAY 2: The day will be spent inside the Ngorongoro crater, with packed lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Rhino Lodge-Ngorongoro.
DAY 3: Morning game drive until 11.30hrs when you will drive and en route back and drop you off at your Accommodation.
Price: $1,210 per person sharing