Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Location: Arusha Region, Tanzania
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a vast protected area located in northern Tanzania. The area encompasses the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera, as well as other important archaeological and natural sites. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhinoceros, and is considered to be one of the best places in Africa to see large game animals in their natural habitat.
Prominent Features: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a variety of unique natural and cultural features, including:
Ngorongoro Crater: The world's largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera, with a diameter of approximately 20 km and a depth of over 600 meters.
Wildlife: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, wildebeest, and the endangered black rhinoceros. Maasai Culture: The Maasai people have been living in the area for centuries and continue to maintain their traditional way of life, with their distinctive clothing, customs, and beliefs.
History: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been inhabited by humans for over 3 million years and has a rich history of human settlement and culture. The area was designated a conservation area in 1959.
Fun Fact: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, where some of the earliest evidence of human evolution has been discovered.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a variety of activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including guided safaris to see the wildlife, visits to Maasai villages to learn about the culture, and hikes to explore the crater and surrounding areas. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see all of the "Big Five" animals in one place: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is $70 USD, and the fee for children under 16 is $35 USD. These fees are valid for a 24-hour period and include entry to both the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the nearby Serengeti National Park.
How to Reach It: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located approximately 180 km west of Arusha, Tanzania. The area can be reached by car or by taking a guided tour from Arusha. The nearest airport is the Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is approximately 70 km from Arusha.
Minibus/Shared Taxi: You can take a shared taxi or minibus (locally known as "dala-dala") from Arusha to the town of Karatu, which is located near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From Karatu, you can take another shared taxi or arrange a private car to take you to the park entrance. Minibuses and shared taxis are a popular mode of transport in Tanzania and are relatively inexpensive, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
Where to Stay: There are several lodges and campsites located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge. There are also several campsites and lodges located outside of the conservation area for those on a budget.
Next Stop: Serengeti National Park
The most common way to travel from Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park is by safari vehicle. Most visitors opt to take a guided tour, which includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide.
However, if you are looking for public transportation, there are some options available. One option is to take a local bus from the town of Karatu, which is located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the town of Seronera in the Serengeti National Park. The bus journey takes around 3-4 hours and the fare is relatively cheap. However, it's worth noting that these buses may not be very comfortable and can be crowded.
Another option is to take a shared taxi, also known as a daladala, from Karatu to Seronera. These shared taxis are often minivans or larger vehicles and can be faster and more comfortable than the local buses. However, they can also be more expensive.
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a vast protected area located in northern Tanzania. The area encompasses the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera, as well as other important archaeological and natural sites. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhinoceros, and is considered to be one of the best places in Africa to see large game animals in their natural habitat.
Prominent Features: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to a variety of unique natural and cultural features, including:
Ngorongoro Crater: The world's largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera, with a diameter of approximately 20 km and a depth of over 600 meters.
Wildlife: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, wildebeest, and the endangered black rhinoceros. Maasai Culture: The Maasai people have been living in the area for centuries and continue to maintain their traditional way of life, with their distinctive clothing, customs, and beliefs.
History: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been inhabited by humans for over 3 million years and has a rich history of human settlement and culture. The area was designated a conservation area in 1959.
Fun Fact: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, where some of the earliest evidence of human evolution has been discovered.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a variety of activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including guided safaris to see the wildlife, visits to Maasai villages to learn about the culture, and hikes to explore the crater and surrounding areas. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see all of the "Big Five" animals in one place: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is $70 USD, and the fee for children under 16 is $35 USD. These fees are valid for a 24-hour period and include entry to both the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the nearby Serengeti National Park.
How to Reach It: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located approximately 180 km west of Arusha, Tanzania. The area can be reached by car or by taking a guided tour from Arusha. The nearest airport is the Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is approximately 70 km from Arusha.
Minibus/Shared Taxi: You can take a shared taxi or minibus (locally known as "dala-dala") from Arusha to the town of Karatu, which is located near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From Karatu, you can take another shared taxi or arrange a private car to take you to the park entrance. Minibuses and shared taxis are a popular mode of transport in Tanzania and are relatively inexpensive, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
Where to Stay: There are several lodges and campsites located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge. There are also several campsites and lodges located outside of the conservation area for those on a budget.
Next Stop: Serengeti National Park
The most common way to travel from Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park is by safari vehicle. Most visitors opt to take a guided tour, which includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide.
However, if you are looking for public transportation, there are some options available. One option is to take a local bus from the town of Karatu, which is located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the town of Seronera in the Serengeti National Park. The bus journey takes around 3-4 hours and the fare is relatively cheap. However, it's worth noting that these buses may not be very comfortable and can be crowded.
Another option is to take a shared taxi, also known as a daladala, from Karatu to Seronera. These shared taxis are often minivans or larger vehicles and can be faster and more comfortable than the local buses. However, they can also be more expensive.