THE Ngorongoro Conservation Zone is a park in the northwest of Tanzania. It contains an old volcano that collapsed and formed a crater (caldera). The crater's steep slopes have isolated a wide variety of wildlife. Viewed from the top of its cliffs or from the bottom of its vast crater, Ngorongoro is one of the most fascinating places in Africa.
Understand
History
The origin of the name, Ngorongoro, is unknown for sure. According to the East African Conservation Society, some say Ngorongoro was the name of a Masai who made cattle bells and lived in the crater. Others claim the name comes from a brave group of Datogo warriors who were defeated by the Masai in a battle that took place in the crater 150 years ago.
Landscape
The crater is 2,236 meters above sea level and is the largest intact caldera, or collapsed volcano, in the world. It measures over 19 kilometers in diameter and has a surface area of 304 square kilometers.
Flora and fauna
The Ngorongoro Crater is considered the Noah's Ark of East Africa, as it houses almost all animal species from that region, integrated into an ecosystem that has not yet been affected by the hand of man.
In the Ngorongoro Crater you can see buffaloes, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, black rhinoceros and black-faced red-tailed red-tailed red-tailed red-tailed red-tailed cheetah. Predators such as cheetahs, hyenas, jackals and black-maned lions, hippos. pass a few meters from visitors and feel at ease in the crater. It is a rare opportunity to observe it so closely in its habitat. This fear-inspiring beast is almost extinct; it is estimated that there are fewer than 20 in the crater. Poachers have been caught killing rhinos for their horns, which are illegally sold to make dagger handles and medicine. The ranger makes regular patrols to fend off hunters.
In addition, there are large numbers of "birds of beautiful species, including ostriches, bustards, herons, egrets, white egrets, red-billed buffaloes and countless pink flamingos... There are woodpeckers, Apali de yellow breast, Nilaus afer and heavenly flycatcher The pink breasted Macronyx ameliae can be seen in tall grass, and even a rare species of jay.
Climate
The climate in Ngorongoro Crater is generally moderate and temperate, although it can get very cold between June and August, while the weather between October and December is magnificent.
There are two small rainy seasons: one from April to May and the other during the month of November, and they are characterized by magnificent storms.
The crater's unique location and the permanent sources of water and prairie grass in its soil mean that - unlike other African destinations - the climate does not affect wildlife viewing.
When to visit
Ngorongoro Crater can be visited all year round, but during the months of April and May there is a lot of rain, which damages the roads. Access to the interior of the crater may be suspended during this period. Access to its interior is controlled, but even so during the season it is likely to find dozens or even hundreds of jeeps inside, all looking for a good photo.
To arrive
Most people come to Ngorongoro since Arusha on organized safaris. You can arrange a guide and vehicle at the NCAA headquarters in Arusha for $100/140; rent them in advance. Usually only 4 jeeps are allowed in the crater. Another option is to take the bus to Ngorongoro which leaves from the Arusha central bus terminal daily at 10:00 am (TSh4000, seven hours).
It is, however, cheaper to organize a safari since Karatu, a city 10km from the park entrance. Here you can organize a safari with an independent driver. If you use an independent driver, the profit goes to an independent citizen rather than a large safari company, although they are less reliable (ie car parts are likely to fall off when driving through the crater). This can spoil the experience a little, depending on what you're waiting for.
Regional Air Services [1] operates a twice-daily flight from Arusha airport to Manyara aerodrome in the park. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge sends a car to pick you up at the aerodrome. The journey takes about two hours.
Fees and Permissions
Foreigners are required to pay the park price in US dollars. For foreigners the cost of entry is:
- $50 per person per day (approximately 75 900 TZS).
- $200 per car per day (not a crowded car, just the car) (approximately 303 700 TZS).
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As already mentioned, you can participate in an organized safari that takes you to Ngorongoro, and then organizes everything once there. If you don't have travel experience in Africa, it is recommended that you go on an organized safari. In addition to the big companies, there are smaller companies, which cover the Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Masai Mara parks.
If you don't like this option and you are the one driving, follow the established roads and paths. Only if you have express permission and are well equipped (preferably with two vehicles) should you go to places like the Gol Mountains, Nasera Rock and the Salei Plains. Most excursions off the main roads must be done in the dry season. The main roads are all-weather resistant and are in fair condition, although they can be a little wrinkled and can be flooded all of a sudden. If you want to explore the park further, bring enough fuel, water, food, and spare parts, as a breakdown off the main roads can leave you lost in the middle of the park for several days. You need to obtain a permit to camp outside the pre-defined locations at the park headquarters.
If you arrive by bicycle or motorbike, or on foot, you will need a permit to enter Ngorongoro. You may be able to enter the park by asking for a ride, but you may not be able to enter.
Look
- Tombs of Professor Bernard Grzimek and his son Michael, southwestern edge of the crater. - Professor Bernard Grzimek and his son were among the first scientists to study in depth the wildlife of Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Bernard also wrote a book that made the area very popular, serengeti shall not die (the Serengeti will not die).
- Gorge of Olduvai or Oldupai - Nicknamed "Cradle of Humanity", it is located in the eastern part of the park, on the border with the Serengeti. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the park, but it is also of great archaeological importance.
- Maasai village - A picturesque indigenous village, with very small, circular houses made of straw. Each of them has a fire pit and two beds. You can see the traditional dance of the men in the village. It is a must visit point if you pass through the park.
- Ngorongoro Crater - This valley in the center of the park is its most famous part, often visited by organized safaris. It is the largest volcanic caldera in the world, the result of a massive volcanic eruption millions of years ago. It is one of the most visited craters in the region and is home to a huge variety of animal species.
Knife
Ngorongoro is home to over 600 species of birds - it's irresistible to take a picture. Bird watching is undoubtedly one of the must-do things in Ngorongoro. Among the birds you can see are flamingos, hummingbirds, turacos and endemic weavers.
Safaris
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best safari destinations in the world, the largest volcanic caldera in the world, often dubbed the "Garden of Eden". The abundance of grass and permanent water reserves make it a paradise in terms of biodiversity: it is one of the most densely inhabited natural areas in the world, with around 30,000 animals. It is also one of the last places where endangered species such as the black rhinoceros and the cheetah live.
Most of the time your hotel can arrange a crater safari for you. Another option is to arrange an organized safari in Arusha. If you prefer, arrange vehicles (at least two preferably), and drive yourself through the conservation zone (but you need a permit to be able to do this outside the defined roads). Bring fuel and spare parts, because if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, it can be held up for several days. Take lots of water too, due to the heat.
Buy
With the
Drink it
sleep
accommodation
- , ☎020 7471 8780, email: [email protected]. Located on the edge of the crater, with a splendid view, it is the most sophisticated hotel in the park, with great rooms and gourmet food. It's expensive and a little bizarre, but the service is excellent and the view magnificent. $1550 per person per night..
- , ☎(255) 272545555 or 272537053, fax: (255) 272545368 or 272537056, email: [email protected]. Ngorongoro Serena is great as a base for a moderately priced safari. The views are breathtaking, but if you want to avoid the crowds and go on an authentic safari, Serena Are is for you. Low season (April-May): double for US$195 and single for US$100. High season (June-October and December-January): double for US$635 and single for US$435.
- , ☎(255) 27-253 4397, fax: (255) 27-253 4418, email: [email protected]. Gibb's Farm is in a great location and has a great reputation, but the best rooms are quite expensive, while the regular rooms are well priced but need some improvement.
- , ☎ 255 27 253 44 05, fax: 255 27 253 44 05, email: [email protected]. A great atmosphere, fantastic rooms and reasonable prices, but not on the top of the crater, but on higher ground. Despite this, it is still an excellent hotel.
- , ☎ 255-27-2500630-9, fax: 255-27-2508245, email: [email protected]. Ngorongoro Sopa has the best views of the crater and is one of the oldest in the area. It's huge, which makes it lose a bit of interest, but it's reasonably priced.
- , ☎ 255 27 254 3366, email: [email protected]. The Manor is an extremely luxurious hotel. The staff are hospitable and do their best to make your visit a relaxing one. It's not on top of a crater, which can be inconvenient, and as it's a relatively new hotel, it's pretty empty. $750 per person per night.
Camping
In the field
You need to obtain a permit to camp outside the pre-defined locations at the park headquarters.
Safety
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