An Introduction to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area


Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of East Africa’s most popular safari destinations. It’s renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing and is a highlight on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit en route to Serengeti National Park. It’s also one of the world’s first “multi-use areas”, with wildlife coexisting with the region’s semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists.

When you mention the word “Ngorongoro”, most people have its magnificent crater in mind. But the truth is, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses several additional destinations and sites that are worth exploring. These include the “Cradle of Mankind” at Olduvai Gorge where insights into early human development were revealed and the spectacular Ndutu Region that’s a “must” for birdwatchers. Hikers can enjoy some of East Africa’s most stunning scenery while trekking through the Ngorongoro Highlands, with the chance to gain first-hand insight into the lifestyle of the Maasai people.

In this article, we’ll introduce the various areas that comprise the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and can be easily incorporated into a Tanzania safari. Read the full travel article here. 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area