Ngorongoro Safari Tours

Located in northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area incorporates the Ngorongoro Crater within its 8292 sq. km (3201 sq. mi) area.  It neighbors the Serengeti National Park to the northwest and the Great Rift Valley to the east.

Two dry seasons – from June to October and late December to February – are the best time to visit as wildlife is concentrated around water sources and the roads are easier to navigate.

By road, the conservation area is a 3-4 hour drive from Arusha or 5 hours from Kilimanjaro International Airport.  Scheduled flights depart Arusha to airstrips within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Yes, as a Tanzanian tourism hotspot the area is safe to visit.  Practice standard travel safety precautions.  Do not approach, harm, harass or feed any wildlife.  Follow the instructions of your guide or local authorities.

The area is rich in wildlife, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo).  Large herds of wildebeest, zebra, various antelopes and other herbivores are common.  Over 500 species of birds make this a popular place for birdwatching.

Endangered species seen in the area include black rhinos, cheetahs and African wild dogs.

The greater area is typified by savannah grasslands with intermittent woodlands and thickets, as well as the rugged terrain of the Gol Mountains.  The Ngorongoro Crater towers over the surrounding landscape with volcanic highlands and dense patches of forest.  Within, the flat crater base is dense with wildlife.

Game drives, guided walks, birdwatching, hot-air balloon flights, birdwatching and horse riding can be done in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.  Step back in time with a visit to Olduvai Gorge, an important paleoanthropological site or add some color at Empakaai Crater.

Yes, the various lodges and camps within the area have activities and programs specifically designed to heighten children’s interest in wildlife conservation.

Yes, whether in the company of your qualified FlashMc Tours guide or one employed by a local lodge, guided tours are the best way to get an insider’s view of the wildlife, landscape and culture of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Yes, the landscape, wildlife, local people and spectacular vistas offer even the most discerning photographer an abundance of subject matter.

A typical day would include morning and afternoon game drives, although visits to the Ngorongoro Crater are normally full day excursions.  When not on game drive there is plenty of time to relax, visit traditional villages, do some birdwatching, or go on a balloon safari.  Some camps are able to offer night drives to spot nocturnal species.

This vast area has a host of accommodation options catering to all manner of budgets, preferences and interests.  Exclusive lodges, tented camps, and mobile safaris are all on offer with varying amenities.

Facilities include visitor centers, picnic sites, and viewpoints. Lodges and camps have restaurants, bars, lounges, and gift shops. Some lodges offer spa services, fitness centers, and educational programs.

Conservation efforts in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are multi-faceted, focusing on preserving habitats, community empowerment and the protection of wildlife.  A combination of government and private organizations run various projects, with the combined aim of securing the area’s natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

The first step in contributing to conservation efforts is to support them by utilizing eco-friendly safari operators, such as FlashMc Tours.  Through this, visitors gain the opportunity to contribute directly to conservation and community projects.  Going on to respect the rules of the conservation area, minimize your environmental footprint and make direct donations to related organizations all support conservation.

Yes.  Throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area sustainability practices like managing water resources, eco-sensitive waste management and the use of renewable energy are increasingly evident.  Community involvement in both tourism and conservation ensures sustainability.

Yes.  The most significant of these is Olduvai Gorge where visitors to the museum can learn about its paleoanthropological importance.  Additionally, there are the Engaresero and Laetoli Footprints, Mumba Caves and Engaruka which are all historically significant.  The indigenous Maasai people live on this land, practicing their traditional lifestyle in harmony with nature.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area plays an ongoing cultural role in the lives of local communities by providing employment opportunities, resources and sustainable development platforms.

Yes.  Whether arranged by the lodge you visit or in the company of your FlashMc Tours guide, visitors will have ample opportunity to learn more about the traditional and cultural history of the Maasai and other peoples indigenous to the area.

With varying temperatures expected, plan to layer your outfit to adjust to temperature changes.  Clothing should be neutral colored, breathable, and light.  Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.  Bug spray, good walking shoes, a camera, binoculars, and a water bottle are all useful.  Bring your personal medication and a small first-aid kit.

Yes, however these are included in the package price when you book your holiday with FlashMc Tours.

Visitors to Ngorongoro Conservation Area are required to follow rules in place to ensure protection of the environment and its inhabitants.  Vehicles may not stray offroad, wildlife must not be disturbed or fed, littering and excessive noise are prohibited.  Respect for the local people and their customs is expected.