From December, the Great Wildebeest Migration starts to settle in the lush southern plains of the Serengeti, where they gather...
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, covers an extensive 8300 sq km, with the celebrated natural wonder, the Ngorongoro Crater, at its centre. The Crater is one of Tanzania’s most visited destinations offering a dramatic landscape and Africa’s densest population of large mammals. It is a real wildlife showpiece where you can see all the big game.
Much of the region is inhabited by the Maasai people alongside an impressive range of wildlife. Apart from excellent game viewing there are some wonderful walking opportunities offering genuine cultural interaction with the tribal people.
The borders of the ‘Ngorongoro Conservation Area’ stretch from the outskirts of Karatu town in the highlands, and far into the distant open plains of Ndutu. Ndutu is an area of the southern Serengeti and it is within these open plains where the wildebeest migration settles for calving between January and March each year.
The Ngorongoro Highlands describes the ‘high’ region between the Rift Escarpment and the southern Serengeti, and includes part of the Conservation Area. This area is 2000m above sea level, with misty hills, plantations and lush jungle. This is often a stopping point on a private overland safari and allows for game drives in either Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Parks or the Ngorongoro Crater, plus activities such as walking and mountain biking, alongside some community projects you can visit, local markets and coffee plantations.
Away from the Crater there are some wonderful, less publicised, natural features such as Olduvai Gorge, Lake Eyasi to the south, and Empakai and Olmoti craters to the east offering stunning views of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
There is a real mix of accommodation within the Ngorongoro region.
On the Rim of the Ngorongoro Crater :
Luxury : Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Lemala Ngorongoro, Entamanu Camp.
Mid Range : Rhino Lodge
There are some lovely lodges on the beautiful approach road to the crater around Karatu:
Luxury Lodges : Gibbs Farm, Kitela Lodge, Plantation Lodge.
Mid Range : Acacia Farm Lodge, Rhotia Valley
In the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti (December-March):
Luxury Camp : Olakira Camp
Mid Range : Nasikia Mobile Camp, Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Mandhari Lodge is a new fixed build lodge with stunning pool and far reaching views well placed above Lake Manyara…
Plantation Lodge offers charming bedrooms and a beutiful location in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Rhotia Valley is a tented lodge with immense feel good factor. Not just because it is a lovely lodge with…
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