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Situated in the crater highlands of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is an UNESCO world heritage site that covers 8,292 km2 and includes important sites such as the Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvia gorge and the eastern part of the Serengeti plains. Created in 1959, the conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, part of the Tanzanian government. Along with Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar Island, the NCA is at the top of the list for anyone planning a holiday to Tanzania.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Its surrounding walls rise up some 2,000m from the crater floor, which stretches about 10 miles across, to create an unrivalled natural amphitheatre containing some of the densest populations of large animals found anywhere in the world. It is a microcosm of the nearby Serengeti National Park and in just one day it is possible to see a staggering array of East African wildlife – including all the big carnivores.
The rim of the Ngorongoro Crater ranges varies between 7,000 feet and 8,000 feet, with the relatively flat crater floor resting at around 5,000 feet. The crater’s rich soils and plentiful, year-round water provide an ideal habitat for a huge variety of animals. These animals are not restricted by the craters walls and are free to come and go at will; however the majority of the 20,000 large mammals remain resident throughout the year.
The Ngorongoro crater is one of the best places to guarantee seeing the big five – lions, elephants, rhinos, leopard and buffalo – along with hippo, eland, zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest, waterbuck, warthog, Grant’s & Thomson’s gazelle, cheetah, hyena and jackal.
Olduvai Gorge is and important archaeological site situated on the eastern edge of the Serengeti plains. The gorge is a steep sided ravine approximately 30 miles long and 300 feet deep and forms part of the Great Rift Valley. It is rich in fossils, particularly hominids, with fossil beds date back to 5.3 million years ago and skeletal remains of hominids having been found dating back to 2.1 million year ago. It is commonly known as ‘The Cradle of Mankind’.
In the early twentieth century, famous husband and wife archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey uncovered some of the earliest hominid fossil remains, including fossilised footprints dating back some three million years. Since then a number of skeletal remains of ancient hominids have been uncovered, including Homo habilis, Homo erectus and Australopithecus Boisei. Old campsites and a loosely built circle of lava blocks, suggestive of crude shelters, have also been found here. Other findings include basic tools, hunting weapons and animal remains.
There is a small museum with informative audio and visual exhibits about the discoveries made in the region.
Experience Bhutan's majestic landscapes, ancient fortresses, vibrant festivals, and unique culture on this unforgettable 8-day adventure. Hike to Tiger's Nest, explore dzongs, and connect with local life at a traditional homestay.
Type
Days
Price
Small Group
8
From
$2250
$2645
This 13-day tour explores cosmopolitan Istanbul and the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus, features a 3-night cruise in the Gulf of Fethiye on board a traditional Turkish gulet and explores the fantastic scenery of Cappadocia.
Type
Days
Price
Shoestring
13
From
$1885
$2215
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Founded nearly 1,000 years ago the ochre city of Marrakech is perhaps Morocco’s most well known and visited attraction.
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