Highlights
Ngorongoro Crater
The volcanic peaks and deep calderas of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provide a dramatic landscape, the central feature of which, of course, is the Ngorongoro Crater. Formed some three million years ago by a collapsed volcano, the crater is 610 metres deep and spreads over 260 square kilometres. The forested slopes of the crater form a striking natural bowl.
Olduvai Gorge
It was at Olduvai Gorge that Mary Leakey unearthed the remains of a hominoid, believed to date back 1.8 million years. Further excavations have led to the discovery of footprints over 3.7 million years old. This fascinating part of Tanzania is still actively explored by anthropologists and archaeologists, and can easily be visited from the Ngorongoro Crater Area.
Wildlife
The rich eco-systems of the Ngorongoro Crater attract a profusion of wildlife. As you descend the walls of the crater and traverse the crater floor on your safari, you may be fortunate enough to see lion, cheetah, black and white rhinoceros, elephant, warthog and zebra. One of the natural features of the Ngorongoro crater is its soda lakes and natural springs that attract many bird species - including flamingo.
Walking Trails
One of the best ways to appreciate the dramatic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is on foot. An ancient Maasai cattle trail leads you through the forests to ascend the Olmoti Volcano. Alternatively, you can explore the soda lake of the Empakaai Crater which attracts pink flamingos.