Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority takes care of the Ngorongoro area. This Area encompasses nine craters, but commonly-known are the Three Craters- Empakai crater, Olomoti crater and Ngorongoro Crater with a diameter of approximately 20 km and a Depth of approximately 610 metres. The most famous Crater Is Ngorongoro Crater. The name Originates from the Local Inhabitants the Maasai, meaning the sound from the Cow Bell. Ngorongoro Crater is actually a Caldera, which is a collapsed Volcano. The Othe Six craters are Lolmalasin, Loisurua, Oldean, Sadimani, Makarot and Keremasi.
The Wildlife, The Maasai And Livestock Share the Area. A large number of Maasai and Livestock live in this Area. The Eastern part is Green and the Western part is Dry; reason being the Eastern side faces the windward side. But Maasai are concentrated in the Western Dry Plains. The most spectacular view in this area is The Ngorongoro Crater with its unique view from above.
The Area of Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority covers an area of approximately 3200 sq miles. This Area is in the North border of Loliondo Game Reserve and the active volcano Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. In the east, it is bordered by The Gregory Rift valley, in the West with the Serengeti National park.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority has many attractions. The famous archaeological site Olduvai Gorge is found in this area. The famous Footprints site at Laetoli is also found here along with the stone age site of Human habitation in Nasera Rock-area with large evidence of Stone-age tools. Olkarene Gorge is the Famous Vultures breeding Area here with a spectacular view.
Masek lake and parts of Ndutu are in the Ngorongoro area. This area is famous for the dropping of young zebras and wildebeest in the months of January and February. The most attractive view in the Ngorongoro area is the Crater and the spectacular view is Empakai crater with its deep lake and spectacular landscape. Here, during a clear day, one can see the Uldonyo Lengai Mountain in the east.
One Can visit the Maasai villages in the area. They can also see the Maasai dances, fire-making process and can gather valuable information regarding their lifestyle and culture.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority was declared the World Heritage Site in 1987 by UNESCO. This area can be visited all year round. During the wet season, green, yellow and purple-coloured flowers bloom. In the dry season, golden-brown colour is quite profound in this area.
To do an extensive tour in this area, one needs a minimum of three days to cover all the important sites in this area. Ngorongoro is the natural habitat for the Black Rhinos. In the Crater, depending on the season, one can see Black Rhinos and the Big Five. Inside the crater floor, there are no Girrafes. Girrafes are only found in the rim above and Depression heading down the Malanja Depression and the Masek and Ndutu Valley plains.
Currently, there is no Ballooning in the Ngorongoro crater. One can balloon in Ndutu valley plains and the Serengeti National park.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority was formerly part of the Serengeti Ecosystem before the year 1959 when it was Separated from the Serengeti. Becoming a multipurpose land use area, here the Maasai, livestock and wild animals share the land. This is a Unique Site and we welcome you all to explore the Natural Wonders abound in this area.