Ngorongoro Conservation Area was named after Ngorongoro Crater. The place is located about 180km west of Arusha. It is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The conservation area covers an approximate total area of 8,292km2 and was established back in 1959 as a multiple land use area, with wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing. The crater floor consists of a number of different habitats that include grassland, swamps, forests and Lake Makat (Maasai for ‘salt’) – a central soda lake filled by the Munge River.

Although animals are free to move in and out of this contained environment, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests and spring source lakes on the crater floor (combined with fairly steep crater sides) tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain throughout the year. The property has global importance for biodiversity conservation in view of the presence of globally threatened species such as the black Rhino, the density of wildlife inhabiting the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding areas throughout the year, and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles and other ungulates into the northern plains.

June to September is considered the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater. April and May are low season periods and are also a good time to visit since the place is less crowded by tourists.