Ngorongoro Highlands. The land around the Ngorongoro Highlands is protected by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area also saves the traditional Masaai way of life that lives there. Naturally, the Crater is the main draw of the Conservation Area. But the mountains that go around the Crater are just as amazing. This is a huge, rolling volcanic scenery with craters, lakes, and lots of minerals and rich soil. On a safari in northern Tanzania, you shouldn’t miss this place.

The highlands are not in a national park, so they are not subject to the rules and limits that apply to national parks. As a result, many things can be done, such as discovering the area on foot by going on long hikes up into the mountains. Looking at it from this angle, the huge area of beautiful volcanic scenery is mind-blowing. You might also see some wildlife, though not as much as on a normal walking safari.

On the floor of Ngorongoro Crater

There are clouds over the Ngorongoro Crater rim most days of the year. It is over 2,200 meters high. The crater floor, on the other hand, is a one-of-a-kind place to live. The rich volcanic soil and year-round water supply have created a rich and healthy environment that supports about 25,000 of Africa’s big game, making it an essential stop on any Northern Tanzania Safari.

There are wide plains all around the Lerai Forest, Lake Magadi, and the famous hippo pool. These plains cover a crater floor that is up to 20 km wide in some places. There are times when animals leave the Crater, but Ngorongoro is the right place for many species to live, so both grazers and predators tend to stay all year.

The area around Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a beautiful group of volcanic craters on the western side of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. It is one of the most scenic places in Africa.

While Ngorongoro is by far the area’s most popular draw, there are other craters, like Empakaai, that people who want to stay longer can visit. These are far from the main tourist route and are great for walking, though you won’t be able to see as many animals as at Ngorongoro. You can get a great view of Lake Natron or even the top of Kilimanjaro when the sky is clear. We plan hikes in the area, including trips to Oldonyo Lengai, a volcano that is still active and is known to the Masaai as “the Mountain of the Gods.”

The Olduvai Gorge

Olduvai, which is a misspelling of the Masai word Oldupai, is one of the most popular tourist spots in the area and the site of many important historical discoveries. The site, which got its name from Louis and Mary Leakey, has been called the “Cradle of Mankind” because it has been the site of finds that date back almost 2 million years. Today, there is a small museum that tells people about the area, and you can hire a guide to walk you into the gorge. There are copies of the famous Laetoli tracks that were found nearby.

Where to stay in the Ngorongoro Highlands

The town of Karatu is halfway between Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. It is on the edge of the Conservation Area and has a number of nice places to stay. This is the best spot to start exploring the area, which is full of old-fashioned homesteads, lush gardens, and working farms.

All of the cabins in this area are old farm houses built in the colonial style, complete with open tropical gardens and old leadwood trees. There are little cottages at Plantation Lodge set in beautiful gardens, and Gibbs Farm has a 10-acre fruit and veggie garden. Depending on your plans, you should stay here for two or three nights. However, you will need one day to see Lake Manyara National Park and another day to see Ngorongoro Crater. On the third day, you can hike or ride a mountain bike to see the highlands and working coffee farms.

When to visit the Ngorongoro Highlands

This area is great all year round, so don’t wait for the right time to visit. All year long, the Crater is home to the “big five,” and Manyara is always beautiful, with the same animals throughout the year. During the rainy season, it might be hard to do things like hiking and mountain riding.

Things to Do in the Ngorongoro Highlands

You can go on game drives during the day and walk in some parts of the hills in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From some cabins in Lake Manyara National Park, you can go on game drives during the day or at night. Outside of these places, you can do normal highland things like mountain biking, hiking, and visiting plantations.

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