The 8300 square kilometer Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority is situated in the northern Tanzania approximately 185km by road from Arusha. The area has great topographic variation and a highly variable climate. The region varies in altitude from 1020m to 3587m and this varied terrain promotes a wide spectrum of habitats ranging from open grasslands at the lower elevations to mountain forests and finally heather at the higher altitudes.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has the most scenic highland countryside punctuated by a chain of volcanic peaks and depressions which form the topographic backbone of the area.

The peaks are extinct volcanos of which three have collapsed to form calderas whilst three retain their original form. Loolmalasin, standing at 3600m is the highest peak and Ngorongoro in the largest caldera in the region stretching to 19.2 kilometers in diameter, 610m deep and 304 square kilometers in area. It is known around the world as “The Crater” or the Ngorongoro Crater.

Ngorongoro, being roughly equidistant between Arusha and Serengeti, is a “must see” with its abundance of animal species, especially for a first time safari. In a single game drive, one is almost assured of viewing a lion pride, elephant, zebra, cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and many other species. It is the only remaining park where one can see the rare Black Rhinoceros and the big tusk Elephants. And since the animals are so accustomed to vehicles, they are less afraid and so offer a rare chance to view them at very close range. -- Shaaban.

Please follow this link to the site of the Ngorogoro Conservation Area for additional information