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The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located in northern Tanzania, is one of Africa’s most beautiful and important wildlife destinations. Covering around 8,292 square kilometers, it is famous for its stunning scenery, rich wildlife, and deep cultural heritage.
At the heart of the area lies the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, spanning about 264 square kilometers. It is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The crater floor is about 1,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by green highlands that rise to over 3,600 meters.
Inside the crater, you’ll find open grasslands, swamps, and a soda lake—perfect habitats for wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, elephants, and predators like lions and hyenas. The crater walls are covered with lush forests, while the highlands outside are home to the Maasai people who graze their cattle in harmony with nature.
Ngorongoro is not only a place of breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife but also a living example of people and nature coexisting together. It truly is a destination where adventure, beauty, and culture meet.
Ngorongoro is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife all year round. The crater alone hosts about 25,000 large animals, including the famous Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
You will also find large herds of zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and gazelles, along with many beautiful bird species such as flamingos, cranes, and vultures. Lions and hyenas are common predators here, taking advantage of the abundant prey.
Outside the crater, the Maasai people live side by side with the wildlife, continuing their traditional way of life. This balance between humans and nature makes Ngorongoro a truly special and unforgettable place for safari lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Ngorongoro offers a wide range of amazing experiences for every traveler:
Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive: Explore the famous crater and enjoy close-up sightings of the Big Five, zebras, wildebeests, flamingos, and more.
Olduvai Gorge: Visit one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” and learn about early human history.
Empakaai Crater: A hidden gem with a stunning soda lake surrounded by forests—perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
Cultural Visits: Meet the Maasai people and discover their traditional way of life, colorful culture, and ancient traditions.
Whether you’re looking for thrilling wildlife safaris, cultural encounters, or scenic hiking adventures, Ngorongoro offers something for everyone. It’s a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and culture all in one place.
The name “Ngorongoro” comes from the Maasai language. It is said to be the sound made by a cowbell (“ngoro ngoro”), symbolizing the Maasai’s deep connection to the land and their cattle.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established to protect both wildlife and the cultural heritage of the Maasai people. Unlike national parks, the Maasai are allowed to live and graze their animals here, creating a rare example of humans and wildlife living together peacefully.
The name “Ngorongoro” therefore represents harmony between people, animals, and nature a true symbol of balance and coexistence.
EXCELLENT Based on 68 reviews Marco R2025-09-02Verified 6 days machame route + 5 days safari Had the luck to climb Kilimanjaro and have a 5 days safari with Bush Lions. We ended up really happy and accomplished by these experiences! Thank you so much! ChristySunshine2025-08-30Verified Highly, highly recommended Jackson @Bush Lion Tours Our journey with Bush Lion Tours Jackson was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first moment we contacted him, everything was handled with the highest level of professionalism, warmth, and care.We climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with their amazing team, and thanks to their expert guides, flawless logistics, and constant encouragement, we not only reached the summit safely but truly enjoyed every step of the adventure. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, attentive to every detail, and always made sure we felt safe, comfortable, and motivated. Their positive energy turned a challenging climb into an unforgettable experience.After the climb, we went on a safari—and it was just as breathtaking. From majestic lions and graceful giraffes to elephants, zebras, and endless Serengeti landscapes, every moment felt like stepping into a nature documentary. The accommodations and meals during the safari were excellent, combining comfort with an authentic African atmosphere.What stood out most was how Jackson with Bush Lion Tours made us feel cared for at every stage of the journey. He didn’t just organize a trip—they created memories we will treasure forever.If you are dreaming of climbing Kilimanjaro or experiencing a true African safari, look no further. Jackson @ Bush Lion Tours is absolutely the best partner you could ask for. Highly, highly recommended! Scenic5908062025-08-28Verified Unforgettable 17-Day Cultural, Nature, and Safari Experience with Bush Lion Trekking & Tours! A huge thank you to Jackson and his amazing team for making our dream come true!Our group of four recently completed a 17-day journey with Bush Lion Trekking & Tours—10 days of cultural immersion followed by 7 days of safari—and it was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences we've ever had.Very impressive about personal attention and warm hospitality from the entire Bush Lion team, especially team leader Jackson. We adjusted our daily schedule several times to better suit our interests and time, and Jackson was incredibly responsive. He quickly understood our preferences and adapted our daily activities perfectly—every change was exactly what we needed.We visited Maasai and Chaga villages, took part in traditional ceremonies, tried local songs and dances, learned about the Maasai way of life, and enjoyed delicious home-cooked meals. Our guides—Mr. Frandy from the Maasai tribe and a knowledgeable female guide (whose name, sadly, I can't recall)—were both passionate and informative. Spending a night in a traditional Maasai house was a truly unique and memorable experience. The campfire dinner that evening was another highlight of the cultural tour.Beyond the villages, we kayaked on two lakes, hiked to two beautiful waterfalls, visited a local coffee farm, and explored local arts and farmers markets. We also took two exciting day trips—one hiking in the Kilimanjaro rainforest, and another to a conservation park where we saw rhinos and wild dogs. Every single day was packed with meaningful and exciting experiences.Then came the safari—and wow! My dream of seeing African wildlife up close came true. We explored three national parks over seven days of game drives. We saw the Big Five and so much more than we imagined while planning the trip. Our safari guide, Hossain, was an expert spotter and had a wonderful personality that brought so much joy to the trip. We were incredibly lucky to witness wildebeests crossing the Mara River not once, but three times! We also experienced stunning sunrises and sunsets in the parks—moments that will stay with us forever. Sunshine027744643582025-08-09Verified Very nice safari, incredible Very nice week safari to see the big migrations, the camps were comfortable and our guide Peter was very friendly and gave us a lot of information Frieda I2025-08-02Verified Unforgettable 7 Days on the Machame Route I just came back from the most incredible adventure—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route for 7 days. It was truly a life-changing experience!From day one, the team was amazing. Our guides were knowledgeable, patient, and very encouraging. They always made sure we were safe, comfortable, and enjoying every moment. The porters were real heroes—always smiling and working so hard behind the scenes.Each day on the mountain was different. We walked through rainforest, moorland, and even snowy paths near the top. The views were just breathtaking. One of the best moments was watching the sunrise from Stella Point—it made all the hard work worth it.What really helped me was the slow pace ("pole pole") and good acclimatization. I think that’s why I managed to reach the summit feeling strong and happy.If you’re thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro, I highly recommend the Machame Route. It’s beautiful, challenging, and gives you time to adjust to the altitude. Make sure you go with a team that truly cares like the one I had.This was more than just a hike. It was a journey of personal growth, connection with nature, and unforgettable memories. Sandy2025-07-28Verified 7 Days Safari Tour at Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro I am a solo traveler. to Tanzania and joined a private 7-Day Safari Tour covering Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater — and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the entire experience. Everything was well-organized and personalized. One of the absolute highlights was witnessing the Great Migration at the Mara River. view from the best spot。I was able to capture breathtaking and dramatic moments as wildebeests crossed the river. It was truly unforgettable and beyond what I had imagined. Hellen M2025-06-11Verified Amazing Lifetime Experience in Tanzania I had the most unforgettable adventure with the 8 days Lemosho Route climb and 4 days Tanzania wildlife safari. Everything was perfectly organized from the first day to the last.Our Kilimanjaro climb was incredible! The Lemosho Route was beautiful, quiet, and full of amazing views. The guides were very professional, friendly, and always made sure we were safe and happy. They checked our health every day and encouraged us until we reached the top! The porters and cook were also amazing – the food was tasty and gave us energy every day.After the climb, we went on a 4-day safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. We saw so many animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and even a leopard! Our safari guide was very knowledgeable and knew the best spots for wildlife. The lodges and camping sites were clean, comfortable, and had great food.This trip was a dream come true. Thank you to the whole team for making it special. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to climb Kilimanjaro and enjoy a real African safari! Brigita A2025-06-06Verified 7 Days Machame Route Experience We had a great time climbing Kilimanjaro via the 7 Days Machame Route. The guides were kind, helpful, and very professional. The food was delicious and we felt safe and supported the whole way. Every day was different and beautiful. Reaching the summit was the best feeling ever. I highly recommend this company for anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro. Omega R2025-05-22Verified Amazing 7 Days Machame Route Experience with Bush Lion Tours My 7-day Machame Route climb with Bush Lion Tours was absolutely amazing! From the beginning, everything was perfectly organized. Jackson helped us plan the trip and made sure we had all the details we needed. The guides were very professional, friendly, and patient. They made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the climb.The views along the route were breathtaking, and the support from the team made it possible to reach the summit. The food was delicious, and the porters worked so hard to ensure we had everything we needed. I felt supported every step of the way.I highly recommend Bush Lion Tours to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro. They provided excellent service and made our adventure unforgettable. Thank you, Jackson, and the entire team for such a great experience! Joseph K2025-05-21Verified 8Days Lemosho Route Changed My Life The 8 Days Lemosho Route was the best adventure of my life. The guides were kind, professional, and very supportive. The food was delicious, and the porters were amazing—always smiling and helpful. Every day brought new views and great memories. Reaching Uhuru Peak was a dream come true. I truly recommend this route for anyone who wants a safe and beautiful climb.Thank you, Bush Lion Trekking and Tours, for the incredible experience!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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