Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Two-and-a-half million years ago a volcano the size of Kilimanjaro imploded,
creating the vast crater known as Ngorongoro. Now blessed with a staggering
variety of wildlife, Ngorongoro is one of the wonders of the natural world.
Thick forest surrounds the crater, whose floor contains tracts of practically
every habitat found in East Africa: open grasslands, acacia woodlands,
swamps, fresh water pools, sand dunes and a small soda lake with flamingos.
This diversity supports a huge range of animals including the Big Five
(lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, black rhino), cheetah, hippo, two species
of gazelle and zebra. Masai tribesmen live on the crater rim where
walking tours are also permitted. In nearby Olduvai Gorge the Leakeys
found important hominid
remains, giving rise to their theory that East Africa was the birthplace
of
modern man.
 Ngorongoro Serena Lodge |
| Perched on the rim and affording spectacular views of the crater floor below, the ivy-clad lodge offers good rooms, friendly service, numerous walks and activities. |