NGORONGORO CRATER CONSERVATION AREA

The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area in Northern Tanzania covers an area of 8,300 km2, and is renowned for the vast diversity and quantity of wildlife on the crater floor. The drive to the crater rim takes one through coffee plantations and tropical vegetation and is quite spectacular! Many lodges are built on the rim of the crater as no permanent structures are permitted on the crater floor, and at this high altitude, 2,200 metres, it is often overcast and quite cold. Ngorongoro is also a gateway to the Olduvai Gorge, where remains of prehistoric animals and hominid man have been found. 2- 3 nights is recommended.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is CCAfrica's Tanzania flagship Three totally opulent lodges, accommodating a total of 60 guests are situated along the rim of the crater, of which The Tree Camp is the best situated (surcharge applicable). The rooms are designed for the cold crater climate with fireplaces, and are richly decorated using locally carved furniture and flamboyant fittings. Full day game drives are taken into the crater, with options for breakfast and lunch on the crater floor for special occasions. Walks are also offered from the lodge to the crater floor with advance notice.

Gibb's Farm is situated on a coffee plantation established in the 1930's halfway between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. This is an ideal base and offers day trips game viewing in the crater, forest walks, sundowners on the Rift Valley edge, birding at Lake Manyara and over-nighting in the elephant kingdom of Tarangire. The colonial homestead accommodates 30 guests in rooms set amongst beautiful gardens. The food is fantastic!