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Other Tanzania National Parks

• Arusha National Park
  
• Gombe National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Mahale National Park
  
• Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
• Mikumi National Park
• Ruaha National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Selous Game Reserve
• Serengeti National Park

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General Information
This area's claim to fame is in its diversity and fascinating attractions making it the most popular and largest destination in the Tanzania northern safari circuit. It has been regarded as the 8th wonder of the world and was given the status of World Heritage Site in 1978. Initially a part of Serengeti National Park, the conservation area was established to host the Maasai community.

The conservation area is home to Ngorongoro crater formed as a result of volcanic shrinkage. The crater in turn is recognized for its diversity as it is host to a number of tourist attractions; a myriad of animals, two craters, a volcanic mountain, birds and there also exists a fossil site.

Getting There
The area can be accessed from Arusha, which is 180km away. The road is smooth for the first 80km but the rest is gravel. The area can also be reached from Serengeti National Park 152km away. Visitors to the park have a wide accommodation choice in the many lodges in Ngorongoro.

Major Attractions
The conservation area is very diverse making up an entire eco- system. The attraction include animals; gazelles, buffalos, élan, cheetah, hartebeest, cheetah, leon, warthog, rhinos which are the last surviving in Tanzania. These (rhinos) inhabit the Lerai forest and can be observed emerging from their refuge adopting prehistoric images as they stride along the crater walls. Along with animals are two more craters within the Ngorongoro crater, Empakai and Olmoti, a mountain which is the only active volcanic mountain in Africa, Ol Doinyo Lengai. In addition to these is the Ol Duvai Gorge that is host to the fossil remains of early man.

Flamingoes and water birds inhabit Lake Magat, a soda lake. The crater floor is punctuated by swamps that provide solace to hippos, elephants along with smaller creatures such as frogs and snakes.

Of special interest is the Ol Duvai Gorge from which fossils of the earliest man were discovered which along with the hominid remains date back to millions of years. Guides are on hand to give detailed tours on this phenomenon.

Another star attraction is the Maasai community who inhabit the area. Their culture and lifestyle are a major tourist attraction. In all of Tanzania's national parks, this area is the only one that allows human habituation.

Tourists can also take part in forest hiking, walking expeditions, game viewing, trekking mount Ol Doinyo or simply bird watching.

More Information