Ngorongoro Highlands

The Crater is understandably the most attractive feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), and the main focal point of tourist activity. However the NCA has a lot more to offer. At 8300 sq km the NCA is bigger than most of Tanzania's parks and because it falls outside the national park system it is permissable to walk along the numerous trails. Those who have time can explore the less publicised natural features further afield. These include Olduvai Gorge, Olmoti and Empakaai Craters, the Gol Mountains and Mount Lolmalasin (3rd highest in Tanzania). Lake Ndutu is a very special location to visit around the month of February when the migrating herds of wildebeast congregate in the area for calving season. You could easily spend two full weeks exploring and even walk all the way to Lake Natron and Ol'Doinyo Lengai to the north.