Balancing Tourism and Conservation in the Ngorongoro Crater
Once a remote conservation haven, the Ngorongoro Crater now receives over 600,000 visitors annually — sparking concern among conservationists.
The increase in safari vehicles, pressure on grazing lands, and rising human activity within the conservation area has raised alarm about long-term ecological stability.
Park authorities and local communities are now working on measures such as capping visitor numbers, promoting low-impact lodges, and enforcing stricter driving regulations inside the crater.
“It’s a delicate ecosystem. We want tourists to come — but not at the cost of wildlife or heritage,” says Daniel Mwakyusa, Tanzanian park ranger and environmental educator.
“We must plan now or lose what makes Ngorongoro special forever.” — Ecologist from Serengeti-Ngorongoro Task Force
Published: June 2025 | Category: Tanzania, Sustainable Travel