Animals to See in Ngorongoro Crater
Animals to See in Ngorongoro Crater
If you’re traveling on safari to Tanzania, chances are your itinerary includes the Ngorongoro Crater. Often paired with the Serengeti, this enormous caldera is a fascinating place you should visit to see wildlife and spectacular landscape. In terms of size, Ngorongoro Crater spans 264 square kilometers (100 sq mi) with the rim rising as high as 600 meters and a diameter of 18 km.
When it comes to wildlife, we can simply say this crater is the headquarters of the entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Over 25,000 animals call this striking crater home (including over 500 species of birds). This article features animals you can see in this wonderful crater. Let’s explore.
The Big Five.
So then, let’s begin with the most sought-after creatures in most African safaris – the Big Five, namely lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It’s quite tragic how these wonderful animals got the name “Big Five.” The old-school hunters were named based on the danger they posed when hunted on foot. Luckily, they aren’t hunting now. Let’s see one after another.
The African lion (Panthera leo)
A majestic cat with a brown coat, red eyes, and a dark mane (for male) is Africa’s apex predator. Known for its aggressiveness, powerful forelimbs, and retractable jaws, the lion is a symbol of greatness. About 70 call the Ngorongoro Crater home, marking the highest concentration of lions in the world. No special technique is required to spot this predator – just look through the window when traversing the grassy plains on the floor.
The African elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Elephants are among the clever giant animals known for their unique gray color and unique trunks – and flapping ears that open and close their tusks. Preferably, elephants stay in lush forests and acacia woodlands. Estimates suggest around 300 elephants live on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Frequent sightings are common near the Lerai Forest, where they feed on trees and woods.
The African leopard (Panthera pardus)
Elusive and patched with yellow and black fur, this big cat is often a rare sighting in most African areas, even in areas known to hold a large population. In the crater, sightings are infrequent. So, it’s very hard to estimate their number in this massive caldera. But don’t worry, our guides know the areas where leopards make frequent appearances.
The black rhino (Diceros bicornis)
The black rhino is small with a hooked lip compared to the white rhino, which is big and has a square lip. Seeing this massive, prehistoric mammal is a special treat — and often the hardest part of completing the Big Five. However, the crater is a promising place to spot this elusive creature. About 30 black rhinos call the crater home, and it’s easy to find one due to the nature of the crater’s ecosystem.
The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
This one look so gentle. Of course, it’s a humble wild cow, which, when charged, never forgives. There are as many as 4,000 buffalo inside the crater, always spotted during game drives.
Other animals: Beyond the Big Five.
Like we said, this fertile crater is home to more than 25,000 animals. These animals add something unique to the views of the Big Five animals. Here are some of these animals.
Wildebeest.
There’s a good number of these grazers on the floor. Roughly 7,000 wildebeest are seen year-round in the crater along with elephants and buffalo. Unlike in the Serengeti, wildebeest are non-migratory. Why is this? Because the crater has enough food and water throughout the year.
Cheetah.
A slender, spotted big cat is undoubtedly the world’s fastest land animal. They are present in the Ngorongoro Crater, usually making appearances during game drives. Watch prepares for its next catch and you’ll be amazed by its techniques.
Zebra.
Identified by their unique white and black stripes, these graceful grazers are also available in the crater. You can see grazing alongside wildebeest in the grass-rich plains and in the acacia woodlands.
Antelopes.
Ngorongoro Crater has a variety of antelope species. Here, you will spot elands, impalas, waterbucks, kobs, Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, and dik-diks. Sightings are frequent in the plains and woodlands.
Hippo.
These giant, semi-aquatic mammals inhabit freshwater pools and swamps in the Ngorongoro Crater. You can also find them in the marshes near Lake Magadi, basking in the sun.
Spotted hyena.
These scavengers also make up the ecosystem of this wonderful crater. Often seen during drives, they always spy the fringes of wildebeest and zebra herds looking for any opportunity. They never stay far from lions, so they devour the leftovers.
Ready to explore Ngorongoro Crater?
Our guides can take you there. Whether you’re planning to tick off the Big Five, photograph the misty highlands, or visit a Maasai village, a tour to this crater is a must-do. Our safari planners can help you plan this adventure.
