Ngorongoro crater safaris
Ngorongoro crater safaris
Ngorongoro crater safaris : The Ngorongoro crater is the world’s largest volcanic unfilled caldera which is found in the northern part of Tanzania.The Ngorongoro crater consists of open grasslands, a shallow alkaline lake, swamps and also forests. The crater is also found in the Great Rift Valley and acts as habitat to numerous wildlife and bird species.
The Ngorongoro conservation area is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The Ngorongoro crater was formed as a result of volcanic activity which happened as a result of collapse of a volcano over 3 million years ago.
A number of activities are carried out during safaris around the Ngorongoro conservation area and they include the following;
Game drives
Ngorongoro crater safaris also involve exploring the crater by descending about 600 meters to the crater floor in search of wildlife species during a game drive. The crater operates from 6am to 6pm.
The Ngorongoro crater during safaris can be accessed from different routes like Lemala, Seneto and Lerai. Black rhinos are among the wildlife species which can be seen around the Ngorongoro crater during safaris. The rhinos are also part of the big 5 such as elephants, lions, leopards and buffalos.
Other wildlife species which can be seen during game drives around the Ngorongoro crater include elephants, lions, black rhinos, leopards, buffalos, hippos, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas, hartebeests, hyenas, warthogs, gazelles, elands among others.
Nature walks
Another way to explore the Ngorongoro crater is during nature walks around the crater rim area which are carried out on foot in the company of a ranger guide.
The guided nature walks are also carried out around the forested area in the Ngorongoro conservation area where elephants and many other wildlife and bird species can be seen. The activity provides a closer interaction with the natural surroundings during safaris.
Bird watching
Ngorongoro crater safaris involve looking out for the various bird species around the crater and other locations.
Flamingos are among the bird species which can be spotted during Ngorongoro crater safaris.
Community visits
Visiting the local communities around the Ngorongoro conservation area is another experience during Ngorongoro crater safaris.
The different tribes living around the Ngorongoro conservation area include the Maasai people who can be seen as they graze their livestock around the grassy plains, the Datoga and also the Hadzabe.
Hiking
Safaris around the Ngorongoro conservation area also involves activities like hiking on Ol donyo Lengai mountain which is also referred to as the “mountain of god” by the Maasai people.
During Ngorongoro crater safaris, there are different attractions which can be seen around the conservation area and they include the following;
- Ol duvai gorge
The Ol duvai gorge is an archaeological site which can be visited during Ngorongoro crater safaris.
Discovery of evidence of human evolution such as fossils and stone tools was made at the Ol duvai gorge by Dr Louis and Mary Leakey. The Ol duvai gorge is also referred to as the cradle of mankind.
The fossils and other discoveries made at Ol duvai gorge are displayed at the Ol duvai gorge museum.
- Empakaai crater and Olmoti crater
The Empakaai crater and Olmoti crater are similar in formation to the Ngorongoro crater and activities which can be carried out around these craters include nature walks, wildlife viewing and also interact with the Maasai people.
Empakaai crater also consists of a lake along its floor and the Olmoti crater which is found north of Ngorongoro crate and south of Empakaai crater is shallow and grassy. Armed ranger guides accompany tourists as they explore the craters and engage in different activities such as nature walks, hikes and camping.
- Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi can also be seen during Ngorongoro crater safaris and the lake is also referred to as Lake Makat.
The lake is a shallow alkaline lake where flocks of lesser flamingos can be seen during Ngorongoro crater safaris. Lake Magadi is found inside the crater and is a good birding location at the destination.
- Maasai people
Maasai people can also be seen during safaris around the Ngorongoro conservation area since they live in the highland area around the destination.
The Maasai are known for their unique way of life and nomadism. They also have a beautiful culture which tourists can experience as they interact with the Maasai and visit their homesteads, enjoy traditional dance performances, seeing local arts and crafts such as beaded jewelry like earrings, anklets, necklaces among others.
Other cultures which can be encountered around the Ngorongoro conservation area include the Hadzabe and the Datoga. The Hadzabe are bushmen and they practice hunting and gathering while the Datoga are blacksmiths.
- Numerous wildlife species
The Ngorongoro crater is home to numerous wildlife species such as wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, impalas, antelopes, hyenas, warthogs, jackals, cheetahs, elands, hippos, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, hartebeests and many others. The best time to visit the crater is during the dry season from June to October.
Of the many wildlife species which are resident in the Ngorongoro crater, giraffes are not seen in the crater during safaris. About 115 species of wildlife live in the Ngorongoro conservation area around the crater and in the short grassy plains and around Lake Ndutu area.
- Flamingos
Another attraction which can be seen during Ngorongoro crater safaris are flamingos. These flamingos can be spotted in their flocks along the shores of Lake Magadi in the crater.
Ngorongoro crater is also a birding destination with over 550 bird species that can be seen around during safaris. Water birds and other migratory bird species can be seen around areas such as around the Empaakai crater and Lake Ndutu.
Bird species which can be seen around the Ngorongoro crater include Livingstone turaco, hornbills, rufous tailed weavers, vultures, ostriches, secretary birds, crested cranes, starlings, grey crowned cranes, kori bustards, black winged lapwing and many others. The best time for birding is during the months of November to March.
Book a Ngorongoro crater safari in the northern part of Tanzania with Focus East Africa tours and enjoy exploring the wilderness in search of different wildlife species.
