Ngorongoro safari tours

Ngorongoro safari tours : The Ngorongoro crater is a UNESCO world heritage site which is also the world’s largest volcanic caldera found in the northern part of Tanzania.

During Ngorongoro safaris, the big 5 are among the wildlife species which can be seen around the Ngorongoro crater. The big 5 are elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinos which are considered the most difficult wildlife species to hunt.

There are also various endangered wildlife species present in the Ngorongoro crater and they include the black rhinos which can be seen along the crater floor during safaris. The numbers of the black rhinos with time are steadily increasing.

The Ngorongoro crater was formed as a result of collapse of a volcano over 3 million years ago which led to formation of the crater which is about 600 meters deep and 20 kilometers wide.

Numerous wildlife species can be seen around the Ngorongoro crater and they include cheetahs, lions, leopards, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, kudu, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, hartebeests, jackals, elands, warthogs, gazelles among others.

The destination is famous for its high density of wildlife population which includes over 30,000 wildlife species. The Ngorongoro crater also has many predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas as well as jackals.

The Ngorongoro crater safari experience can take up to about 4 hours or more of seeing different wildlife species around the destination. The crater is open for wildlife viewing from about 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Attractions around the Ngorongoro crater

Attractions around the Ngorongoro crater include Ol duvai gorge, Lerai forest, Empakaai crater, Olmoti crater, Ol donyo Lengai among others. Lake Magadi is another attraction which can be seen in the Ngorongoro crater.

Ol duvai gorge is also known as the cradle of mankind and is a destination where tourists get to learn more about the human evolution as they visit the archaeological site where fossils were discovered by Dr Louis and Mary Leakey.

The Ngorongoro crater is part of the Ngorongoro conservation area which is known for its beautiful scenery and the numerous wildlife and bird species. The Maasai people also live in the Ngorongoro conservation area.

Some of the highlights which can be seen during safaris to the Ngorongoro crater include the calving season around January and February when about 8000 wildebeest calves are born in the grassy plains around the Ndutu area.

The annual wildebeest migration attracts many tourists to visit Tanzania as they enjoy seeing as over 1.5 million wildebeests graze around the savannah plains. The migration takes place also in Serengeti national park and Masai Mara national reserve in the south western part of Kenya.

When to visit Ngorongoro crater

The Ngorongoro crater is not big in size like other wildlife viewing destinations of Tanzania like Serengeti national park which are also in the northern part of Tanzania but the Ngorongoro crater provides amazing wildlife viewing all year round with common sightings of wildlife species like black rhinos, cheetahs, lions, wildebeests, antelopes among others.

During the months of June to October the destination is crowded with tourists as it is the peak season. The Ngorongoro crater can also be visited during other months of the year such as in March to early June.

The best time to visit the Ngorongoro crater is during the dry season from June to October. For those who wish to avoid crowds, the low season is recommended for safaris to the Ngorongoro conservation area.

Safari activities in the Ngorongoro crater

Activities which are done during Ngorongoro crater safaris include game drives which take place in the diverse habitat at the destination where wildlife species like the big 5 among others can be spotted during a safari.

Nature walks are also carried out during safaris in the Ngorongoro crater and it involves exploring the savannah plains while getting a closer interaction with the natural surroundings in the crater area. Wildlife species can also be seen during these guided nature walks. This activity is carried out around the crater rim, Eyasi view point as well as around the Empakaai crater.

Bird watching is also done during safaris around the Ngorongoro crater and different wildlife species can be seen such as ostriches, kori bustards, crowned cranes, starlings, lesser flamingos among others. The best time for bird watching is during the months of November to April when migratory birds can be seen.

Cultural tours with the Maasai are also done during safaris to the Ngorongoro crater and involve interactions with the locals and getting to know more about their way of life and culture. The activity involves visiting the Maasai homesteads, seeing local arts and crafts such as beaded jewelry like necklaces, earrings and bracelets among others.

Hiking is another activity which can be done during safaris to the Ngorongoro crater.

Where to stay during Ngorongoro safaris

The different lodges and camps to stay at during Tanzania safaris to the Ngorongoro crater are found in the neighboring town of Karatu, as well as at the crater rim with beautiful views of the Ngorongoro crater. These lodges range from budget lodges, midrange lodges and also luxury lodges.

Sometimes wildlife species such as zebras and buffalos among others can be seen around the campsites near the crater rim which makes it an exciting experience during a safari. Camping is another option where tourists stay during their safaris to the Ngorongoro crater.

Visit the Ngorongoro crater and enjoy a wildlife viewing experience as you explore the savannah plains during your safari.