The Ngorongoro crater
The Ngorongoro crater
The Ngorongoro crater is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera which is located in the northern part of Tanzania and is known for being home to various wildlife and bird species which are many in number.
The big five are among the wildlife species which can be seen during a safari experience in Ngorongoro crater. The big 5 include elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos as well as rhinos. These wildlife species are referred to as the big 5 because they are the hardest animals to hunt on foot.
Ngorongoro conservation area is also part of the northern tourist circuit of Tanzania which consists of Serengeti national park, Lake Manyara national park and Tarangire national park. Arusha national park is another wildlife viewing destination in the north of Tanzania.
During a safari in the Ngorongoro crater, you can enjoy views of highlands as well as the volcanic crater where a variety of wildlife species can be seen grazing and hunting all year round.
As a result of the collapse of a volcano over 2 million years ago, the Ngorongoro crater was formed and is now home to numerous wildlife species and a good spot for amazing Tanzania safaris and adventures.
The Ngorongoro conservation area covers over 8000 suare kilometers and the crater is about 600 meters deep. The Ngorongoro conservation area is shared by both the Maasai people and also the many wildlife species. Apart from having many different wildlife species, the crater is also habitat for over 300 bird species.
Some of the wildlife species which can be seen in Ngorongoro crater include wildebeests, leopards, zebras, buffalos, impalas, gazelles, jackals, serval cats, hippos, elands, hyenas, cheetahs among others. Giraffes can also be seen in the Ngorongoro conservation area.
Another interesting fact about Ngorongoro crater is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979 and is also among the wonders of Africa. This wildlife viewing destination in Tanzania is also a pre historic site.
Fossils of early man were discovered in Ngorongoro crater at Ol duvai gorge and these remains were discovered by Dr Mary and Louis Leakey. The name Ol duvai in the Maasai language means the place “of wild sisal”.
Activities which take place in the Ngorongoro conservation area and in the crater include the following;
Game drives
Game drives in the Ngorongoro crater are among the activities which are carried out during a visit to this wildlife viewing destination. These game drives take place in the company of ranger guides as you enjoy seeing different wildlife species.
You will enjoy seeing various wildlife species such as hippos, wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, cheetahs, jackals, lions, leopards, serval cats among others in the open savannah grasslands and forests of Ngorongoro crater.
Game drives can be carried out throughout the year in Ngorongoro crater. However, the dry season is favorable to see the different wildlife species such as zebra, buffalos, elands, wildebeests, elands among others as they gather round water sources making them easy to spot.
Bird watching
You can also engage in bird watching experience in Ngorongoro crater which has has over 400 bird species. Flamingos are among the birds which can be seen along the shores of Lake Magadi found in the center of the crater as they fly around in their flocks.
Walking safaris
Watching safaris in the Ngorongoro conservation area offer a close experience with the natural surroundings and the beautiful landscapes around the destination. These walks take place in the company of a ranger guide along the animal tracks.
Maasai visits
The Maasai who are a semi nomadic tribe also share the Ngorongoro conservation area with the wildlife species. The Maasai are famous for their unique and colorful culture and during visits to their villages; you will enjoy watching traditional dance performances, seeing their traditional homesteads, visiting the kraals among other activities.
Other tribes found in the neighboring area of the Ngorongoro crater include the Datoga, the Hadzabe, Chagga and many others. These local communities have also benefited in different ways from tourism.
Visits to Ol duvai gorge
Ol Duvai gorge is among the archaeological sites which are found in the Ngorongoro conservation area. Dr Mary and Louis Leakey discovered evidence of early man at this site over 2 million years ago.
This gorge also came to be known as the “cradle of mankind” due to the many discoveries of fossils which were made at Ol duvai gorge. Visits to the Ngorongoro crater can also be combined with a tour to this archaeological site.
Attractions in Ngorongoro crater
The different attractions which can be seen in Ngorongoro conservation area include the following;
Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is a shallow alkaline lake found in the Ngorongoro crater which is known for the many flamingos which can be seen along its shores. Some wildlife species such as rhinos, gazelles, elands, and lions can also be seen near this lake.
Jackals are also known to hunt these flamingos and can be seen waiting near the shores of lake Magadi. The nearby surroundings of the lake consist of floodplains and dry soda pans.
Lerai forest
Another attraction which can be seen in the Ngorongoro conservation area is the Lerai forest. Different wildlife species can be seen in this forest and they include elephants, leopards, monkey and different bird species like weavers and cuckoos.
Flamingos
Flamingos are among the bird species which can be seen during a visit to Ngorongoro crater. There are also many other birds in this area and they include rufous tailed weavers, spurfowls, turacos, grey crowned cranes among others.
Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi is a seasonal lake found in the Ngorongoro conservation area in the south western part of the Great Rift Valley. There are also many bird species which can be seen along the shores of this lake especially from June to November.
Where to stay in Ngorongoro conservation area
The different accommodation facilities in the Ngorongoro conservation area include luxury accommodations, midrange accommodations and budget accommodations. Tourists visiting the crater can also stay in the lodges in nearby towns like Karatu.
Lodges in Ngorongoro conservation area include Ngorongoro crater lodge, Ngorongoro Serena safari lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa lodge, the manor, Gibbs farm, rhino lodge, Hhando coffee lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro luxury lodge, Oldeani Ngorongoro mountain lodge, Ngorongoro wildlife lodge, Lemala Ngorongoro camp among others.
