Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
A unique and fascinating game viewing destination in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see on any Tanzania safari.
Being the world's largest intact caldera, and the result of a collapsed volcano thousands of years ago, the 260 square kilometres of crater floor hosts up to 25 000 animals at all times of year. This makes it one of the most dense wildlife areas in Africa, and allows for many memorable sightings.
Driving down the steep walls of the Crater early in the morning is an experience in itself, and you can always sense the excitement of heading deep into one of the world's natural wonders.
With lodges perched directly on the rim, hundreds of metres above the Crater floor, Ngorongoro accommodation provides you with some of the most incredible views, and the location will surely be a highlight of your holiday.
While being criticised at times for the number of vehicles on drives along the Crater floor, it is necessary to expect that tourist numbers here will be quite high, and be prepared to share this phenomenon with other travellers. Once your mind is not concerned with other vehicles, you can enjoy the Ngorongoro Crater for what it is; one of the world's truly remarkable wildlife areas.
Game Drives
The Crater is only accessible during daylight hours, and theoretically for only 6 hours at a time, although this rule is seldom enforced.
Most itineraries will be arranged with you leaving your lodge very early, and entering the gate soon after opening time, around sunrise. The drive down the steep walls is exciting, and the full morning will be spent navigating the roads covering the floor, enjoying the scenery and numerous wildlife sightings.
Lunch is usually spent at a picnic site, before the game drive winds its way back up the walls, and to your lodge for a late afternoon rest while admiring the views.
Lake Magadi and Flamingoes
The centre of the Ngorongoro Crater floor is taken up by Lake Magadi (or Lake Makat), a soda lake fed by water from the Munge River, which flows from the nearby Olmoti Crater.
This lake is the habitat of many water birds, especially flamingoes, and also supports most of the wildlife of the Crater. Excellent sightings of birds, plains game and predators are often made around the lake and its marshes.
Nature Walks
Walking is not allowed inside the Crater itself, however, many lodges offer guided nature walks along the Crater rim, or the surrounding forests. These walks take in wonderful, lush scenery, and sometimes allow you sightings of some of the larger game which feed in the area, such as elephants and buffalo.
Spectacular Views
Not surprisingly, the Ngorongoro Crater allows for some amazing views, as you gaze over this extinct volcano from high up on the Crater rim. Far below it is possible to make out the spots of animals as they go about their daily tasks of grazing and not being eaten.
With some lodges being built right into, and on top of, the rim of the Crater, the rooms command spectacular views over the Crater and beyond.
Wildlife Density
The resident population of game is estimated at over 20 000 animals. Packing this amount into a volcanic crater would make you think they'd all know each other by name!
It is often difficult to look in any direction without seeing some sort of wildlife, and you should be able to get some great lion, cheetah, and black rhino sightings in particular. The Ngorongoro Crater is the best park in Tanzania to find the black rhino.
