Ngorongoro Crater (Ngorongoro Crater Safaris)
The Ngorongoro Crater, also sometimes referred to as the “Garden of Eden,” is one Tanzania’s iconic safari destinations, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – an iconic and awe-inspiring natural wonder of the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area where the Ngorongoro Crater is located is one of the most important Conservation Areas in Tanzania protecting Tanzania’s wildlife, birdlife, and natural wonders. The Crater is located in the northern safari circuit of Tanzania, on the Eastern arm of the Great Rift valley
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with unique ecosystems that support large numbers of wildlife and birdlife including the globally threatened species. The area covered by this Crater is a multiple land use area and the only few places where wildlife coexists with humans – the semi-nomadic Maasai Pastoralists practice livestock grazing here. Ngorongoro Crater is considered the largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera on Earth and is a sanctuary for an incredible variety of wildlife including the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephants) giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles among others making it a perfect destination for Tanzania Wildlife safaris/Wildlife safaris in Tanzania. The crater floor is made up of various ecosystems including; highland plains, savanna grasslands, savanna woodlands and forests all supporting a divert of form.
The Ngorongoro Crater, together with the Olmoti and Empakaai craters are part of the eastern Rift Valley, whose volcanism dates back to the late Mesozoic / early Tertiary periods and is famous for its geology. It also includes Laetoli and Olduvai Gorge, which contain an important paleontological record related to human evolution. A safari to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater promises incredible adventure experience with a variety of safari activity to enjoy – from the famous game drive to the unique nature walks.
The Formation of the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is as a result of volcanic activity. Over two to three million years ago, a towering volcano estimated to have been taller than the Kilimanjaro Mountain erupted, causing it to collapse inward, forming a caldera that measures about 20 kilometres (12 miles) in diameter and 600 meters (1,970 feet) deep. This caldera was then later shaped by other process hence the present look. The caldera’s floor spans approximately 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), surrounded by steep escarpments – enclosing its diversity making it one of the most wildlife concentrated regions in Tanzania and the world.
The crater floor as of today has varied ecosystems including grasslands, swamps, forests and lakes that support various species – making it both a veritable microcosm of East Africa’s diverse landscapes and a premier destination for wildlife viewing in Tanzania and bird bird-watching paradise.
Biodiversity in the Ngorongoro Crater – What to see on Ngorongoro Crater Safaris
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most concentrated wildlife regions in Tanzania, boating large populations of some of Africa’s most iconic species. The diverse ecosystems in the crater floor, year-round availability of food and water,and the unique environment in the crater floor have enabled various wildlife species to thrive in the region. More than 25,000 animals, including large herbivores, and predators, live within the Crater floor allowing for wildlife viewing safaris in Tanzania all year round.
Among the most commonly encountered wildlife species in the crater are the majestic African elephants which roam the lush grasslands and forests of the crater floor. Besides elephants, Ngorongoro Crater is home to large populations of wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, lions, leopards, and gazelles, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing in Tanzania. If you are fantasizing about witnessing the ‘‘African Big Five’’ (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses) in their natural habitat, a Safari to the Ngorongoro Crater floor is a must-do while in Tanzania.
For those who love big cats, the Ngorongoro Crater is a perfect destination to visit on your Tanzania Safari holiday/ Tanzania Vacation. The Ngorongoro crater is known for its large population of large cats, especially lions. While here, you can enjoy viewing these majestic cats in their pride on your safari vehicles as they lounge in the tall grasses or stalk their prey. Other top cates that can be spotted in the crater floor include; cheetahs, and hyenas. If you are looking forward to witnessing predators taking down their prey, Ngorongoro Crater offers the best opportunities in its enclosed environment.
For birdlovers, Ngorongoro Crater boasts a large number of bird species with over 400 different species recorded in the region. The crater’s lakes and wetlands attract numerous bird species, including flamingos, geese, and storks, as well as raptors such as vultures and eagles among others.
Things to do in Ngorongoro Crater – Best Activities to do in the Ngorongoro Crater
Safari Game Drives
One of the best ways of exploring the iconic Ngorongoro Crater is by embarking on a safari game drive. You’ll be driven in 4×4 customized safari vehicles with clear viewing area allowing you to witness different wildlife species and to take photographs. Game drives in Ngorongoro Crater floor take you to various areas of the crater floor for opportunities to witness dense concentration of animals, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), as well as cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and flamingos. During Game drives, you’ll also witness the stunning beauty of the crater floor.
Cultural Visit to the Maasai Villages
Although popular for wildlife viewing safaris in Tanzania, Ngorongoro Safaris also allow you to experience the unique Tanzania culture. On safaris here, you can visit the local Maasai Villages for an immersive cultural experience. The Maasai people have lived in this area for thousands of years and have wide knowledge of the wildlife and wilderness of the Ngorongoro. You’ll have an opportunity to enrich your safari with new knowledge about Maasai rituals, see traditional dances, and explore their crafts such as beadwork and jewelry among others.
Walking safaris
There is no better way of experiencing nature up close than embarking on a guided walking safari. Although walking safaris in Ngorongoro are restricted to certain regions and only done by professional guides, they offer a rare and unique opportunity to experience the natural environment more intimately – learning about its flora and smaller wildlife that you might not be able to see on your safari vehicle during safaris.
Best time to Visit Ngorongoro Crater
Just like the most parts of Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater receives two seasons ( Dry & Wet seasons); there are however two dry seasons; the long dry season that lasts between June to October and the short dry season between December and February. The long dry season is considered to be the best time to visit Ngorongoro for safaris.
The dry season is associated with ideal safari conditions including dry tracks, high concentration of wildlife in the waterholes, good weather & climate, and less foliage. If you are considering visiting during the best season which is also the peak season for safaris in Ngorongoro and Tanzania as a whole, it is recommended to make bookings early enough to avoid frustration at the last mist.
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