The Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater is nestled within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a remarkable region rich in history with archeological discoveries at Olduvai Gorge, scenic hikes around Empakai Crater, and stunning views from the Rift Valley Highlands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest, intact, inactive volcanic caldera globally and boasts the highest density of wildlife species per square kilometer in Tanzania. The Crater is a sanctuary for the endangered black rhinoceros, one of the few places where this ancient species can still be seen in the wild. Tours start at the crater rim, offering breathtaking panoramic views, and proceed with a game drive inside the Crater. Visitors can explore acacia woodlands and lakes teeming with bird life, as well as plains populated by zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, and elands. Lions can often be seen lounging in the grass, and visitors can enjoy lunch near a hippo pond. From zebras grazing close to resting lions to the elusive black rhinoceros, the Ngorongoro Crater promises an awe-inspiring experience unlike any other.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to Tanzania’s densest concentration of animal species. An early morning safari provides the best chance to spot the elusive leopard in the highland trees as you approach the Crater. Unique African big cats like the cautious caracal and serval can also be seen here. The Crater’s small herd of elephants, unable to scale its steep sides, are often spotted drinking at lakes or resting in the woodlands’ shade. Zebras and wildebeests graze on the Crater floor under the watchful eyes of resident lion prides. Ancient hippos and the endangered black rhinoceros also inhabit this unique ecosystem. A safari lunch near the hippo pond often includes sightings of superb starlings and native guinea fowl.
Facts about Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the remnant of the explosion of a huge volcano, which happened two to three million years ago. Being as high as 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level, this area can be hot in the day with cold highland nights. With its 264 square kilometer (102 square mile) expanse of the Crater floor nested between the steep 610-meter- (2,000-foot)-tall sides of the Crater, it is a must-see destination. Ngorongoro Crater lies in the Crater Highlands of North Tanzania. It is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is one of the Seven Wonders of Africa. In 1951, in great part thanks to the efforts of Michael and Bernard Grzimek, the Ngorongoro Crater was declared a National Park. The zebra-striped airplane they used to undertake aerial surveys and animal census was a common site over the Crater and neighboring highlands at the time. One of these flights ended in tragedy, when the twenty-five-year-old Michael Grzimek died in a crash. His father Bernard wrote the famous book “Serengeti shall not die” which we strongly recommend to all those travelling in the North of Tanzania.
Wildlife Encounters
Within the breathtaking expanse of the Ngorongoro Crater, every moment is an opportunity for a remarkable wildlife encounter. As the sun casts its golden glow across the savannah, herds of graceful wildebeests and zebras roam freely, their synchronized movements painting a mesmerizing picture of harmony. Towering giraffes elegantly browse the treetops, while majestic elephants trumpet their presence in the distance. The air is filled with the haunting calls of hyenas and the occasional roar of a lion, reminding visitors of the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. With each turn of the trail, there’s a chance encounter with a cheetah stealthily stalking its prey or a family of playful baboons swinging through the trees. Every wildlife sighting within the Ngorongoro Crater is a testament to the raw splendor and diversity of life thriving within this natural sanctuary.
Best time to go to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The good news: No matter the month, wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater is great! There are a few things to consider when choosing the travel time that’s best for you personally though. July to September is peak travelling season in Tanzania. This is because it’s the dry season which means sunny weather, dry roads and short grass – all important conditions for successful wildlife sightings. That being said, it also means the Crater floor will get busy and you will have to share sightings with quite a number of other safari vehicles. If you are looking for a more intimate experience, consider the rainy season months April and May. Vegetation is lush and green and it’s the only time of the year the Crater is less busy. When choosing the best time to travel, do consider the other national parks you would like to visit during your stay as well. Often, shoulder season – the months in-between the peak and the low season – will get you the best of both worlds.
