Exploring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
Exploring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania : The Ngorongoro Crater is a safari destination in the northern part of Tanzania which is known for being home to various wildlife species and for its geological wonder.
This historic crater presents a unique opportunity to explore the core of biodiversity with its stunning views and abundant wildlife including the big five such as elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos and leopards and many others.
As one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas, the Ngorongoro Crater covers an area of about 260 square kilometers and was created millions of years ago as a result of collapse of a volcano. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crown gem of Tanzania’s conservation efforts and part of the Ngorongoro conservation area.
The crater walls which reach heights of over 600 meters, surround a varied ecosystem that sustains an extraordinary selection of wildlife and bird species making it one of the best places to enjoy wildlife safaris during tours in Tanzania.
During wildlife viewing experiences around the Ngorongoro Crater, tourists descend into the crater to search for the various wildlife species and also enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. The crater floor, which is an intricate combination of freshwater lakes, savannah, and forest, serves as a haven for an incredible variety of species.
Wildlife in Ngorongoro crater
Encounters with these various wildlife species in the Ngorongoro conservation area can be done over the crater plains as tourists get to enjoy watching the animals as they roam freely in their natural habitat.
The Ngorongoro Crater wildness can be explored in search of wildlife species such as cheetahs, lions, leopards, buffalos, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, zebras, elephants,, buffalos, hyenas, warthogs, kudu, topi and many others. Giraffes can be seen outside the crater area and around the rim.
Attractions to see during tours in Ngorongoro Crater
- Exploring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania : Wildlife
A lot of tourists visit the Ngorongoro Crater because of its extraordinary wildlife population. The Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinos) as well as a variety of other animals like wildebeests, zebras, cheetahs, and hyenas can be seen by visitors in their natural habitat.
Because of its distinct ecology and high animal density, the Ngorongoro crater is a top destination for those who love to see wildlife during tours in Tanzania.
- Exploring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania : Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint
Visit one of the approved viewing spots situated along the edge of the crater to get an extensive view of the whole caldera.
The expansive crater floor consisting of different vegetation and being home to a variety of wildlife species is beautifully visible from this angle. At sunrise or sunset, tourists can enjoy wildlife viewing and watching the sun over the vast savannah plains.
- Exploring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania : Maasai Cultural Experience
Engage with the Maasai community who live in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Cultural experiences are available in many Maasai settlements, providing tourists with an opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life, which includes their distinctive customs, vibrant clothing, and methods of herding animals.
Cultural tours with the Maasai in Tanzania are an opportunity to learn more about one of the most famous indigenous tribes in Tanzania. Tourists experience the Maasai culture through the dances, history, and ceremonies.
- Exploring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania : Empakaai Crater
The Empakaai crater is another attraction to see during tours in the Ngorongoro Crater which is known for its incredible beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
This crater has a soda lake in the middle that draws flamingo flocks. Tourists can explore the Empakaai crater woodlands and come across wildlife is provided by the hiking routes that plunge into it.
- Exploring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania : Olduvai Gorge
Experience the archeological past of the Ngorongoro conservation area by visiting the Olduvai Gorge which is sometimes known as the “Cradle of Mankind..
The fossilized remains of early hominids that date back millions of years have been found at Olduvai gorge where tourists can see some of the oldest evidence of human evolution. To understand more about the ground-breaking findings unearthed here, visitors can explore the excavation sites and Olduvai museum.
- Lerai Forest
Enjoy a drive or guided walk through the beautiful Lerai Forest, which is tucked away inside the Ngorongoro crater.
The Lerai forest consists of a dense canopy of plants, including fig and yellow fever acacias, is supported by this strange ecology. Despite the rich greenery, it’s a great place to go bird watching and gives you a chance to see some of the crater’s native wildlife species like baboons and elephants.
Activities to do in Ngorongoro crater
Some of the activities to engage in during safaris around the Ngorongoro crater include the following;
Bird Watching
In addition to supporting a wide variety of wildlife species, Ngorongoro Crater is also home to a big number of bird species.
More than 500 different species of birds can be seen in the Ngorongoro crater by birdwatchers. Some of the bird species found at the destination include flamingos, eagles, ostriches, and various water birds. It is a birder’s heaven and the birds can be seen around the water and woodlands that serve as these birds’ perfect habitats.
Game drives
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a wide variety of wildlife species which can be seen roaming the grasslands.
During tours around the Ngorongoro crater, tourists can enjoy game drives in the morning and in the afternoon in search of wildlife species such as leopards, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, impalas, elands, buffalos, elephants around others.
The best time to engage in these game drives in Ngorongoro carter is during the dry season when wildlife species gather around the water making them easy to see during safaris around Tanzania. The dry season occurs around June to October and also in December, January and February when the vegetation is thin making it easy to spot the wildlife species in the savannah plains.
Cultural tours
Interacting with the Maasai people provides an intimate look into their traditional way of life during safaris around the Ngorongoro conservation area.
The Maasai are known for their nomadic lifestyle and can be seen as they graze their savannah plains around the savannah plains.
