Ngurdoto Crater
Ngurdoto Crater : A Thrilling Tourist Destination In Arusha National Park : The Stunning Ngurdoto Crater Along with Ngorongoro, Empakai and Olmoti crater is one of the stunning volcanic calderas in Arusha National Park in northern Tanzania. With a diameter of 3.2 km and an approximate depth of 300 meters, Ngurudoto is more like a miniature version of Ngorongoro crater; however, because of its softer floor and other driving-unsuitable conditions, walking safaris are the only way to explore it.
The actual volcano that created it is no longer active, but based on the pear-shaped current crater floor, it appears that there were two cones nearby toward the end of its active phase. These lost support when the magma chamber beneath them retreated to deeper levels, causing them to collapse.
The rainforest that encircles the crater is teeming with animal life. This extends to a portion of the crater floor, with the remaining area being an evergreen swamp that acts as a grazing area for the local buffalo herd. Other creatures that live in the forest include various kinds of monkeys, birds, dik-diks, and even elephants—the latter of which is the most elusive.
Unfortunately, the majority of the crater’s rim is hidden from view by a TANAPA-built dirt road because of the surrounding forest. Its beauty can only be appreciated from five viewpoints, most of which have been created specifically for safety reasons and include parking spaces, benches, signposts, and even railings. The viewpoints are:
- Rhino on the southern rim
- Mikindu is also on the southern rim.
- The rock on the southern rim
- Bufalo (southern rim)
- The glades in the northern rim
- Leitong in the northern rim
The Leitong viewpoint, at roughly 1824 meters above sea level, is the highest and, so far, the most beautiful of these, providing views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro as well as the Momella lakes and nearby agricultural settlements.
WHAT TO DO THERE?
Enjoy the breathtaking flora and fauna by taking a drive or a hike to a few or all of the viewpoints, including the crater floor. It is possible to hike to the crater floor for those who enjoy long adventures, but you probably need an armed ranger from Ngongongare Gate and payment of a hiking permit fee. You could observe more wildlife and get closer to it this way than you could on a typical drive.
Alternately, you could drive to any of the six viewpoints to view the crater from various perspectives, with the Leitong viewpoint standing out more. When finished, you could choose to stay the night at one of the campgrounds, rest stops, or hotels, or even keep exploring to see the other attractions in the national park.
LOCATION OF NGURUDOTO CRATER
Arusha National Park in Tanzania’s easternmost region is where the Ngurudoto Crater located, which is only thirty minutes’ drive from Mount Meru‘s foothills. As the crow flies, it is also only about 20 kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
By traveling from one of the park’s entrances, such as Ngongongare, Momella, etc., since walking there would take too long from either location. Normally, the drive would pass by the Ngurudoto museum, allowing you to learn a little bit more about the crater before visiting it.
Any kind of private vehicle, a rented vehicle, or a tour and travel vehicle could be used for the trip, though you might have to fork over money for a vehicle entrance fee. A conservation fee of TSHS 12,000 (for East Africans) or USD 59 (for other nationals).
FAUNA AND FLORA FOUND AT NGURDOTO CRATER
The park’s three different habitats allow for a diverse range of species to live there. Green marshes encircled by dense forest can be found in the Ngurdoto Crater, along with the magnificent Momella Lakes, which each have a different color. Mount Meru, with its snow-covered alpine tundra, comes last.
In addition to being an excellent birding location, Ngurdoto Crater is one of the few places in the world where you can see the black and white colobus monkey and flocks of flamingos at Momella Lake. The Ngurdoto Crater, formed when a sizable volcano erupted, is home to buffalos, elephants, baboons, colobus monkeys, reedbucks, duikers, and leopards.
The humid climate of the crater supports the growth of date palm, olive, and mahogany trees, as well as mosses, orchids, and ferns. Many unusual plants and animals can be found living in a lovely alpine forest. The park’s most well-known attractions include black and white colobus monkeys and 400 different species of migratory and stationary birds. The region is focused on Mount Meru, an extinct volcano rising to a height of 14,990 feet. If the weather is favorable, visitors may also see Mount Kilimanjaro covered in snow.
MORE ARUSHA TRIP IDEAS
Planning your Arusha safari trip? Whether you’re looking for things to do in Arusha, such as events and attractions, or key traveler information to make your Arusha safari tour run smoothly, you’ll find everything you need for your Arusha vacation on our website. Our blog safari guide has all crucial information about the most recent events not to miss while in Tanzania safari tour. There’s always something going on, so don’t miss out on the most recent exhibitions, shows, and other activities on your Arusha safari tour.
Discover the best Arusha day trips or take one of the best Arusha tours. If you’re visiting with your family, there are plenty of things to do in Arusha with kids, as well as suitable accommodation, such as Arusha holiday apartments. Whether you’re looking for the best weekend getaways in Arusha or planning a longer Tanzania safari, you’ll find all the information you need in our websites or by contacting us at Focus East Africa Tours.
