Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation AreaThe Ngorongoro conservation area, a world heritage site, includes the Ngorongoro crater, the plains on the southern side of the Serengeti and the highlands. Guest visiting have the choice of staying at one of the few properties on the rim of crater or in the highlands, home to coffee plantations and rolling hills. The crater itself was formed 3 million years ago when a volcano exploded and collapsed creating this nearly 20 km crater with walls ranging in height from approximately 400-600 meters. Unlike any other place in the world this is a geological and wildlife wonder that offers breathtaking views from its rim lying 2,500 meters above sea level and within its walls rich with flora and fauna. The fertile land of the crater offers an isolated and unique ecosystem in which animals and plant life flourish untouched by human development due to its naturally protective walls. Known for its large herd of mammals, game viewing here is truly incredible. However, it must be noted that due to the abundance of game, an abundance of tourists are also apparent within the crater walls meaning we always suggest visitors only stay in this area for a couple of days.
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Highlights
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Wildlife
This wonderful and unique ecosystem offers the opportunity to see nearly all animals endemic to East Africa with a few exceptions such as the giraffe and impala. The crater is home to large herds of mammals such as wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, lion and buffalo. It is also a wonderful place to view the endangered black rhino. Visitors might also see spotted hyena, warthogs and plenty of bull elephants.
Seeing a wide range of species and many of which in large herds is almost guaranteed in the crater making it a very popular place for tourists visiting Tanzania. We feel its most certainly worth the visit as its distinctive high density of game is something to behold along with the astonishing views it offers from its rim. The understandable popularity of the crater means that it doesn’t offer the remote safari game viewing possible in certain other parks and reserves in Tanzania but for what it lacks in seclusion it makes up for in abundance of wildlife! |
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Activities
The descent into the crater itself is the main highlight but depending on ones accommodation, a range of activities are generally offered in the conservation area and surrounding plains. For instance walking and hiking trips, tours through the highlands, visits to the Massai villages, Olduvai Gorge, or Empakaai Crater, known for its emerald lake and abundance of flamingos. Within the rim itself only closed sided vehicle driving safaris are possible.
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Seasons
The crater can be viewed year round, except for during the height of the rainy season, due to the natural walls meaning the animals don’t migrate to other areas. The very nature of crater safaris makes low season an attractive option but good viewing is pretty much guaranteed in all seasons.
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Lodges & Camps
There are many options for accommodation in the areas surrounding and within the Ngorongoro conservation area but no lodges within the crater itself. Some incredible lodges are scattered on the edge of the crater rim offering spectacular panoramic views. Karatu located in the Ngorongoro highlands manages some quaint and charming properties that offer good value for money. Generally the accommodation in Karatu is comprised of luxurious guests houses, many of which are located on working coffee plantations and farms.
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