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Ngorongoro Crater

Overview of Ngorongoro Crater:

A UNESCO protected World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is situated some 190 km. west of Arusha, between Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks. Covering approximately 8,292 square km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area consists of the Ngorongoro Crater itself, the Olduvai Gorge and Ndutu, the Empakai crater and the Oldonyo Lengai Mountain. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a pioneering experiment in multi-purpose land use where people (the Maasai), their livestock and wildlife coexist and share the same protected habitat. Wild animals are protected as in the National Parks. The craters of Ngorongoro and Empakai are reserved exclusively for wildlife, while the rest of the Conservation Area is shared by wildlife, people and livestock. The Maasai, the main residents of Ngorongoro, are pastoralists who move widely with their herds of cattle, sheep, goat and donkeys in search of pasture and water. In recent years the Maasai have been encouraged to work on the land and supplement their traditional diet of milk and meat.

The Ngorongoro Crater, which is the central attraction in the area, is the largest Caldera in the world that has its walls intact. The Ngorongoro Crater floor, a sheer drop of 610 metres below the crater rim, has an area of 304 sq. km, with a diameter of 19 km. The sight of the Ngorongoro Crater is simply stunning. “It is impossible to give a fair description of the size and beauty of the Crater, for there is nothing with which one can compare it. It is one of the Wonders of the World…” once wrote Professor Bernhard Grzimek. The crater floor is home to tens of thousands of plains animals, including wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, elands, and a large predator population of lions, hyena and jackal which can all be viewed at close quarters. The rare black rhino can be viewed here, and if you are lucky, you can see cheetah and leopard. The rainy season is between November and May. The altitude at the crater rim is about 2286 metres above sea level, and temperatures can get quite chilly in the evening, especially between May to September.

Ndutu animals

Ndutu

Ndutu is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in the southeastern plains of the Serengeti ecosystem. The plains around Ndutu are the main holding ground for migratory animals where vast herds congregate and linger for more than four months, from December to April, before they start moving across the Serengeti in search of greener pastures and water. Ndutu area forms an important part of the Serengeti ecosystem, in particular the short grass plains which provide calving grounds for wildebeest and other migratory animals.

Geological and Historical Significance:

  • Formation: The crater was formed about 2 to 3 million years ago when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself, creating the caldera. The result is a natural bowl filled with diverse habitats, including grasslands, swamps, lakes, and forests.
  • Archaeological Importance: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also includes Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world, where early human fossils were discovered by Louis and Mary Leakey. This area offers a glimpse into the origins of humankind.

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater:

Ngorongoro Crater is often described as a “Garden of Eden” due to its extraordinary concentration of wildlife within the confines of the caldera. It’s one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) in a single day.

  • Lions: The crater is home to a significant population of lions, including some of the largest males in Africa. They are often seen lounging in the grasslands or stalking prey.
  • Black Rhinos: Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can see the critically endangered black rhinoceros. The crater’s relatively small area makes it easier to spot these elusive animals.
  • Elephants: While the crater’s elephant population is smaller compared to other parks, the elephants here are known for their impressive tusks, as the older males often descend into the crater.
  • Buffalo: Large herds of African buffalo roam the crater floor, providing ample opportunities for close encounters.
  • Leopards: Although more elusive, leopards are occasionally spotted in the Lerai Forest on the crater’s rim.
  • Wildebeest and Zebras: The crater floor is teeming with large herds of wildebeest and zebras, which are a common sight and serve as prey for predators like lions and hyenas.
  • Hyenas: Spotted hyenas are frequently seen, often competing with lions for food. They are highly effective scavengers and hunters in the crater.
  • Hippos: The Ngoitokitok Springs area is home to a large number of hippos, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
  • Birdlife: Ngorongoro Crater is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species recorded, including flamingos on Lake Magadi, the lesser kestrel, and the Egyptian vulture.

Scenic Beauty:

  • Crater Rim Views: The views from the crater rim are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the entire caldera. The lush green landscape, dotted with wildlife, makes for stunning photography opportunities.
  • Lake Magadi: This shallow, alkaline lake located in the center of the crater often attracts flocks of pink flamingos, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
  • Lerai Forest: This verdant forest on the crater floor is home to elephants, buffalo, and leopards, providing a contrast to the open grasslands.

Activities in Ngorongoro Crater:

1. Game Drives:

  • Morning and Afternoon Safaris: Game drives are the primary way to explore the crater. Descend from the crater rim and spend the day exploring the diverse habitats within the caldera. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, and your chances of seeing the Big Five are high.
  • Photography Safaris: The crater’s dramatic landscapes and dense wildlife make it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts. Capture the beauty of the sunrise over the crater or the herds of animals against the backdrop of the crater walls.

2. Guided Nature Walks:

  • Crater Rim Walks: While walking is generally not allowed on the crater floor, guided nature walks around the crater rim are available. These walks offer stunning views and a chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the area.
  • Empakaai Crater: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider a hike to nearby Empakaai Crater, known for its deep, alkaline lake and birdlife.

3. Cultural Experiences:

  • Maasai Villages: The Maasai people inhabit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and visiting a Maasai village offers a glimpse into their traditional way of life. You can learn about their customs, dress, and rituals, and even participate in activities such as traditional dances.
  • Olduvai Gorge: A visit to Olduvai Gorge is a fascinating addition to your Ngorongoro safari. Here, you can explore the archaeological site where some of the earliest human fossils were discovered and visit the museum to learn more about human evolution.

Accommodation in Ngorongoro Crater:

  • Luxury Lodges: There are several luxury lodges perched on the crater rim, offering stunning views and top-notch amenities. Examples include Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, which is known for its opulent design and spectacular location.
  • Mid-Range Options: For those seeking comfort without the high price tag, there are mid-range lodges and tented camps such as Rhino Lodge and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, which also offer great views of the crater.
  • Budget Options: Camping is available for budget travelers, with public and special campsites located around the crater rim. These offer a more rustic experience but still provide access to the crater’s incredible wildlife and scenery.

Best Time to Visit:

  • Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense. The weather is also cooler and more pleasant.
  • Wet Season (November to May): The wet season brings lush greenery and is the best time for birdwatching, with migratory species arriving. However, some roads can become muddy, and wildlife may be more dispersed. The calving season for wildebeest and zebras occurs from January to February, attracting predators and providing dramatic wildlife scenes.

Getting There:

  • By Road: Ngorongoro Crater is about a 4-hour drive from Arusha. The road is paved for most of the journey, making it easily accessible as part of a safari circuit that includes Serengeti and Lake Manyara.
  • By Air: There are airstrips within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and charter flights are available from Arusha and other nearby locations.

What to Pack:

  • Clothing: Layered clothing is recommended, as temperatures can vary. Mornings and evenings on the crater rim can be cool, while the crater floor can be warmer during the day.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for game drives and nature walks.
  • Sunscreen and Hat: Protection from the sun is essential, especially when exploring the crater floor.
  • Binoculars and Camera: To capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Ngorongoro.