Ngorongoro Crater Travel Guide
Earth's Largest Caldera
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
The Ngorongoro Crater, which is the central place of interest in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is the largest caldera (collapsed volcano) in the world that still has its walls intact. The Ngorongoro Crater floor, a sheer drop of 610 metres below the crater rim, has an area of 265 sq. km, with a diameter of 19 km. The sight of the Ngorongoro Crater is simply breathtaking. "There is nothing with which to compare. It is one of the wonders of the world...." once wrote Professor Bernard Grzimek.
The crater floor is scattered with plains animals, including wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, eland, rhino, and large predator population of lions, hyena and jackal which can all be viewed at close quarters. Cheetah and leopard can also be seen here. Some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino reside in the crater. The rhino emerge from the forests in the early morning mists and their prehistoric figures make a striking impression, surrounded by the ancient crater walls.
With no fences or boundaries bordering the crater walls, wildlife is free to enter or leave the crater – but most choose to stay for the plentiful water and rich grasslands on the crater floor throughout the year. 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.
Attractions in Ngorongoro Crater
The Magadi soda lake is a great attraction for flamingos and other water birds, while predators hide in the marsh to ambush animals that come to drink from the river that feeds the lake. Game viewing around Lake Magadi is particularly rewarding – large antelope like zebra and gazelle come to drink, while herds of hippos sun themselves in the thick lakeside mud.
The Lerai Forest on the crater floor gets its name from the Masai word for the elegant yellow-barked acacia tree. Elephants often graze in the forest shade during the heat of the day.
Activities in Ngorongoro Crater
A game drive in the crater by 4WD vehicle is the only way to experience the myriad of wildlife on the crater floor, other than through a pair of powerful binoculars from the crater rim.
Relaxing
Stay in one of the comfortable lodges on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater for one of the best views on the continent – a great spot to unwind!
Getting Around
The Ngorongoro Crater is situated some 190 km west of Arusha, between Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Park. Private transport by 4WD is recommended for a thorough discovery of this area.
Ngorongoro Crater Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
