Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is a premier protected area in Tanzania, overseen by the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority. The crater is placed in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which runs across the highland plains covered by open savannah, woods and forests. This Crater was designated in 1959 as a Conservation Area to preserve the distinctive caldera. The region was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979; it is the sole conservation area in Tanzania where humans coexist with wildlife in the same environment. The utilized land is occupied by semi-nomadic pastoralists who raise livestock and engage in subsistence cultivation. The Maasai were displaced from the present-day Serengeti National Park in 1951 following its designation as a protected area.
The crater was named by the native Maasai people residing in the area after the sound created by the cowbell, which is called Ngorongoro, merged into a single word, Ngorongoro. The Conservation Area is the historical location where Dr. Leakey uncovered the remains of prehistoric humans in Olduvai Gorge. The Ngorongoro Crater is a component of the Serengeti Ecosystem, extending from the southern Serengeti National Park to the northern region, intersecting with the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unfilled caldera globally. This area functions as a global biodiversity conservation zone, hosting numerous threatened wildlife species. The wildebeest migration occurs in the northern region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, specifically in the Ndutu Area. The largest animal migration on Earth involves over 2 million animals and occurs from February to early March, when millions of wildebeest migrate to the Ndutu region to give birth.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses 809,440 hectares, and the crater is one of the few locations in Tanzania where the uncommon black rhinoceros can be observed. The Ngorongoro Crater was designated one of the seven natural wonders of Africa on February 11, 2013, in Arusha. The crater is inhabited by wildlife, with a significant concentration of lions, rendering it one of the regions with the highest lion per capita ratio globally.
Where is the Ngorongoro Crater located?
Ngorongoro Crater is an extinct volcanic caldera situated in the Eastern Great Rift Valley along the renowned Northern Tourist Circuit. The park is located 120 kilometers west of the tourist resort of Arusha, across the Karatu region, which is characterized by coffee farms. The crater is the largest fractured caldera globally, encompassing 264 square kilometers with dimensions of 16 by 19 kilometers. Ngorongoro Crater has an elevation of 610 meters and rises 2,286 meters above the crater bottom.
Ngorongoro Crater is accessible by vehicle via a picturesque route from Arusha, traversing the Great Rift Valley region. Characterized by coffee farms, artisanal shops along the main thoroughfare, and cultural landmarks, particularly the Lake Manyara National Park. The road is well-paved, requiring around 2 to 3 hours of driving time. The crater is located in the Ngorongoro district within the Karatu region, with Karatu town being the closest and largest settlement in the vicinity. The entire northern tourism circuit is accessible by a single highway that links Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
The Ngorongoro Crater is accessible by an airport situated adjacent to the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, a few kilometers from the crater’s entrance. Numerous domestic airlines operate daily from Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is appropriate for guests who may not like to endure a prolonged automobile journey.
Attractions in Ngorongoro Crater
The attractions within Ngorongoro Crater are located throughout the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. Some are located within the crater, while others are situated near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a component of the Serengeti ecosystem, which is among the oldest ecosystems on Earth.
Ngorongoro Crater: The Crater is the quintessential highlight of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s attractions. It encompasses the attractions of the Conservation Area and the entire globe. It is the largest caldera globally, measuring 16 by 19 kilometers and encompassing an area of 264 square kilometers. The crater possesses picturesque magnificence that captivates visitors prior to their descent of 610 meters to the crater floor. Lake Magadi, a permanent lake, supports fauna and many tree species that create verdant woods along the crater’s sides.
The crater was created when the enormous volcano erupted and subsequently collapsed inward millions of years ago. The volcano’s size before its collapse was thought to be comparable to that of Mt. Kilimanjaro, ranging from 4,500 to 5,800 meters above sea level.
The breathtaking aerial vistas of the crater from the observation point at the entrance of the crater. The soda lake at the core of the crater attracts a greater diversity of fauna, particularly birds such as flamingos.
The Ngorongoro Crater conservation area hosts around 500 bird species. This encompasses both the crater region and the highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. The highlands, characterized by evergreen forests, are abundant in avian species. The most frequently cited avian species include the Secretary bird, white-eyed slaty flycatcher, Livingstone turaco, Kori bustard, ostriches, crowned cranes, black kite, black-winged lapwing, Kenya rufous sparrow, Hildebrandt’s spurfowl, open-billed stork, Augur buzzard, Egyptian vulture, Verreaux’s eagle, Speke’s weaver, Schalow’s wheatear, and African spoonbill, among others.
Oldupai Museum: This is a modest museum established by Dr. Leakey on the rim of Oldupai Gorge. This archaeological site is where Dr. Leakey discovered the remains of an elderly male in 1959. It is a pleasant stopping point situated centrally between the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and the expansive Serengeti plains.
Gol Mountains: These volcanic mountains were generated through volcanic activity, with some being dormant and others being active. The people possess a profound devotion to these mountains, which they have affectionately dubbed the Mountains of Gods, reflecting their cultural significance. The indigenous Maasai community reveres these deities. The Mountains are situated in the secluded regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the northwest. This is the notable aspect of the first individual among the original Maasai natives to continue the practice of lion hunting as a rite of passage into warriorhood. The residents ascend the mountains to venerate various deities, particularly when the village is afflicted by natural disasters.
The Ngorongoro Crater is inhabited by all of the African Big Five, but leopards are infrequently observed. The crater is inhabited by the uncommon black rhinos, substantial prides of lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, and several other species. Despite its diminutive size, the crater harbors thousands of animals that are permanent residents. The lake’s availability supplies water essential for sustaining wildlife.
Things to do in Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a diverse array of sights, facilitating numerous activities for visitors. The crater is accessible year-round, offering additional attractions. The page provides comprehensive information regarding the activities available during your safari vacation in Ngorongoro Crater.
Game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area occur both within the crater and in the Ndutu region. All game drives in the conservation area are conducted in guided 4×4 safari vehicles equipped with pop-up roofs. Approach the wildlife, particularly in Ngorongoro Crater, which is inhabited by lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, wildebeest, hyenas, warthogs, and other species. Game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area feature Elands, Giraffes, Gazelles, Wildebeest, Zebras, and Kudu, among others. All wildlife drives, whether private or guided, are conducted in compliance with the regulations set forth by the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Authority.
Birdwatching: The Ngorongoro Crater hosts approximately 500 avian species, rendering birdwatching a popular activity within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Birdwatching excursions in Ngorongoro require patience and may extend over many days to fulfill an extensive avian checklist. A tranquil trip through the wilderness to observe birds in their natural habitats. Birdwatching in the Ngorongoro Crater is feasible year-round. The optimal months for birdwatching are the rainy season when birds are nesting, allowing for observation of their real hues. Migratory birds also originate from North African nations and European countries.
The most frequently observed avian species include the Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Fischer’s Lovebird, Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Black-headed Gonolek, Spurb Sterling, Rüppell’s Vulture, Southern Ground Hornbill, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike, Black Eagle, Martial Eagle, among others.
Pause at Olduvai Gorge: We will halt at Olduvai Gorge, which possesses a history that extends to the origins of humanity. Here, anthropologists Drs. Lois and Mary Leakey uncovered the skulls of ‘Nutcracker Man’ and ‘Handy Man’, both crucial connections in the continuum of human evolution.
Engaging with the museum to explore the history of human evolution is worthwhile. The museum is situated in the remote North-Western region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It offers a distinctive experience for researchers and other educational expeditions. Experience your ideal safari in Africa and observe all the African Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater. The amalgamation of culture and natural experiences in the Ngorongoro region merits a visit.