The Ngorongoro crater is the worlds largest intact volcanic caldera, forming a spectacular bowl of about 265square kilometres , with sides upto 600 metres deep. Formed millions of years ago, it is home to approximately 30,000 animals at any one time. The crater rim is over 2,200 metres high and experiences its own climate. From this high vantage point it is possible to make out the tiny shapes of animals making their way around the rocky rim most days of the year and is one of the few places in Tanzania where it can get chilly at night. Sometimes described as an ‘’eighth wonder of the world’’, the is world famous, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. You are unlikely to escape other safari vehicles here, but you are guaranteed great wildlife viewing in a genuinely mind blowing environment. There is nowhere else in Africa quite like Ngorongoro, literally.
The crater floor consists of a number of different habitats that include savannah grassland, woodlands, swamps, forests and Lake Makat ( a central soda lake) filled by the Munge River. All these various ecosystems attract wildlife to drink, wallow, graze, hide or climb. Although animals are free to move in and out of the crater, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests and spring source lakes on the crater floor (combined with fairly steep crater sides) tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain throughout year.
Nature was allowed to run free in the crater and create some of the most exotic species of plants and animals that the world has ever seen. It is one of the few places where you can see the Big Five in a single day and it also hosts the endangetred black Rhino.
Crater Highlights
- Year round wildlife viewing.
- Home to the endangered black Rhino, a small population is thriving here
- Excellent Accomodation
- Explore the maasai culture by visiting a traditional village
- See the Big Five in a single day
Crater Facts
Annual Visitors 400,000+
Size 8,228 sq Km
Altitude 1,959 ft to 3,310
Common Animal Sightings Black Rhino, Wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Elephant, Topi,
Buffalo, Cheetah, Lion, Spotted Hyena, Leopard. Golden Jackal
Bat-eared fox.
Best time to visit June to September
Nearby Attractions Serengeti National Park, Mt Kilimanjaro, Empakaai Center
