Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most popular sites, being said to contain the highest density of wildlife in Africa. Sometimes called ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the Crater is attracting an growing number of visitors every year. You should expect the crowd and other vehicles being there at the same time, but you will be rewarded with great wildlife viewing in a absolutely breathtaking environment, found nowhere else in Africa!
The crown jewel of Ngorongoro is a deep volcanic crater, making the largest un flooded and unbroken caldera in the world. Spreading around 20kms across, 600 meters deep and 300 sq kms in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a mind-blowing natural wonder.
The Crater rim is over 2,200 metres high and has its own climate. From this viewpoint it is possible to see tiny shapes of animals making their way around the crater floor deep inside the crater.
The crater floor consists of many different habitats that include grassland, swamps, forests and Lake Makat, which is Maasai word for salt, whose water supply comes from the Munge River.
Although animals are free to move in and out of this unique ecosystem, the rich volcanic soil and lush forests and water sources on the crater floor, combined with steep crater sides, somehow incline wildlife to remain in the crater throughout the year.
How to get there:
There is a drive from Arusha that takes around 4 hours to reach Ngorongoro Crater.
Alternatively you can fly to Manyara airstrip, which is about an hour from the Crater itself.
What to do:
Walking safaris, game drive safaris, visit to the Empakaai Crater or Olduvai Gorge.
