Things to do in Ngorongoro Crater
Things to do in Ngorongoro Crater: The Ngorongoro Crater, the largest crater on the planet resulting from volcanic eruptions, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a segment of the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Area, situated to the north and encompassing the Olduvai Gorge, forests, mountains, and secluded highlands. Before its designation as a reserve in 1959, the entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area was incorporated within the larger Serengeti National Park. The crater is situated in northern Tanzania, about 30 miles from the southern border of Kenya. The Ngorongoro Crater was the setting for part of the acclaimed film “Out of Africa,” which enhanced tourism and attracted significant media coverage.
Three million years ago, a colossal volcano comparable to Mount Kilimanjaro erupted and collapsed under its own weight, resulting in the formation of the Ngorongoro crater. Some experts estimate its height at almost 19,000 feet, while others believe it exceeds that of Kilimanjaro. A crater remains, measuring 2,000 feet in depth and 20 kilometers in width. The crater’s confined interior has facilitated the development of marshes, acacia forests, savanna grasslands, small streams, and lakes, each establishing its own ecosystem. The crater is occasionally termed the Garden of Eden because of these characteristics, which collectively provide an extraordinary animal habitat. The Ngorongoro Crater possesses the largest density of wildlife due to the availability of all essential resources for animal survival and flourishing within the Crater. The natural barriers and stable water sources inhibit the migration of most animals, except for a limited number of wildebeest and zebra. This ensures that Ngorongoro Crater safaris will consistently maintain the highest standards.
Wildlife observation
Safaris and game drives in Ngorongoro Crater are a premier opportunity to observe wildlife. Two opportunities for game drive safaris in Ngorongoro Crater exist: morning and afternoon game drives. Game drives are executed in a customized safari van. Tour vans must conclude their wildlife safari tours in the Ngorongoro Crater by 4:30 p.m. A comprehensive exploration of the entire crater requires three days. During your Ngorongoro Crater safari tour, you can observe lakes, verdant woodlands, savanna flora, avian species, and all five of the Big Five mammals.
Visit a Maasai Village
The Maasai people are Africa’s most intriguing tribe. Although they cannot inhabit the crater, they are allowed to graze their livestock along the rim or bring them inside during the dry season to access water. Tourists may schedule a visit to one of the manyattas or cultural centers within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to acquire knowledge about their customs and culture. Visiting lesser-known villages and families offers a more enriching experience than orchestrated excursions. Visiting the Maasai people typically involves attending traditional dance performances, taking photographs, acquiring souvenirs, and engaging with the elders.
Strolling along the Crater rim
After completing your activities, you may opt to stroll around the crater’s rim or periphery before returning to your lodge for a shower. Magnificent vistas of the acacia forests, expansive meadows, and woodlands are observable from the western rim of the crater. Furthermore, one can witness the Maasai herding their livestock back to the kraals or leading them to pasture.
Explore Olduvai Gorge
The Olduvai Gorge is referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Richard Leakey and his family uncovered the most ancient archeological discoveries in that location. In the early 20th century, the Leakey family discovered the remains of the first hominids at Olduvai Gorge. Subsequently, they made other noteworthy discoveries, the majority of which date back over two million years. The fossils comprise both contemporary Stone Age humans and extinct species that previously inhabited the area. Registration is available for a guided tour of the gorge. Ensure to examine the hominid footprints found at Laetoli. The footprints, dating back over three million years, were discovered on volcanic rock. Visitors can examine unearthed bones and artifacts in a modest museum established for public observation.
Birdwatching safari locations in Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s premier birdwatching destinations. The crowned crane, Kori bustard, and flamingo are the species of interest. Species such as the African cytrill, forest buzzard, golden-winged sunbird, and white-eyed slaty are observable from the crater rims.
Exploring the Gol Mountains
The Serengeti National Park encompasses the Gol Mountains. The hills are excellent for observing wildlife and engaging with the local Maasai herdsmen. Nasera Rock, located at the base of the Gol Mountains, is a renowned destination for tourists to observe numerous baboons and diverse avian species. The Leakey family excavated fossils of individuals who inhabited the region during the Stone Age. If you wish to explore the remote African environment, the Gol Mountains will capture your interest. Following your exploration of the Gol Mountains, you have the opportunity to ascend Oldoinyo Lengai, an active volcano.
Expedition to Empakaai and Olmoti Craters
This is the little counterpart of the Ngorongoro Crater. Furthermore, a volcanic collapse resulted in the formation of a 6-kilometer-wide crater, which led to the emergence of the Empakaai Crater. Although it is lesser-known, this crater possesses significant attributes. An alkaline lake, with a depth of 85 meters, occupies a significant area. The lake’s coloration fluctuates during the day due to an excess of algae, attracting thousands of flamingos. Pink flamingos, blue monkeys, waterbucks, bushbucks, buffalo, elephants, and hyenas inhabit the periphery of the crater. Impressive vistas of Ol Donyo Lengai and Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen beyond the crater.
Olmoti is the Maasai term for a cooking pot. The shallow crater, located at an altitude of 3080 meters above sea level, is a component of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s highlands. Hiking and nature excursions in the crater’s verdant depressions are strongly advised. The predominant Maasai herdsmen transport their livestock to graze in proximity to eland, reedbuck, buffalo, and bushbucks. The pinnacle of your Crater excursion is accessible via a 100-meter waterfall that descends into Lake Magadi.
Hot air balloon
This is a costly yet audacious approach to observe the expansive crater and its vicinity. Hot air ballooning is highly recommended, especially during the migration when the wildebeest are traversing or birthing outside the crater and in the adjacent Serengeti. Hot air ballooning allows guests to appreciate and enjoy the stunning crater landscape.
Photographic Safari
If you have participated in a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater and appreciated the sights, you may organize a subsequent safari solely to get remarkable photos of the wildlife. Photography safaris should emphasize not only wildlife but also savanna vegetation, lakes, and avifauna. Maasai tribespeople residing near the crater may be inclined to accompany you on your photographic expedition.
Lake Magadi
The diminutive Lake Magadi will not disappoint those captivated by the splendor of nature, fauna, and avian species. Numerous wading species, such as flamingos and pelicans, frequent this oasis. Lake Magadi is one of Tanzania’s premier birdwatching destinations. The primary attraction for hundreds of tourists traveling to Tanzania is observing flamingos in its alkaline lake as they forage for green algae.
Excursion to Lerai Fever Tree Forest
One of the primary attractions of the Ngorongoro Crater is its vegetation. It hosts exceptionally tall, thin, yellow-hued acacia trees. The allure for travelers arises from its distinctive appearance and ability to attract wildlife. While they are plentiful in this location, they may also be observed in limited numbers at specific African streams. The optimal location to observe black rhinos is the Lerai Fever Tree Forest. The forest’s vegetation captivates them. A multitude of birds, hyraxes, bushbucks, and elephants are attracted to the acacia trees.