Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is situated inside the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Area (809,440 ha), which encompasses extensive highland plains, savanna woodlands, and forests, extending from the Serengeti National Park in the northwest to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley. The region was designated in 1959 as a multi-use area, facilitating the coexistence of wildlife and semi-nomadic Masai pastoralists engaged in traditional cattle grazing. It encompasses the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest crater globally, and Olduvai Gorge, a 14-kilometer-long steep canyon. The property is globally significant for biodiversity conservation due to the presence of endangered species like the black rhino, the high density of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and its vicinity year-round, and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, and other ungulates into the northern plains.

Tanzania Safaris in Ngorongoro Crater

Geographical position of Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, along the Great Eastern Rift Valley arm. This region is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and is situated in the villages of the Olorobi District, which has experienced ongoing development due to the presence of the national park. Park fees earned are consistently reinvested to enhance the local communities, including the villages of Olorobi, which have had infrastructural advancements such as schools, hospitals, and roads, along with access to water and electricity.

Best to visit the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area hosts a diverse range of species, including both vegetation and fauna, making it accessible to travelers year-round. Nonetheless, certain seasons are particularly appealing for tourists to explore. The most exhilarating season is the dry season, occurring from June to September and December to February, characterized by arid conditions. In contrast, the wet season compels animals to seek refuge, and the roads become somewhat treacherous, complicating access.

12 facts regarding the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, providing a breathtaking vista of diverse wildlife, encompassing over 25,000 animals. Travelers have the opportunity to observe the Big Five species. Here are the reasons to consider visiting the renowned Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, recognized as one of the most magnificent destinations globally.

The breathtaking scenery of Ngorongoro Crater, along with its remarkable density of species, is one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural marvels. Over 1 million wildebeest traverse the property during their annual migration across the Serengeti ecosystem, calving in the short grass plains that border the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park. This represents an exceptional natural phenomenon.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera globally.

The crater, along with the Olmoti and Empakai craters, constitutes the eastern Rift Valley, characterized by volcanism that originated in the late Mesozoic to early Tertiary periods and renowned for its geological significance. The site includes Laetoli and Olduvai Gorge, which possess a significant paleontological record pertinent to human evolution.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area hosts around 25,000 big animals.

Predominantly ungulates; in conjunction with the highest concentration of mammalian predators in Africa, which includes the most densely populated lion population recorded (estimated at 68 in 1987). The land hosts various endangered animals, including the Black Rhino, Wild Hunting Dog, Golden Cat, and 500 bird species. It also facilitates one of the most extensive wildlife migrations on the planet, encompassing around 1 million wildebeest, 72,000 zebras, and approximately 350,000 Thompson and Grant gazelles.

The crater encompasses multiple ecosystems.

The Ngorongoro Crater encompasses diverse habitats that sustain a multitude of wildlife. The noteworthy ecosystems include the high, forested crater wall, the alkaline and seasonal salt Lake Magadi, the Mandusi and Gorigor swamps, the Hippo Pool, and the Lerai Forest, all of which offer beautiful views of the area.

The crater possesses the highest lion density globally.

The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area possesses the highest number of lion prides globally. According to Kope Lion statistics, there were 65-75 lions in the Ngorongoro Crater in August 2020, distributed across eight prides, in contrast to the adjacent Serengeti National Park.

The lions of the Ngorongoro Crater represent the most extensively researched group globally.

Previous studies in the conservation area have demonstrated that the majority of lions born in the Ngorongoro Crater remain there for their whole lives and ultimately die there. Occasionally, a transient male lion may enter the crater; some remain permanently while others depart. This has resulted in a rise in incestuous lion populations, with male lions mating with aunts, sisters, moms, daughters, and grandmothers.

More than 550 bird species can be observed in ngorongoro creators.

The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area hosts a significant population of both migratory and resident birds, which consistently attract the attention of visitors in the region. These birds are occasionally rare species that are exclusively found in this region. Aquilae, Buteos, Accipitridae, Milvus, and Cathartidae. Additional avian species in the crater include greater and lesser flamingos, swans, storks, pelicans, geese, plovers, teal, gallinules, pheasants, lapwings, spurfowls, sparrows, larks, wheatears, pipits, cranes, bustards, coots, and rails. Migratory birds are observable from September to April.

The existence of historic tribes with a connection to the region

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is recognized as one of the few regions in Tanzania that permits community habitation within a protected zone. Inhabitants are allowed to reside in the area, provided they do not engage in agriculture; however, they may practice livestock herding. No individuals are permitted to reside within the crater itself. The resident population comprises three groups: the Maasai, who constitute 98%, the Datoga, accounting for 2%, and Hadza families residing near Lake Eyasi.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significant natural and cultural value, characterized by numerous threatened species such as the Black Rhino, wild hunting dogs, and golden cats, as well as its exceptionally high animal density, which collectively contribute to its appeal as a tourist destination.

The crater contains the Big Five species, but lacks giraffes.

Several designated national parks in Africa may claim the presence of both the Big Five and giraffes. A primary reason for this is the extremely endangered status of black rhinos. Over the past two centuries, black rhinos have been driven to the brink of extinction, necessitating ongoing protection from poachers for the remaining populations. It is hypothesized that giraffes are absent from the crater area due to the very steep walls that hinder their descent.

The Academy Award-winning film African Origin

It was partially filmed in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A situation where the crater is visible occurs as Denys departs from the Olkurruk airfield and traverses the Masai Mara and Ngorongoro regions.

12. When it was active as a volcano, it is believed to have been comparable in size to Mount Kilimanjaro.

One of the tallest mountains globally. Estimates of the volcano’s initial height range from 4,500 to 5,800 meters. The crater measures around 610 meters in depth and covers an area of 260 square kilometers.

Activities and attractions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts a high concentration of animals and numerous other attractions, offering travelers a variety of activities throughout their visit. The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is one of the few regions in Tanzania that accommodates both human population and wildlife. Masai herdsmen are permitted to graze within the crater region. This provides a remarkable Masai experience during a safari.

Safari excursion and fauna observation

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts a high concentration of wildlife species, offering an excellent opportunity to observe a diverse array of fauna. Game drives are conducted twice daily in a standard tour van, during morning and afternoon shifts, as the local fauna does not migrate, resulting in exceptional wildlife viewing year-round. The dry seasons from December to March and June to September provide optimal animal viewing opportunities in the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. This location offers optimal opportunities for spotting the Big Five.

Engaging with the Maasai

The Masai represent one of Africa’s most intriguing tribes. Despite residing outside the crater, they are permitted to graze their livestock around the crater rim or descend into the crater for water during the arid months of the year. During a visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one will have the opportunity to observe the Maasai herdsmen tending to their cattle amidst diverse wildlife, thereby gaining a rewarding cultural insight into the social lives of the Maasai people and their interaction with the wilderness. A unique arrangement can be made for travelers to visit one of the less frequented villages or families and gain insight into their lifestyle. Engaging with the Masai people include observing traditional dance performances, capturing photographs, purchasing souvenirs, and interacting with the elders.

Nature and Crater View Trails

A nature walk on the crater ridges offers a remarkable experience, allowing you to witness an interaction between the Masai men and wildlife species. This location provides insight into how the Masai men safeguard their cattle from predation by wild animals, particularly lions and leopards. The open grasslands offer visibility to observe various wildlife species, including birds, and present opportunities for photography that will create lasting memories.

Bird watching

The Ngorongoro Crater is among the premier birdwatching locations in Tanzania. The Ngorongoro highland and crater, with over 500 known bird species, provide optimal opportunities for birdwatchers. The highland forest and crater region hosts intriguing bird species that attract visitors, including the African cytrill, forest buzzard, golden-winged sunbird, and white-eyed slaty. Consequently, the Ngorongoro region is an ideal location for avian enthusiasts.

Ascend to the pinnacle of the Gol Mountains

The Gol Mountains are located in Serengeti National Park, adjacent to the Ngorongoro Crater, featuring optimal slopes for wildlife observation and cultural interactions with the Maasai herdsmen. At the foothills of the Gol Mountains lies the renowned Nasera Rock, where visitors can observe numerous avian species and hundreds of baboons. The Leakey family unearthed human bones from the Stone Age period. The Gol Mountains will enthrall you if your aspiration is to traverse the secluded African environment. Following your exploration of the Gol Mountains, you may opt to ascend the active volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai, thereby providing an exhilarating cultural and adventurous experience.

Excursion to the Empakai Crater

An expedition in these regions is assured to provide an extraordinary experience. Expedition for the intrepid explorers. The Empakai Crater is a collapsed volcanic caldera that rises 300 meters and spans 6 kilometers in width. The Crater contains a profound alkaline lake that covers around 75% of its floor and reaches a depth of roughly 85 meters. The crater’s rim offers views of Olmoti Lengai, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley. Descending into the crater provides a beautiful view of Mount Lengai. The Crater’s rim features two unique campgrounds. The Empakai Crater and the Olmoti Crater exhibit analogous vegetation and avifauna, rendering the Crater exceptional for wildlife observation. This area is inhabited by the Bearded Vulture, Augur Buzzard, blue monkeys, bushbuck, waterbucks, and buffaloes.

Lake Magadi Visit Lake Magadi, a remarkable natural feature that attracts numerous travelers due to its biodiversity and distinctive physical characteristics. This lake serves as a vital food supply for various animals, particularly flamingos, which migrate in and out of the Crater Lake at night. Numerous other creatures, like as lions, rhinos, and elands, inhabit the coastlines, concurrently offering an excellent vantage point for observing golden jackals that frequently prey on flamingos.

Explore Olduvai Gorge

Olduvai Gorge is a location in Tanzania that contains the earliest evidence of human ancestral existence. Paleoanthropologists have discovered several fossilized bones and stone tools in the region, dating back millions of years, which has led to the conclusion that humans developed in Africa. In this region, Dr. Leakey uncovered the remains of the earliest hominids in Olduvai Gorge during the 20th century. They proceeded to make several groundbreaking findings, the majority of which date back over 2 million years. The fossils comprise those of extinct creatures that inhabited the region and the more contemporary Stone Age humans. Registration is available for a guided walk through the gorge. Remember to examine the hominid footprints in Laetoli. These footprints were discovered on volcanic rock and are over 3 million years old. A modest museum has been established for public exhibition, including excavated remains and objects for tourists to observe.