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Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

PLAN MY TRIP

In the north-west of Tanzania rising above the savanna floor lies Ngorongoro Crater, an unbroken caldera housing its own unique eco-system within its rims.

Ngorongoro was created millions of years ago when an ancient volcano erupted and then collapsed in on itself, the crater now sustains expansive grasslands on its floor dotted by a few acacia trees. The crater is 2,000 feet deep and its floor covers 100 square miles. Montane woodlands cover the highlands around the rim of the caldera. Unlike most volcanic craters on earth, the Ngorongoro Crater has not turned into a lake but is drained by streams to the north and south. In addition to the streams, numerous springs, both near the crater walls and across the crater floor, are important sources of water, especially during the dry season.

The crater creates a natural enclosure that is home to impressive varieties and concentrations of wildlife. In addition to the zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest that graze the plains, the region is home to Africa’s big five mammals: lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant. There are an estimated 25,000 animals within the crater. Other wildlife here includes serval cat, cheetah, jackal, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, and bat-eared foxes, as well as approximately 500 species of bird including ostrich, kori bustard, and hildebrandt’s francolin .

Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake ringed by extinct volcanoes, is renowned as a habitat for great flocks of pink flamingos. In Gorigor Swamp pods of hippopotamus wallow in the mud. The crater is also known for having the densest population of lions in the world. Because of the popularity of the crater and its high concentration of game vehicles passing though, the lions disregard the vehicles and often hunt close by.

Activities within the crater are limited to game drives by the surrounding safari camps and lodges. There are a couple of picnic spots but getting out of the vehicles is restricted to these areas alone for the safety and preservation of the wildlife and environment. Within the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area itself, there are more activities to enjoy such as hiking and walking along the forested slopes. There are many Maasai villages nearby for a chance to learn about their rich culture and traditions. Not far away in the Great Rift Valley, Olduvai Gorge is a rich paleoanthropology site where Louis and Mary Leakey excavated evidence of the evolution of mankind. The rich soil of the slopes itself feed the many coffee bean plantations.

Coming soon!

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys

Coming soon!

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2 of 12
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5 of 12
6 of 12
7 of 12
8 of 12
9 of 12
10 of 12
11 of 12
12 of 12

Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

PLAN MY TRIP

In the north-west of Tanzania rising above the savanna floor lies Ngorongoro Crater, an unbroken caldera housing its own unique eco-system within its rims.

Ngorongoro was created millions of years ago when an ancient volcano erupted and then collapsed in on itself, the crater now sustains expansive grasslands on its floor dotted by a few acacia trees. The crater is 2,000 feet deep and its floor covers 100 square miles. Montane woodlands cover the highlands around the rim of the caldera. Unlike most volcanic craters on earth, the Ngorongoro Crater has not turned into a lake but is drained by streams to the north and south. In addition to the streams, numerous springs, both near the crater walls and across the crater floor, are important sources of water, especially during the dry season.

The crater creates a natural enclosure that is home to impressive varieties and concentrations of wildlife. In addition to the zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest that graze the plains, the region is home to Africa’s big five mammals: lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant. There are an estimated 25,000 animals within the crater. Other wildlife here includes serval cat, cheetah, jackal, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, and bat-eared foxes, as well as approximately 500 species of bird including ostrich, kori bustard, and hildebrandt’s francolin .

Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake ringed by extinct volcanoes, is renowned as a habitat for great flocks of pink flamingos. In Gorigor Swamp pods of hippopotamus wallow in the mud. The crater is also known for having the densest population of lions in the world. Because of the popularity of the crater and its high concentration of game vehicles passing though, the lions disregard the vehicles and often hunt close by.

Activities within the crater are limited to game drives by the surrounding safari camps and lodges. There are a couple of picnic spots but getting out of the vehicles is restricted to these areas alone for the safety and preservation of the wildlife and environment. Within the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area itself, there are more activities to enjoy such as hiking and walking along the forested slopes. There are many Maasai villages nearby for a chance to learn about their rich culture and traditions. Not far away in the Great Rift Valley, Olduvai Gorge is a rich paleoanthropology site where Louis and Mary Leakey excavated evidence of the evolution of mankind. The rich soil of the slopes itself feed the many coffee bean plantations.

Coming soon!

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys

Coming soon!