What Makes the Ngorongoro Crater Worth Visiting?
Tanzania’s safari circuit is often divided into two: the “Southern Circuit,” which includes Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and sometimes Mahale and Katavi national parks; and the “Northern Circuit,” which features Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Parks, and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater.
Location and Creation of Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is located in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This expansive 8,000 km² landscape of woodlands, open plains, and rolling highlands includes the 260 km² crater itself. While the entire area is beautiful, the crater stands out as a must-see. If you’ve ever experienced a game drive or watched the sunlight pierce the clouds over the crater floor, you’ll understand why it captures so much attention.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera. A caldera forms when a volcano erupts, spewing hot magma and causing the volcano’s base to collapse. The surrounding walls remain intact, creating what is now one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.
Game Drives
A game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater starts at the crater rim. The descent to the crater floor reveals the dramatic landscape, with walls rising on all sides. Once at the bottom, the vast open plains unfold, giving you an unparalleled view. The wildlife here is remarkable, and the flat terrain makes spotting animals easier than in other Tanzanian parks.
About 30,000 large mammals live inside the crater. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and jackals hunt for prey, while buffalo, zebras, and wildebeest graze on the nutrient-rich plains. A small number of black rhinos and elephants also roam the area. Giraffes are notably absent, as the steep walls make it impossible for them to descend.
The Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. However, from December to March, the Great Migration arrives, bringing millions of wildebeest and zebras to the area for calving season.
The Great Migration
During the calving season, the Great Migration is a sight to behold. Over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras move across the plains, giving birth and building strength before migrating north. As you descend from the crater rim to the plains, you’ll notice what appears to be large, moving shadows. These are the mega-herds of the Great Migration, with predators lurking nearby to prey on the weak and vulnerable.
Additional Activities
North of the Ngorongoro Crater, the lush highlands lead to the Olmoti and Empakaai Craters. These areas offer a unique experience, with Olmoti Crater providing incredible views after a short hike through highland forests. Empakaai Crater, on the other hand, features a flamingo-lined lake surrounded by steep crater walls, making it a picturesque picnic spot. Visitors can also explore the Maasai community nearby, offering a genuine glimpse into their traditional way of life.
Conclusion
The Ngorongoro Crater is a highlight of the Northern Circuit, making it a popular safari destination. Yet, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers much more than just the crater itself. There are plenty of opportunities to explore its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife with us.
