Where is Ngorongoro Crater Located?
Ngorongoro Crater is located in northern Tanzania, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It lies approximately 180 kilometers west of Arusha, making it a key part of Tanzania’s famed northern safari circuit, including Serengeti National Park, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
Why is it Famous?
Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for being one of the most stunning natural wonders in Africa. It is celebrated for its remarkable wildlife density and diversity, offering some of the best game-viewing opportunities in the world. The crater is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique geological features and ecological significance.
What Makes Ngorongoro Unique?
What sets Ngorongoro Crater apart is its status as the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. Formed about two to three million years ago when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed, the crater now hosts a unique ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife. The lush vegetation, diverse habitats, and constant water supply attract many animals, making it a true microcosm of East Africa’s biodiversity.
Is Ngorongoro the Largest Crater in the World?
Ngorongoro Crater is often mistaken as the world’s largest crater. However, it is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, and it is still intact. Other craters, such as the Valles Marineris on Mars, are larger but not as well-preserved or as ecologically rich.
What to See in the Crater
Visitors to Ngorongoro Crater can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife. The crater floor is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, and the rare black rhinoceros. Lake Magadi, a soda lake within the crater, attracts flocks of flamingos and adds a splash of color to the landscape. The Lerai Forest and the Gorigor Swamp are also notable features where elephants and other animals can often be seen.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season, from June to March. During this period, animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources, and the weather is generally pleasant. The wet season, from April to May, is also a good time for bird watching, as migratory birds arrive, and the scenery becomes lush and green.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit?
The cost of visiting Ngorongoro Crater varies depending on the type of safari and accommodation chosen. Budget safaris may start around $250-$400 per person per day, while mid-range options range from $400-$600 per person per day. Luxury safaris can exceed $800 per person per day, especially if staying in high-end lodges.
What are the Park Entrance Fees?
As of the latest information, the entrance fee for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is approximately $70 per adult per day for non-residents and $20 for children. Additionally, there is a vehicle fee, which varies depending on the vehicle’s size and type.
What are the Activities?
Activities in Ngorongoro Crater primarily focus on game drives, which offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Bird watching is also popular, especially around Lake Magadi. For those interested in cultural experiences, visits to Maasai villages are available, providing insight into the local traditions and way of life. Additionally, guided nature walks around the crater rim and to nearby sites like Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site, are offered.
How Long Should One Spend in the Crater?
A full day in Ngorongoro Crater is typically sufficient to explore the diverse habitats and see a wide range of wildlife. However, spending two days allows for a more relaxed experience and the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Accommodation Options in the Crater
There are several accommodation options near Ngorongoro Crater, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites:
- High-End Lodges: Entamanu Camp, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Osonjo Lodge, Crater’s Edge, Melia Ngorongoro Lodge
- Luxury Lodges: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Lion’s Paws Lodge,
- Mid-Luxury Lodges: Ang’ata Ngorongoro, Pakulala, Rhino Lodge,
How to Get There
Ngorongoro Crater is accessible by road from Arusha, with the drive taking approximately 3-4 hours. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and then transfer by road to the conservation area. There are also scheduled and charter flights to the nearby Manyara Airstrip, followed by a short drive to the crater.
Ngorongoro Crater Size and Altitude
The Ngorongoro Crater covers an area of approximately 260 square kilometers, with a diameter of about 19 kilometers. The crater floor sits at an altitude of around 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level, while the rim rises to an elevation of about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet).
Maasai Beliefs About Ngorongoro Crater
The Maasai people, who live around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, hold the crater in high regard. They believe that the crater was created by the gods as a sacred grazing ground for their cattle. The Maasai see cattle as a gift from the gods, and the crater’s fertile lands are considered a divine blessing, providing sustenance for their livestock. You often get to see Maasai cattle going to the crater for water.
When Did the Maasai Move to Ngorongoro Crater?
The Maasai moved into the Ngorongoro area around the 1800s. They established a pastoral lifestyle, living harmoniously with the wildlife and utilizing the area’s resources for their cattle. The Maasai have a long history of coexistence with the local environment, and their presence in the region has contributed to the conservation and cultural richness of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.