Ngorongoro Crater
About Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater Is The World’s Largest Intact Volcanic Caldera, And It Is Said To Be One Of The Most Extraordinary Natural Sanctuary For Some Of Africa’s Densest Large Mammal Population Approximately 25,000, With The Highest Density Of Mammalian Predators In Africa. Also Known As The 8th Wonder Of World, Its Ecosystem, Comprising Of A Delicate Balance Of Mutually Dependent Living Creatures (Herbivores, Carnivores And Scavengers), Allowing The Maasai People And The Animals To Dwell Together. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Is Rarely Absent In Our Guests’ Safari Itinerary, As It Is Considered To Be One Of The Main Highlights Of The Northern Circuit. The Crater Floor Is Simply A Photographer’s Dream; Where The Wildlife Is Prolific, Set Against The Dreamlike Backdrop Of The Crater Wall.
Physical Features
The Crater Currently Stands As The World’s Largest Inactive, Intact And Unflooded Volcanic Caldera, At 610m Deep And 20km Wide. The Formation Of The Crater And Surrounding Highlands Are A Result Of The Massive Rifting Occurred To The West Of The Great Rift Valley. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Also Includes Empakaai Crater And Olduvai Gorge, As Well As The Surrounding Highland Forests, Which Are An Important Water Source For Nearby Agricultural Communities. Its Signature Ngoitokitok Springs And Lake Magadi Is Often Covered In A Shroud Of Pink Flamingos, Making This A Must-See Destination For Birders And Photographers.
Wildlife
Due To The Crater’s Abundance In Water And Rich Soils, It Is No Surprise That This Area Continually Proves To Be A Haven For A Variety Of Wildlife. This ‘Africa’s Garden Of Eden’ Is Home To More Than 20,000 Large Mammals, Though Small Numbers Of Animals Do Migrate In And Out Of The Area. Over 500 Species Of Birds That Have Been Recorded Within The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Among Them Are The White Pelican, And Greater And Lesser Flamingo, Ruepell’s Griffon, Verreaux’s Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Kori Bustard, Fischer’s Lovebird, And Eastern Double Collared Sunbird. Waterbuck, Bushbuck And Eland Are Commonly Found In The Lerai Forest, And The Adjoining Gorigor Swamp Is The Best Place To See Large-Tusked Elephants, Who Dominate The Area. The Highly Endangered Black Rhinos, Which Have Been Pushed To The Edge Of Extinction Due To Poaching, Can Still Be Found On The Crater Floor. The Predator Mammals That Can Be Commonly Seen Are Lions, Hyenas, As Well As The Elusive Leopard.
Things to do
Guided Walk at Crater’s Rim
This Is A Popular Activity That Is Typically Arranged On The Day Before You Descend To The Crater’s Floor For Game Drive. As Most Of Our Guests Do Choose To Stay On The Crater’s Rim, They Oftentimes Request For A Guided Walk In The Afternoon, Which Will Allow Them To Stretch Their Legs, And To See Wildlife On Foot. The Commonly Seen Animals Around The Crater’s Rim Are Elephants, African Cape Buffalo, As Well As Smaller Antelopes In The Area. This Activity Will Be Guided By A Park Ranger Along With Your Safari Guide