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Description:
Formed from a collapsed volcano that was once amongst the tallest on earth, the Ngorongoro Crater is now one of the largest calderas on earth. This ancient crater (formed over 3 million years ago) measures an impressive 12 miles (19km across), and is surrounded by steep walls that both protect the region, and reduce the migration of animals in and out. Considered Africa’s Garden of Eden for the amazing diversity contained within this park, you will find all of the big 5 here – lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants as well as the rare and endangered Black Rhino. Herds of zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and the occasional cheetah can also be found, along with a dazzling array of birds. The presence of a permanent source of water inside the crater means that the inhabitants live in the crater year-round. Control to the crater is managed, and access is only possibly into the crater from 6:00am to 7:00pm via one of two roads that descend into the crater. The exception to this are the Masai Mara, a traditional group who have inhabited the region for hundreds of years. They are allowed to take their cattle in to drink and graze. The crater is a must see to any visitors in the region.
Pokin Y. says...
Added Sep 29, 2008
The Ngorongoro crater is pretty incredible in many ways. Just descending down the dirt path from the crater's edge for one. The old elephants with their incredibly long tusks for another. The occasional rhino if you're super lucky.The thing is, I think it's best if you see the Norongoro Crater first before the Serengeti. It's really a compact taste. I went to the Serengeti first before the crater, and while I was impressed with what I did see, it just couldn't compare in sheer grandeur, variety of wildlife, and sense of being out in the wilderness. So I guess I was a bit let down.That said though, it's like nothing I've ever seen before, so definitely worth a visit.
Aaron C. says...
Added Sep 30, 2008
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in the world. Some of the many highlights include elephants, leopards, and zebras. The zebras made for some interesting sights as they blocked the road ahead of us. There are even some rare black rhinos in the park, although you need to be a bit lucky to get close to one. They like to stop moving far from the vehicle paths. On the downside, the crater can get quite crowded with other safari vehicles, so you lose some of the "in the wild" feel. As well, the animals tend to be a bit more acclimatized to humans than the Serengeti.
Cornelia K. says...
Added Oct 31, 2008
We actually camped in a Bush Camp on the crater rim the night before we drove into the crater. It was freezing cold because the rim is quite a way up. The wildlife within the Ngorongoro is extraordinary! So concentrated yet so diverse! We spotted an elephant that our guide estimated to be 75 years old! Our group went to the Serengeti first for 2 nights in Bush camps before visiting Ngorongoro and I must say, I saw more animals outside the Serengeti than inside. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (and Crater, od course) was teeming with wildlife and it seemed to stop as soon as we passed the Serengeti's Gate. When you see Ngorongoro (so called because of the Massai goat's bells that make a sound like ngoro ngoro when they move) it is hard to imagine that it used to be a massive volcano, roughly the size of Kilimanjaro!
Rachel R. says...
Added Oct 21, 2008
If you're going on Safari, I highly recommend working this into your itinerary - so much wildlife in such a small space! Many old elephants come here in their golden years. Elephants lose their teeth as they get older, so the soft grasses are easier to chew. Since their tusks grow their entire lives, you'll see creatures akin to the ancient mammoths! You'll also see Cheetahs, Flamingo, many type of deer, and the very endangered Black Rhino (if you're lucky).It really makes you appreciate the entire cycle of life, with so many animals living in harmony (as well as eating each other).
Tim V. says...
Added Sep 28, 2008
Fantastic location if you want to see at least 4/5 of the big 5 in one day, in terms of nature beautifull, however can be too crouded. At a certain point almost like a trafic jam to see a lion. (drivers warn each other) I found Amboseli NP (next to Kilimanjoro on top!) for that reason better. But if you're doing a tour and if Ngorongoro is on you're path towards Serengeti, for sure good to stop one day!
Robert S. says...
Added Sep 29, 2008
We spent several days in the Serengeti before spending a little more than a day at Ngorongoro. Apart from the wildlife, it's just an incredible geographical feature - the drive into and out of the crater should be experienced at least once :-)
Marcus H. says...
Added Aug 27, 2008
Fantastic experience! So much wildlife and thanks to the limited area chances to spot them are extremely good! The best option for people that do not want to or cannot afford spending several days in a larger park.
Jennifer B. says...
Added Oct 13, 2008
Amazing place to see wildlife in Africa....I saw my only cheetahs here, as well as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas...
Maria A. says...
Added Jul 6, 2008
It's one of the most beautyfull places.. Wow! Iif you're nearby or just in Tanzania/Kenya, go there, don't miss it!
