Take a step back in time and discover the ancient world of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation. Over 3 million years ago a volcano collapsed in the heart of Tanzania and was swallowed back into the depths of the Earth, leaving a deep crater in the rich landscape.
As the centuries passed the crater became a dense thicket of flora and fauna and the wildlife came from far and wide to set up home in the lush green trees and on the crater floor. Here you can witness natures beautiful beasts and birds in this colorful array of life. Big cats bask in the sun on the grasslands of the craters floor, hard to spot black rhinos bustle through the trees and bright flamingos hop on one foot.
This is one of the greatest natural wonders on the planet, from the moment you first catch glimpse of the staggering walls to breathing in deep the scent of the woodlands. You can hear the thundering sound of antelope hooves as the elegant creatures move across the crater. Stand on the edge of the world and overlook a valley of long plains, deep forests and lush vegetation, this is the heart of Africa and you have arrived.
THE WILDLIFE SPECTACLE
Bustling and busy with wildlife the crater holds some of the finest opportunities for spotting big game. From lounging lions to racing cheetahs there are plenty of cats on offer, herds of zebra and wildebeest graze in the grass and bat eared foxes stalk through the shadows. Lucky visitors will also get to spot the black rhinos and tusker elephants roaming the perimeters. Once down in the valley of the crater be sure to look up for breathtaking views of colorful birds flocking across the blue sky as the crater is home to over 400 species of bird.
ACTIVITIES ON OFFER
You will never tire of the glorious display of wildlife but if you want to experience a change of pace the surrounding area of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation offers a wealth of opportunities. Pack a picnic and stop off amongst the gazelles for a hearty lunch. Trek though the rich trails that surround the area or visit the local Massai to experience a tribal way of life complete with feasting, dancing and local traditions. You can even arrange a trek with the local Massai and take a tour of the medicinal plants in the area, including the natural origin of the toothbrush. Close by you can also find the Olduvai Gorge which is a must see for travelers wanting an insight into the natural history of the area. Exposed fossil walls, ancient fauna and tools dating back to the beginning of man make for a jaw dropping adventure in the depths of the Ngorongoro. Be sure to glimpse the salt eroded shores of the swelling Lake Magadi at the center of the crater and admire the pastel pink sands and the long billed birds poking their nose in the soft clay.
WHEN TO VISIT
With a year round hive of activity happening in the crater there is no poor time to visit. However if you are hoping to soak up the atmospheric crater for yourself you may be best visiting in the low season as you will see less vehicles on the road. Whatever season you choose you will find exceptional opportunities to spot game. Traveling when the water level on the Lake Magadi rises will mean you can catch the bright and beautiful plumage of the flamingos as they congregate to cool off beside the pool.