Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Tanzania, is one of the world’s most astonishing and verdant natural wonders. It’s made up of open grass areas, where you can find a huge diversity of animals. The Ngorongoro Crater has stunning wildlife that makes its safaris unique. In fact, the crater’s walls serve as refuge and protection for more than 25,000 creatures. With this in mind, it’s not hard to understand why it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Activity/Place Highlights
Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is definitely a must-see from the Ngorongoro Crater, and it stands in the middle of the caldera. Here, you can witness thousands of graceful flamingoes walking in the waters. In addition, many other animals come close to the lake to drink, like rhinos, elands, lions, and golden jackals.
African wildlife
The truth is that the most common African wildlife can be found in the caldera. Most animals are permanent residents of this site, the only exception being giraffes since they find the Ngorongoro Crater’s walls too steep.
The caldera opens after dawn and there are two types of tracks. On one hand, the tracks on the northern rim. These tracks are vertiginous, and you’ll require a vehicle in order to have access to them. On the other hand, the track on the southern rim is a much more quicker and safer access to the caldera floor.
The Masai morani
If you’re lucky enough, you will be able to see the Masai morani (warriors) leading their cattle down into the caldera. The Masai occasionally show up to pose for tourists’ photos and make money out of that. However, they also have grazing and watering rights for their stock.
Even though they would be bringing a potential food source into lion territory, you don’t have to worry at all. As dangerous as it may seem, lions tend to disappear as soon as the Masai arrive, since they have developed a healthy fear of the Masai after generations of experience.
How to get there
In order to get here, you need to take a flight to Arusha; you can take it either from Dar es Salaam, or from Zanzibar with Air Excel. Then, take a six-hour-drive from Arusha, in northern Tanzania, to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Also, overlooking the caldera, you can find a variety of lodges where you can stay. However, I recommend you to stay on the south side as it’s not overcrowded. Above all, Sopa Lodge offers you fine views of the sunset and has access to safer roads.
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