Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Volcano, formerly claimed to be taller than adjacent Kilimanjaro until it fell, is today notable for being the world’s largest uninterrupted caldera. When a volcano erupts and collapses, it creates a large depression called a caldera. The Crater is probably Tanzania’s most stunning scenery, even though the Serengenti is the most popular national park in the world.

The Ngorongoro Crater has some of Africa’s best animal viewing, and you will find the major wildlife species in large numbers. The crater is also home to several magnificent elephant bulls with enormous tusks. Lake Magadi is frequently home to large groups of flamingos. You will also see the black rhinos, bear in mind that it’s difficult to see rhinos anywhere else in Tanzania.

Due to the obvious natural confinement created by the caldera, giraffe and certain antelope are not found here. However, you are nearly certain to spot the lions, the crater has the highest lion density in Africa.

The Crater

The crater estimated to be approximately 2,000 feet deep and 160 square kilometers in size, with the majority of it located around 1600 meters above sea level. The Ngorongoro crater’s forested crater rim contrasts sharply with the crater bottom, which is largely grassland. Lerai woodland, a magnificent, ambient yellow fever tree forest, is another highlight on the crater bottom.

The Magadi salt lake is located in the caldera’s center, and the Ngoitokitok spring is located near the caldera’s eastern side. The Magadi salt lake features some flamingoes while the Ngoitokitok spring drains into a large swamp, which is inhabited by hippos, elephants and lions.

Any time of year, you can see species on the crater bottom. However, the wildlife viewing is best during the dry season (June to October), when the vegetation has reduced and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers.

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