Ngorongoro Crater
Overview
The Ngorongoro crater is popularly known as the eighth wonder of the world. It covers an area of 259 square kilometers (100 square miles). The walls of the crater are 610 meters high, which makes it the largest intact crater in theworld. It is home to about 25,000 larger mammals, almost half of them zebras and gnus. There are also buffalos, gazelles, elands and warthogs. Such vastnumbers naturally attract many predators, mainly lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. The crater is also well known for its hugely diverse bird life. More than 100 species of birds not found anywhere in the Serengeti have been spotted here. Whereas the temperature on the rim of the crater is usually chilly andthe atmosphere foggy, half way down the crater it brightens up. At the bottom of the crater the temperature is as warm as in the savannah.
Description
Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located approximately 180 km (112 miles) west of Arusha in northern Tanzania. Formed over two million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed, the crater spans about 260 km² (100 sq mi) and is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Surrounded by towering crater walls rising over 600 meters (2,000 feet), it creates a unique ecosystem that supports an incredible concentration of wildlife throughout the year.
Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the crater is home to an estimated 25,000 large animals, making it one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. Visitors have the opportunity to see the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhinoceros—alongside zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and a wide variety of antelope species. The crater’s diverse habitats, including open grasslands, acacia forests, freshwater springs, and Lake Magadi, also support over 500 bird species, including flamingos, crowned cranes, ostriches, and numerous birds of prey.
A game drive on the crater floor offers exceptional wildlife encounters in a spectacular setting, where animals can be observed against the backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking viewpoints along the crater rim, visit nearby Maasai communities to experience their rich cultural heritage, or explore the famous Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites known as the “Cradle of Humankind.”
As a highlight of Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit, Ngorongoro Crater delivers an unforgettable safari experience that combines outstanding wildlife viewing, breathtaking scenery, and remarkable geological and cultural significance. Its unmatched biodiversity and year-round game viewing make it one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world.