NGORONGORO CRATER
The Ngorongoro Crater was formed 2-3 million years ago when a massive volcano erupted and exploded in on itself. Scientists estimate that the volcano may have been as high as Mount Kilimanjaro before it exploded. What is left is the world's largest caldera, measuring approximately 19km in diameter and covering an area of 260 square kilometres.
Wildlife
Due to its volcanic origins, the soil in the crater is rich in minerals, enabling a healthy covering of highly nutritious grasses, which helps to support a large and dense population of herbivores, including wildebeest, zebras, Thomson's gazelle and black rhinos. Interestingly, the crater does not have any giraffes, either due to the lack of trees that they feed on, or because the crater walls are too steep for them to walk down.
This large population of herbivores has also led, rather excitingly, to the densest population of predators in East Africa. You will find lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs on the prowl here, at what must seem like an all you can eat buffet. All of this means that you are virtually guaranteed amazing game sightings when visiting the Crater.
As you can imagine, the dense population of large mammals means that Ngorongoro Crater is a popular destination for safari-goers and as a result, it can get busy. If you want to see as many animals as possible and have some amazing sightings in a very unique environment, then you should definitely include the Ngorongoro Crater in your Northern Circuit itinerary. We do however not recommend to stay for more than one night, unless you stay in the Karatu are and are also interested in some other nature or cultural activities from there.
Wildlife
Due to its volcanic origins, the soil in the crater is rich in minerals, enabling a healthy covering of highly nutritious grasses, which helps to support a large and dense population of herbivores, including wildebeest, zebras, Thomson's gazelle and black rhinos. Interestingly, the crater does not have any giraffes, either due to the lack of trees that they feed on, or because the crater walls are too steep for them to walk down.
This large population of herbivores has also led, rather excitingly, to the densest population of predators in East Africa. You will find lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs on the prowl here, at what must seem like an all you can eat buffet. All of this means that you are virtually guaranteed amazing game sightings when visiting the Crater.
As you can imagine, the dense population of large mammals means that Ngorongoro Crater is a popular destination for safari-goers and as a result, it can get busy. If you want to see as many animals as possible and have some amazing sightings in a very unique environment, then you should definitely include the Ngorongoro Crater in your Northern Circuit itinerary. We do however not recommend to stay for more than one night, unless you stay in the Karatu are and are also interested in some other nature or cultural activities from there.
where to stay
Lodges at Ngorongoro Crater can be found either on the rim of the crater, with spectacular views of the crater floor or slightly set back, or amongst the beautiful tranquil farms of the nearby town of Karatu. Below you will find out favourite lodges, which are usually smaller lodges with very personalised service, but also some bigger places, if they are the only or best option in a certain area or price range.
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CRATER RIM |
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rhino lodge
ngorongoro Lion's Paw
lemala ngorongoro
entamanu ngorongoro
The Highlands
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KARATU |
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TLoma Lodge
farmhouse lodge
plantation lodge
The MAnor at Ngorongoro
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