Ngorongoro crater is the world’s Largest Caldera formed as a result of the movement of tectonic plates and volcanicity, it is said a mountain the size of Kilimanjaro erupted on itself over 3 million years ago forming the empty caldera, as many people would expect calderas to be filled with water, well this one is different it is instead filled with abundant wildlife species that call this home. It was gazette initially as a protected area and at the foothills of the region is a grazing ground for the Masaai pastoralists.it is part of the Ngorongoro conservation area which was gazette in 1959, the caldera was recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site from its findings and surroundings in 1979.
Ngorongoro crater is an extinct volcano along the eastern Great Rift Valley, the caldera lies 120 kilometresfrom Arushaand covers an area space of approximately 264 square kilometres, it is elevated between 610m- 2286meters above sea level, and the floor of the angelic volcano is open grassland and its rim is a heavily forested region, it is home to a variety of animal species including buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, Thomson’s gazelles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, and a large flock of different species of birds over 500 bird types have been recorded along the crater some of which are endemics to the destination.
Due to the high population density of wildlife in the crater, makes it a perfect destination to do activities like game drives, these are conducted through the established trails, the drives are conducted using 4*4 wheel car drives around the most angelic field, it takes 2-3 hours do the game drives with an experienced ranger who is knowledgeable about the conservation area. Birding in the Ngorongoro crater, many bird species have been recorded in the region, birds are best seen during the wet season when the crater receives migratory species, example bird types include yellow barbets, flamingoes along the Lake Magadi, sunbirds, African harrier hawks, African fish eagles, to mention a few.
Ngorongoro crater is home to the Masai people, who live in harmony together with other mammal species of the conservation area, they are originally herd men who graze their cattle in some parts of the conservation area, and guests have the chance to interact with them, they will perform to their traditional songs and dance, visiting the Masai people is one of the most perfect ways to indulge into culture.
The best time to visit Ngorongoro crater is during the dry season between the months of December-February and June to September, the region receives sunshine and good weather conditions best for your Tanzanian safari experience, it is situated a few kilometres from Arusha town by road it takes 2 hour’s drive to the ecosystem. There is available accommodation ranging from the best budget to luxury, most of this is dotted along the rim of the crater giving great views of the surroundings.
In conclusion, the Ngorongoro crater is among the most visited conservation areas along the northern circuit of Tanzania, it boasts several wildlife and is as beautiful as imagined.