Where Are The Best Africa Safaris And Tours?

If you are planning a safari in the Northern region of Tanzania, your Tanzania safari itinerary should include a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. The famous crater is one of the world's most beautiful wildlife safari sites and may just be one of the continent’s most famous safari destinations. This incredible year-round destination is the perfect place to see Africa’s “big five.” No wonder so many Africa safaris and tours begin in this ancient Garden of Eden with a Ngorongoro Crater safari!

This Mystery Behind The Ngorongoro Crater’s Beginning

No safari in Ngorongoro Crater is complete without explaining this crater’s ancient beginning. The crater was formed three million years ago when a giant volcano exploded and then collapsed. The cone of this volcanic caldera folded inwards, creating one of the most unique safari parks in Africa and a place that tops the list of most Tanzania safari itineraries!

This one-of-a-kind destination is teeming with life, including Africa’s “Big Five.” In Africa, the Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant, and African buffalo. But the crater is also home to hyenas, wildebeest, zebra, serval cats, cheetahs, jackals, gazelles, flamingos, foxes, and more than 400 species of birds! This relatively small park has the highest concentration of wildlife of any one place on the African continent, guaranteeing visitors a truly action-packed adventure.

Five Fun Facts About Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater

The abundance of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater offers visitors unparalleled opportunities for unforgettable wildlife sightings and photography experiences. With over 25,000 large animals calling the crater home, visitors can witness a diverse range of species in their natural habitat, from majestic lions to graceful zebras and elusive rhinos on a safari in Ngorongoro Crater. Here are five more fun facts about one of the most popular safari destinations in Tanzania! 

• The Ngorongoro Crater is a large volcanic caldera in Tanzania, Africa.
• It is home to over 25,000 large animals including lions, elephants, zebras, and wildebeests.
• The crater floor is covered with a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, and forests.
• The Maasai tribe coexists with wildlife in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World.

The breathtaking scenery of the crater provides a stunning backdrop for the incredible wildlife sightings you'll experience on a Ngorongoro Crater safari.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Ngorongoro Crater?

The Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding highlands are one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. Volcanic craters form a stunning backdrop to some of the most fertile and richest grazing lands near the Serengeti. The crater’s breathtaking beauty draws thousands of visitors each year and can become very busy and crowded with Africa safaris and tours. So when is the best time to visit this incredible destination?

As a general rule of thumb, the best time to go on safari in Tanzania is during the dry season. This season runs from July to October. As the parks dry out from the rainy season, the bushes become less dense and the wildlife is easier to spot. Animals are also forced to gather at water holes, which means Tanzania safari itineraries become easier to plan. Many tourists also visit Tanzania during the short rainy season, from November through March. This off-season is perfect for avoiding crowds and experiencing the parks when fewer visitors have congregated.

Unlike many other destinations in Tanzania, Ngorongoro is a truly year-round destination. The crater, which is enclosed by a rim, has created the world’s only natural zoo. Animals inhabit the crater year-round, with very few migrating or seeking out other feeding grounds. Africa safaris and tours routinely visit this area no matter the time of year for Ngorongoro Crater safaris! Just note that peak tourist season runs through July and August, so you may want to avoid visiting during those two months. If possible, plan a two-night stay at the Ngorongoro Crater to see everything – no matter how large the crowd!

Safari Activities In Ngorongoro Crater

If you are planning a Ngorongoro Crater Safari, you may be wondering what type of activities are included in the safari. In the Ngorongoro Crater, visitors can enjoy game drives to spot a variety of wildlife, embark on guided walking safaris, and even visit a Masai village to immerse themselves in the local culture. Here is a list of additional activities to add to your Tanzania safari itinerary after you visit Ngorongoro Crater:

• The Empakaai Crater – Beautiful forests and a deep lake can be found within this less-visited attraction. Although much smaller than Ngorongoro, the crater is worth a visit for the scenery alone. The rim around the Empakaai Crater offers excellent views of Oldonyo Lengai, the Great Rift Valley, Lake Natron, and the distant peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Oldonyo Lengai – This impressive volcanic crater cone is the only remaining active volcano in the region. Because of its continuous bubbling and steaming, the Masaai tribe has named the crater the “mountain of the gods.” This landmark is held in great regard in all Masaai legends and traditions. Adventurous visitors can climb Oldonyo Lengai’s steep sides to peer into the crater, although others are content viewing it from afar.
• Engakura – This city of ruins lies just beyond the boundaries of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’s an important archeological site, although its history is still shrouded in doubt and mystery. This advanced web of ancient stone dwellings is based on a complex irrigation system. Visitors can speculate on who lived there, and what type of civilization they created on this truly unique Africa safari and tour stop.

On Safari In Tanzania

While Tanzania has many incredible safari destinations, including the Serengeti for the Great Migration or the lesser-known and more remote Selous Game Reserve in the southern part of the country, Ngorongoro Crater remains a hot spot for Africa safari and tours. The vast crater is home to a diverse array of wildlife, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness some of Africa's most iconic animals in their natural habitat. If you are on the hunt for big game, the crater and its wildlife will deliver. So gear up for adventure with Gondwana Ecotours and get ready to experience the awe-inspiring majesty of this one-of-a-kind destination with a Ngorongoro Crater Safari!