Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and certainly one of the wonders of the world. Wildlife in the crater is prolific and photographic opportunities are superb.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and certainly one of the wonders of the world.
It is also an extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s densest population of large mammals. Even high up on the chilly rim of the crater you can see thousand-strong herds of antelope as they move in ant-like formation across the crater floor. As you descend, the shapes become animals and you are soon in the depth of one of Africa’s richest game areas.
Wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater
The crater floor is superb for photographic safaris. Animals are prolific, relaxed and beautifully framed against the striking backdrop of the 600-metre high crater wall. The open grasslands see thousands of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle. The striking Lerai forest, composed almost entirely of yellow fever trees, is the best place to find waterbuck, bushbuck and eland, whilst the adjoining Gorigor Swamp is the main haunt of Ngorongoro’s elephant population, with some striking big tuskers. Black rhino, lion and leopard complete the big five.
Ngoitokitok Springs and Lake Magadi
Finally, there are hippos in Ngoitokitok Springs and Lake Magadi is often covered in a shroud of pink flamingos. This is the Africa of wildlife documentaries, and an experience that should not be missed when exploring Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
Other places within Northern Tanzania
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- Arusha is not particularly attractive but has some good, small restaurants and some excellent curio shops. An everyday sight are the Maasai in their bold, red-coloured garments.
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- Karatu is a colourful bustling town and the gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands. It's a fun place to visit to practice your bartering for souvenirs.
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- Lake Natron is also the only known breeding ground for East Africa's millions of lesser flamingos which cover the lake between August and October. The Maasai culture is also a fascinating aspect of the area.
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- Longido sits in the remote north of Tanzania, just above Mount Meru and close to the Kenyan border. This part of Tanzania is the heart of Maasailand, and you'll often see the Maasai Morani.
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- Lake Manyara is home to huge flocks of pelicans and flamingos. The park surrounding the lake has excellent game densities and is perhaps best known for its tree-climbing lions.
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- Standing at 5,895 metres tall, Kilimanjaro towers over the plains of Kenya and Tanzania. With knowledgeable guides it is possible to climb it over the course of several days.
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- North of the Ngorongoro Crater you will find the Maasai’s Mountain of God (Ol Donyo Lengai). It is a wild and fascinating area and we recommend a few nights here to gain an insight into Maasai culture.
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- Subject of countless documentaries, the Serengeti is perhaps most famous for the Great Migration, which each year sees up to two million wildebeest cross the plains in search of good grazing.
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- Tarangire National Park offers the chance to see all the normal large African game, including particularly large elephant herds. Birdlife is also prolific in the park.
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- The land of West Kilimanjaro is leased from the local Maasai and is a true wilderness area with open plains, acacia woodland and above all, spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
View place- {3FBD4974-AD57-41EE-B214-05E69305AE8E}
- Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and certainly one of the wonders of the world. Wildlife in the crater is prolific and photographic opportunities are superb.
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