Ngorongoro Crater: A Must-See Natural Wonder
Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder and one of the most famous places to visit in Tanzania. It is an ancient volcanic caldera that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Located in the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most unique and spectacular sites in Africa.
What Makes Ngorongoro Crater a Special Place
Ngorongoro Crater is a place like no other. Its unique geographical features make it a truly special place. The crater is a large collapsed volcanic caldera, formed when the sides of the volcano collapsed into the magma chamber below. It is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and the largest unbroken caldera with a surface area of 8,288 km2. Its walls are steep and its depths are impressive, reaching over 600m.
The crater is also home to an incredible variety of wildlife. It is one of the few places in Africa where you can see the ‘Big Five’ – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Ngorongoro Crater is also home to large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and many other species of antelope, as well as a large population of flamingos.
The crater also has an interesting human history. It was used as an ancient burial site by the Maasai people, who lived in the area for centuries.
What You Can Do at Ngorongoro Crater
Visiting Ngorongoro Crater is a once in a lifetime experience. There are a variety of activities to enjoy, from game drives to cultural experiences.
Game Drives
The best way to explore the crater is on a game drive. Many of the game drives start early in the morning, when the animals are most active. You can expect to see the ‘Big Five’, as well as a variety of other wildlife.
Cultural Experiences
You can also experience the culture of the Maasai people. Visit their manyattas, or traditional huts, and learn about their way of life. The Maasai are known for their colourful clothing, and you can purchase some of their traditional handicrafts.
Hiking
If you’re looking for a more active experience, you can hike in the crater. The trails are well-marked and there are many trails to choose from. You can explore the crater from above, or hike down into the depths of the crater.
Camping
For a truly unique experience, you can camp in the crater. There are several designated camping sites. You can also stay in lodges around the crater, which offer beautiful views of the crater.
How to Get to Ngorongoro Crater
The best way to get to Ngorongoro Crater is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, you can take a direct flight to Arusha, which is the closest city to the crater. From Arusha, you can take a bus or a private car to the crater.
Ngorongoro Crater is an unforgettable natural wonder. With its unique geological features and abundance of wildlife, it is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Tanzania. So don’t miss out on this incredible experience – plan your trip to Ngorongoro Crater today!