Ngorongoro Crater - Big 5

Size: 8,300 square kilometres

Location: Between Lake Manyara National Park and Serengeti National Park.

Known for: Rhinoceros, the starting point of the Great Migration, and the Big 5.

Best Time: Year round.

To Do: Game drives, Olduvai Gorge, visits to nearby Empakaai Crater or Olmoti Crater, and cultural visits.

Migratory Birds: Nov - Apr.

Altitude:1,027-3,522 m / 3,369-11,555ft

Details of Ngorongoro Crater

The glimpse of stunning Ngorongoro will likely come from the heavily forested viewpoint that looks down upon its sun-drenched, cloud dappled magnificence. Ringed on all sides by the tropical forest drapped walls of the caldera. Ngorongoro looks like something out of myth. Ngorongoro is the best place in the country to see the endangered black rhinoceros, the park is home to the entirely of the big five and is a particularly good place to see the lions and cape buffalo year round.

The verdancy of the park means that animals can be seen here year round, although a large number of them participate in the Great Wildebeest Migration as it emigrates north to the distant Masai Mara in Kenya. As you wind your way down into the vast bowl of the collapsed caldera, you're immediately able to see vast herds of buffalo, wildebeest, gazelles, and zebra moving about apparently unphased by the stalking hyenas, the prowling lions, and the opportunistic jackals.

In the great alkaline Makat Lake, a vast flock of colorful flamingo can be seen, while the Ngorongonro Picnic Area is highlighted by a hippo pool where you can observe these deceptively peaceful looking creatures while eating your lunch. On the fringes of the crater, where the forest hugs the steep walls, leopards and the black rhino can occasionally be seen moving through the undergrowth. Playful baboons can also be seen going about their foraging all day long.

Another fascinating aspect of the Crater is that it is also home to the Maasai people, and they live in harmony with the wildlife as they raise their cattle and go about their daily lives. Nearby landmarks such as Olmoti Crater, Empakaai Crater, Lake Ndutu, and the Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano also offer exciting day trips for those who wish to remain in the area for more than a single day.

Attractions

One of Africa's premier natural playgrounds, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the best places in the country to see the endangered black rhinoceros. Home to the entirety of the Big Five, Ngorongoro is a natural wonder that needs to be seen to be believed.

Nearby Empakai Crater is excellent for hiking, while Oldupai Gorge is home to the Cradle of Mankind.

Other attractions include Lake Ndutu (calving ground for the Widebeest Migration), the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and the famous hippo pools.

The Above Trip Includes

When selecting your accommodation for your itinerary, it's important to bear in mind that the type of accommodation you choose can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of your trip. It will also determine whether your itinerary falls into the budget, medium, or luxury category. We recommend that you consult with our safari expert to identify the accommodation options that best align with your budget and requirements.

Meals

Full Board: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Transport

4x4 Landcruiser with Pop-up roof

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