The natural protection of the Ngorongoro crater’s 600 m (1,968 ft) high walls helps many species to thrive. This is the best place in Tanzania to see critically endangered black rhino. Wildebeest, zebra, eland and gazelle carpet the short grassland, watched hungrily by lion, cheetah, wild dog and hyena. And the waters of Lake Magadi are often mottled pink by flamingos. The Ngorongoro crater is a UNESCO world heritage site which is also the world’s largest volcanic caldera found in the northern part of Tanzania. During Ngorongoro safaris, the big 5 are among the wildlife species which can be seen around the Ngorongoro crater.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in northern Tanzania is home to one of the most
spectacular safari experiences on the continent.
Part of the Serengeti ecosystem – definitely one of Tanzania’s must-see places – the landscape
of this 829,200-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site ranges from short-grass plains, grazed
by dazzles of zebra and large herds of wildebeest, to placid crater lakes and volcanic peaks
wreathed in cloud.
The famous Ngorongoro Crater ; one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the
feature from which the NCA takes its name — is the world’s largest inactive and empty volcanic
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caldera, formed 2 to 3 million years ago. Around 25,000 large animals live in the 30,000-hectare
crater, including lion, black rhino and elephant.
Spend a day on safari in the crater, pausing for a special lunch in the bush. Visitors can also hike
up the Olmoti volcano, trek down to the Empakaai Crater lake (where pink flamingos flock in
the shallows)
ITINERARY
You’ll depart from Arusha at the crack of dawn for the long but scenic drive to the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area. Along the way, you’ll pass bustling Maasai villages and sweeping plains dotted
with acacia and the occasional giraffe or wildebeest.
We will proceed to Ngorongoro crater for a game drive, which is the 8th natural wonder of the
world and the unique, world famous caldera with the most abundant wildlife. We will descend
into the Ngorongoro crater floor.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, descending down the crater, you will enjoy amazing
panoramic view and if you are lucky, you will see the Big five.
The caldera is exhibiting more than 120 species of mammals. We will also visit saline lakes such
as lake Magadi, which is a magnet for flamingos and other water birds.
We will see pools full of hippos, the endangered East Africa’s last black rhinos including birds such
as secretary bird, white stork arriving from Europe during the wet season, kori bustards, crowned
cranes and ostriches. It is for sure a landscape of sheer beauty. Another big draw card to this
picturesque park is its dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals,
cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch in the park.
Across five hours, you’ll see the very best that Africa has to offer. In the late afternoon, with
heads full of amazing memories, you’ll return to Arusha.
Meals Plan: Lunch
CLIMATE
• Dry Season
June to October; December to January
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• Max Temperature Range
26-29°C/79-84°F
• Rainy Seasons
March to May (long rains); October to December (short rains)
• Min Temperature Range
8-12°C/47-54°F
• Peak Of Wet Season
March to May
INCLUDES
• Day trip according to the itinerary
• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional, English-speaking guide
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Mineral water
• All mentioned activities
• All national park fees
• Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the day trip
EXCLUDES
• Flights
• Optional activities
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Visa fees
• Tips
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Travel insurance
As the animals do not migrate in and out of the Ngorongoro crater you are sure to see as many animals as you can expect on the crater floor for just 3 to 4 hours of your visit, the drive from Arusha takes 3 hours and you will spend few minutes at the entrance gate for signing in before you enter the park. You will drive through the high and steep lanes until you reach the carter view point where you will stop for the pictures before you drive further to crater descending road. After descending into the crater you will drive through different vegetations including forest, lake and hills. The animals you can expect to see inside the crater include Rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, zebra, wildebeest, Jackal, baboon just to mention few. The lunch will be served at the hippo pools while enjoying the view of the hippopotamus in Ngoitoktok hippo pond. Late in the evening drive back to Arusha where you trip will end.
Emanuel
The best lifetime place to be with Afrika Raha.