As the second largest continent in the world, Africa is a place of wonder and excitement. From the majesty of the pyramids to the scenic pleasures of Mount Kilimanjaro, this continent covers everything. However, its beauty lies in the Tanzania Crater Safari at the Ngorongoro Crater. Delve into the intricacies of how this Tanzania crater is the next best vacation destination for you and your loved ones with the help of this article.
What Is The Ngorongoro Crater?
Tanzania Safari Ngorongoro is a natural wonder that is embedded in the African gem of Tanzania, offering visitors the secrets of nature and wildlife.
This Tanzania crater is a gigantic caldera that was formed almost two million years ago as a result of a collapsing volcano. The Ngorongoro Crater is also known as the ‘8th Wonder of the World’ and is almost 100 square miles. This vast topography boasts a culmination of flora, fauna, and scenic views.
Like most craters, the Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Safari came into existence with the eruption of a massive volcano, which led to its collapse in and out of itself. The hardened ground then gave birth to one of the earth’s most vivid and awe-inspiring ecosystems – from picture-worthy grasslands to the enigmatic cultural consonance of the local community – nestled within the careful and nurturing protection of the crater and its walls.
While the Tanzanian crater boasts a wide array of wildlife delights, the 8th wonder of the world also opens up tourists to different cultural experiences. The Maasai communities, as well as local farming people, often use the crater as a grazing paradise for cultivating stock and animals. This will offer tourists the single-handed privilege of understanding the lives of the people who call this abundant place- Home.
Charting a vacation to Africa and its offerings can be a daunting task for many. But the Ngorongoro crater is the perfect example of why your next leisure trip should include this natural masterpiece. With panoramic views of the various topographical anomalies the crater previews, to the serene sunsets and sunrises, every moment inside and on the periphery of the crater is a moment just waiting to be captured.
The Crater Safari Tanzania was also deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the designation being offered in 1959. This not only makes the place a tried and tested tourism spot but also provides a sense of credibility to the satisfaction the crater will provide. [1]
All That You Should Know About Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Now that you have a fair idea of what exactly the crater is, let’s delve into what the Ngorongoro Crater Safari is and what it offers.
The Tanzania crater safari is perfect for those looking to embark on an adventure in a controlled environment, as the crater offers a hearty glimpse into the very essence of African glory.
Due to its long and rich history, the crater has been a treasure trove for archaeological expeditions, revealing a long sequence of evidence of human evolution and making it a fascinating place for humans to visit. [2]
The crater safari is a chance to encounter an ecosystem of life – lions, rhinos, flamingos found in and around Lake Magadi, elephants, and many more species.
One will get to view these animals in their natural habitat up close and personal. The safari, with the right tour operator and local guides who prioritize one’s 360-degree experience, will ensure a trip that is both safe and adventurous.
It is important to plan the visit during the dry season but also ensure that peak season doesn’t mean bookings are almost impossible to finish. The Ngorongoro crater is a delight for seasoned safari vets and newcomers just dipping their toes in this world.
How Do You Reach The Ngorongoro Crater?
It can be quite confusing to plan out how exactly to get to this natural phenomenon.
To ease visitors into the place and to provide a few concrete ways that are tried and tested, we’ve listed down the most feasible ways of reaching the crater –
- Taking to the Skies– The most popular and direct way of reaching the crater is flight. Tourists are recommended to reach Tanzania through either the Dar es Salaam Airport or the Kilimanjaro Airport. Many times, this route is even more preferred because of the delights of Dar and Kilimanjaro, as both are great vacation spots in . Once here, one can take the domestic flight to the Arusha Airport, which is a certified gateway to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- The Safari Capital of Tanzania– Arusha is a common gateway or entrance to the Tanzania Crater Safari. Tourists can also choose to drive to the crater – an approximately 3–4-hour drive that is rich with scenery – either independently or with one of the many transportation facilities offered by safari packages and local tour guides.
- The Journey on Land – For those avid safari doers who want to experience every inch of wildlife scenery nature has to offer; there is the option of using a road traveler from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. The road will offer rough terrains, the occasional fauna spotting, and a glimpse into the life of rural Africa.
- The Serengeti– Often, travelers prefer to hit multiple spots in one trip. This route is for them. One can combine the crater visit with the Serengeti National Park. The national park is another pocket of tourist spots, memorable wildlife sightings, and a refreshing drive.[3]
The Weather at Ngorongoro Crater:
The crater, with its high elevation and surrounding walls, offers a unique climate to the UNESCO spot, making it all the more important to research the weather and its quirks. [4]
The Tanzanian crater witnesses two obvious seasons – the dry season and the wet.
The dry season, which is most preferable for the visit, lands in the month of June, July, August, September, and October, most actively in the first two months. The months of June through October offer companionable weather that is mild and relaxing.
The skies are clear, and the crater sees little to no rainfall, making it the optimum time to meet the wildlife the site has to offer. The dry season also sees zebra migration from the Serengeti National Park. Although, if the national park is also on your itinerary, the same trip can be traversed in the wetter months as well.
The dry months see pleasantly chilly early mornings and evenings, a much-needed relief from the sun’s attention during your afternoon trails.
The wet season spans from November to May, with the first half of the season witnessing short rains and the second half witnessing harsher and longer rains. The later months of March, April, and May are dangerous times to visit due to slippery terrains, road blockages, and lack of visibility, making the experience unsettling and uncomfortable.
The months of November, December, and January, however, allow tourists to see the lush green paradise of the grasslands of the Tanzania Crater safari. The mist in the air, the cool and refreshing weather, and the occasional spatter of rain on your face might just take this nature-centric safari journey to the next level.
It is always advised, though, to pack the necessary rain gear if one is planning on traveling during the rainy season, as there is an added danger of harsher terrains.
Things To Look Forward To In Ngorongoro:
- Wildlife
As mentioned many times throughout this read, the Ngorongoro crater is richly packed with all kinds of wildlife – be it lions, elephants, flamingos, and rhinos. This can be owed to the diverse ecosystem the inside of the crater experiences, automatically crowning the Tanzanian delight a must for any safari enthusiasts list.
- Scenery
Probably one of the most picturesque attractions in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater gives tourists cinematic views of lush greens, forests as far as the eye can see, the famed Lake Magdi, and animals, mighty and small alike, going about their day. It is a wildlife photographer’s dream come true.
- Activities
Here’s a list of activities you can partake in inside and around the Ngorongoro Crater –
- Safari Packages where guides will take you to prime wildlife spotting. What makes the experience more surreal is that tourists are equipped with binoculars and proper equipment for them to truly feel like they are out in the wild.
- Cultural experiences with the Maasai communities.
- Local heritage perusal
- Hiking trails have been established within the crater rim for those more experienced adventurers.
- Birdwatching and discovery for bird enthusiasts.[5]
- Best Time to Visit
While the crater offers seasonal delights throughout the year – from great weather to calmer topographies in the dry season to lush forests and mistier views in the wet season – it is the visitors’ choice to pick what to witness.
However, it is recommended that one plan their trip to the Tanzania Crater safari during the dry season – June to October. The dry season sees many animals coming out of their hiding places for a chance to visit the lakes. It also witnesses the migration of many animals from the Serengeti National Park.
The dry season also offers much more adjustable weather, with minimal rain, making it the ideal time to vacation to the crater.
- Stay Near the Crater
Lest you get worried that the crater seems to be too ‘roughing it out in the wild’, the accommodations near Ngorongoro Crater are anything but. Due to its popularity as a famous tourist attraction, the region boasts all kinds of lodgings, such as luxury resorts and lodges to tented camps that are prepared for you, with every amenity available.
Simple Tips For The Ngorongoro Tour:
Planning a trip so full of nature can be equally exhilarating and tiresome. But with the help of these simple lookouts, you can elevate your experience just that much more –
- Plan Your Trip at the Earliest
Research is key with trips that involve so much outdoor travel – especially to a place you’ve never visited before. It is best to plan your itinerary and make the bookings accordingly.
If you are planning on going during the dry season, it is advisable to make your bookings many months in advance as it is the peak season.
- Pack With Your Itinerary In Mind
The trip from your house to the Safari Tanzania Ngorongoro crater is also not a simple flight – it involves at least switching two flights and driving a car up to the crater. It is therefore advisable to pack light as all safari equipment will be given by the safari operators or whatever tour package one has chosen.
Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, shoes meant for walking great distances, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and your camera for all those scenic views.
- Stay Close To Your Group
While the Ngorongoro Tanzania safari crater is meant for your leisure, it is a natural habitat for many animals and plant life that can be dangerous for you if you have gone to wander alone.
Therefore, it is imperative you stay with your group, especially your tour guide, as they know the best places to go to and will allow you to witness the Tanzania crater safari’s wildlife, heritage, culture, and topography.
- Be Vigilant and Respect the Crater
It is very important not to create any problems for the inhabitants of the crater, be it by approaching the animals, attempting to feed them, or even by littering nearby the flora.
Such actions will disturb the natural behavior of the wildlife, causing unnecessary damage to you and them. [6]
Be respectful of the environment and continue to protect the UNESCO site so that the trip is pleasant for future tourists as well.
Final Takeaway
To conclude, the Tanzania safari Ngorongoro Crater is a true example of how nature is a wondrous thing that must be explored. This natural wonder, nestled at the center of Tanzania, offers adventurers memorable experiences that will be remembered for years to come. The Tanzania Ngorongoro safari promises eye-capturing moments and vistas that are just begging for you to come see.
