Its said Ngorongoro crater was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago where part of the land caved in leading to a caldera that is hundreds of meters deep. The crater is not flooded making the floor a good habitat for herbivores in search of pasture. It gets water from Ngoitokitok Springs, Munge and Lerai Streams which provide water even for the accommodation venues nearby.
Historically, the first Europeans saw this crater in the 1890s during explorations within and around the Rift Valley. Presently, the crater is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This allows peaceful coexistence of wildlife within close range from humans without facing alarming reduction in numbers of animals. This is important because humans are to blame for reducing numbers of wildlife species such as the black rhino through poaching.
The Maasai-a pastoralist community has inhabited this region for centuries because the area has good pasture for their herds. They enjoy the favorable climate in this region, which
reduces their nomadic nature because their goats and cattle can be sustained.
It is surrounded by several must visit places such as Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, rift valley and the Serengeti Plains.
Why should you visit this region?
1. There are dozens of different species- a game drive provides the best opportunity to see the big five as well as other wildlife species predominantly found in Africa.
Ngorongoro crater has thousands of different wildlife species. They include wildebeests, Thompson's Gazelles, zebras, lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffalos, waterbucks, hyenas and cheetahs among others.
Though the climate changes during the wet season around June, the region provides sufficient pasture for the wildlife thereby eliminating the need for migration as experienced in other parts of the region. In addition, the steep sloppy walls of the crater can also be a deterrent for various species.
2. The drive or trails cross through various tourism attraction places in the Ngorongoro conservation area. They include Ol Doinyo Lengai, Gol Mountains, Malanja and Balbal depressions, Kashei Hills and the Crater Highlands among others.
It is also a chance to visit the Olduvai Gorge which is a renowned archeological site where fossils explaining the evolution of man were excavated. Tour packages can include visits to most of these sites before the end of the vacation.
For example, a 3 day visit can begin from Arusha to Lake Manyara through Ngorongoro Crater and back to Arusha.
3. Accommodation is available in campsites and lodges. Though not within the crater, these accommodation venues offer a wide range of facilities and amenities.
Some lodges offer additional tour activities like guided nature walks in the wild. Some of the venues are Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro farm house and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
4. It forms part of the Great Wildebeest migration route. Even though the animals ay only maneuver around the edge of the crater, a game drive during that time is a sight to re-live for a long time.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area assists the economy of Tanzania because proceeds from tourism within this region accumulate into the national tourism taxes.
In addition, the Pastoralist Council also gets money to run community based programs to provide basic and vital amenities.
Historically, the first Europeans saw this crater in the 1890s during explorations within and around the Rift Valley. Presently, the crater is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This allows peaceful coexistence of wildlife within close range from humans without facing alarming reduction in numbers of animals. This is important because humans are to blame for reducing numbers of wildlife species such as the black rhino through poaching.
The Maasai-a pastoralist community has inhabited this region for centuries because the area has good pasture for their herds. They enjoy the favorable climate in this region, which
reduces their nomadic nature because their goats and cattle can be sustained.
It is surrounded by several must visit places such as Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, rift valley and the Serengeti Plains.
Why should you visit this region?
1. There are dozens of different species- a game drive provides the best opportunity to see the big five as well as other wildlife species predominantly found in Africa.
Ngorongoro crater has thousands of different wildlife species. They include wildebeests, Thompson's Gazelles, zebras, lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffalos, waterbucks, hyenas and cheetahs among others.
Though the climate changes during the wet season around June, the region provides sufficient pasture for the wildlife thereby eliminating the need for migration as experienced in other parts of the region. In addition, the steep sloppy walls of the crater can also be a deterrent for various species.
2. The drive or trails cross through various tourism attraction places in the Ngorongoro conservation area. They include Ol Doinyo Lengai, Gol Mountains, Malanja and Balbal depressions, Kashei Hills and the Crater Highlands among others.
It is also a chance to visit the Olduvai Gorge which is a renowned archeological site where fossils explaining the evolution of man were excavated. Tour packages can include visits to most of these sites before the end of the vacation.
For example, a 3 day visit can begin from Arusha to Lake Manyara through Ngorongoro Crater and back to Arusha.
3. Accommodation is available in campsites and lodges. Though not within the crater, these accommodation venues offer a wide range of facilities and amenities.
Some lodges offer additional tour activities like guided nature walks in the wild. Some of the venues are Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro farm house and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
4. It forms part of the Great Wildebeest migration route. Even though the animals ay only maneuver around the edge of the crater, a game drive during that time is a sight to re-live for a long time.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area assists the economy of Tanzania because proceeds from tourism within this region accumulate into the national tourism taxes.
In addition, the Pastoralist Council also gets money to run community based programs to provide basic and vital amenities.