Often called the eighth wonder of the world, Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater rim, where the lodges are superbly perched, rises 7,500 ft. above sea level.
With permanent water sources, the lush crater floor supports a population of over 30,000 game animals and birds, including the black rhino. The perennial swamps are an important migratory point for flamingo which storm a constant shimmering pink haze. The crater is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation area where Maasai herdsmen freely wander with their cattle.
The crater has a surprising number of ecosystems within it. Including the Acacia Forest, where huge bull elephants descent from the slopes, hippo pools, open savannah, and the dense jungle of the slopes. Only 4-wheel drive vehicles are permitted to make the steep descent into the crater floor.
Country: Tanzania
Park Size: Crater – 200 sq. miles Conservation area – 5,150 sq. miles – 8,288 sq. kilometers
Ecosystems: Acacia woodlands, swamp, soda lakes, grasslands, forest
Wildlife: Over 30,000 large mammals, Black Rhino, Flamingo, Lion, Elephant, Hippo, Wildebeest, Zebra, Buffalo
When to go: Year Round
Highlights: Game drives, Olduvai Gorge, The Crater, Predators, Elephant, Buffalo, Flamingo, Black Rhino
Trips that Visit Ngorongoro Crater:
Classic Tanzania Safari
Vintage Tanzania Safari
Tanzania Migration Safari
Tanzania Adventure Safari
Tanzania Wildlife Safari
Tanzania Family Safari