NGORONGORO CRATER

The largest intact volcano, referred to as Ngorongoro Crater, is found in Ngorongoro District in Tanzania, sheltering 30,000 large mammals, 264 square kilometers of wetlands, forests, and grassland. The bowl-shaped caldera resulted from volcanic activity that caused the top of the volcanic cone to collapse, leaving a gigantic hole known as a caldera. In a short time, minor eruptions created smaller cones, which were later filled with water to form lakes. The crater is believed to have formed 2.5 million years ago within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, coexisting with the Maasai people who extended to Ngorongoro land after the government established Serengeti National Park. The Maasai people have a unique culture, with practices like sleeping in huts, adorning themselves with beads, and engaging in courtship dances performed by warriors ready for marriage. The higher you jump during the dance, the greater your chances of attracting a suitable partner. Interacting with the Maasai is an enlightening experience, offering a chance to learn about their fascinating culture.
This remarkably compact area is known for its geological splendor, where human remains in the form of fossils were discovered. If you plan to visit, aim for the months of June and October, typically the period with less rainfall. During this time, you can witness a variety of wildlife, including the ‘Big Five,’ as well as pink flamingoes gathering on the water’s surface like flowers. The entire area is covered in lush green vegetation.
The entry fee for Ngorongoro Crater is as follows:
Foreigners: $70.80 for adults, $23.60 for children
East African and Tanzanian citizens: Tsh 11,800 for adults, Tsh 2,360 for children
Expatriates: $35.40 for adults, $11.80 for children
Children below the age of five enter for free.
Additional fees include the vehicle fee, where East African and Tanzanian citizens pay Tsh 11,800, while foreigners pay $295 USD per vehicle.
Activities available in the crater include:
Hot Air Balloon: If you enjoy an elevated view of various features, a hot air balloon ride is perfect for you. It allows you to observe all the wildlife, even those hidden from plain sight.
Camping: Camping is an exhilarating activity that brings people together. The park offers both private and public camping sites. For non-East African citizens, the camping fee is $35.40 for adults at public campsites and $11.80 for children. In private campsites, adults pay $70.80, and children pay $35.40. Tanzanian citizens are charged Tsh 17,000 for adults and Tsh 8,850 for children.
Nature Walk: This activity offers physical exercise and a chance to explore the area. It’s an exciting venture that shows you the true reality of the environment. Two tour guides accompany walkers for safety and support.
Game Drives: Game drives are comfortable and done in safari vehicles that take you through the park, offering a glimpse of different wildlife habitats. These drives are typically done in the morning when animals are most active.
Attractions in Ngorongoro Crater include Lake Magadi, Lerai Fever Tree Forest, Olduvai Gorge, Shifting Sands, Olmoti Crater and Empakaai Crater, Gol Mountains, Nasera Rock, Salei Plains and Ol Karien Gorge, Oldeani Mountain, Hadzabe Tribe, Ol Dionyo Lengai, and Lake Natron, to name a few.
Accommodations you can book include Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Corridor Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge, and Ngorongoro Farm House, among others. These accommodations offer deluxe bedrooms, ample parking space, restaurants with a classy menu, and transportation options via air (the fastest) and road (the most flexible).
As the saying goes, “Great is the art of beginning.” Begin your adventurous experience in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, and I assure you won’t regret it.