Ngorongoro Crater Attractions ........


CRADLE OF MANKIND Nearly two million years ago, Ngorongoro Peak towered almost as high as Mt. Kilimanjaro. Both these mountains formed the highest peaks in Africa at that time. The Ngorongoro Volcano peak collapsed beneath the volcano to form a CALDERA, the largest unbroken and unflooded in the world today. Although geological feature formed by the withdrawal of molten lava in this manner is correctly called a caldera, many people are traditionally used to the term crater and hence Ngorongoro Caldera is described as Crater in all the records available. From the main entrance in the south, the Lodoare Gate, Ngorongoro Crater is reached enroute a steep climb through a dense natural forest shrouded in a thick mist and fog. On reaching the rim of the crater, the mist and the fog suddenly break and the Ngorongoro grass carpeted floor and bathed in sunshine appears like a lost heaven six hundred metres below.
The floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, which is 265 sq. km. And 16km in radius is home to nearly 25,000 large resident mammals. By far the most numerous are the wild beasts about 8000 that mingle peacefully with the zebras (about 3000) and the gazelle (Both Thompson and Grants) about 2500. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few natural places in East Africa where one can guarantee sightings of the rare black rhino in their natural settings Visitors to Ngorongoro can enjoy walking around the area. Long walking safaris and short hikes are both adventurous and rewarding.

Within the Ngorongoro Conservation area there are “Cultural Bomas” where tourists can learn more about the customs and traditions of the famous Maasai, a pastoral tribe that was allowed to herd their cattle within the protected area.

ACCEBILITY AND VISITOR’S FACILITIES:
Ngorongoro can be accessed by air and road there are lodges situated on the rim of the crater and tented camps nearby, also available are campsites at designated areas around the rim and guesthouses at Karatu town ship near the gate.

BEST TIME:
Accessible the whole year except for rainy season in April DO NOT MISS: A whole day in the crater where the show never ends. Teatime while watching the sunset above the crater