15 Things to do in Ngorongoro

The Ngorongoro crater is arguably the most impressive attractions to explore with in the northern parts of Tanzania.

The Ngorongoro conservation area serves as a home to the largest world caldera, and it holds a rich biodiversity with over 3000 animals thus being referred to as the Garden of Eden. Ngororongoro is a breathing taking scenery for all adventure and nature enthusiasts, it offers a multitude of experiences. The crater is a must for any explorer seeking for a unique and interesting safari within the northern parts of Tanzania.

Here are one of the 15 unforgettable things to do in Ngorongoro that will make your safari more fascinating and wonderful.

Visting Empakaai crater

Exploring the Empakaai crater is among the 15 things to do within Ngorongoro.  The crater is a bit connected to the Ngorongoro Crater. The Empakaai Crater was also formed when a volcano collapsed into a 6-kilometer-wide caldera.

It is a hidden gem but with many things to offer. Much of it is covered by a deep alkaline lake that is 85 meters deep. The lake is made up of unique features for example it changes color, abundant flamingos also reside on shores of the lake.

The rims of the crater are home to pink flamingos, blue monkeys, water bucks, bush bucks, buffaloes, elephants and hyenas. While at this crater you will have clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Game Drives and wildlife viewing

The Ngorongoro crater offers one the best destinations in Africa for wildlife viewing. Game drives are without doubt the best way to view wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater. Game drives are done in two sessions that is the morning and afternoon since animals tend to be more active during these time zones.

Game drives are usually conducted with the help of an experienced guide who will offer you with detailed information about the animals. Ngorongoro crater is a home to the big five animals including (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos). Game drives are arguably the best things to do if you really need to explore Ngorongoro in details.

Visiting the Maasai villages

A visit with one of Africa’s renown intriguing tribe (Masai) is indeed one that offers true experiences concerning culture. The Masai people are generally pastoralists, and they always take cattle as their number one priority.

While visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation area, an arrangement can be made for tourists to visit one of their homes or cultural centres of the Masai people to learn about their traditions and culture.

A visit at one of the Masai villages allows to learn different things about the Masai people for example there way of dressing, see them cook their local foods, watch their traditional performances buy souvenirs and many more.

Visting the Olduvai gorge

The Olduvai Gorge is one of the oldest archaeological sites within East Africa. This treasure trove is situated in Ngorongoro region. There are many things to discover while at the gorge including the fossils and many more. There is also a small museum that is composed of various information about the remains and art crafts of man.

Exploring the Ngorongoro crater rim

The Ngorongoro crater rim is one of ideal places to visit while with in Ngorongoro. The crater rim is famously known for offering impressive and scenic views of the surrounding. The rim is a home to a diverse range of eco systems such as the lush forests, alpine meadows and more

Hot air balloon safaris

One of the best ways of fully exploring the Ngorongoro conservation area is by carrying out a hot air balloon safari. Hot air balloon safaris offer clear views of the surrounding, watch various animals thus many refer to it as the garden of Eden. The balloon safaris are majorly conducted near Olduvai Gorge.

Bird watching

Ngorongoro crater is one of the popular bird watching destinations with over 500 bird species. A birding safari in one of the worlds largest calderas is one that leaves you with unforgettable memories.  Some birds in caldera are migratory while others are endemic. some of the birds include European roller, pallied harrier, and many more.

 Exploring the Olmoti Crater

This is among the amazing activities to do with in the Ngorongoro conservation area. The crater derives its name from a Maasai word, Olmoti which means a cooking pot. The crater is composed of shallow waters with a standing meters 3700 metres above sea level.

The crater is popularly known for offering excellent hikes, nature walks, and you have an opportunity to meet up with the Masai people. You can crown your tour of the Crater by visiting the water fall as you look at the lush vegetations.

Visting Lake Magadi

Lake Mgagdi is a popular breath-taking scenery with in the Ngorongoro conservation area that serves as a home to many bird species. The lake is a shallow one and is located in the southwestern parts of the park.

The area harbours a variety of pelicans and flamingos thus being a birders paradise.

Explore the Ngorongoro crater museum

Nestled near the entrance of the crater, lies the Ngorongoro museum. The museum acts as a learning area and a place of discovery to tourists. There are a lot of things to learn from the museum for example cultural, historical and nature art crafts.  A visit at the museum allows you to fully explore the local Masai cultures, wildlife and geological history of the area.

Hiking to the summit of the Gol mountains

Hiking to the Gol Mountains is one of the exceptional 15 things to do within Ngorongoro. The slopes of the mountain are excellent for wildlife viewing and cultural encounters thus spicing up your trip.

At the base of the Gol Mountains is the famous Nasera Rock where tourists can spot a variety of birds and hundreds of baboons.

The Gol mountains have various remains of the first inhabitants. The Gol Mountains offer wonderful experiences for tourists seeking to explore the local Africa.

Camping in Ngorongoro

One of the activities with in Ngorongoro that offers immersive experiences is camping. Spending a night outside as you listen to the sounds of the animals is a unique experience. Ngorongoro has many authorized camp sites where tourists can do camping from as they enjoy the serene environment. Camping is indeed thrilling, and it leaves you with many unforgettable memories.

Take a Helicopter tour

Seeking for an extra ordinary experience, a helicopter tour around the Ngorongoro conservation area is among those few activities that offer. Up in the air, you can nave clear aerial views of the cater, have a sight at the geological features, wildlife and landscapes.  Helicopter tours in Ngorongoro offer a unique perspective of the bird’s eye that is incomparable to any area.

Visiting the Naabi Hill Gate

Naabi Hill Gate is known as the entrance point for tourists travelling from Serengeti to Ngorongoro. The hill is among the must-see places while in the Ngorongoro crater. The hill offers breath taking views of Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The gate itself offers excellent spots for photography and landscape viewing.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Visting Ngorongoro is an all-year-round activity implying that the place can be accessed at any time of the year though there is a recommendable ideal time for vising the place and it is the dry season.

The dry season usually runs from (December to March, June to September). This is the best time for visiting the Ngorongoro crater since wildlife viewing is very easy animals tend to congregate near water sources looking for water.  Adding to that during the dry season the grasslands are a bit shorter thus easy spoting of animals.

However, tourists can decide to visit with in the wet season. The wet season runs from November to May. This is the suitable time for visiting especially for people who hate less crowds.

WHERE TO STAY WHILE IN NGORONGORO?

There are various accommodations with in the Ngorongoro conservation crater ranging from luxury, midrange and Budget. The crater also allows camping options. Some of the camping options to look out for include Lemala, Ndutu, Ngorongoro crater rim ad Empakaai crater rim.

Our popular safari packages

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Depending on the degree of lodging, the time of year, and the particular parks and activities included a 7-day safari in Rwanda and Tanzania might have somewhat different costs. Along with activities to do in every park, below is a sample schedule including expected expenses for middle-class, budget, and luxury alternatives.

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