When To Visit Ngorongoro Crater?
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area can be visited throughout the year because the animals remain in the gathering around the crater throughout the year. Most tourists tend to visit during the dry season, which runs from June to October, which is also the peak time for migration. During this period, spotting wildlife is generally easier due to the shorter grass, although the area can become quite crowded. Each season offers unique experiences: from January to February, thousands of wildebeest calves are born just outside the crater, making it an ideal time for photography and observing wildlife interactions.
Between March and May, is known as the wet season. During this time of year, the grass is lush and green, the roads and tracks are treacherous and muddy, and the grass is so dense that viewing the animals is hampered. The wet season in the Ngorongoro Conservation area is an excellent season for birdwatching. Bird enthusiasts can expect to see species such as white backed vultures, weavers, splay-footed ostriches, secretary birds, rosy-breasted longclaw, long-crested eagles, lesser flamingos, harriers, grotesque kori bustards, grey crowned cranes, caspian lapwing, blue mantled superb starlings and Augur buzzards.
What to do and see in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro conservation area is one of the best places to view wildlife in Africa. It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tanzania. below are some of the things to do and see in Ngorongoro Conservation area and they as detailed;
Game drives
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife species, offering an excellent opportunity to observe a diverse range of animals within the protected area. Game drives are typically conducted twice daily—morning and afternoon in a standard tour van, because here animals do not migrate thus making wildlife viewing wonderful throughout the year. During a game drive safari, visitors have an opportunity to spot different animals such as black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, antelopes, wildebeests, cheetahs, jackals, impalas, bushbucks, elands, hartebeests, waterbucks, kudu, hippos, hyenas among other. Depending on the season, flocks of pink flamingos can be seen around the shores of Lake Magadi. Hippos can be seen in the surrounding swamp.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris offer a close-up experience with the natural environment, conducted on foot under the guidance of a ranger. During this walking safari, you have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife species within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The walks often take place along the crater rim, were animals like black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, jackals, impalas, bushbucks, elands, hartebeests, waterbucks, kudu, hippos, hyenas among others. The western edge of the crater offers great views of the woodlands, open grasslands and acacia forests. You can also watch as the Maasai take their cattle for grazing or back to the kraals.
Bird watching
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to over 550 bird species, here both the Ngorongoro highland and crater offers the best opportunity for birders. The highland forest and crater area has an inquisitive bird species which are of interest These are visible on game drives and walking safaris. While on your birdwatching tour, you’ll have the chance to spot different colorful bird species such as white backed vultures, weavers, splay-footed ostriches, secretary birds, rosy-breasted longclaw, long-crested eagles, lesser flamingos, harriers, grotesque kori bustards, grey crowned cranes, caspian lapwing, blue mantled superb starlings and Augur buzzards among others.
Cultural visits
Cultural visits involve engaging with the Maasai people. While visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation area, an arrangement can be made for tourists to visit one of their homes or cultural centers to learn about their traditions and culture. Visiting the Maasai people involves attending traditional dance performances, taking photos, buying souvenirs and meeting the elders. Additionally, travelers often visit the Hadzabe tribe, a community known for their hunting and gathering lifestyle. Visiting their secluded habitats offers an opportunity to gain deeper insight into their unique cultural practices.
Hiking to the summit of the Gol Mountains
Hiking to the summit of the Gol Mountains offers a remarkable experience within Serengeti National Park, situated near the Ngorongoro crater. The region features gentle slopes that provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural interactions with the Maasai herdsmen. At the base of the Gol Mountains here is the famous Nasera Rock where tourists can spot a variety of birds and hundreds of baboons. Historically, the Leakey family conducted excavations there, uncovering remains of early humans from the Stone Age era. The Gol Mountains are sure to ignite your imagination if you are eager to explore remote African wilderness. After ascending the mountains, many choose to venture further to challenge themselves by climbing Oldoinyo Lengai, an active volcano, adding a rich layer of cultural and adventurous excitement to the journey.
Lake Magadi Visit
Lake Magadi being one of the fascinating features in the world that attracts quite number of travelers because of its wildlife and physical appearance. Lake Magadi is a shallow soda lake located southwest of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is often inhabited by thousands of flamingos, mostly lesser flamingos. the lake shore is also home to other animals that you might encounter during your visit such as the Lion, Rhino, Hippo, Eland, Grant’s Gazelle and is the good spot to see golden jackals
A visit Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is an archaeological site about 40 kilometers northwest of Ngorongoro Crater. The Olduvai Gorge is approximately 50 kilometers long and up to 90 meters deep. Dr. Louis Leakey and his wife, Mary Leakey made Olduvai famous through their excavations. The Leakey family uncovered the remains of the earliest hominids in Olduvai Gorge during the early 20th century. Their research led to significant discoveries, many of which date back over 2 million years. These fossils include extinct animals that once inhabited the region, as well as more recent humans from the Stone Age. Visitors can register for a guided walk through the gorge to explore these ancient sites. Be sure to also visit Laetoli to see the famous hominid footprints.