Why the Ngorongoro Crater should be on your African Travel Bucket List
Of all the fascinating and idyllic locations in Africa, few are as beguiling as the Ngorongoro Crater. Part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in Arusha, Tanzania, this World Heritage site is a protected area that remains one of the world’s most popular tourist locations.
A truly remarkable landmark, the Ngorongoro Crater is immensely colorful and packed full of wildlife, while its huge variety of flora has to be seen to be believed.
In the post below, we’ll outline some of the main reasons why you should visit this location and consider a range of affordable and luxury Ngorongoro crater safari holidays.
1. It’s Home to the ‘Big Five’ and an Abundance of Predators
One of the main reasons why you should visit the Ngorongoro Crater is its abundance of wildlife, including the so-called ‘big five’ species (namely lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo.
Other species can also be seen at the Crater, of course, although the concentration of big five animals that really catches the attention of travelers
There’s also a high number herbivores in the region, and this supports the densest population of predators found in the whole of Africa.
2. It’s Known as Africa’s ‘Garden of Eden’
It’s interesting to note that the Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as Africa’s ‘Garden of Eden’ and this offers a unique insight into its staggering beauty.
More specifically, it’s a nod to the locations stunning green grass and clear blue water, as well as the diversity of animals that exist in the centre of the crater.
Set beneath the constantly shifting clouds and landscape, it’s a magical site to behold and the ideal backdrop for any intimate trip.
3. It’s Breath-taking Views
When you stand on the crest of the crater, it’s said that you can see 610 metres (or around 1,900 feet) beneath its floor. This view is particularly staggering at sunset, where the combination of red and blue in the sky (along with the movement of animals) makes for a truly wonderful sight.
In fact, this experience is almost surreal, and something that is hard to replicate on any other safari trip.
4. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site
We’ve already touched on the fact that the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this is a genuinely telling reason for visiting the site.
As a protected area, it holds global importance for biodiversity conservation due to the presence of several threatened species and its sheer density of wildlife.
It also witnesses at least part of the annual migration of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras across the African landscape, as the head towards the northern plains.
5. It’s Wide Variety of Flora
This location is also home to the Lerai Forest, which is comprised of the most spectacular yellow fever trees. The north of the region also hosts a shallow soda lake called Magadi, which is defined by vast, open grasslands and the famous Ngoitokitok Springs. It’s here that pods of hippos can be found, and this makes for a truly unique viewing experience.
The Grigor Swamp is also an interesting landmark, and one that’s sure to engage both older and younger travellers alike.
