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Elephant, Ngorongoro Crater
Elephant, Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

An extinct volcanic caldera, it forms a component of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and is located 180 kilometers west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands

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Area: Ngorongoro Crater

A Geological Marvel in the Great Rift Valley

Ngorongoro Crater offers a high concentration of diverse species, including resident populations of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and elephants. The unique conditions of the crater—such as its robust water system and diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to swamps—facilitate this year-round residence. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards also find a steady supply of prey here, forming a stable yet complex food web that enriches the safari experience.

Continuing in the geological context, Ngorongoro is part of a chain of volcanoes in the East African Rift system, which includes significant peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. These volcanic formations serve as waypoints in understanding the rift’s role in shaping both the geography and biodiversity of Tanzania and the African continent at large.

Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater

The soil in Ngorongoro Crater owes its nutritional richness to the area’s volcanic origins. This fertility sustains the diverse flora that forms the base of intricate food chains, which, in turn, support the various species residing in the crater. The fertile soil plays an indirect yet pivotal role in sustaining the ecology of this Tanzanian landmark.

For those planning a safari to Ngorongoro Crater, the choice of accommodation can dramatically impact the quality of the experience. Due to increasing tourist activity, especially later in the morning, proximity to a descent road becomes crucial. Being close to these descent routes allows for early access to the crater, providing a more private and enriching experience amidst an otherwise bustling environment.

Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation in Ngorongoro Crater

At Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the lodging landscape offers a spectrum of options, from tented camps to premium safari lodges. At Fitzroy, we emphasize the strategic advantage of choosing accommodations with convenient access to descent roads into the crater. Doing so allows our clients to capitalize on early morning wildlife viewing opportunities, and critically gets ahead of the crowds that typically populate the area as the day progresses. This approach ensures a more private and focused exploration of the crater’s rich biodiversity, further enhancing the quality of your safari.

Accommodation

The Highlands Camp

Accommodation

Sanctuary Crater Camp

Accommodation

Lemala Ngorongoro

Accommodation

Entamanu Private

Accommodation

Gibb’s Farm

Accommodation

Entamanu Camp

Best Time To Visit: Ngorongoro Crater

Opting for an April to May safari in the Ngorongoro Crater offers several advantages. While the pathways around the caldera become muddy, the lush environment and reduced tourist numbers provide for a more serene experience. Conversely, the periods from July to September and December to February attract larger crowds. With the Crater’s wildlife consistently present, the timing of your visit is less a matter of animal sightings and more one of desired exclusivity.

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  • Best

  • Good

  • Mixed

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Activities

Game drives provide the main form of exploration, offering an intimate view of the wildlife and landscapes. For the more adventurous, hiking from the Crater rim down to the Serengeti is an option. This endeavor requires the expertise of a specialized guiding team, adding another dimension to the safari experience.

Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
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Conservation Projects

KopeLion is one of the prominent conservation efforts in the area, focusing on coexistence strategies between pastoralist communities and lions. The initiative aims to minimize human-wildlife conflict by enhancing livestock protection and lion conservation. Furthermore, Ngorongoro’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site contributes to its ecological safeguarding.

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Ngorongoro Crater

Connectivity and logistics

Reaching Ngorongoro Crater typically involves a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, followed by a drive. Due to its prominence on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, the Crater is well-connected by road, with journeys usually organized in 4×4 vehicles to navigate the varied terrains.

Other areas in Tanzania

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Zanzibar & Pemba

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Serengeti National Park

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Ruaha National Park

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Ngorongoro Crater

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Lake Manyara

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Katavi National Park

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Tarangire National Park

Area

Mahale Mountains

Our Approach

Remote, Exclusive, Seamless

At Fitzroy, we believe direct dialogue is essential in tailoring your travel experience. We favour engaging conversations over digital exchanges, ensuring your travel vision is clearly understood and promptly supported.

Our team is committed to a human-led process from start to finish, that goes beyond the online realm. Whether over the phone or in person, we work closely with you to develop a journey plan that is both thoughtfully considered and expertly executed. Please reach out to schedule a meeting or call and begin shaping your journey with us.

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