Enchanting spots: Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro crater from Serena Lodge
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania borders the Serengeti National Park and consists of the crater highlands, plains and woodlands. The main attraction is undoubtedly the main Ngorongoro crater. Measuring 20 kilometers wide and 30 kilometers long, it is one of the largest caldera in the world and boasts a stunning diversity of wildlife.
Large herds of wildebeest, buffalos, zebras, impalas and elephants, closely followed by lions, cheetahs and hyenas make their way into the crater each year where there is sufficient food and water.
Zebras
There are various lakes and streams in the crater which are home to hippos and flamingos. Black rhinos can also be found roaming the crater floor. I was very lucky to witness a pair of cheetahs hunt down a gazelle – the poor gazelle was no match for the sheer speed and power of the cheetahs – a spectacular experience.
The views from the crater’s rim, where most of the hotels and lodges are situated, into the crater 600 meters below are truly breathtaking. The Serena and Sopa Lodges offer the most stunning views.
Lion cub
During the annual migration, herds of wildebeest can often be seen climbing the steep edges of the crater in a single file, a truly astonishing sight.
Ngorongoro sunset
For many visitors, the Ngorongoro crater is one of the highlights of a safari in Tanzania. I agree, it should not be missed.
Read about other ‘Enchanting spots‘:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
- Palenque, Mexico
- Sydney Opera House, Australia
- Mount Nemrud, Turkey
- Petra, Jordan
- Blue Lagoon, Iceland
- Ngorongoro, Tanzania
- Whitehaven beach, Australia
Great post! I have been all over the continent but I have never made it to Ngorongoro. It’s at the top of the bucket. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Johan,
Thanks for the update. I agree with you, tourism is not always a good thing. That’s a shame about the Sopa Lodge.
Keith
The only thing I have against the Sopa Lodge is that the lodge started to use the water that was used by the Maasai to drench their cattle. Tourism is not always a good thing…..
Thank you for your comment Yoan! Glad I was missed!
did u just back from africa???not like ussual no update news from 15-18 of may??as “velveter”, miss ur written very much, glad today can read some new article,he.he.he…
best regard
–yoan the dreamer–
At the Ngorongoro, I stayed at the Sopa Lodge which overlooks the crater. Awesome views. You’re escorted back to your room every evening after dinner as elephants, lions & other wildlife roam the area at night. It was an amazing experience!
OMG, that sunset shot is classic!! How can I get myself to Africa? I am so obsessed with this continent. I hope I get there before I die! Where did you stay over there?