Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Crater

Back in the days the Ngorongoro crater was considered part of Serengeti but it’s now a Ngorongoro conservation Area. It was formed as a result of explosion of mountain Kirimanjaro forming a crater lake. It attracts a great deal of animals and a home to thousands of large mammals as they graze at the shores and also quench their thirsty. Wild beasts at the crater do not migrate to different destination hence making Ngorongoro Crater a best spot for game viewing throughout the year. The vegetation at the gorge encourages more breeding of wild beasts since they act as habitats and grazing areas. Tourists on game viewing encounter herdsmen while grazing their livestock.

Bird species

Serengeti national park not caters for the animal lovers but also creates an opportunity for the birders. There are over 500 bird species that have made a home far away from home in this amazing park. The existence of flora has contributed to the increase of bird species .  Tourists in the park are welcomed by singing birds. Bird species in the park includes ostriches, flamingos, and eagles among others.

What to include on a bucket list of Ngorongoro conservation Area safari.

Ngorongoro conservation area was formed after the Ngorongoro crater was no longer considered part of the Serengeti national park. It is located in the northern part of Tanzania and considered one among the Seven Wonders of the World. Ngorongoro conservation area is among the most highly visited Tanzania’s tourist destination because of its unique bio diversity. Ngorongoro crater makes up the conservation area and the crater was formed when a vast volcano exploded making a loud funny sound hence the name Ngorongoro.  A safari to Ngorongoro provides a memorable holiday and if well planned is more adventurous including a list of things to do and see while at the selected tourist destination.

What to do?

A lot is waiting to be unearthed by travellers and this will provide an ultimate feeling when you get in close contact with nature in its natural setting. Ngorongoro conservation area is blessed with numerous unique attractions and this prompted travellers to rename it the Garden of Eden.  Below is what should be included on your bucket list while on a Safari to Ngorongoro conservation area.

Bird watching

There are over 550 recorded bird species that can be spotted while on a search for these flying small beasts. Birds found around the Ngorongoro crater are categorized accordingly and these include endemic birds found with in Tanzania, migratory birds which fly from a long way in different countries due to unfavorable conditions and grass land birds. Different birds spotted include; Verreaux’s eagle, lesser flamingo, Egyptian vulture, black kite, ostrich, Namaqua dove, living turaco, black winged lapwing, Hildebrandt’s spur fowl, Jacksons widowbird, hartlaubs turaco grey crowned crane ,white eyed slaty flycatcher, African spoonbill, red and yellow barbet, rufous tailed weaver, Kori bustard rosy throated long claw, Kenya rufous sparrow, secretary bird among others.

Bird watching is best done during morning hours when birds are rising up to look for food and in the evening when they are heading to their nests to retire for the night. These bird species are usually spotted in different areas such as Lake Magadi, the grasslands plains and forests.

Game viewing

Game viewing is the practice of searching for the wild beasts in their natural setting in a 4×4 WD car. Travellers with the help of a tour guide go for an amazing search while following trails in the park. This activity is basically done during morning hours because it’s the best time when the wild creatures in the jungle are most active however it can also be conducted during evening hours. As you explore the area’s rich eco system, you  get exposed to wild life species on the crater floor such as the big five mammals like rhinos, elephants, buffaloes lions and leopards plus other beasts like zebras, waterbucks, wildebeest, warthogs, reedbucks, and different bird species among others. The presence of the fresh greenery comprising of the lush grass land provides a home and breeding of these creatures occurs.

Cultural tours

Cultural tours involve visiting the fascinating communities and this time you will visit the Masai nomads living around and near the conservation area. Interacting with the Masai nomads is so fascinating as you get to learn their ways of living, dressing code, take their local cuisines and enjoy traditional performances of music dance and drama. You will also listen to their old time stories about their existence and origin. This opportunity presented before you will only be granted when you plan a trip with only the authentic Kilimanjaro trekking expeditions.

Nature walks

For long and short nature walks, Ngorongoro conservation area has got you covered. This activity involves exploring the area on foot with the help of the guides and armed game ranger to dart away the wildlife in case they try to strike. An ultimate feeling is created within when you get close to nature. During the walk expect to see the Empakai or Olmoti craters, Lake Eyasi and also chance to get nearer bird species like the lesser flamingo, golden winged sunbird among others. This place offers the best platform to view rare tree species, insects and colorful butterflies.  The walk will enable you see the Masai nomads grazing their livestock in the grass plains.

Photography safari

Ngorongoro conservation area offers a best platform for travellers on a photographic safari. The area is over blessed with magnificent scenery, variety of birds, greenery and abundant wildlife species. Chances of getting nice shots of nature photos are high and photographers are advised to carry with them photography gadgets for a better safari. Expect the best out of nature as you will take clear shots of roaming animals in the wilderness for example the big five mammals with other wild life beests, primate species, greenery, rare tree species, unique culture styles, bird species, insects, different types of butterflies and amazing landscapes. This rewarding and overwhelming opportunity is best presented to our travellers in Ngorongoro conservation Area. Remember to carry functioning cameras, lenses and extra batteries for a successful photography safari.