NASpg14556

The animals inhabiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Crater make it one of Africa’s major attractions. The crater, known as “the eighth wonder of the world,” houses over 300,000 animals that roam about the bottom of the crater. The number of animals changes with the seasons, but the wildebeest are ever present, as well as zebra, gazelle, buffalo, hippo, rhino (the infamous Black Rhino), elephant, waterbuck, baboons, and monkeys. Ngorongoro is one of the few spots where you are almost assured of spotting a rhino.

In addition to the animals listed above, the crater is ideal for predators. With over one hundred lions and four hundred hyenas, the crater has the largest number per kilometer in East Africa. Among the male lions, you can see a number of black maned ones. There is also a good chance of spotting jackals and serval cats which hunt in the swamps and close to the waterholes. In Ngorongoro Consarvation Area you have the best chance of spotting the “Big Five,” namely lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. It takes a great guide and driver to maneuver the steep road descending and ascending the crater. It is best to start your game drive at sunrise so you are able to spend the entire day in the crater.

Ngorongoro National Park (part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) is 8288 square kilometers with the crater measuring 600 meters deep and until 1959 it was part of Serengeti National Park. The best time to visit Ngorongoro National Park is from June to February, although it may rain in November and there are lodges and campsites to stay in overnight, but bookings need to be six to seven months in advance.

Known as Africa's 'Cradle of Life'