Ngorongoro is one of the most picturesque wildlife reserves in Africa. It is dominated by a 600m-/2,000ft-deep extinct volcano that is complete with fever-tree forest, steep crater walls, and lakes. Its scenic grassy plains attract an extraordinary density of prominent wildlife including the big tuckers, the elephants. Black-backed and golden jackals are also common, as well as wildebeest, zebra, hippo, buffalo, lions, and leopards.
Even the black rhino which is so hard to come by in most of Tanzania’s national parks is present here, especially in its thick vegetation. At night, they tend to retreat to Lerai forest only to return to the open grassland during day time.
Taking all this to account, Ngorongoro is the kind of paradise that everyone wants to have for themselves, at least for the duration they are in it. But well, they are not the only ones who wish to experience it. Good enough, over-touristed or not, this epic wildlife estate deserves to be on the itinerary of every nature lover visiting northern Tanzania. It never disappoints.
For better sightings of giraffes, our driver will take you for a game drive outside the crater. They prefer to keep away from it as it is difficult for them to easily stroll in and out of the crater due to its steep walls.
If you are not on a tight schedule, you can also visit the other extinct volcanoes in the Conservation Area such as Empakaai and Olmoti, both of which are distinctive for their impressive flocks of flamingos. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you can explore the area on foot. The other incredible activity is a visit to the traditional Maasai village.