Ngorongoro Crater is located 30 miles south of the Kenya border in East Africa. The crater is in northern Tanzania and is a popular African tourist destination. So popular that the crater was part of an Oscar-winning film called “Out of Africa.” According to scientists, Ngorongoro crater was formed over two and a half million years ago when a volcano as large as Mount Kilimanjaro erupted then collapsed on itself. After collapsing on itself, the eruption created a large caldera. Today the caldera is an African conservation area that has over 40,000 people living there with more than 30,000 animals occupying there along with endangered species. The crater has been called the “garden of Eden” due to the crater’s beautiful landscape, majestic vistas, and an animal paradise. This breathtaking caldera is a natural wonder of Africa. The caldera measures as 600 meters deep and 20 kilometers across. The area is unflooded, unlike other broken volcanos throughout the world.

Ngorongoro Crater is a natural creation of beauty. This popular vacation destination was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. UNESCO sites are places that have “outstanding universal value” under UNESCO conventions for areas that have world cultural and natural heritage. The area is well appreciated internationally that local and international leaders monitor the crater to ensure that the tourism level is not too high. By keeping the tourism at a reasonable level, the area can be preserved for future generations that want to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

What Makes Ngorongoro Crater Unique?

Ngorongoro Crater is a unique place to travel and enjoy. The quiet outdoor landscape is not the only appreciation that you will have visiting here. The experiences that you will have here will be unlike any other experience that you will have. The crater is not a piece of art but has unique wildlife that roams freely amongst the majestic vistas. The wildlife is very exotic and includes animals that are on the endangered species list. Going on a safari in the area can take you up close to animals as they freely roam the area giving you vision unlike any other in the globe. What makes walking, driving, and traveling to this area so unique is you will be a part of wildlife and terrain that does not have urban involvement. This place is a true getaway from the hustle of everyday life and gives you an authentic glimpse of what life was like hundreds of years ago for most people.

When is the Best Time to Travel?

Deciding when is the best time to go? The best time to travel to Ngorongoro Crater is anytime during the year. The area, however, has different seasons that you should be aware of. The different seasons make the space unique and, depending on what your travel goals are, could affect what time you choose to travel here. Generally, you can choose the dry season for an optimal safari experience. Or you can select the off-dry season where there are more heavy vegetation and greener pastures.

For those who love safaris, you should choose to travel here during the dry season. The dry season is from July to October when the weather is sunny and dry. Expect less dense vegetation in the area during this time. The less-dense plant helps you see more wildlife as animals have fewer places to hide and will be seen hanging out near smaller water holes. During the dry season, you will have a better view of the overall ecosystem of the entire caldera as you will see beautiful scenery with animals roaming freely.

During the off-dry season, there might be a few short showers of rain from November through January and even in March. Long rains usually come to Tanzania in April and May. Some tourists love the off-dry season because there are fewer tourists around, more luxurious greener vegetation, and a little colder. Ngorongoro crater safaris run year-round so you will not be left out of the ability to see the beautiful wildlife and landscape.

Ngorongoro is a year-round destination that celebrates wildlife, adventure, with accommodations for any budget and style. There are luxurious lodges with exceptional views and more modest places to stay. Depending on your preference of dry or the possibility of rain the Ngorongoro crater is a top travel destination for those adventure seekers.