The Incredible History of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania Destinations To Visit: Ngorongoro Crater
You are ready for the adventure of a lifetime, but where should you go?
When you are choosing between Tanzania destinations, look no further than the Ngorongoro Crater. It is the largest unfilled and inactive volcanic crater in the world. However, it isn’t empty of everything.
The Ngorongoro Crater is bustling with all manner of wildlife and excited visitors.
From the beautiful flocks of birds to the exotic flowers and plants, you will find the crater to be one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen.
In fact, there is an argument to be made that the Ngorongoro Crater is the best place in all of Tanzania to see tourist’s favorite animals like the African Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and of course, the Rhinoceros.
In addition, the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has an incredible history.
Keep reading to find out more about this fascinating area and the people and animals that inhabit it.
A Guide To Tanzania Destinations And History
Humanity’s Origins
The deep ties humanity has to this crater began nearly 3.7 million years ago before humans had even fully developed. Within the crater, you will find footprints that date back to the oldest humanoids that walked upright that have ever been found on Earth.
The age of these footprints combined with other finds in the area suggests that the Ngorongoro Conservation area in Northern Tanzania is the birthplace of all humankind. It is a powerful thing to imagine.
When you first descend into the crater you will find yourself filled with a sense of your primordial origins. You will begin to feel reconnected with the environment around you and will find yourself feeling lighter having left your troubles behind.
If you’re lucky enough to be an early riser, an early morning trip to the park allows you to watch in awe as fine mist rolls over the plains in front of you bringing the sleeping animals into action.
Founding the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, or NCA, was founded in 1976 in recognition of its deep ties to humanity and cultural heritage. It is a prized area of land that is significant for sustaining both human and animal life since the beginning of the human record.
Today the area is home to over 30,000 animals within a 100 square mile area. Although there are ways for the animals to get in and out of the crater, the towering walls keep life concentrated within the crater.
In fact, if you are trying to see the Big 5 animals, many people’s goal on safari, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the best Tanzania destinations for you. The Big 5 are the African Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and of course, the Rhinoceros.
These animals used to be the most hunted predators but today due to conservation efforts, most people looking for these animals today are just hoping to shoot a picture.
For those visitors most interested in the African Lion, the Ngorongoro Crater is the perfect place. Since there is such a large availability of food in the crater, it also is home to one of the densest lion populations in the world.
Paying for Entry
Africa is a continent known for its natural beauty and keeping it protected is expensive.
That is why the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a relatively high entry fee at $78 per day. The fee is collected from every person that enters the park in the morning so there may be a bit of a line when you get there.
On top of the individual entry, you would also need to purchase a vehicle permit which costs $297. This permit is for people who choose to provide their own vehicle for their safari.
Between the individual entry fees and the vehicle permit, your day trip can get expensive fast. But despite the high fees, the crater isn’t something to be missed.
Just consider your entry a donation that allows everyone coming after you to experience the same natural beauty that you found. You are also helping to support the local tribes in the area and the park rangers that make sure the animals stay protected.
To make things easy, all park fees for entry in Tanzania are able to be paid by credit card or debit card. They no longer accept any cash payments. Paying in advance is a good option to make things easier since there may be a line.
If you choose to go on a safari tour, the company will typically handle the fees and permits for your entry to the park.
You can just sit back and take photos as they work things out with the keeper of the gates instead of having to worry about the paperwork.
Top Tanzania Destinations
As the largest intact caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater is a spectacular scene.
Lodges are situated along its rim taking advantage of the spectacular views below. You will feel like you are standing on the edge of the Earth and looking into paradise. It is one of the top Tanzania Destinations.
Every morning you will see the local Masai Tribesmen starting their day, grazing their cattle on the grasses of the crater.
Game drives like these are an important part of sustaining life around the crater and can make for an exciting activity on your trip if you are an early riser.
Find Your Safari
If you want to experience the origins of the human species and feel connected with the Earth around you, there is no better thing to do than take a safari trip to Tanzania destinations.
With trips ranging from five to eight days, African Sermon Safaris provides some of the best safari tours in Tanzania.
Their guides are experienced and make sure you don’t miss a thing as you experience all that the park has to offer.
Taking a safari in Africa is a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure you get the best tour around. Contact us to book today.