Ngorongoro Crater encompasses the still active volcano of Oldoinyo Lenkai and the famous Oldupai Gorge. Its centerpiece, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact, unfolded caldera in the world and is considered the “Eighth wonder of the world.” A 2000 foot descent brings you to the 12 mile-wide floor of the crater, home to the largest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa . It sustains over 350 species of birds and up to 2500 large mammals including lions and elephants. It is one of the best areas in the continent for viewing the endangered black rhino.
Ngorongoro Conservation is also unique because it is the only place where animals and human beings live together without endangering each other. About 200 years ago the Maasai arrived and forced out the Datoga, Nilo- Hamitic speaking pastoralists who came as earlier as 300 years ago. The Maasai have since occupied the area living with environment and wildlife harmoniously.
The Maasai people dwell in the eastern, northern, and western parts of Ngorongoro Conservation Area while the Barbaig reside in the southern part by Lake Eyasi just outside Ngorongoro Conservation Area. While visiting NCA, African Buffalo Safaris encourages a cross-cultural tour to the two designated Maasai bomas one on the road to Serengeti and at Irkeepusi near Sopa Lodge.
OTHER SITES TO EXPLORE WITHIN NCA
OLMOTI AND EMBAKAAI CRATERS: The rim of Olmoti Crater is at 3700 meters but the crater itself is rather shallow. Olmoti Crater is home to bushbuck, eland and occasionally buffalo, Maasai and their livestock. Water flows across the crater to the south part into a relatively small but splendid waterfall known as Munge. Both craters are reachable on foot, but visitors must be accompanied by armed guides.
SHIFTING SAND: This extraordinary black dune which is composed of volcanic ash from Oldoinyo Lenkai is blown slowly westwards across the plains at the rate of approximately 100 meters in six years.
LAKE NATRON: Lake Natron is located out side NCA to the north-east, and is the biggest breeding ground in East Africa for flamingos. The lake is typically alkaline and it is a main source of food for flamingos.
