Ngorongoro Crater

First and only time I saw a rhino in Tanzania

I took an 8 day safari trip through four different parks in Northern Tanzania. Ngorongoro Crater was a highlight. We saw a black rhino. We saw lots of other animals, too, but we didn’t see a rhino anywhere else we went, so it was a really special moment!

incredible. one of the best experiences of my life.

We saw baby lions.. Very VERY cute.
My brother’s girlfriend’s father (uhu) went a couple of months later and saw the same cubs but as teenagers ! :)

There are so many wonderful reasons to want to go to Ngorongoro Crater, which is at the eastern edge of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. It was once a volcano and is over 3 million years old. At it’s time, it was one of the world’s tallest mountains. It is the largest unbroken ancient caldera in the world and is now considered to be Africa’s Garden of Eden” – as it is home to all sorts of animals, such as lions, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, rhinos, Thomson’s gazelles and buffaloes to name a few. Some people consider it the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World!

The archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge is also located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Olduvai Gorge is also known as the Cradle of the Earth. I first learned about it in my first year anthropology course in university and have been fascinated with the area ever since. Some of the earliest remains of fossil hominids were discovered here in the early 1920’s by Dr. Louis Leakey.

In addition to the spectacular scenery, I’d like the opportunity to learn more about the Maasai and their culture. I can’t wait to go!

FABULOUS !
My favourite place on earth?
Stayed overnight (2 nights) at Simba Campsite – on the caldera rim and from there did 4 game drives. Everything you could want in a safari. Try to get land rovers rather than a vans as u have more space and most have the flip top lid for perfect viewing. Ask the driver/guide NOT to follow the crowd via his radio and just to drive about and see what u find.
It is COLD in the morning…sun rise on crater floor much later than on rim. If u are up at Simba it is Very Cold at night as it is at 6000ft.
Words do not do this place any justice…nor the telly really – u have to be inside the crater.

Cool place. Saw lots of rhinos and other animals.

In March or April. :) Huzzah for studying abroad!

Such beauty and grace.

This was the most African seeming place on our 3-day safari. Tarangire was also incredible, but Ngorogoro, with its entry from the “crater” rim was astounding. The animals are wondeful as well. You can’t not have a good time unless something terrible happens, like you get killed by a hippo.