The Ngorongoro Crater is the sixth-largest unbroken caldera in the world, formed when a volcano erupted and then collapsed about three million years ago. The crater has an area of 260km2 and a depth of 610 meters; its base is covered by savannah plains, lakes, marshes, and acacia woodlands. The basin is filled with large populations of animals. Two sister craters are found here: Olmoti known for striking waterfalls and Empakai is known for its lake and lush green escarpments. Mt Lengai, Tanzania’s third highest peak after Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, is an active volcano that last erupted as recently as 2007.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in which the Ngorongoro Crater is located, measures 8,300km2 and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area contains over 25,000 animals including a high number of lions. The populations of rhino, elephant, wildebeest, zebra, and numerous species of gazelle are likewise large. Over 500 species of bird have been recorded here.

The Olduvai Gorge stretches nearly 50km along the side of the Ngorongoro Crater. An important archaeological site, the gorge is the site where Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the remains of several species of the world’s early hominids. Fossil data suggests that these species occupied this area up to three million years ago.

The green season in Tanzania and there is a chance of rain. January to February is one of the warmest months and the Landscapes are still beautifully green, there are lots of new-born animals running around – and a lot of predator action too. Early March tends to be dry while the long rainy season begins at the end of March – but wildlife viewing safari is excellent.

Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Tourists can then go for a chartered flight from Arusha to Lake Manyara Airstrip in Ngorongoro. The area can also be accessed by road from Arusha which takes about 3 hours.

• Game drives
• Nature Walk
• Photographic
• Hot air balloon
• Olduvai Gorge
• Picnics
• Visit the bush men