Ngorongoro Crater

Three million years ago in Northern Tanzania a cataclysmic explosion blew apart a 20,000 foot volcano, with an earth shattering roar. Much of the ash was scattered to the west on the Serengeti plains, leaving a gargantuan crater ten miles wide and 2000 feet deep. This is the Ngorongoro Crater, which is now one of the great natural wonders of the world and home to thriving herds of elephant buffalo antelope and big cats.

Today, you can stay on the rim of the Ngorongoro at Crater Lodge with spectacular views from your suite right across the crater before venturing carefully down the steep slopes onto the crater floor for an unforgettable safari. Africa’s densest population of lions stalk watchful herds of wildebeest and Thompson’s gazelles through the pale savannah, while groups of elephant move silently between rich forests of fig and acacia trees. At the lowest point of Ngorongoro is the shimmering Lake Magadi, often covered in flocks of twittering flamingos. For a photographer, Ngorongoro Crater is pure joy, where any of the “big five” can be photographed in these unique surroundings against the backdrop of the high crater walls.

A two or three day stay at Ngorongoro fits perfectly as the centrepiece of a luxury safari in Northern Tanzania. To the east is Lake Manyara, sitting in the Great Rift Valley, while at the foot of the western slope of Ngorongoro the vast Serengeti plains stretch beyond the horizon. The crater rim is at 8000 feet and is reached through a beautiful drive past plantations and small villages, and as an alternative to the crater rim lodges you may prefer to stay at Gibbs Farm or Plantation Lodge, both coffee plantations with fabulous views.