There are an estimated 25 000 mammals which are resident in the Crater. The nutritious grasses and permanent water in the crater provide nutritious grazing for the large herds of resident Wildebeest, Buffalo, Zebra, Hippo and Thompson gazelle found here. Troops of Baboons and Monkeys are also common. Highly endangered Black Rhinos are often sighted in the open grasslands.
Large numbers of predators are highly visible in the crater. Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas and Jackals can usually be spotted, but other predators are more elusive. Lion are very nonchalant about vehicles and will often seek shade under the safari vehicles. Leopards are often seen in the vicinity of the Lerai Forest and around the rim of the crater. Elephants with some of the largest tusks in the world are found in the crater but there are no breeding herds of Elephants.
The saline waters of Lake Magadi (also known as Lake Makat), attract both the lesser and the greater flamingo. Other bird species include the ostrich and the Kori bustard. The lake can be full of water or an expanse of white soda depending on the season. The large seasonal swamps are excellent for seeing Hippo and many species of water birds.
It is possible to circumnavigate the crater a few times in a single game drive. The early morning game drives are excellent for seeing wildlife as the animals tend to be more active at this time of the day. The views into the crater during the descent drive are spectacular. Game drives are accompanied by very knowledgeable guides and the vehicles are closed-sided safari vehicles with pop-top roofs - designed especially for game viewing. Ngorongoro Crater is a year round destination. Most of the wildlife is resident and the animals do not follow any significant migration pattern.
Although games drives are the main activity, there are also other activities on offer. Guests can experience beautiful walks in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This usually involves a short drive, where you will meet up with a park ranger. Together with your guide you will enjoy a 2-3 hour walk. There is a walk around the crater rim which takes three nights, sleeping in temporary fly camps.
Empakaai Crater is a 90 minute drive from the Ngorongoro Crater. A soda lake covers half of the caldera and you should see thousands of flamingos in the shallows of the lake. A 45 minute walk down the forested slopes into the crater floor is not to be missed. Another alternative is to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, 'the Mountain of God', with Maasai guides.
Away from the Ngorongoro Crater, the Maasai people pursue a traditional lifestyle. The Maasai are allowed to take their animals into the Crater for water and grazing, but not to live or cultivate there. Guests are welcomed into the Maasai cultural bomas and this experience provides a great insight to their lives and customs.
See Ngorongoro Crater safari options