Located in Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is unmatched in natural biodiversity of both wildlife and landscapes. This malaria-free area shelters roughly 30 000 animals in a comparatively small area of 260km2 (100m2) made up of lush forests, a grassy Crater floor, Lake Magadi and surrounding marshes. The Crater is also home to the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – and the high density of wildlife creates a good chance of spotting the Big 5 during a single game drive.
AUTHENTIC BIG 5 SAFARI
Game highlights include bushbuck, waterbuck, eland, endangered black rhino, lion, nomadic cheetah, spotted hyena, leopard, serval, Thomson’s gazelle, golden and black-blacked jackal, buffalo, and elephant. Although a large number of wildebeest and zebra visit the area during the annual great migration, there are permanent populations of both species in the crater. A large number of insects attract a great variety of birdlife and the saline waters of Lake Magadi attract both the greater and lesser flamingo, with several thousand gathering when the lake is low.
Because of the time it takes to descend into the crater there is one game drive per day, either in the morning or the afternoon. Guests will enjoy safaris in closed safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, guided by a trained, professional, passionate and knowledgeable ranger. Many of the guides are from local communities offering guests the opportunity to learn the intricacies of the bush woven with the rich history and cultural tapestry of the Maasai people.
The safari journey descends through the lush forests of the rim and upper slopes of the crater where buffalo and elephant can be spotted. At the grassy Crater floor, and the marshes surrounding Lake Magadi guests will enjoy a scenic picnic lunch amoungst vast herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and other antelope.
The Ngorongoro Crater is unmatched in natural biodiversity of both wildlife and landscapes. This malaria-free area shelters roughly 30 000 animals in a comparatively small area of 260km2 (100m2) made up of lush forests, a grassy Crater floor, Lake Magadi and surrounding marshes. The Crater is also home to the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – and the high density of wildlife creates a good chance of spotting the Big 5 during a single game drive.
AUTHENTIC BIG 5 SAFARI
Game highlights include bushbuck, waterbuck, eland, endangered black rhino, lion, nomadic cheetah, spotted hyena, leopard, serval, Thomson’s gazelle, golden and black-blacked jackal, buffalo, and elephant. Although a large number of wildebeest and zebra visit the area during the annual great migration, there are permanent populations of both species in the crater. A large number of insects attract a great variety of birdlife and the saline waters of Lake Magadi attract both the greater and lesser flamingo, with several thousand gathering when the lake is low.
Because of the time it takes to descend into the crater there is one game drive per day, either in the morning or the afternoon. Guests will enjoy safaris in closed safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, guided by a trained, professional, passionate and knowledgeable ranger. Many of the guides are from local communities offering guests the opportunity to learn the intricacies of the bush woven with the rich history and cultural tapestry of the Maasai people.
The safari journey descends through the lush forests of the rim and upper slopes of the crater where buffalo and elephant can be spotted. At the grassy Crater floor, and the marshes surrounding Lake Magadi guests will enjoy a scenic picnic lunch amoungst vast herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and other antelope.
At andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge recent projects include the ongoing recreation of indigenous forest and highland vegetation around the lodge, with roughly 30 000 indigenous trees grown from seed thus far; logistical and other support to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and private researchers; working with the African Foundation on a Wellness programme geared toward developing a healthy community; aiding local schools and hosting educational programmes on the value of ecotourism.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is inhabited by over 40 000 predominantly Maasai pastoralists, making it a prime example of the harmony that can exist between man and wildlife, and with continuous growth in education and environmental awareness, the future looks bright.
Activities
- Game drives into the crater (regrettably no children 5 years and younger)
- Bird watching
- Walking safaris
- Fine-dining at exquisite in-door and out-door venues
- Private, tailor-made guided safaris
- Private picnics and banquets on the crater floor
- Sundowners at the crater rim
- Private visits to Oldevai Gorge and Shifting Sands
- Witness the traditional dress & dancing of local Maasai warriors
Rates
From US$ 1000
Per person per night sharing
Rates include
- Luxury suites with en-suite bathrooms
- Private viewing deck
- Three meals daily
- Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
- Tea and coffee
- Game drive refreshments
- Laundry
- Scheduled safari activities
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
Images courtesy of andBeyond
