Ngurdoto Crater in Tanzania: Located within Arusha National Park in Tanzania and being the easiest crater to access, Ngurdoto Crater has been nicknamed ‘The Little Ngorongoro. Though the much larger and loaded with wildlife Ngorongoro Crater lies further south, Ngurdoto Crater’s charm and appeal appeal differently for those visitors seeking a different experience. This large caldera which is situated in different ecosystems and supports wildlife is the perfect tourist destination that is yet to be discovered.
A Geological Marvel
Ngurdoto Crater is one of the large collapsed volcanic craters in the region, which is associated with a huge volcanic structure. It is estimated to be around 1. That is about 5 million years old and is approximately 3 meters long. Diameter of about 5 kilometers and its depth is 100 meters. The wall of the crater is richly covered by vegetation, but the bottom is covered with the forest, the meadow, and the swamp thus providing the living places for different animal species.
Compared to Ngorongoro Crater which is huge, Ngurdoto Crater is small, it is within an accessible area and therefore easy to explore. Hiking around the caldera is much more intimate due to the small area that it covers and visitors are able to see how the various ecosystems interact and the animals that live in them.
Exploring Ngurdoto Crater
Hiking Opportunity during Ngurdoto Crater; Exploring Tanzania’s Natural World Arusha Crater is situated within Arusha National Park which is home to forests, lakes, and mountains. Here’s what to expect when exploring this enchanting destination: Here’s what to expect when exploring this enchanting destination:
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife was sighted in the Ngurdoto Crater and thus the place is perfect for individuals interested in animals. The crater’s diverse habitats support a range of species, including The crater’s diverse habitats support a range of species, including:
– Black and White Colobus Monkeys: These unique animals are characterized by black color and white tails and they live commonly in the wooded surroundings of the crater. These animals are particularly seen in large groups and they move silently from tree to tree, by bounding on the branches.
– Buffaloes: In as much as the grassland areas of the crater host a variety of wildlife, the African Buffaloes are most dominant. These are giant and menacing mammals that are famous for their large magnificent horns and the tendency to live in herds.
– Warthogs: It is easy to see Warthogs in the region with their tusks feeding on crops in the crater grasslands as they waddle.
– Antelopes: Different types of antelopes such as impalas and waterbuck are found in the crater. They complement the wealth of wildlife in Ngurdoto in as much as they bring about the park’s conservation.
– Birdlife: The crater is however known to be a bird lover’s paradise as over one hundred bird species have been sighted within the surrounding area. For the colorful birds, one should look out for the African paradise flycatcher, the black-headed heron, and the weavers.
Scenic Landscapes
The features of Ngurdoto Crater are diverse and beautiful and the surrounding flat lands feature a mix of:
– Grasslands: The savannah regions are more extensive and with lots of sightseeing space which enables the view of wild animals like buffaloes and antelopes.
– Forest: The areas of the crater which consist of forests are rather thick and green making a perfect contrast with the rather free “some” area. The black and white colobus monkeys and different birding species are found preferably in this habitat type.
– Swamp: There is also a wetland area that the crater has at its floor giving the place an even more diverse geography. Bird watching is another activity that can be experienced especially because the swamp will attract many animals.
The rim is even more exciting with equal views of the crater floor as well as the scenery of the nearby area. The growth of bushes and shrubs and some gaps in the forest offer the best views to appreciate the beautiful scenery and look for the animals.
Activities in Ngurdoto Crater
Here tourist attractions in Ngurdoto Crater can participate in various activities that promote the natural features of the area as well as the wildlife resources. Here are some popular options: Here are some popular options:
Guided Nature Walks
Ngurdoto Crater can also be discovered on the guided nature walk and this is one of the recommended activities to do there. These walks offer the visitors a closer look at all the ecosystems in the crater and enable the tourists to be explained on the species by expert tour guides. These interesting walks can lead the visitors through the forest or around the rim of the crater thus providing different vantage views of the geographical features.
Game Drives
Even though the crater is small, it is endowed with an extraordinary kind of terrain best experienced on a game drive that will enable you to cover all the ground. They usually go along the grasslands, the forests, and the swamp age and enable the visitors to have a round look at the entire spread of biomes in the crater. The game drives are mostly done in open roof 4 by vehicles since it provides a good vantage point for taking photos.
Birdwatching
For bird-watching enthusiasts, Ngurdoto Crater is one of the best places to visit around Arusha because of the many types of birds found in the area due to the different vegetation types found around the crater. A pair of binoculars and a field guide are very useful when carrying out the observations of the various types of birds present in the location. It is most advisable to go bird watching at the break of the day or at dusk especially since most of the birds are most likely to be showing themselves at those times.
Accommodation and Access
Tented accommodation close to Ngurdoto Crater exists within the Arusha National Park; camping grounds are budgeted, to the very luxurious ones. Some popular choices include:
– Arusha Safari Lodge: Located near the park’s entrance, it has well-furnished bedrooms and close proximity to Ngurdoto Crater.
– Momella Wildlife Lodge: The view is good since the lodge is located in the park and especially near the crater.
– Meru View Lodge: This lodge is found a few meters from the park with fantastic views of Mount Meru and close to Ngurdoto Crater.
It is easily accessible through air transport, taking a flight to the Kilimanjaro International Airport which is approximately 40 km away from Arusha town. Just a few hours’ drive are Arusha National Park and the crater from Arusha. Some services involve picking up vehicles and guides through local operators or lodging facilities.
Conclusion
The scenery, the wildlife, and the serenity of the Ngurdoto crater make it a perfect destination to tour in Tanzania apart from the well-known wildlife destinations. Because of its small size, one is able to get quite up close with what is on offer, furthermore, due to the varied ecosystems in existence around the crater one is bound to come face to face with quite a number of animals, birds, and plants. Thus, if you want to get fascinated by the wildlife, just appreciate nature, or even just seek comfort in the far-away corner of the world, Ngurdoto Crater will not disappoint you in offering you an interesting trip to one of the most beautiful corners of Tanzania.
