Ngorongoro Crater

The largest self contained ecosystem in the world deserves a look. It does get crowded but it is lovely day trip with lunch picnic in the crater. The animals here do not migrate and for some reason there are no Giraffes! The landscape is unique as you descend 2000 ft into the crater. It usually visited along with other areas like Tarangire and Manyara.

There's no better place to get up close and personal with wildlife of all varieties.

Ngorongoro Crater was the best place to get up close and personal with wildlife from the smallest bird to the Big Five. The weather in the Crater was milder than in the Serengeti, despite both safaris taking place during the heat of dry season. Our safari guides were quite knowledgeable, helping us understand not just the ecology and characteristics of birds to flora, but maintaining a constant respect for the conservation efforts in the area and how they've affected the lives of native Tanzanians. I got great shots. Not hard to capture wildlife in motion, particularly in the bright sun. Lots of flexibility in how you shoot. Other travelers can sometimes be quite elitist. Ngorongoro is not as busy as Serengeti tends to be, but certainly is well traveled.

Not only the big five, but also the spectacular view!

although too much crowded for my liking, the beauty of the scenery is undisputed and as in Serengeti the abundance of wildlife was amazing.

Utterly breathtaking! You have to see it to believe it. The crater rim vista is jaw dropping gorgeous. The drive down into the crater is a 360 degree scene of wonder. A multitude of wildlife to be seen in the basin.

Spectacular.

Breathtaking, beautiful and a wonderful experience.

So lucky to have experienced such a magnificent place where every thing was perfect, it not often happens!

What a special place.

Magnificent Ngorongoro

The view is breathtaking, the scenery is amazing and the animal life is abundant. We also saw a wide array of birds. The tour operators were generally friendly and helpful.

A must for any bucket list and towards the top at least

I am into wildlife photography and after advice decided to go to Tanzania for the wilder beast migration in the Serengeti. Decided to include the Ngorongoro Crater. Spent a day there and it was out of this world. Stayed in the park the night before and could not believe the size of the Crater when viewed from the top. So large you could not see the herds of elephants down below. Had an early start in the morning and had a wonderful day. Came across 3 different lion prides, first one of 5 females and a mail on a fresh kill with hyena and jackal waiting there turn to get in on the act. I believe there are 5 prides which demonstrates the size of the crater. Also many large Tuskers (Male Elephants with massive tusks) Never thought I would see such long tusks nowadays. Came across a black rhino, right next to the road. There where many other animals including buffalo and giraffe. You can get very close to many of the animals. Had lunch by a small lake which also had toilets. There is also a large lake with pelican and flamingo but you cannot get close to it to see the birds as protected land around it. Male Elephant, place to go. I found a day was long enough but you need to stay the night before and after to make the most of it. Went from hear to the Serengeti with animals to see all the way. I went on my own and had my own driver/guide and 4x4. He made my trip so special I could not have asked for more.