Tanzania proudly claims that it has more land dedicated to national reserves and game parks than anywhere else in the world, making it the perfect place to go on a safari. The most popular safari destinations are the five parks that make up the northern circuit–Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire and Arusha National Park. However, the distances between the parks make it impossible to visit all of them on a three-day camping safari. Your best option is to base yourself at Ngorongoro and visit Lake Manyara, which is on the way.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro is often described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, not only because of its unusual geology, but because of the prolific game and bird life that can be found on the crater floor. The rim of the Ngorongoro Crater descends 610 meters and the crater floor covers 260 square kilometers. Because the crater walls stop the animals from migrating with the seasons, game viewing is excellent all year round.
Organization
Due to its complexity, the Tanzanian government actively discourages individuals from organizing their own safaris. It is best to use the services of an experienced tour operator, who will sort out all logistical details such as transport, campsite, permits, park fees, guides, food and camping equipment.
Public Campsite
Camping is not allowed in the crater itself and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority has only one official campsite on the crater rim. Simba campsite is situated on the southwestern part with impressive views. The campsite is large, with space for 200 tents There is a covered cooking area and a simple dining area. Toilets and showers are available, although water has to be heated by wood fires.
Private Campsites
A number of private campsites are available further away from the crater itself. They can take the form of permanent tented camps, which are pitched more at the luxury end of the market, or sites with no facilities that are used by tour operators, who truck in all the necessary equipment.
Day One
Safaris start in Arusha, 55 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport. From Arusha, it is 180 kilometers to Ngorongoro. On the way, stop off for lunch at Lake Manyara National Park with its large, shallow, soda lake and rich bird life. After a short game drive, proceed to the campsite at Ngorogoro for the night.
Day Two
Having picked up an armed ranger to protect you from buffalo, drive to the Masaai village of Nainokanoka on the slopes of the nearby Olmoti Crater, which can only be reached on foot. It is an easy 2 kilometer hike to the top of the crater, with a variety of game to be seen on the way. Once at the top, walk along the rim to the Munge Gorge. The over 90-meter high waterfall, whose waters eventually flow into Lake Magadi in the Ngorongoro Crater, is an excellent spot for a picnic. After hiking back down, return to the campsite after an afternoon game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 3
After breakfast, pack up camp and descend once more into the Ngorongoro Crater for a final game drive. After a picnic lunch in the crater, return to Arusha and transfer to the airport.
References
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- "Northern Tanzania, The Bradt Safari Guide with Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar"; Philip Briggs; 2009
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority
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