Camping Near Ngorongoro Crater

Top: Affectionate zebras; Bottom: The vast Ngorongoro Crater – bird’s-eye view. Photo credits: Brett Perlstein.

Kerri Prissman wrote this sponsored post on camping near the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.  She writes for Essential Travel, providers of travel extras, travel information and travel news.

The Ngorongoro Conservation area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Ngorongoro Crater.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest surviving volcanic caldera (a cauldron-like feature) having erupted over 3 million years ago.

The crater floor is often said to resemble a natural enclosure, protected by the 600-meter high natural wall. The area’s volcanic mass provides for the most breathtaking grasslands and resembles a gigantic hole in the ground stretching 172 square miles.

The fertile environment, home to spectacular flora and fauna, provides a majestic breeding ground for wildlife such as lions, elephants, zebra, wildebeest, the famed black rhinoceros and many more. Complementing the array of wildlife, are the famous pink flamingos which sit along the rim of the Soda Lake and are visible so far as the eye can see.

The Circle of Life

The foot of the crater closely resembles the setting for the opening scene of The Lion King. Descending into the crater, you can observe the perfect co-existence of all the animal and plant species and become more aware and respectful of the sheer beauty of life’s seemingly endless cycle.

Simba Campsite

A variety of accommodation packages are available, ranging from beautiful and expensive luxury safari camps to budget-friendly camping sites.

The most well-known of the budget camping areas is the Ngorongoro Simba Campsite, which is built on the rim of the crater and offers campers the unique and privileged experience of awakening to a 360 degree view of the crater. It is often this closeness to nature that provides a more meaningful experience in the wild.

The Simba Campsite welcomes families and is a bustling hub for overland tours and travelers. Its amenities are by no means 5-star, but its aesthetic offerings far outweigh the lack of luxury.

Practicalities

Ngorongoro safari tour packages are offered in conjunction with Serengeti and Lake Manyara Tours.

Lake Manyara is home to the famous tree-climbing lions and the Serengeti Plains are celebrated for its endless and vast beauty and the great Wildebeest migration.

Travel to Arusha, a rustic town in Tanzania, where the safari tours begin their voyages. Many safari experts contend that no matter what time of year you choose to go, there will always be an abundance of game life within the crater grounds.

The rainy seasons (April-May) do pose road difficulties with slippery mud and a more dense terrain. It may be in your best interests to book your trip in conjunction with the Wildebeest Migration for the best game viewing experience.

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