Ngorongoro Crater

Size : 8,292 sq km (3201 sq miles)

Established : 1959

Distance from Moshi: 260 km

Description:

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was officially declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. The area consists of various landscapes and includes dense mountain forests, woodlands, grasslands, lakes and swamps. Some of the most important archeological sites in the world, such as Oldupai Gorge and Laetoli can be found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Archeologists found evidence showing that the area was occupied by hominids over 3 million years ago and thus claiming that it could be the birthplace of mankind.

And then of course there is the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken, inactive and unfilled caldera in the world. With a diameter of approximately 19 km (12 miles) and its majestic walls that rise just over 610 m (2000 feet), the crater floor covers an area of 260 sq km (100 sq miles). Over 30,000 animals including the rare black rhino call this unique place their home. Today over 40,000 Masais reside in the area making the Ngorongoro Conservation Area one of the only places in Tanzania where human habitation is allowed within a wildlife protected area. The conservation shares a boundary with the Serengeti National Park and one must drive through the conservation in order to get to the Serengeti.

Ngrongoro Crater - Safari

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Highlights:

The crater floor is covered by various landscapes that range from dense mountain forests and woodlands to grasslands, lakes and swamps. Water sources include the two main rivers, Munge River in the west and Lerai River in the east as well as the Ngotokitok spring that spills into a swamp.

Huge herds of ungulates dominate the crater floor with zebras, wildebeests, elands, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles being the species most commonly seen. But the crater is also home to the “big five” and elephants, lions and buffaloes are often spotted. Leopards are rarely seen as the prefer staying in the forests on the crater rim. The almost extinct black rhino can also be found in the crate and sightings aren’t rare either. Serval cats, spotted hyenas and jackals are also often seen while cheetahs are more difficult to spot.

But it is not only mammals that reside in the conservtion and great numbers of lesser flamingos can be seen at Lake Magadi, a primarily alkaline lake. Other common birds include ostriches, kori bustards, crowned cranes, white backed vultures, black kites, cattle egrets, tawny eagles, augur buzzards and many more.

A walk along the Ngorongoro Crater rim accompanied by an armed ranger takes visitors on a path created by livestock, pass moss covered trees and Masai bomas, offering breath-taking views of the crater below.

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Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Africa’s alkaline water lakes located in the northern side of Tanzania, approximately two hours and ninety minutes drive from moshi town on a newly tarmac-surfaced road. This park is situated along the way to the well known Ngorongoro crater as well as the Serengeti. The park covers a total land area of 330 sq km of which 200 sq km is the lake. The park was set up in 1960 to save the elephant population. since it is among the smallest park inside Tanzania, it features an amazing variety of plants, landscape as well as wild animals.. This park is additionally famous for its tree climbing lions population. actually There are just 2 lion populations on the planet that can climb trees; one of the population is found in Lake Manyara park while the other is in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth in an area reffered to as the Ishasha area in Uganda. most tourists vists this area to see the lions up restin the branches of large fig or acacia trees; most likely to get away from the heat of the sun. the lions spend most of their day resting on the tree branches. Other animals frequently seen in the park include buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, monkeys, Impalas as well as olive baboons . safari companies Tanzania Lake Manyara is habitat to thousands of the beautiful pink flamingoes. While you observe these flamingo birds, you’ll as well see several crocodiles plus hippo. additional birds seen around this lake are cormorants plus storks. This park is an ideal destination to watch various bird species. there are more than 400 bird species recorded within the park. The mixture of large mammals, reptiles plus birds as well as a great array of vegetation cover and diverse habitats amke this park a very unique wildlife habitat worth touring. There is a lodge found on a hill in the isolated corner of this park, where you can enjoy clear views of the animals. Built to reveal the splendour of Lake Manyara, this luxury lodge is constructed with large bedrooms, spacious decks, sitting rooms, plus huge window areas. the sitting rooms have comfy sofas that offer ample warmth to the visitors. You will find a private room in which you can enjoy a soothing massage. Additionally there is a amazing swimming pool in which you can unwind at the end of a hot day’s adventure. The meals are very delicious and you will certainly enjoy them. Game viewing can best be enjoyed in the dry season from July to up October. throughout this time, visitors are certain to see severalspecies of large mammal, whereas from November up to June, this is the best time to watch birds, for canoeing as well as visiting the waterfalls.

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Kikuletwa Hot spring (chemka)

The drive from Moshi to Kikuletwa Hot Springs, will start on paved road toward Arusha, before turning left onto gravel road about 30 minutes later. The road will take you through gorgeous African country side past bush land, dry riverbeds, baobab and acacia trees among many others. This vast area, which used to be a hunting ground for Europeans during the 1800s, is home to members of many different tribes, peacefully co-existing as neighbors. Although the game has long since migrated, it is still a haven to many animal species, including a variety of birds. 

When you reach Kikuletwa it will appear as an oasis surrounded by sprawling fig trees, in the middle of this semi arid landscape. You will see crystal clear water bubbling from underground caves, giving the impression that it is boiling, hence the name "Hot Springs".
The water is perfectly refreshing and if you brought your bathing suit, this is your time to take a dip and relax in the shade of the trees.
After a picnic lunch we will start making our way back to Moshi via back gravel roads, taking you past the Kilavu river and sugar cane plantations about 30 minutes prior to arriving back in Moshi late afternoon.

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