Ngorongoro Conservation Area extends over some 8000 sq km east of Serengeti National Park. The average height of the renowned Ngorongoro Crater is about 2317 m at its rim, with the crater floor at 1707 m above sea level, which results in a depth of 610m and a diameter ranging between 16 and 19 km. The 250 sq km flat crater floor is home to a year-round population of approximately 30,000 large animals. Technically, the Ngorongoro Crater is a caldera, not a crater because its circular wall is the remnant of the collapsed sides of a dormant or extinct volcano. Its peak once rose 8000 m above sea level. Ngorongoro Crater is the 6th largest caldera in the world but it is the largest unflooded unbroken caldera in the world. In recognition of its international significance, Ngorongoro has been made both a world heritage site and a biosphere reserve. The views from the crater rim are spectacular but the real treasure lies on its floor. It’s been compared to Noah’s Ark and the Garden of Eden – but has the added advantage of actually existing.
We woke up early again to get into the crater around 6 am. Animals we saw here included buffaloes, warthogs, wildebeest, zebras, elephants, hippos, and even an endangered black rhino. At one of the lakes inside the crater, we could get very close to a beautiful flamingo colony. Usually, I am not a fan of pink but the colour of these birds is just amazing. At this point it has to be mentioned that Jerry was a fantastic guide and driver. We never understood how he could have his eyes both on the road and at the same time spot animals in the most hidden places. He would always find the one animal we were still looking for and never give up until we were all entirely satisfied. On top of that, he was always cheerful and funny as well as responsible and knowledgeable. None of our questions would remain unanswered and his experience as a tour guide definitely paid off. In short, I felt I was taken very good care of during the whole safari and therefore can only recommend Shidolya Tours (www.shidolya-safaris.com). If you ever happen to contact them, please give my regards to Jerry and Joshua at their Arusha office!
We stayed inside the Ngorongoro Crater until noon, had lunch at the campsite, packed up our equipment and then started to drive back towards Arusha. The deal was that I would be dropped at a lodge that is owned by friends of my parents near Karatu, just one hour south of Ngorongoro and about 2 hours west of Arusha. We arrived at Plantation Lodge in the early afternoon and compared to our basic camping lodging of the past week, this place seemed like pure luxury. Hanna and Aaron still stayed for a coffee until we finally had to say good-bye to each other around 4 pm for them to continue to Arusha. As usually, good-byes are never easy, especially if you got to like the people you’ve been having a good time with. And not only did we have a good time but a very special time on this safari. My Serengeti memories are definitely a highlight of this entire Africa trip!