Ngorongoro National Park Is A Must See On Any Safari

Ngorongoro National Park Safari

Ngorongoro National Park Company Used:

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Duration: 2 days, 2 - 3 February

Journal Authors: Robb & Lisa Northey, UK

Pied Kingfisher Picture by Bruce Whittaker (c)

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Robb and Lisa found that the Ngorongoro National Park seems designed to provide tourists with potted views of the big five and other supporting cast because of the fact that it is a relatively small area (10 miles wide) enclosed by steep mountain walls which pens the wildlife in.

Accommodation:

The Safari Junction campsite is situated in the town of Karatu and provides easy access to both Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.

Trip Highlights:

It was the time of the year for wildebeest to give birth and there were a number of just born baby wildebeest trying to stand up on wobbly legs.

Amazingly, they can stand within five minutes of being born and within thirty minutes they can run which is probably a good thing with so many predators prowling around.

Wildebeest females are able to synchronise their births so they all tend to happen at roughly the same time in a herd.

A magnificent male leopard who stopped for about thirty seconds 5m away from the truck and then disappeared into the bush.

They also saw a trio of cheetah stalk and make a half hearted attempt at a chase of a Thompsons gazelle while a bunch of zebra watched the whole episode like spectators.

Lion, buffalo, white rhino and elephant in short succession to round out the mythical "big five" of sightings. Wildlife viewing in the crater is so good that most people tend to see at least four of the big five, with the leopard as usual being the most elusive one.

Ngorongoro National Park Tips & Recommendations:

If you are going to enjoy a scenic lunch under the trees next to the hippo pool beware of the black kites which have the alarming habit of swooping down to try and steal your lunch. They are even so bold as to try and take it right out of a persons mouth or an outstretched hand so if you want to lunch in peace, stay inside your vehicle.

The facilities at crater itself are not very good and you may find toilets without seats, no loo roll, no benches, drinkable water or any other amenities at the picnic sites but luckily the wildlife makes up for the lack of amenities.

The Top Three Ngorongoro National Park safari operators