The Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater : You’re probably planning for an African safari and want a serene country where you can explore wild animals at their prime and undisturbed nature. For an exceptional African adventure, include Tanzania on your bucket list. This fabulous country has more than safari-goers want. From Africa’s highest peak, the Great Migration, vibrant cultures, and stunning lake vistas to the world-famous Big Five animals roaming the vast plains.
The Big Five animals are among the fascinating creatures most safari-goers want to tick off one by one while on an African safari. In Tanzania, you’re guaranteed to have a glimpse of the Big Five animals. You can spot them in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. In this article, you’ll discover how to spot the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater. Let’s get right into it.
- African lion
The lion is an apex predator and, of course, the king of the African jungle. It’s one of the most impressive animals to see in the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater has an incredible population of lions. Estimates put the number of these aggressive predators between 65 and 75, and that’s the highest density of lions in the world. The Ngorongoro Crater is 264 square kilometers big. It means you’ll meet a lion for every 3.7 square kilometers. This is a better start than even the Serengeti National Park, which has one lion for every 4.7 square kilometers. There are about eight prides of lions inside this spectacular feature.
How to see lions in the crater
You can spot lions as you drive through the grassy plains, Lerai Forest, woodlands, etc. Lions live in small groups called prides. These lions mainly comprise adult males, females, and cubs. The females usually take care of cubs and other members. They’re responsible for feeding the pride. Mostly, they cooperate to take down large prey like buffalos, wildebeests, and zebras.
- The black rhino
The black rhino is one of the few remaining rhino species. The other one is the white rhino, which is not available in Tanzania. Rhinos were abundant back then, especially in the 1950s. However, due to poaching and habitat loss, these historical animals were a minute away from extinction. Conservation efforts have restored the population of the black rhino.
Currently, the crater hosts about 30 black rhinos. If seeing this wonderful creature is what you want, then treat yourself to a Ngorongoro Crater safari. There’s a significant population of these massive mammals in the crater.
How to encounter rhinos in the crater
Black rhinos prefer shrubland habitat. This is because they feed on shrubs just because they’re browsers. Rhinos are solitary, often living alone. The strongest bond is between a mother and her calf. As you drive on the crater floor, keep an eye out for shrubs. You might be lucky to spot a mother rhino and her calf or a strong male rhino.
- Cape buffalo
Buffalos are extremely abundant in the crater. These massive wild cows are remarkably social, and they often stay together in big herds of up to 300. The creator has over 4,000 buffalos. The buffalos are polite herbivores but extremely dangerous when agitated. Lone bulls are the most dangerous. Be careful when you encounter this one. It may charge even when you’re not ready.
How to see buffalos
Game driving is the most common activity to view buffalos on your Tanzania wildlife safari. They prefer grazing in lush, grassy plains and will move to water sources nearby in the afternoon. Stay at a reasonable distance away from a buffalo herd.
- The African leopard
The population of leopards in the crater is improving. However, these elusive cats are inactive during the day. So, it might be difficult to see them. They are nocturnal and usually prefer hunting at dusk or in early mornings. Leopards live in small groups of a mother and her cubs. Males are always solitary and come together with the group during mating.
How to spot leopards
As you drive on the crater floor, keep watch out for leopards in the trees. For better sightings, morning and evening game drives are perfect. Lerai Forest is the best place to see leopards in the crater.
- African elephant
The journey is not over until you see the African elephant. The crater has over 300 elephants. They’re abundant in the grassy plains, open woodlands, and lush forests. These gray giants stay in blood-related groups. All members of the herd originate from a single matriarchal leader.
How to spot elephants
You can see elephants on the crater floor. They frequent the water source during the dry season.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a promising place to see all the Big Five. This enormous caldera also offers panoramic views of the landscape, especially when you stand on its crater rims. Never plan to miss this alluring destination on your next adventure to Africa. If you’re motivated to see all the magic in the Ngorongoro Crater, join one of our memorable wildlife safaris.
