If Jurassic Park were real, it would be in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater.
Imagine a volcanic caldera, two million years old, filled with wildlife — the Big Five, hippos, and flocks of flamingoes. The crater floor is 5,900 feet above sea level, and a 2,000-foot rim makes it almost impossible for animals to leave once they find their way inside. No wonder Tanzanians call it the 8th wonder of the world.
We arrived at Lemala’s Ngorongoro Tented Camp in time for sundowners around the campfire. The acacia trees were ablaze in hues of crimson and orange, matching the Maasai shuka blankets we had all fallen in love with. The camp is located inside the park next to the eastern crater access road, which gave us an hour’s head start to be the first on the crater floor before the park gates opened to the public. This easy access gave us the advantage of the “golden hour” at sunrise, and since we didn’t have to leave the park, we could also stay after sundown.
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp - photo by Michael Girman
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp has nine spacious tents positioned carefully to provide privacy, with minimal impact on the forest environment. They accommodate two queen-size beds and, as it can get cold at night, have little luxuries like warm winter-weight duvets, hot water bottles, and gas heaters to ensure a cozy night's sleep. ‘Hot-Water Talking Showers” are available upon request.
Alice in Wonderland has an Out of Africa Experience
Our guide, Frank, drove us to a secret destination on the crater floor. What unfolded before us was an Alice in Wonderland/Out of Africa experience. A table with a linen tablecloth, china, and glass and silverware appeared under the trees by a babbling brook. The camp’s chef, a waiter, and a bartender set up a private barbecue and a dedicated bar. The anticipation of having wildlife join us for lunch made the experience even more exciting. This was truly a very special treat, and I highly recommend it.
Crater Rim Walk
After lunch, we headed back to camp to rest before our guided hike on the crater rim with the camp’s local botanist and park ranger. The three-hour hike ended on the other side of the rim, where the Maasai live. We witnessed herds of cattle being herded from all directions with that distinct sound made by the cowbells from which Ngorongoro takes its name. Could this day get any more magical? I think not.
Tanzania is open to all visitors
Passengers are subject to a medical screening upon arrival. They must also complete a “Traveler’s Surveillance Form” for Port Health Authorities. Going on safari is a life-changing experience. Take it from me: I’m now planning another safari adventure. If you would like to experience Tanzania like I did, send me an email.
Read my earlier blogpost on Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and stay tuned for the next installment of 10 Days in Tanzania: Eastern Serengeti.
All photos & videos by Michael Girman & Tesa Totengco