Ngorongoro Crater

Part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, the Ngorongoro Crater is deservedly famous. The view from the rim of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera is staggering. But alas, the management of the conservation area is deplorable.

Far too many vehicles are allowed down into the crater at once (up to 300, I’m told), and a ridiculous number of new lodges appears to be in the offing. Sometimes, it seems that the Tanzanian authorities have no thought other than the immediate maximizing of profits, and certainly the concept of high-revenue, low-impact tourism is unknown to them. (Another complaint is that mysteriously little of the income finds its way into the pockets of local people.) Still, Ngorongoro is worth seeing, if only for a night, outside of the January-February high season.The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is my recommended place in which to stay.