Green rolling hills under endless skies punctuated by gentle cumulus clouds. I’ll never forget the first time I stood at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Witnessing the vast sunken landscape below – I couldn’t believe how dramatic and different it was from anywhere else I had ever seen.
I first travelled to Ngorongoro Crater 11 years ago – on a group safari tour during my first visit to Tanzania. I loved the initial impact it had on me – the sweeping views of the caldera and the great abundance and diversity of animals within the crater: a whole world created by a volcanic eruption that happened millions of years ago. It’s very humbling to see the Earth’s power, and how life can spring from ashes.
Not only has the crater created a healthy ecosystem for over 550 bird and animal species, but its enclosed walls enable the park authorities to keep its endangered species safe and under close supervision. The endangered animals I was lucky enough to see included elephants, African wild dogs, cheetahs and the critically endangered black rhino.
Two zebras stroll in the sun throughout the craters basin with the soaring walls in the background. (Image credit: Kate K. F.)
But my most memorable wildlife encounters within the crater were with the lions. It felt like their powerful presence made a huge impact on the landscape, shaping the whole atmosphere of the crater.
With a new-born passion for lions and lion conservation, I delved deeper into their story of the lions of Ngorongoro. These lions are interesting for many reasons, but perhaps the most important is that very few new lions enter the crater, which leads to inbreeding and consequently creates many challenges for the lions’ health and population numbers. Whilst the crater provides many benefits for its animals, it turns out that one of the downsides of an enclosed safe space is a lack of natural wildlife movement in and out of the area.
Over the intervening years, my passion and focus drew me to Africa, specifically Tanzania, where my initial passion had come alive. I felt a strong purpose to make a positive impact for wild animals, and so I formed BornWild, with the aspiration to create meaningful safari adventures that directly support wildlife conservation.
A lioness meanders through the short grass, as safari vans observe her closely (Image credit: Kate K. F.)
With my particular interest in lion conservation, it was inevitable that the first safari I created in Tanzania was called the African Lion Safari. This seven-day experience uses adventure travel as a vehicle to teach visitors about lion conservation. We journey through Tanzania’s famous Northern Circuit route, focusing on lions. Guided by an expert in lion conservation, guests learn about the lions as they follow the prides, observe their behaviour, and gain a deeper understanding of these majestic creatures whilst enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.
I created this adventure for anyone who cares about lions – from light curiosity to a deep passion – and a highlight of the journey is always travelling through the Ngorongoro Crater to focus on the extraordinary lions there. We collaborate with two nonprofits, one of which, Kope Lion, operates within the Crater. Their mission is to protect the remaining lion populations by reducing human-lion conflict – creating solutions that help local people live safely alongside lions. Kope Lion gives a talk during the adventure, allowing our travellers to learn more about this conservation mission and contribute to the work if they so wish.
A Wildebeest stands in a puddle drinking water on the plains of the crater floor. (Image credit: Kate K. F.)
If you are thinking about visiting Tanzania, I strongly recommend including Ngorongoro Crater in your itinerary: you will be rewarded with incredible experiences. Famed for its diversity of wildlife species, you may be lucky enough to see the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) all in one day, as well as many other fascinating animals. You will also be treated to amazing scenery in the Crater – forests, lakes and sweeping savannas; the sheer size of the Crater makes it feel like nowhere else.
The Craters’ importance for conservation is truly significant. It’s one of the few places in the world that functions as a true natural sanctuary for wildlife, successfully protecting species like the critically endangered black rhino. It is recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site for its important role in conservation and biodiversity.
If you are fortunate enough to be travelling to the Ngorongoro Crater or to other important wildlife areas, there are many ways in which you can make a positive impact for wildlife and local people. A visit or a donation to a local wildlife or community organisation can form an engaging connection to the local conservation work. It’s a great way to start and, as I have learned, can lead to much bigger things.
