Can Animals Get Out of the Ngorongoro Crater?

Ngorongoro Crater is a popular tourist destination in Tanzania. Due to its diverse wildlife and nature, this location is sometimes referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden.”

Ngorongoro Crater is an inactive volcano that was formed after an eruption that happened about two to three million years ago. It is the largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera.

Many visitors to the Ngorongoro Crater wonder if the wild animals living there can leave and how that is possible.

In this article, I will answer the question, “Can animals get out of the Ngorongoro Crater?” and also learn about the wildlife and what to expect.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most popular natural wonders in Africa. It is also the largest inactive and unfilled volcanic caldera in the world.

Ngorongoro Crater is a protected area located in Ngorongoro District, west of Arusha City in Arusha Region, Tanzania. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a diverse population of wildlife.

This wonderful site was formed millions of years ago, and many wild animals migrated to the region due to the vegetation that was left behind. If you are a tourist visiting Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater should be at the top of your list.

Can Animals Get Out of the Ngorongoro Crater?

Yes, animals can get out of the Ngorongoro Crater. Some animals like wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras will leave the crater during the wet season and migrate to other places.

The steep walls of the Ngorongoro Crater make it almost impossible for animals in the Ngorongoro Crater to leave. There are 25,000 large animals living in the crater, and this includes the big 5: bush elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, lion, and black rhino.

Most of the animals are non-migratory and live in the Crater all year round. Predators like lions are unlikely to leave due to the large amount of prey present in the Crater.

There are plentiful resources within the crater, so most of the animals leaving engage in seasonal migration. For instance, wildebeests and zebras may leave during certain times of the year to join the larger herds that move across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands.

Some other animals, like elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, and some antelope species, take advantage of the less steep slopes along the crater rim to enter and leave the crater.

The Life Inside the Crater

Since we are discussing animals leaving the Crater, understanding life inside will answer the question of whether animals want to leave or stay.

The most commonly seen animal standoffs are between predators and prey. Lions, leopards, and hyenas that roam the grasslands are constantly on the hunt for their next meal.

Herds of herbivores, like wildebeests and gazelles, are always on the alert to escape lurking predators. The grasslands, swamps, forests, and Soda Lake support these herbivores and provide cover.

Why do so Many Animals Live in the Ngorongoro Crater?

The answer is simple: food. So many animals live in the Ngorongoro Crater due to the availability of food and permanent water sources year-round.

The steep surrounding the crater is 600 meters high, keeping many predators and prey within the area. This limits human interference and the risk of large-scale migrations.

This is something for each animal in the Ngorongoro Crater. Hippos and waterbirds live in the swamps, elephants, monkeys, and birds live in the forested areas, and other herbivores graze from the lush grassland.

What to Expect from the Ngorongoro Crater?

If you are planning a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, be prepared to experience the landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich culture of the native people.

If you decide to engage in game drives, you will be taken to the crater, which is accessible through steep dirt roads. You will also see wildlife in the open savanna, forests, swamps, and Soda Lake.

The natives in the area, called the Maasai people, are known for the red clothing and cattle herding around the steeps. You can visit a Maasai village and learn about their culture and way of life.

Conclusion

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most popular destinations in Tanzania, mainly due to the wildlife population and landscape. In this article, I have answered the question of whether animals in the Ngorongoro Crater can leave.

This question is often asked by travellers because of the wall of steep slope surrounding the crater.

In summary, animals can get out of the Ngorongoro Crater. Animals like wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras migrate in and out of the Crater, while many other animals live year-round in the Crater.

FAQs

Why is there no giraffe in the Ngorongoro Crater?

Giraffes are not found in the Ngorongoro Crater. This is because it is difficult for them to climb the walls of the crater.

Giraffes are found around the Crater and the neighbouring Serengeti National Park.

Can you see Mount Kilimanjaro from the Ngorongoro Crater?

No, you cannot see Mount Kilimanjaro from the Ngorongoro Crater. This is because of the distance and the surrounding Highlands that are blocking the view.

However, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro from the Empakaai Crater rim. The Empakai Crater is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but is located further northeast.

What is the best time of year to visit the Ngorongoro Crater?

The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season, from June to October. During this time, wildlife is easier to spot, and the weather is more favourable.

How did animals get into the Ngorongoro Crater?

Some animals migrate in and out of Ngorongoro Crater, while many others entered the crater years ago and could no longer leave.

Are animals trapped in the Ngorongoro Crater?

Some animals that cannot climb the steep are trapped in the Ngorongoro Crater once they fall in. A few others can enter and leave the crater by climbing the slope.