Finding Peace in The Wild: Ngorongoro

Happy 2023!!!

This greeting is certainly belated, but I am happy to be writing to you and want to send best wishes.

After taking some time to slow down after the chaos of these past 2 years, my first trip of 2023 came early. I took a day trip to Ngorongoro Crater with family for a change of scenery.

After a long dry season, December was an abundant month of rain making it green and a beautiful sight.

We left Arusha by road at around 9:30 a.m. and arrived at the main gate at 12:30 p.m. the drive was smooth and without hassle. After arriving, our driver went to get us cleared to pass through the gate. We made payments beforehand in Arusha, prices differ between locals and international tourists.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in Northern Tanzania and is considered among the “Seven Wonders of the World” and home to the “Big Five”(Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino).

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Ngorongoro Crater as the world’s largest unbroken caldera in the world. It is often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden” and is definitely a must-see for anyone who appreciates wildlife.

It is home to the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater with huge herds of wildebeests, Impalas, zebras traverse its plains during the annual migration. The crater is home to over 30,000 animals.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests. Established in 1959 as a multiple land use area, with wildlife coexisting with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing.

Ngorongoro Crater is also a special place for birders.The salt lake in the crater is home to hundreds of beautiful pink flamingos and birds of prey soar through the skies above.

The property has global importance for biodiversity conservation due to the presence of globally threatened species, the density of wildlife inhabiting the area, and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, gazelles and other animals into the northern plains.

The wildlife living in the crater itself are there all year, so from a game viewing point of view, Ngorongoro Crater is good all year.

Various accommodation around the rim of the crater, mostly top-class luxury and high-end provides spectacular views and easy access to the crater but there is also the option of camping which is an adventure on its own.

Things to see and do in Ngorongoro

• Game drives within the crater

• Walks along the crater rim

• Meet the Maasai and learn about their culture and traditions

• Day trips to the fascinating Olduvai Gorge, known as the 'Cradle of Man'

• See Empakaai Crater

Getting to Ngorongoro

By car - Ngorongoro Crater is about 185 km from Arusha City Center by road. The trip takes about two to four hours depending on if you stop on the way to take pictures or shop at the various curio shops or local markets along the way.

By air - There are multiple flights that fly from Arusha to Lake Manyara Airstrip daily. Where after you will take an hour drive to the Ngorongoro Crater.

After visiting the Crater multiple times, I am still in awe of its beauty and majestic. We spent the afternoon roaming the crater and seeing “The Big Five” as well as other animals and birds.

We had our lunch boxes by the lake while conversing with other visitors from different parts of the world. It was a short and lovely day that we very much enjoyed and plan on visiting again.

Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge

After our day at the Crater, we headed to Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge where we spent the night in their beautiful villas.

The lodge is located in the green Marera valley just before Karatu village. From the main building and the rooms you will be taken aback by the view.The rooms are spacious in each villa that includes a veranda, fire place, double wash basin, shower and bathtub.

The restaurant and bar had a nice view of Marera valley that has been beautifully designed in the Tanzania traditional style.

The lodge offers breakfast that is served from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and serves variety of meals that are local, Italian and other international dishes. The bar is well stocked with soft drinks, local beers, spirits and snacks.

After a long game drive, you can go for a swim, get a massage at the spa or choose to stroll the lodge's garden where they plant their own fruits and vegetables. The staff were very welcoming, friendly and professional and made our stay very memorable.

Facilities include; Panoramic veranda, 24 hours coffee and tea, room service, Wi-fi, swimming pool.

Some of the activities you can do while staying at the lodge are:

• safari and game drives in the National Parks

• visit our organic garden

• walking in Marera Valley

• visit Karatu village and local market

• visit Iraqw or Maasai boma

If you are visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or Tarangire National Park, I highly recommend staying at Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge. With its location and accessibility, It’s the best gateway for your safari.

I believe it will be a worthwhile experience for you as well.

You can contact the lodge through their website:

https://mareraviewlodge.com

The title of this post is “Finding Peace in the Wild” because sometimes life can be unpredictable and chaotic but peace will come along too. Taking some time and doing something different may be a first step in finding what brings you peace.

Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful 2023!!!