Flamingos around the Ngorongoro are one of the sought after attractions in the Ngorongoro conservation area. The common type of the flamingoes here are the lesser Flamingoes which are Phoeniconaias Minor in botanical terminology.
Flamingos at Ngorongoro are known to survive in salty waters. This area has alkaline water just like all the other areas that have flamingoes like Lake Nakuru and Naivasha is Kenya. Other places in Tanzania with Flamingoes are Lake Manyara.
There are four species of the Flamingoes in the world but the Greater and lesser flamingoes are the only ones that can be found in Africa. Just like the name suggests, the greater flamingoes are taller and weight about 4 kilograms.
They are about 150 centimeters tall. The Ngorongoro crater only has the lesser flamingoes. The birds are so social and they live in a large flock. They are smaller just like their name. They have bills made specifically to have a unique way to separate waste from the actual food.
Lake Magadi on the side of the Ngorongoro crater is a small alkaline take that attracts these flamingoes to this area. “Magadi” in the local language here is means salty. The word is derived from the Masai people one of the local groups here.
The flamingoes feed on plankton, crabs, brine shrimp and dead algae
Best Time to Visit
The time to visit the Ngorongoro will be determined by your budget and time available otherwise the area can be visited anytime of the year.
Peak season
The season usually comes in the dry months of Mid June to September and December to February. The Longer period of June to September however also comes with the wildebeest migration and there for if this is your major interest then this is the perfect timing for you.
Rainy/Low Season
The rains also come twice a year between the months of March to Mid June and October to November. This time usually has very few people and those that want the area to themselves you are to use this timing. The grass it also green and its good for those who want to do photography. This doesn’t mean that this being a rainy season then its rains all day and all times.
How to get there:
You have to first fulfill the requirements to enter Tanzania as a country before you actually thing about going to the Ngorongoro conservation area. One you have gotten your entry requirements, and then there are two options.
By Flight
The Kilimanjaro international airport and the Arusha Municipal Airport work as the gate way to both Serengeti and the Ngorongoro conservation area. Therefore you can fly to Dar es Salaam and then connect to Arusha airport of go Via Kilimanjaro international airport to Arusha municipal airport then later to the Ngorongoro area. There are many airfields in the area. You will choose one depending on your accommodation.
Getting Around
You can stay in Arusha on arrival from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The next day you can drive by road to Ngorongoro conservation area. You will need a 4X4 car. The drive takes about 4 hours from Arusha.
Visit Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania with these reputable Tanzania safari companies or reach out to us below to book your Tanzania safari holiday directly through this Ngorongoro website.
