Birds in Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Ngorongoro Crater Rim Birds.

The Ngorongoro Crater Rim is one of the best birding sites in Tanzania, with the rare combination of highland forest bird species, open grassland bird species and raptors soaring above one of the most famous volcanic landscapes in the world. Sitting at an elevation of more than 2,300 metres above sea level, the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater creates a natural boundary around the crater floor and forms a cooler, forested ecosystem which attracts an entirely different range of birdlife to that of the plains below. For travellers with an interest in birdwatching in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the crater rim offers a year-round chance to see East African montane species in dramatic surroundings.

Located in northern Tanzania, some 180 kilometres west of Arusha, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is between Lake Manyara National Park and Serengeti National Park. The crater rim surrounds the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera of volcanic origin in the world, and stretches for more than 50 kilometres. While the majority of visitors are focused on game drives into the crater floor itself, the rim of the crater is a separate birding destination. Its forests, grasslands and open viewpoints are home to a wide variety of resident and migratory birds that are rarely seen in the lowland savannahs.

Why Ngorongoro Crater Rim Is A Unique Birding Habitat

The Ngorongoro Crater Rim on a Tanzania safari is unique as a location for birding because of its altitude and vegetation. The rim rises sharply from the surrounding plains and produces a cool and moist environment supporting montane forest, open moorland and wooded grassland. These habitats contrast greatly with short grass plains and soda lakes within the crater, making the rim an important habitat for highland bird species.

The forests along the rim are dominated by Hagenia, Podocarpus and fig trees, giving rise to a dense canopy and shaded undergrowth. These forests are home to many forest specialists that are difficult to see anywhere else in the region. Open grasslands on the rim and especially near viewpoints and lodges are popular with raptors and seed eaters. The steep crater walls also supply nesting sites for the birds of prey circling the thermals coming off the crater floor.

Because the rim is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it has the benefit of strict protection and minimal human disturbance. This has helped bird populations to be stable and diverse, and today the area is an important place for birding in northern Tanzania.

Birds of Special Note on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Birdwatching along the Ngorongoro Crater Rim is a blend of montane forest birds and ubiquitous East African birds. One of the most sought-after birds is the Schalow’s turaco, a beautiful green and red bird that is often seen moving in the forest canopy. Another highlight is the Hartlaub’s turaco, which also prefers the highland forests, which are cooler.

The silvery-cheeked hornbill is frequently seen flying from one fruiting tree to another, and the African crowned eagle can occasionally be seen soaring above the forest searching for food. Other raptors such as the augur buzzard, Verreaux’s eagle and mountain buzzard are often seen gliding around at the crater edge.

Smaller forest birds are the white-eyed slaty flycatcher, mountain white-eye, Ruppell’s robin-chat and the white-tailed crested flycatcher. Sunbirds, for example, the golden-winged sunbird and the Tacazze sunbird, eat flowering plants on forest edges. In open areas, near the rim viewpoints, Jackson’s widowbird, the yellow bishop, and various larks and pipits may be seen by travellers.

During the migratory season from November to April, Palearctic migrants like willow warblers and barn swallows may also be added to the impressive bird list.

Best Birding Areas Around the Crater Rim

Several particular places along the rim are especially good for birdwatching. The area around Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and the forest tracks in the surrounding area are known for Schalow’s turaco, hornbills and forest flycatchers. The forested sections near the Seneto descent road, which leads from the rim down to the crater floor, are also great for montane species.

The area of Lemala Gate, at the eastern side of the crater, provides a combination of forest and open grassland where raptors and seed-eating birds are always being seen. Another productive area is close to the Rhino Lodge and old German-built Crater Lodge viewpoint, where the birds are attracted to the edge of the forest and open clearings.

And since much of the rim is accessible to vehicles, birding may be done from designated viewpoints, in the lodge grounds, and on forest tracks with a guide. Short walks around lodges are often sufficient to record a great variety of species.

How to Get to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

The Ngorongoro Crater Rim is accessed by road from the main safari centre of Arusha in northern Tanzania. The way to the drive lasts about four to five hours and passes through the town of Karatu, which is the closest large settlement. Karatu provides fuel, supplies and accommodation for travellers before entering the conservation area.

From Karatu, the road ascends steeply to the Loduare Gate, the main entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After passing through the gate, the road continues uphill through the forest to the rim of the crater. Several access points lead to various sections of the rim, including paths to the Seneto and Lerai descent roads.

Most visitors come as part of a guided safari, as private vehicles are required to pay park fees and follow conservation regulations. The rim also forms part of many combined itineraries, including Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara National Park and Serengeti National Park.

Best Time to Bird on the Crater Rim

Birding along the Ngorongoro Crater Rim is possible all year round; however, some seasons have better conditions. The long rains from March to May provide lush vegetation and breeding activity, and birds are more vocal and easier to see. The period of short rains in November and December also draws migratory species from Europe and Asia.

The drier season between June and October has better skies and easier driving conditions, and many birds are still present in the forests and grasslands. Morning hours are usually optimal for bird activity, when the temperatures are cool, and birds are feeding and calling.

Because the rim is cooler than the crater floor, warm clothes are a good idea, especially for early morning birding sessions.

Where to Stay When Birding in Crater Rim

Several lodges and camps are based directly on or around the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, making them ideal places from which to go birdwatching. Properties located close to the rim have the advantage of easy access to forest trails and viewpoints where birds are frequently seen. Lodges around the Seneto and Lerai areas, as well as the ones located near the main crater viewpoints, provide excellent birding right from their grounds.

Karatu, outside the conservation area, is another sensible base for travellers wishing to visit both the crater rim and the surrounding birding areas such as Lake Manyara. From Karatu, it is possible to make day trips to the rim, but it is also possible to stay on the rim to enable early morning and late afternoon birding when the most activity is occurring.

Why Ngorongoro Crater Rim Birds are Important to Travelers

The Ngorongoro Crater Rim is more than just a scenic overlook to the crater floor. It is an important highland ecosystem that hosts bird species that are very rare elsewhere in northern Tanzania. For bird lovers, it is the opportunity to experience forest and high-altitude birds in a place which is already world-famous for its wildlife and landscapes.

Combining birdwatching on the rim with a game drive into the crater forms a full safari experience to show you the full diversity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From colourful turacos and soaring eagles to delicate sunbirds and forest flycatchers, the birds of the crater rim add depth and richness to any visit.

For travellers looking for something a little different from the traditional safari, the birds of the Ngorongoro Crater Rim offer a fulfilling and memorable reason to slow down, listen and look carefully at this extraordinary corner of Tanzania. Including time to bird along the rim makes visits to Ngorongoro is a truly immersive nature experience.