Family Adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater

Echoes of the Past, Presence of Giants

Today, the Tanzanian landscape whispered stories of ancient times and vibrant wildlife. As an archivist, I'm used to finding history in old documents, but here in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, history is etched in the very stones beneath our feet and unfolds with every sunrise. Today was about experiencing the Moru Kopjes, iconic landmarks within this extraordinary ecosystem. With Aisha and the kids by my side, I knew it would be a day of shared discoveries and lasting memories.


Explore the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of Moru Kopjes, a must-visit destination in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Highlands, Ngorongoro. The lodge provided a stunning panoramic view, and the aroma of fresh Tanzanian coffee filled the air, invigorating us for the day's adventures. After breakfast, we set off towards the Moru Kopjes.

The drive itself was an experience, the landscape transforming into a tapestry of golden grasslands and acacia woodlands. As we approached the Moru Kopjes, the ancient granite formations rose majestically from the plains. These 'kopjes,' meaning 'rocks' in Swahili, are more than just geological features; they are ecosystems unto themselves, providing shelter and vantage points for a variety of wildlife.

As we explored the Moru Kopjes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer age of these formations. Millions of years of erosion have sculpted the granite into unique shapes, creating a surreal landscape dotted with Euphorbia candelabrum trees. The kids were fascinated, scrambling over the rocks and peering into crevices, eager to discover what secrets they held. I was particularly interested in the history of the area. I knew that the Moru Kopjes had once been used by the Maasai as shelters for their livestock, and that the caves within the kopjes contained ancient Maasai paintings.

The stones themselves seemed to hum with the stories of generations past, a testament to the enduring connection between the Maasai people and this land.

We spent a good portion of the morning exploring the Moru Kopjes, spotting various animals along the way. We were fortunate enough to see a few of the black rhinos that call this area home, a truly special sight given their endangered status. Farah, ever the budding photographer, was in her element, capturing the rhinos against the backdrop of the kopjes. Imani, always the observant one, peppered our guide with questions about the rhino conservation efforts in the area. It's heartening to see the younger generation so engaged with wildlife preservation.

Leaving the Moru Kopjes, we made our way towards the Simba Kopjes.


Explore the stunning vistas and rich wildlife of Simba Kopjes, a must-visit natural wonder in Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem.

The name 'Simba' means 'lion' in Swahili, and these kopjes are indeed a favorite haunt of lions. As we approached, we could see a pride lounging atop the rocks, their golden coats blending seamlessly with the sun-baked granite. It was an incredible sight, these majestic creatures surveying their kingdom from their rocky thrones.

We spent a considerable amount of time observing the lions, watching as they interacted with each other, the cubs playfully nipping at their parents' tails. Aisha, with her keen eye for detail, pointed out the subtle differences in their manes, explaining how it indicated their age and health. It was moments like these, shared as a family, that made the trip so special. I was reminded of a quote I once read from Hugo von Lawick, who spent much of his life studying the lions of the Serengeti: 'One can get deeply attached to the wildlife, and I think I have. You get to know a lion or a hyena, and you follow its life from the time it is born'. I found myself feeling a similar connection, a sense of responsibility towards these magnificent animals and their fragile ecosystem.

For lunch, we stopped at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.


Experience unparalleled luxury amidst breathtaking views at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge in Tanzania’s iconic crater.

The lodge offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the food was delicious, a welcome respite after a morning of exploration. Over lunch, we recounted our favorite moments from the morning, each of us marveling at the unique beauty of the kopjes and the incredible wildlife we had encountered.

In the late afternoon, after our time exploring the Simba Kopjes, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at the Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges.


Discover the serene beauty and adventure at Ngorongoro Lions Paw Lodge, your gateway to Tanzania's stunning wildlife and landscapes.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, we sat on the veranda, sipping our drinks and reflecting on the day's adventures. The Lions Paw is located a short distance from the crater entrance, and the views were simply breathtaking. We could see the vast expanse of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area stretching out before us, the kopjes silhouetted against the horizon.

The atmosphere at the Lions Paw was relaxed and convivial. We chatted with other travelers, sharing stories of our safari experiences. It was fascinating to hear about their adventures, and to learn about the different perspectives they brought to their travels. As the evening drew to a close, we made our way to the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for dinner.


Discover unparalleled views and rich wildlife at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, your gateway to Tanzania's stunning Ngorongoro Crater.

The lodge was beautifully decorated, with intricate carvings and vibrant fabrics that reflected the local culture. The food was excellent, a fusion of Tanzanian and international cuisine. Over dinner, we discussed our plans for tomorrow, which include a visit to the Olduvai Gorge Museum and a day trip into the Ngorongoro Crater itself.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from the comfort of our lodge, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had today. The Moru and Simba Kopjes are more than just geological formations; they are living monuments to the power of nature and the enduring spirit of the African wilderness. They offer shelter and vantage points for an amazing array of wildlife. I feel grateful that I was able to share this with my family. It is experiences like these that truly enrich our lives, broadening our perspectives and deepening our appreciation for the world around us. Tomorrow, we descend into the heart of the Ngorongoro Crater, a world teeming with life and wonder. I can hardly wait.

The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as the 'eighth natural wonder of the world'. I am looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes and sharing the experience with you all. The kids are particularly excited about the prospect of seeing more of the Big Five, and Aisha is eager to learn more about the unique ecosystem that thrives within the crater walls. As for me, I'm simply looking forward to immersing myself in the beauty and wonder of this extraordinary place, and to sharing the experience with my family. It is days like these that I cherish the most, moments of shared discovery and connection that bind us together as a family and as global citizens. I am looking forward to sharing our experiences with you all tomorrow!